Radio Oldie

Michael Wooldridge is a Professor of Computer Science and Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford – he is also the author of the Ladybird Book for Artificial Intelligence, that is published on the 22nd March. He talks to Annabel Sampson, our digital editor, about writing the book, and how you take something as difficult as AI and make it understandable. He also reveals that his very eminent colleagues, distinguished holders of chairs at the University of Oxford, have asked: ‘how’d do you do that?’ – I’d like to do one too.'

In our annual event at Simpson’s in the Strand, awards were presented by Gyles Brandreth, and given to Basil Brush, Geoffrey Palmer, Alan Ayckbourn, Henry Blofeld, April Ashley, Baroness Williams of Crosby and the great Dame Vera Lynn.

Food writer Matthew Fort tells us about his gourmet trip on a Vespa to little known Italian islands, brought to you by The Oldie Literary Lunch. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising. For more info about the The Oldie and the lunches at Simpson's on The Strand: https://www.theoldie.co.uk/ #Islands #Foodie #Italy #TheOldie

At The Oldie Literary lunch presents, geographer Nicholas Crane who explains that over millennia Britain has evolved from ice-bound peninsula, to an island of cities and manmade countryside. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising. For more info about the The Oldie and the lunches at Simpson's on The Strand: https://www.theoldie.co.uk/ #OldieMagazine #England #Geography

Stephen Glover talks journalism, Fleet Street, drink and his book Splash the story of a reporter who uncovers the scoop of the century. The Oldie Literary Lunch is brought to you by Noble Caledonia - the world leaders in small ship cruising. For more info about the The Oldie and the lunches at Simpson's on The Strand: https://www.theoldie.co.uk/ #Journalism #FleetSteet #StephenGlover #TheOldie

Seventy years ago, George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four on Jura. Annabel Sampson recalls her happy childhood on the Hebridean isle. Richard Blair – George Orwell's son – and Annabel discuss the place and Richard's near death experience aboard a dinghy at the Corryvreckan whirlpool, where he reveals his 'ashes will be going out; so the whirlpool will finally get its dues'.

A surefire flop can so easily flip into being a smash – and vice versa. Actor Michael Simkins has first-hand experience of both. He talks about the 'nature of acting' with Harry Mount and Annabel Sampson – 'you are essentially on a tight rope; on one side lies triumph, and the other doom'.

Mother and daughter, Drusilla Beyfus and Nicola Shulman, debate the case for the ‘greatest decade for fashion’: it’s the 1940s vs the 1970s.

Dr Dora Thornton, a senior curator at the British Museum, reveals the delights of being a curator. She talks to Harry Mount about the Holy Thorn Reliquary, a 14th-century masterpiece in the museum's collection. In the photograph attached to this podcast, you can see Dr Dora admiring the incredible object.

Jimi was all alone in London when his friend and photographer Bruce Fleming invited him over for a festive lunch that rocked on...and on. It was turkey with all the trimmings, discover Harry Mount and Annabel Sampson over coffee and croissants at Bruce's home in Marylebone.