Programme Information

David Quantick's comic take on the mystical, magical and misunderstood world of jazz draws to a conclusion this week, with a look at Nina Simone, drums and Latin jazz.

Presenter/David Quantick, Producer/Simon Poole

BBC Radio 2 Publicity

The Vatican Secret Archives are infamous for what people believe is hidden within them. Located in the Vatican City, they are the central repository for all of the acts promulgated by the Holy See, as well as state papers, correspondence, papal account books and many other documents and artefacts which the church has accumulated over the centuries.

In the 17th century, under the orders of Pope Paul V, the Secret Archives were removed from the Vatican Library and remained closed to Vatican outsiders until the late 19th century, fuelling rumours and conspiracy theories of what might be secreted away there.

But while what is contained within the archives is fascinating, it is how these treasures of history are cared for and maintained that is the real surprise.

John Waite visits the Vatican Secret Archives Conservation Laboratory to learn that, far from hiding the treasures of history, the Church is leading the way in preserving and conserving these priceless artefacts.

John meets the head of the laboratory Dr Alessandro Rubechini, to talk through why the Church sees it as part of its role to protect, preserve and maintain the collection. They also speak about how the archive is being made more open following Pope Benedict XVI's decision, in June 2006, to grant access.

The programme also hears from art historians, archivists and leading conservators in the UK about the importance of the work being undertaken by the Vatican – and how their techniques are being used by other laboratories around the world.

Presenter/John Waite, Producer/Neil Gardner

BBC Radio 4 Publicity

Eleanor Oldroyd has the latest sports news and is joined by special guests for The Headline Hour, discussing the latest big sports issues making the news.

From 8pm there's Europa League group-stage commentary of Everton versus Bate Borisov, live from Goodison Park.

At 10pm, two of 5 Live Sport's pundits get some sporting issues off their chests in And Another Thing.

Presenters/Eleanor Oldroyd and Mark Pougatch

BBC Radio 5 Live Publicity

Test Match Special

Thursday 17 December

8.15am-4.00pm BBC RADIO 5 LIVE SPORTS EXTRA

Ball-by-ball commentary of the second day's play of the first Test between South Africa and England comes live from Centurion Park, Pretoria. Jonathan Agnew leads the commentary team alongside Simon Mann and Gerald De Kock, with expert summary from Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan, Geoffrey Boycott and Vic Marks.

Producer/Jen McAllister

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra Publicity

Gideon Coe brings listeners concerts from The Ramones in Sheffield in 1987 and PJ Harvey at the V Festival in 1998. Archive session highlights include tracks from My Bloody Valentine, Cabaret Voltaire, Blonde Redhead and "synth folk" from the Sargasso Trio.

Presenter/Gideon Coe, Producer/Frank Wilson

BBC 6 Music Publicity

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BBC 6 Music presenter Marc Riley

Marc Riley's Time Machine travels back to 1983 when The Police were interviewed by David "Kid" Jensen just after the release of their album, Synchronicity.

Presenter/Marc Riley, Producer/Frank Wilson

BBC 6 Music Publicity

Jodie gives Sway some advice on his job hunting, as the drama continues. She also tells him to ignore another call from Nadia. Elsewhere, Nadia tells Rozena she can convince Sway he has made a mistake, she just needs him to talk to her...

Meanwhile, Jaggy is ecstatic after Rangers win their football match. As he gets ready for his big poker game Jaggy insists he is on a winning streak but Darren has a word of warning for him...

Jodie is played by Vineeta Rishi, Sway by Nicholas Bailey, Nadia by Sohm Kapila, Rozena by Pooja Ghai, Jaggy by Jay Kiyani and Darren by Samuel Kindred.

BBC Asian Network Publicity