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1. Leaving

Episode 1 of 10

Young Robert sets off from his mining village with basic provisions and no idea of where he'll end up. Read by Kevin Whately.

**** This series was suggested by Stephanie Rowlands as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Weekend. ****

One summer following the Second World War, 16 year old Robert Appleyard sets out on foot from his Durham mining village, desperate to see something of the world before he goes down the pit.

He sets off with a few basic provisions and no idea of where he'll end up...

As an old man, Robert looks back on the summer that changed the direction his life was to take, and the woman who opened his eyes to life's possibilities.

Novel written by Benjamin Myers, first published in 2019.

Abridged in ten parts by Sian Preece.

Read by Kevin Whately.

Produced at BBC Scotland by Sara Davies.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2019.

**** Benjamin Myers is an award-winning novelist, music journalist and landscape writer.

**** Kevin Whately is well known for his TV roles in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Inspector Morse and Lewis.

**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email [email protected] and tell us why.****

29 days left to listen

14 minutes

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Today 01:45
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Mon 26 Aug 2019 22:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 27 Nov 2023 07:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 27 Nov 2023 12:00
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  • Mon 27 Nov 2023 17:00
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  • Tue 28 Nov 2023 02:00
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  • Today 01:45
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