27/02/2026

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This is not the future we were promised. Like hell that out for a tagline for the show. From the BBC, this is the interface, the show that explores how tech is rewiring your week and your world. This isn't about quarterly earnings or about tech reviews. It's about what technology is actually doing to your work and your politics, your everyday life. And all the bizarre ways people are using the internet. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Friday's episode of The Arches from BBC Radio 4. Hi David. I'm really appreciate a chat if you've got a minute. No problems, what about? The board is to show I'm chairing the committee this year. Uh-huh. The line's not very good, is it? Oh sorry, that's me. I've got a customer arriving any minute and there's some rough edges to sort out. No, I should have realised you were busy. No, no, it's alright. What about the show? Well, you go to it, don't you? I used to. Really? Why not now? Oh, it got a bit tired, I thought. Anyway, it's more for the older folk. No, no, it's supposed to be for everyone. But Josh and tips are the same. Hey, is it true Josh is moving abroad? That's what he's planning. Exciting. So, is this evening any good for a chat? Ah, no, I think I got Martha again. I need to check with Alex, she never replied last night. What about lunchtime? I can meet you in the ball. Yeah, great. I'll see you there. Hello. Helen? Hey, did you want to go to the open house later? Is that today? Yeah, so we could go around three years, if you like. I know, you're not keen, but I still think it's worth the looks of the price. Anyway, how did it go last night? Time is it, Kirsty? Well, it's 11.50. Oh, my days, are you still with him? I am so sorry. Look, just ring me when you can. Yeah, okay. Bye. Hey. You gotta stay up early. She's not feeling it's nearly 12. You must be kidding. I can't remember the last day of the slept on noon. I don't know me. Well, I see, slept. I don't want to move an inch. Never again. Me neither. If only we could. Yeah. You know it's possible, Helen. Is it? How? Well, you know how? There are two ways, not one. I know. Basically, we both wanted you to have to give up their life and all of ours. Yeah. We talked about this, Vinnie. Yeah. If it was even vaguely doable, I would just be incredible. I. I. Well, maybe that's why it's so good, because we know it can't happen. It can't. It can't be real. It's already real. Look at us. This isn't just wishful thinking that we're here now, together. Are you feeling this as strong as I am, Helen? I am. I don't know if I'll have anything like it. Cheers. Cheers. So, what do you think of the sketch? It looks great, Anna. Just clean and sort of elegant. Your stepdad will love it. He's got that many roses. So, do you reckon he can make some supports, then, Chris? Of course. I'll really enjoy it. I like the artistic stuff. It keeps me brain alive. Sounds a bit drastic. I don't know. I guess I'm just feeling a bit old and pointless. Oh, try having Rory Donovan breathing down your neck. He's that enthusiastic. You know, ideas bursting out of him. Oosing with ambition. I feel like a wizard-old relic. Oh, come on, you're not. What's Rory doing at Barrow? Search me. But it's made me wonder what's happened to my ambitions. All my bright ideas for the future. I've finally got all the skills and experience I need to push forward and, you know, surge ahead in my career. But instead, I'm going nowhere. At least you've got a career. What? You've got your own business. Yeah, but where am I going with it? What's next? Where's the. I don't know. Where's the challenge? That's what I'm saying. I see Rory grasping every challenge coming his way. And I think what happened to me? Traveller's life gets in a way, doesn't it? I guess. Well, good work challenge. It's energising, isn't it? Well, it can be. Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. It can make all the difference. Well, it's supposed to be tea. Oh, wow. It's hot to tell, but thanks. It wasn't enough wee milks. There were never enough wee milks. Yeah, it's okay. Stringable, semi-drinkable. Oh, why is this so difficult? Does that have to be? There's so many commitments here, Vinnie. My boys are the farm, my parents. You've got your craft, your community. Hi. It's not easy making a good life for yourself. No. But it is a good life. Now it is. Maybe it could be even better. Maybe. How would you feel leaving everything? I heard that last time I left. It's where you shine, Vinnie. I saw that one be met. Well, same for you. Yeah, I know. It's literally a case of in another life, eh? I think it might be. I will. I'm glad we've been straightforward a bit. Insensible. Oh, it will so grown up. It's painful. Maturity brings its own burdens. Doesn't it? But I'm seeing as I've made my excuses at work and your mate isn't due for a while. Hmm. Hey. You need to, eh? Russia, we? No. No need at all. So you said he likes fire thorns. Yeah, but he's popping up because it's absolutely vicious. Ah, ha! Perfectly timed. Hi, David. Can I join you? Yeah, sure. No problems. Ah, thanks. So, I am looking for some fresh blood for the mortgages to show. Blimey. I haven't been in ages. Because? Isn't it more for older people and families? Ah, that's what I said. I'm hoping I can change all that. I'm not sure how. Well, actually, Mum rang just as I got here. She was saying something about a farrier competition. You're holding one of those, David. Well, I'll go to that. They're dead exciting. Okay, sounds like we're in good territory with this. You need the right horses, obviously. Really calm. Use to the crows. It'd definitely raise the profile of the farriers around here. It's an important job. And it would help showcase young people's skills in the countryside as well. Great to get more youngsters interested in rural careers. Certainly would. You might want to take on an apprentice one day, Chris. So, could help with that. Yeah, maybe. This is all sunny, fantastic. We could use it to inject some new energy. Revitalize the show. Get lots more people through the gates. And not just the oldies like me. I didn't have a bigger appeal, that's for sure. But we'd want it to work well, wouldn't we? Which means the volunteers are going to have a better job. It means the volunteers helping need to understand all the ins and outs. Ah, sorry, David. I'm not sure I've got time at the moment. Obviously, it'd be a challenge, but if anyone can do. Bingo. Sorry. What's the magic word right there? Hannah. Challenge. You were literally just saying you needed one, Chris. In my work, yeah. It needs careful organising by someone who knows what they're doing. Who understands the format. Hang on. So, I'm organising it now. I thought I was just helping out. I'm never going to pull it off, it needs strong leadership and an expert touch. Oh, then Chris is your man. Why is this feeling like a massive stitch up? Because it is. That's not fair. Well, Hannah could help, couldn't you? Me. You said you'd enjoy watching it, so maybe you could think about it from the audience point of view. How to stage it, that kind of thing. Oh, I don't know about that. Oh, why not? It's the perfect challenge, Hannah. Chris. So, how about I put you two down as leading on this adventure? Hold your horses. I will take that as a yes. Oh, David. If you could email me a few lines on how it all might work, I can present it to the committee next week. They'll love it. Cheers, I'm unbelievable. He's worse than Linda Snow. I know it's smaller than the beach for a house, but the bedrooms aren't a bad size and the back gardens, okay? Have a look. Yes, it's surprisingly big. Sorry, Helen, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. No, this is exactly why I need. Really? It's not great timing. But it is, Kirsty, that's my point. I need to look to the future. You know what that is now. I told you, we said our goodbyes. Are you okay? Actually, actually I am. Good. I know I should be regretting last night, but I don't regret one single moment. So where does that leave you and Dean? No idea. No, I never thought being on Faithful would be so easy, so natural. Nothing about any of it felt wrong. Well, maybe when I see Dean, I'll feel some kind of guilt, but right now there's nothing. Is that really awful? I won't be the one to actually, Helen. I drove you there for having to take. It is what it is. No, it was what it was. If you say so. I mean it. We both did. So I need to stop thinking about the boys and where we're going to live. Okay. It's fine with Tom and Natasha, but it was only supposed to be temporary. Yeah. Girls are growing up so quickly they need their space. So do Henry and Jack. What do you think you could afford a bigger place than this? Well, yeah, I could take on a huge mortgage, but is that the right thing to do? So this place does make sense. And I can build an extension and I can afford to. Other than the bedroom. Lengthen the kitchen. Yep. Right in the middle of the village. I mean school bus goes straight past, shop and pub right over the green. Close enough to work, but also that little bit separate. How would you feel about the farmhouse nowadays? I don't know. I'd have to talk to mum and dad again. I mean, ultimately that's where I see us living. Me and the boys. Is Tom okay with that? Not sure, but Natasha loves the beachward house because it's new. So whatever Tom thinks he'd have a normal mighty fight on his hands if he wanted Natasha to leave. I've got to say, how is it expecting to have to scrape you off the floor this afternoon, Helen? Really? Yes. Anyone could see that connection or whatever it was between you and Finley. Yeah, here you are. Here I am. Oh, good for you. Yeah, I feel like I'm ready now. Don't ask me why I'm not sure I understand it myself, but I've got a bit stuck since Rob died. Maybe. I thought with him gone out of my life there'd be nothing stopping me, you know? But I guess I wasn't ready. Now you are. 100%. You're amazing, Helen. You know that. I'm so impressed and even in a way inspired. Personally, I've just cheated on my boyfriend and it's not supposed to be inspiration. Well, I mean your positivity. Right. But okay, I would miss it. I'm also a teeny bit shocked. The only one. Shocked myself. But can I just say I am so pleased to have you as a friend. Curtsty. Me too. That's so lovely. Hey, we don't need to be a stone's throw from you here. Yeah, I wouldn't have to schlep over to Beachwood anymore. So this place, it isn't out of the question then. No. No, I'd say it's a definite possibility. I mean, I need to do my thumbs, but yeah. Yeah. Let's see, shall we? Heck, hell that out for a tagline for the show. From the BBC, this is the interface. The show that explores how tech is rewiring your week and your world. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.