It’s one of my favourite bits of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Douglas goes on to demonstrate the towel’s versatility—whether it’s for warmth, cover, hand-to-hand combat, or simply to dry yourself off with if it still seems clean enough.

But what does Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy have to do with radio? Well, before it was a Hollywood film, a BBC television series, or a successful book, it was a radio series originally broadcast by BBC Radio 4 in March 1978. The series was the first radio comedy programme to be produced in stereo—reportedly so listeners wouldn’t miss the punchline that might have happened if the show had been broadcast in mono.

The show was innovative in its use of music and sound effects, winning a number of awards.

But what do the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—and more specifically towels—have to do with Bolton FM? Well, it turns out that the simple sock is also incredibly versatile.

I feel this needs some explaining. To keep our volunteers as safe as possible from coronavirus, we’ve cancelled studio interviews, limited visits to the station, and instituted regular cleaning. Some of our volunteers have self-isolated because of external commitments.

So we’ve purchased lots of socks to cover the studio microphones in an attempt to keep the studio as clean as possible. Presenters are also free to bring their own socks.

It’s thinking like this which shouldn’t be discounted if you find you have to self-isolate for twelve weeks or find yourself short at the shops if there are shortages.

For health information and advice, and the government’s response to coronavirus, visit the government’s website: GOV.UK.

Be safe, be well.