Good, Occasionally Rhyming (a celebration of the Shipping Forecast)

Good, Occasionally Rhyming is a selection of poetry and writing about the Shipping Forecast, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first BBC broadcast.

And now, the Shipping Forecast issued by the Met Office

Often described as the nation’s bedtime lullaby, the Shipping Forecast has long been a favourite listen in homes on chilly evenings, even if you’re nowhere near the sea and don’t sail a boat.

The precise reading of marine weather around the British Isles has often been forgotten, by those who instead value the gentle rhythm and curious wording as a charming way to induce relaxation and sleep.

The 31 areas take us on a virtual voyage that starts with the Shetland Isles and Norway, zig-zags down the North Sea, scoots west along the English Channel, sails by the coast of France, Spain and Portugal, via both sides of Ireland, up to the west coast of Scotland and even as far as Iceland.

Forties, Dogger, German Bight, Humber, Thames, Dover, Wight. These words speak to us like a spell, nonsensical in their substance, but enchanting in their delivery.

Since it first broadcast in 1925, the Shipping Forecast has captured the nation’s heart. This is a love letter from Britain’s literary landscape, to this iconic radio broadcast.

That’s the end of this shipping bulletin.