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Good, Occasionally Rhyming: A celebration of the Shipping Forecast in poetry and prose
A collection of selected poetry and writing about The Shipping Forecast on the 100th anniversary of the first BBC Broadcast.
And now, the Shipping Forecast issued by the Met Office
Often described as a litany, mantra or lullaby, the Shipping Forecast has long been a favourite of cosy homes on chilly evenings. Its practical use as a precise reading of the marine weather around the British Isles has been largely forgotten by its recreational listeners, who instead value its gentle rhythm and curious wording as a comfort, a charm, or fail-safe formula for inducing sleep.
Its thirty-one areas, cast like a safety net, take us on a virtual voyage that starts between the Shetlands and Norway, zig-zags down the North Sea, scoots westwards along the English Channel, sailing by the coast of France, Spain and Portugal, via both sides of Ireland up to the west coast of Scotland and as far as the nearest shard of 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 its first BBC broadcast in 1925, the Shipping Forecast has captured the nation's heart. Good, Occasionally Rhyming is a love letter in poetry and prose, from Britain's literary landscape to this iconic radio broadcast.
That's the end of this shipping bulletin.
And now, the Shipping Forecast issued by the Met Office
Often described as a litany, mantra or lullaby, the Shipping Forecast has long been a favourite of cosy homes on chilly evenings. Its practical use as a precise reading of the marine weather around the British Isles has been largely forgotten by its recreational listeners, who instead value its gentle rhythm and curious wording as a comfort, a charm, or fail-safe formula for inducing sleep.
Its thirty-one areas, cast like a safety net, take us on a virtual voyage that starts between the Shetlands and Norway, zig-zags down the North Sea, scoots westwards along the English Channel, sailing by the coast of France, Spain and Portugal, via both sides of Ireland up to the west coast of Scotland and as far as the nearest shard of 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 its first BBC broadcast in 1925, the Shipping Forecast has captured the nation's heart. Good, Occasionally Rhyming is a love letter in poetry and prose, from Britain's literary landscape to this iconic radio broadcast.
That's the end of this shipping bulletin.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 11, 2026
What began as a maritime weather forecast for the area around Great Britain has gradually evolved into an entertaining program that listeners enjoy for its rhythm and rhyme, and even as a way to fall asleep.
This book is a tribute to the Shipping Forecast in the form of essays, verses, and prose, preserving and celebrating the original spirit of these iconic broadcasts.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on my thoughts and feelings about this book.
This book is a tribute to the Shipping Forecast in the form of essays, verses, and prose, preserving and celebrating the original spirit of these iconic broadcasts.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on my thoughts and feelings about this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review