My Nerves Won't Stand it, Mr Bennett

[steepholm]

I've written before about my love of the shipping forecast, and quickly discovered I wasn't alone.

This morning Michael Palin, who is acting as guest editor on the Today programme, arranged to have it read by Alan Bennett. So, don a sou'wester, grab a Rich Tea biscuit, and relax...

Comments

[sheenaghpugh]

Do you know Charlie Connelly's book "A Journey Round the Shipping Forecast"? I found it very entertaining.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

No, I'd not seen it. Looks an interesting book!

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

So many poets have used it - Carol Ann Duffy, and Seamus Heaney, for two - because it has become an incantation like the Hail Mary or something. I once learned what it all meant: veering, backing, imminent, soon, later, poor, good etc. Forgotten it again now, but it sounds lovely.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

I remember too a scene from Barry Hines's A Kestrel for a Knave in which the school register is being taken and the half-sleeping protagonist, on hearing the surname "Fisher", instinctively calls out "German Bight".

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

I vaguely remember that scene. Missed the forecast this morning due to a late night in the local pub and hence waking late oday.

[readthisandweep.livejournal.com]

Have you heard this?
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xasqt4_the-shipping-forecast-bbc-radio-4-s_fun

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

No, I hadn't - that's excellent.