The Shipping Forecast: Rob Stepney and Kathy Biggs - Whitby Mission & Seafarers Centre

Often described as a litany, mantra or lullaby, the practical marine weather forecast has become much-loved for its gentle rhythm and curious wording as a comfort, a charm, or fail-safe formula for inducing sleep.

Good Occasionally Rhyming is a love letter in poetry and prose from Britain’s literary landscape to this iconic radio broadcast, released for the 100th anniversary of the first BBC Broadcast. It’s co-editor Rob Stepney joins author Kathy Biggs, with her new literary novel, Attention All Shipping.

Compared to Alan Bennett for her fine line between humour and sadness, Biggs tells the story of Grace, who lives with her father Jack, who has dementia. After losing his son to a tragic sea accident, each night he’s soothed by an old recording of the Shipping Forecast. When a young woman turns up at their farm, it leads to a journey from the Welsh valleys to Whitby, which will change all their lives forever.

When you’re feeling lost at sea, what will it take to guide you home?

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