Nic Compton

The rhythmic lullaby of ‘North Utsire, South Utsire’ has been sending the nation’s insomniacs to sleep for more than 90 years. It has inspired songs, poetry and imaginations across the globe – as well as providing a very real service for our seafarers who might otherwise fall prey to storms and gales. The places themselves – how they got their names, what’s happened there through the ages – the poems and parodies that the shipping forecast has inspired, feature in this evocative tribute to one of Britain’s (and Radio 4’s) best-loved broadcasts.