This solemn, rhythmic intonation of the shipping forecast on BBC radio is as familiar as the sound of Big Ben chiming the hour. Since its first broadcast in the 1920s it has inspired poems, songs and novels in addition to its intended objective of warning generations of seafarers of impending storms and gales. Sitting at home listening to the shipping forecast can be a cosily reassuring experience. There's no danger of a westerly gale eight, veering southwesterly increasing nine later (visibility poor) gusting through your average suburban living room, blowing the Sunday papers all over the place and startling the cat. Yet familiar though the sea areas are by name, few people give much thought to where they are or what they contain. In ATTENTION ALL SHIPPING Charlie Connelly wittily explores the places behind the voice, those mysterious regions whose names seem often to bear no relation to conventional geography. Armchair travel will never be the same again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I tend to read travelogues about far-flung, exotic locations, but this was an excellent reminder about the interesting sights and stories there are closer to home.

While taking a quick look at the author's website I noticed that he has published another book (mainly) about travels in Britain - sounds like one to look out for.

Left on the table at the side of Henry Blogg - it seemed appropriate as the section on the Humber region is all about the bravery of this incredible lifeboatman.

i found this in henry Blogg's sitting room in the RNLI museum in Cromer on 15 June 2010, having just finshed a week long walk along the Norfolk coast path. Very appropriate timing and location for a book about people and places by the sea! i look forward to reading it.
Southcliffbooklover

I warmed to this account of often chaotic attempts to visit all the places in the shipping forecast. Having previously acquired a book of beautiful paintings of the forecast areas, it was great to read these witty and human accounts of the people and places associated with them. It made me realise that there are parts of the British Isles that i have not reached yet and which are well worth visiting - the author brings them to life brilliantly. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and left it on a cruise ship for others to enjoy in Trabzon on the Black Sea - fitting for a travel book i thought as this used to be where the Silk Road met the sea.
Southcliffbooklover