geneology maps

To millions of Britons, whether they go down to the sea in ships or remain safely on dry land, the sonorous litany of the Shipping Forecast is much a part of our national heritage as the Royal Family, strawberries at Wimbledon or Test Match Special. Tamper with it at you peril!

North Utsire and South Utsire were added to the Sea Areas listed in the Shipping Forecast as long ago as 1984, but ask nine out of ten Radio 4 listeners and they will tell that they are new-fangled and somewhat impertinent interlopers into a crowd of well-loved friends!

The Shipping Forecast is so much part of our lives that it is easy to assume that it has been in existence since God told Noah that, "I do bring a flood of waters upon the earth", but in reality, of course, those of us without the benefit of a direct line to the Almighty had to wait upon the invention of radio. The first gale warnings to ships in the Eastern Atlantic were broadcast in 1911.

Here, at last, is a map, drawn by the historical cartographer, John Garnons Williams, which shows you everything you wanted to know about the Shipping Forecast in a decorative style, which truly reflects the romance of the names. It will delight the millions of people who hear the Shipping Forecast every day. To add to their pleasure, John Garnons Williams, who had his childhood love for the names reinforced by his time as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, has written an accompanying article giving a fascinating short history of the service.

The map is also available in the "Classic" 14.7 x 11.7 ins printed colour edition. This edition has proved itself to be immensely popular and the cartographer has received numerous delighted letters from people who have received them as presents! This is available unlaminated for framing or laminated, for use at sea. Please specify in the special instructions when you order.