We haven't been able to take payment
You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Update payment details
Act now to keep your subscription
We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Update payment details
Your subscription is due to terminate
We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account, otherwise your subscription will terminate.
Update payment details

Accessibility Links

Skip to content
The Times & The Sunday Times
The Times & The Sunday Times
  • Subscribe
Subscribe

Much too early

The Times
The Times

Sir, I am desolated by the proposal (report, Jan 24) to cease broadcasting the medley of traditional songs which precedes, at 0530, the Radio 4 shipping forecast. I cannot imagine springing from my bed with anything like the same alacrity to the accompaniment of a dismal news bulletin, rather than the strains of Rule Britannia and What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor.

COMMODORE PAUL BRANSCOMBE

Warminster, Wilts

Advertisement

Sir, What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor? — keep him well away from our dear lady Greensleeves. Thankfully, Radio 4 no longer expects us to greet the happy morn with the brutally tasteless entwining of an Elizabethan love lament and post-binge jingle.

PETER CHISLETT

Midhurst, W Sussex