Captain Webb's was the first successful attempt to swim the English Channel. He then had a career talking about that exploit. When the novelty had worn thin, to boost his career he attempted to swim the rapids below Niagra Falls. John Betjeman's poem follows on from that exploit!

I first heard the poem recited by John Betjeman with a brass band playing the tune in the background on the car radio whilst driving from Wiltshire to North Wales. And where was I at the time - Dawley! Spooky, or what...

I later learnt the song from John K's excellent rendition. I think the album was "Jump at the Sun".

Cheers

julian