Well, it is something of a comfort to know that the actual close of programming was handled in a dignified and respectful manner, meet for the solemnity of the occasion. I have no idea how long such a huge clip can linger on YouTub, but this final half day of audio provides a broad perspective of what we'll be missing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlflWWZpb30
At some point you will doubtless reach the last-ever midnight Shipping Forecast, presented by Alan Ryan, whose sad but honourably performed duty it was just over 24 hours ago to close such a meaningful era of radio broadcasting.
"I just wanted to take a moment to mark the end of an era. For almost a century,
the longwave transmitters have carried the BBC across the airwaves, from the iconic Droitwich transmitting station in Worcestershire to Weaterglen and Burghead in Scotland. Although the longwave signal is fading into history this morning, the memories and the connections it created will endure forever. We shall miss your warmth and crackle.
"Well, that's it from me, Al Ryan, and all of us here at Broadcasting House. If you have been, thanks for listening. Have a safe, quiet and peaceful night. Good night, Au revoir.*."
(*My transcription; various YouTube commenters have different takes on possible Gaelic alternative blessings. In any case, oddly, the last word spoken live on BBC LW was probably not in English.)
Then the anthem, next the pips, and ultimately the channel marker loop.
In this clip, the RSGB director has a few apt thoughts on the matter too:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=idlEiWRnSd0