The Rum Story and Whitehaven's Dark Spirit

Jane Hunt, managing director of travel PR specialist, Catapult PR, talks to Louise McKenna, manager of The Rum Story - a visitor attraction in the West Cumbrian coastal town of Whitehaven.  What follows is a unique insight into the history of a town rich in marine history and once the third largest port in the UK, bustling with a trade in wine, sugar, spices and, of course, rum.  Jane discovers how The Rum Story uniquely conveys the story of the rum trade, and its place in world history, within the context of Whitehaven and the lives of one family - the Jeffersons, rum merchants who founded their business in the 1780s and were important influencers of their time.  She explores the many facets to the story - including the visit of Renée Zellweger - and also Whitehaven's links to American history, through George Washington's family and the American War of Independence, and suggests what might be the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas Day dinner and how that came about.  Throw in tales of pirates, smuggling and Lord Nelson and it's a podcast to fascinate anyone who loves the sea and maritime adventure.