William Forbes Marshall’s passion for dialect and a visit to memorials at The Somme

Available for 29 days

Helen Mark MBE presents BBC Radio Ulster’s weekly Ulster-Scots magazine alongside Willie Hill. Helen spends an afternoon in Sixmilecross speaking with local historian William Anderson, learning more about poet and Presbyterian minister William Forbes Marshall. Specifically - Marshall's strong and pioneering belief that the use of dialect – not least Ulster Scots - was an important and precious part of the lives and times of folk in Ulster. William Anderson's story itself is fascinating - and there's also readings and craic from a 'lunch club' in the village. Meanwhile, Willie spent five days in France marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. He visited and learned about various memorials, many with poignant connections to back home. As always, listeners are invited to contact the programme with a good Ulster-Scots yarn or event to talk about. The easiest way to do that is by email – helen.mark@bbc.co.uk