ONE of Dorset's most famous sons will be celebrated through a special piece of drama.

The Year Clock, the Life of William Barnes, will be performed by Dorset’s own Tim Laycock at West Stafford Village Hall on Sunday April 26.

In this fully dramatised piece, with musical accompaniment from fiddle player, Colin Thompson, Tim explores issues surrounding Barnes’ writings, such as why did a highly educated 19th century teacher and parson choose to write poetry in a dialect few people could read?

What does the erosion of dialect and accent tell us about ourselves?

William Barnes wrote more than 800poems, some in Dorset dialect.

There is a statue of him in Dorchester outside St Peter's Church.

Barnes had a strong interest in language; he was fluent in Greek, Latin and several modern European languages.

He called for the purification of English by removal of Greek, Latin and foreign influences so that it might be better understood by those without a classical education.

Tim’s interest in the life and poetry of William Barnes was first kindled after hearing his works performed by a gamekeeper and a farmer in a local village hall.

Now a specialist in the songs, traditions and dialect of the West Country, and the poetry and prose of William Barnes and Thomas Hardy, these influences often form the basis of Tim’s own songwriting.

Performing the ‘The Year Clock’ on the Artsreach circuit for the first time since 2008, Tim once again brings his considerable acting skills to bear on a story which will both delight enthusiasts and introduce a new audience to the life and poetry of Barnes.

The year Clock is at West Stafford Village Hall on Sunday April 26 from 7:30pm. Call 01305 261984 for tickets.

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