Arnold Wesker, Howard Marks, Peggy Fortnum, Merle Haggard and Rachel Johnson
Matthew Bannister on playwright Sir Arnold Wesker, drug smuggler Howard Marks, illustrator Peggy Fortnum, country singer Merle Haggard and St Kildan Rachel Johnson.
Matthew Bannister on
The playwright Sir Arnold Wesker whose work celebrated working class life,
Howard Marks, the convicted cannabis smuggler and raconteur who became a folk hero to some.
Peggy Fortnum, the children's book illustrator who brought Paddington Bear to life.
The country singer Merle Haggard whose music was steeped in traditional redneck America.
And Rachel Johnson, last surviving resident of the Scottish island of St Kilda which was evacuated in 1930.
Last on
Sir Arnold Wesker
Playwright whose work celebrated working class life.Β Matthew spoke to his friend, the writer Lisa Appignanesi.
Born 24 May 1932; died 12 April 2016 aged 83.
Howard Marks (pictured)
Convicted cannabis smuggler and raconteur who became a folk hero to some.Β Last Word spoke to his friend David Jenkins and to Customs officer Frank Hurst.
Born 13 August 1945; died 10 April 2016 aged 70.
Peggy Fortnum
Children's book illustrator who brought Paddington Bear to life.Β Last Word spoke to her step granddaughter, Caroline Nutall-Smith and to her nephew Kevin Brownlow.
Born 23 December 1919; died 28 March 2016 aged 96.
Merle Haggard
Country singer whose music was steeped in traditional redneck America.Β Matthew spoke to the English country and western singer, Hank Wangford.
Born 6 April 1937; died 6 April 2016 aged 79.
Rachel Johnson
Last surviving resident of the Scottish island of St Kilda which was evacuated in 1930.Β Last Word spoke to her son, Ronnie Johnson.
Born 8 July 1922; died 4 April 2016 aged 93.
Credit
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Matthew Bannister |
Broadcasts
- Fri 15 Apr 2016 16:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sun 17 Apr 2016 20:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Podcast
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Last Word
Radio 4's weekly obituary programme
