QUESTIONS

Q : What are the origins of the separatist movement in Catalonia? Rich Beale, Lancaster. Q : Would World War II planes such as the Spitfire and Lancaster have gained extra performance if they had the upturned wing tips as seen on many modern aircraft? B. Moody, Grays, Essex. Q : In the classic western Shane (1953), the farmers are celebrating Independence Day with a dance in which they sing: ‘Goodbye Old Paint, we are leaving Cheyenne, we are going to Montan(a)…’ What were the origins of this song and what exactly was ‘old paint’? Dr David Reid, St Andrews, Fife.