Would You Believe It?

Got a question? Get in touch through e-mail wouldyoubelieveit@dcthomson.co.uk or *write to “The People’s Friend”, 2 Albert Square, Dundee DD1 9QJ.

I’D LIKE TO KNOW

QI recently enjoyed a short city break to Barcelona and was astounded by Gaudi’s amazing church. The queues to get in were too long so I wasn’t able to find out more. Can you tell me a little? Mr J.M., Dundee.

AAntoni Gaudi designed La Sagrada Familia, which attracts more than three million visitors a year – so it’s not surprising you didn’t manage to get in without prior booking! Work on the project began in 1882 and when the Catalan architect died in 1926 only a quarter of the structure had been completed. You’ll have noticed that it’s still a work in progress, with an estimated completion date of 2026.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of seven of Gaudi’s buildings to be awarded this status. Gaudi died at the age of seventy-three from injuries sustained after being hit by a tram, and it’s perhaps fitting that his last resting place is a tomb which lies within his intricate creation.

QCan you tell me a bit about Tony Hirst, the narrator of the TV show “How It’s Made”? Although his voice is familiar, I’ve no idea what he looks like. Ms J.H., Margate.

ABorn in 1967, the British actor has narrated “How It’s Made”, shown on the Quest and Discovery channels, since 1999. You may know him from his role on “Coronation Street” when he played the character Paul Kershaw, the love interest of Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver (right). He also played Mike Barnes in “Hollyoaks”.

QCan you tell me the name of the original drummer in the Beatles, who was replaced by Ringo Starr? Mr D.B., Bath.

AThis was Pete Best. He played with the band from 1960 to 1962 and is sometimes referred to as the fifth Beatle.