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 was recently looking through some old photographs of a trip I was lucky enough to make to Niagara Falls some years ago. It got me wondering – what is the highest waterfall in the world? Mrs C.W., Middlesbrough.

AThe tallest waterfall in the world is said to be Venezuela’s Angel Falls, which drops an incredible 3,212 feet (979 metres). To put things into perspective, Angel Falls is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. Angel Falls, a tributary of the Carrao River, plunges from a cleft down into what is known as Devil’s Canyon. Aviator James Crawford Angel discovered the falls in 1933 when he was prospecting for gold, resulting in this natural wonder being named after him. He returned to the area in 1937, landing at the top in an aircraft which subsequently became stuck in mud. The aircraft was finally removed in 1970. Angel Falls was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

QSeveral years ago I saw – and thoroughly enjoyed – a film about a group of cleaning ladies at the Royal Mint, who smuggled damaged/scrapped banknotes out of the building in their underwear. I believe it starred actress Kate Williams. Do you know the name of this film, and whether it was based on true events?

K.L., Hucclecote.

AThis 2001 movie is “Hot Money”, which featured Kate Williams and Caroline Quentin among the cast. The plot was said to have been inspired by the Loughton incinerator thefts, which occurred at the Bank of England’s incinerator plant in Essex between 1988 and 1992.

QCan you settle a debate between my friend and me and tell us when “The Archers” was first broadcast?

Mr D.B., Aberdeen.

AA pilot episode of this hugely popular radio soap was broadcast on the Midlands Home Service in 1950 and went nationwide in 1951. It’s the world’s longest-running radio soap.