I’D LIKE TO KNOW

Q My favourite actor is Gerard Butler. Can you please tell me a bit about him?

Miss J.L., West Midlands.

A

Born in Paisley, the Scottish actor spent some of his childhood in Quebec, before returning to his home town. Butler, now forty-seven, studied law at Glasgow University but opted instead to follow the path of acting. His long list of film roles include the romantic movie “P.S. I Love You” in which he starred alongside Hilary Swank (pictured), through to action films such as “Olympus Has Fallen”.

Q

I recently visited the Hat Works Museum in Stockport. Is there a patron saint of hat makers? Miss J.S., Manchester.

A

Hats off to you for such an unusual question! According to a spokesperson from the Hat Works Museum, the story goes that felt makers and hatters have St Clement as their patron saint because, according to tradition, St Clement, forced to flee from his native city, was worn out by constant tramping and his feet were badly cut and blistered.

He sought a remedy by collecting bits of wool clinging to the bushes and placing them in his sandals. After a day’s journey he found that pressure and warmth had united the wool into a firm substance. When he reached Rome he perfected the process and manufactured felt. St Catherine is the patron saint of milliners.

As you’ll know from your visit, the museum has lots of facts about the history of the hatting industry.

QMy friend says Welsh rarebit used to be known as Welsh rabbit. Does that mean the dish originally contained rabbit?

Mrs T.M., Dorset.

AYour friend is correct that the famous Welsh dish was originally known as Welsh rabbit – despite not containing a morsel of meat! The recipe can vary, but it’s basically a cheese mixture melted on toast, with many folk using seasoning such as mustard or Worcestershire sauce.