I’D LIKE TO KNOW

Q While driving home from work on two consecutive days recently, I spotted the amazing spectacle of a murmuration of starlings. It got me wondering if this occurs at a certain time of year? Miss L. K., Essex.

A The fabulous aerial manoeuvres created by the thousands of starlings swooping and swirling seemingly as one, is fascinating to watch – though perhaps not while driving! This display usually takes place around November time when, according to the RSPB, the birds form their autumn roosts.

Q I love the TV programme “Pointless”. When was this first aired and how big is the trophy won by those who make it through to the final stages of the game? Mrs M.C., Aberystwyth.

A This popular BBC show hosted by Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman first hit our screens in 2009. It is reported by those lucky enough to have seen a coveted glass trophy that it measures 120mm high x 55mm wide x 55mm deep.

Q I enjoyed reading about the missionary, Mary Slessor. Am I right in thinking she was known as the White Queen and also that she was murdered? Mrs J.B., Wigan.

A You are correct in that Mary Slessor was known as the “White Queen of Calabar”. From very humble beginnings, Mary was born in Aberdeen and raised in Dundee, working in the mills the city was famous for.

She left for Calabar in Nigeria to spread the word of Christianity. There she lived among the tribes, learned the language and earned their trust. She worked to improve the rights of the tribeswomen and dispelled superstitions that had previously led to the deaths of infants. King George V awarded Mary the Order of St John’s Cross. Mary died in 1915 following a fever and is buried in Calabar, in the land where she made such an impact on the people she lived among.