I’d Like To Know

QMy friend happened to mention that birds once stopped the hands of Big Ben. Is this just a myth? I’ve never heard about this before.

Mrs P.D., Wakefield.

AWhile it’s said time and tide wait for no man, it would seem the former is prepared to wait for starlings!

Back in 1949 a flock of them landed on the minute hand of the most famous clock and actually altered time – they managed to slow it down by a full 4½ minutes!

QI absolutely loved the recent series of “Happy Valley”, which has a wonderful cast, but can you tell me more about the writer? Mrs J.F., Glasgow.

ASally Wainwright is the creator of the Bafta-award winning BBC drama starring Sarah Lancashire and James Norton.

More than 11 million people tuned in to see the dramatic conclusion of the series.

Ever the professional, Sally apparently tweaked the ending after feedback from Sarah, who starred as gritty policewoman Catherine Cawood.

Sally won the same award for “Last Tango In Halifax”, in which Sarah was also cast.

The talented writer created hit shows “Scott And Bailey” and “Gentleman Jack”.

She was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to writing and television.

QCan you tell me where the quote “Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die” comes from?

Miss C.E., Nairn.

AIt’s taken from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Charge Of The Light Brigade” about the Battle of Balaclava, published in 1854. An extract reads:

Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

Of course, the phrase means to follow orders without question.