The clue
My friend appears to be resting. “Why are you lying down?” I ask him. “That lawn looks awfully wet.”
Friend sighs and gets back up. “Shall we go?” he asks wearily. “Yes, of course,” I tell him and swing back downhill a second time. At which point Friend grabs hold of my new ladder. I’ve just bought it and found a clever way to carry it, balanced on my shoulder.
“Why are you doing that?” I ask. “So you don’t knock me over again,” he hisses.
Friend is very grumpy today. Our tour is of two adjacent riverside towns, where one of my favourite actors (mother: Margaret) spent ten happy years of his childhood. But Friend has enjoyed none of it. He didn’t like the ruined castle and priory on the headland. He wasn’t impressed by the light railway station’s restored Victorian glass roof, 500 metres west of the castle’s gatehouse. And he’s impatient with my DIY shopping. I have plans for my garden. That’s why I’ve brought him to this nearby park: to show him the hardy shrub I’ll use for my new hedge — laurel.
The last stop is to pick up some fencing posts. We borrow a trolley and wheel it down some stairs to a quayside car park.
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“How long are these wretched posts?” Friend gasps as we gingerly descend. Good question. I let go of the trolley and find the receipt. Ah, yes: 2.4 metres.
When I look up Friend has gone. So have the posts.
“What a mess!” I gasp when I find both in a tangled heap at the bottom of the stairs. “Indeed,” he groans. “And you got me into it.”
The questions
1. What was the actor’s original surname?
2. What’s the name of the light railway station?
The prize
The winner and guest will stay for two nights, B&B, in a Deluxe Garden View room at Gidleigh Park, a country-house hotel near Chagford in Devon. Set in 107 acres on the edge of Dartmoor, this grand, half-timbered property offers a sense of sanctuary, as well as exceptional food. Its 24 bedrooms overlook the River Teign and are furnished with fabrics and antiques sourced by the Brownsword family.
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In the Michelin-starred restaurant, the head chef Chris Eden’s seasonal menus are inventive yet refined. The wine cellar has more than 13,000 bottles. For more details see gidleigh.co.uk.
The prize includes one three-course dinner for two and a bottle of wine chosen by the sommelier. It must be taken between November 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, subject to availability and excluding bank holidays, as well December 24 to January 2, February 14 and March 29 to April 2.
The prize is not transferable. There is no cash alternative. Travel to and from Gidleigh Park is not included. The prize excludes anything in addition, and any extras must be paid for on departure by the prize winner or guest.
How to enter
Can’t see the competition form? Answer the questions and complete the entry form by the end of Thursday, October 26. One entry per person. Full terms and conditions apply, and your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy at newsprivacy.co.uk.
Last week’s prize
The answers are Oak House and Sandwell Priory. Brian Taylor of Kent wins a gourmet break for two near Bath worth £2,292 at Lucknam Park.
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