We soon came across the reconstructed neolithic settlements in the Pennines. Everyone else was keen to pay the entrance fee to visit the tiny houses and talk to the ‘inhabitants’. I felt like I had seen it all before so I sat outside the complex with some others who wanted to do the same.

Amongst my companions were Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. One minute they were friendly towards me. The next they ignored me.

They were in the area for an awards ceremony. It was rumoured that Fry would win the big prize.