The square you need to cross off your Puzzle Trail map today involves a bit of semantic chicanery, courtesy of the late and limescented Frank Muir:
CLUE 18
“Dear reader, let me share with you a short lesson I learned when in the employ of dear old Auntie BBC.
I once got into a terrible stew when arranging to meet with my dear friend Joan Bakewell for a spot of lunch.
I arrived early at the restaurant – the 300 Spartans on Shepherd’s Bush Green – and informed the head waiter that my dining companion was on her way.
“Oh?” he sniffed. “Where from?”
“BBC Television Centre,” I replied.
“How could they have done, she’s not here yet,” said the waiter.
“I’m sorry?” I responded, a little perplexed. “I know she’s not here yet, that’s what I told you.”
“So where is she?”
“BBC Television Centre.”
“No they haven’t!”
Thus our conversation continued rather circuitously. Finally I realised the source of the misunderstanding. Or perhaps in the head waiter’s case, the sauce of the misunderstanding, for he was clearly three sheets to the wind.
I vowed to choose my words a little more carefully in future.
And as such I warn you on your puzzle trail that, quite simply, you should steer well clear of the centre.
Or rather, the CENTRE.
Good night and god bless.”
Read clues 1 – 11 and download your own Puzzle Trail map
