1. Put the water, lemon juice and sugar in a pan and bring to the boil. Add the cinnamon stick and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and stone the cherries - a cherry stoner is great for this, otherwise use your fingers to pull the cherry apart and take out the stone. Add the cherries to the syrup, bring back to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Cut the melon lengthways into 8 segments. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, then cut off the skin with a sharp knife. Cut each segment into 2.5cm/1in chunks and place in a bowl.
3. Remove the cinnamon from the cherries and pour the contents of the pan over the melon. Add the cherry brandy, if using, and leave to cool. Once cold, refrigerate overnight.
4. You can serve this compote on its own, or add a dollop of your favourite ice cream or crème fraîche. For those who don't need to watch their diet, try some clotted cream!