Peel the quince and cut into 2cm wedges, cutting out the core. Place in a medium-sized saucepan with the cloves, 150g of the caster sugar, the honey and 750ml water (or just enough to cover).
Peel in 2 strips of lemon peel and place on a medium heat. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and poach for 45 minutes, or until the quince is tender and cooked through. (Keep an eye on the water and top it up occasionally if needed.) If using pears, do exactly the same but poach for 12 minutes, or until just cooked through with a little bite still.
Remove the fruit from the syrup and leave to cool completely. Keep the syrup to one side.
Cut the cake into 1½cm slices and line the bottom of a 28cm-diameter serving bowl. Drizzle the cake with the brandy and 3 tablespoons of the fruit poaching syrup. When the fruit is cooled, lay it over the soaked sponge. Finely chop the spoon sweets, if using, and scatter them over the top.
Measure out the poaching syrup, you should have around 500ml left. Top it up with water to make 800ml and pour back into the pan to warm through. Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes, then when they are softened squeeze out the excess water and whisk them into the warmed poaching syrup until totally dissolved.
Leave to cool completely, then pour it over the soaked sponge and poached fruit. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.