Ugh!

20 down

1A TOM
7A MEW

3D & 6A Next please

7200
6D next please

Egg nog

17A please

N.B. The answer to 1D will reappear next time. It disappeared due to a technical error

26 Across: Number of seconds in two hours (4)

Please note: The three-digit answer rule does not apply to this crossword - you only need request one clue at all times. However, two-digit answers will be unclued as they can be solved with the longer answers

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 8D, 1A, 24A, 12A, 1D, 20D (6)
Straycat 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D, 18A (2)

Instructions

In this crossword the answers are all numerical rather than alphabetical (hence the name)

The clues are a mixed bag of dates, arithmetic (you might need a calculator) and numerical trivia.

In the case of calculations I will use the following signs:

*+* (plus) *-* (minus) *** (times or multiplied by) / (division), using jiggle characters to make them stand out. Unfortunately, there is no jiggle character for division, so I might also write “divided by” in full to clarify.

All answers must be given as digits (i.e. 38 not thirty-eight)

There are some two figure answers, but obviously these will not be clued as they will be solved via the longer answers.

A Solvers’ Tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win Crossword tokens!

Please observe the four-hour rule

1 Down: Male cat (3)

7 Across: Pokemon named after the cry of a cat (3)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 13A, 11D, 8A, 24A, 4A, 2D, 1A (7)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A, 11A, 5D, 16D (9)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)
Withacee 19D (1)
Dragon Jr 15A (1)

Please observe the four-hour rule

Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

A little puzzle with an animals theme – some of the answers may be a little obscure, so don’t expect it ALL to be easy!. Top 3 solvers will win a crossword token. Please could solvers state which clue they would like next when posting

This puzzle does NOT have any mystery bonus words as it is an 11X11 grid

Mamba is correct. 29A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

8 Down: ___! was my initial reaction, but my mind was eased when told that the slugs on my plate were entirely made of fondant icing. (3)

Solvers’ Tally
Clem3610 6A (1)
Straycat 1D, 9A, 10D, 21A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15A, 7D, 18D, 4A, 3D, 15D, 22A (7)
Jools 2D, 23A, 5D, 19D (4)
Withacee 1A (1)



This puzzle is exempt from the three-letter clue choice rule because of its nature

Please observe the four-hour rule. See explanation above. Failure to wait four hours between posts will result in your tally point being disallowed, but your answer will be entered if correct

This crossword will form a chain. i.e., I will compose a sentence which will include the last solved clue plus the new clue – the new clue will be written as a ___________ blank line to indicate the missing word from the sentence (which will be the solution).

As I will have no idea which clue the solvers are going to request, it may be a bit of a challenge (for me) to construct a sentence containing both words!
No mystery words in this crossword as it is 11 X 11

A Solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded Crossword Tokens

Please could solvers indicate which clue they would like next

Mamba

If correct 29a please.

11 Across (6)



NB: 20A is stethoscope which was previously solved, but it missing from this version due to a technical error. This has been corrected, and will appear next time. I thought it best not to waste time as it does not affect this particular clue.

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 1A, 1D, 6A, 13A, 7A (5)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9D, 10A, 2D, 20A (4)
Straycat 14D&4D (1)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with three letters
This puzzle works exactly as it says on the tin. Each clue is a picture representing the word. I will simply post a picture for each clue, and the clue number and the number of letters in the word will be underneath the picture.

Some will be very easy, and some slightly more difficult.

When you post your reply, please say which clue you would like next. A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will all win crossword tokens.

19 Down: 1930 film starring Jean Hersholt (5)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A, 3D, 2D, 17D, 18D, 19A (10)
Jools 1A, 25D (2)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule – see info at top of board

If choosing a clue with a three-letter answer, please choose two such clues

The mystery bonus words all have 5 letters, and the colours are turquoise, green and beige. Please see the information at the top of the board for details about how mystery bonus words work.

This is a puzzle with a movie theme – all the answers will be movie titles, film stars or directors from all eras.

Please could solvers state which clue they would like next

Correct! 14A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Forlorn is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 1A will follow.

Forlorn hope

If correct 1a please.

Celia

14A

19 Across: Hope (7)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 12D, 12A, 13D&18A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16A (1)
Straycat 17D (1)

Information

The bonus words all have three letters, and the colours are pink, blue and turquoise

The answers to this puzzle are all adjectives or words that can be used as adjectives. For example, the word sun is essentially a noun but when put before another noun used to describe it or form a compound word, for the purposes of this crossword it is an adjective e.g. Sundial/sunstroke etc.

The clues will take the form of a word that can follow the answer (the adjective) e.g. *1 across: Ben – the answer is “big” as in “big ben”.

More than one person may have a guess as there could be more than one answer – if the clue was “dog”, the answer could be “lap” as in lapdog or “pet” as in pet dog or a number of other words. So, you can provide an alternative answer to one that has already been posted, but only the correct answer will count.

If no one has guessed the adjective when I check the board, I will attempt to provide an alternative clue so you can have another try, for example if the adjective (or word that can be used as an adjective) was “wine” and you had failed to guess it from the clue “glass” then I might provide an alternative clue, for example “bottle” as in wine bottle. This will go on until the clue has been solved (hopefully not too long).

The four-hour rule stands, despite multiple people being able to post, as there is only one correct answer.

 Only one guess per person, unless I come back with a new clue.

 A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Please choose which clue you would like next when submitting your answer, but if choosing a clue with a three-letter word answer, please choose two clues.

 Any questions please ask

I apologise for my long absence from this board

21 Across: _____ Imrie, British actress, born 1952 (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 4D, 29A, Yellow bonus word (Lucy), 32A, 5D, 10A, 1A, 14A, Purple bonus word (Brad), 1D (10)
macBruck 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16A, 28A, 20D, 19D, 11A, 18D, 23A, 24D, 8A, 5A, 2D, 26A, 1D, 6D (14)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule (see top of board)

Please could solvers request TWO three-letter answer clues if choosing a clue with a three-letter answer

Bonus mystery words in this crossword all have four letters – and the colours are yellow, purple and rose – so when four squares appear in one of those colours – you may solve the mystery word for an extra point on the tally.
This is the first crossword to incorporate the Bonus Feature. Please see the information regarding Bonus Mystery Words at the top of the board.

In this crossword all the answers are famous people. If the person has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the person only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.


As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

That's correct. 24D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Correct. An extra point will apppear on your tally next time!

Ptarmigan is correct. 39A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Apologies for the long delay.

In the Garden is correct. 12A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Sorry about my long absence from this board.

Assumptions

If correct 24d please.

BRAD

Incorrect. Remember the theme.

Yes it was. I had added you to tally etc but must have forgotten to post my reply. Your clue choice will follow.

Bonus word - Purple
BARD?

PTARMIGAN

39A next please

Was this answer correct?

In The Garden

12A

25 Across: Hymn written in 1913 by Charles A Miles (2,3,6)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 18A, 18D, 20D, 13D, 29D&32A, 19D (6)
Zanda 28A (1)
The mystery bonus words all have five letters, and the colours are blue, pink and mustard

A crossword with a musical theme

Please observe the four-hour rule

If requesting a clue with three letters, please request two such clues

Don't forget to look out for these - one has been missed TWICE - you could get an extra point on the tally if you solve it. No need to wait four hours nor answer when you solve a clue for this feature.

24 Down: Bird of the grouse family with feathered feet (9)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 32A, 32D, 36A, 29D (4)
Jools 29D, 32A, 28A (3)
Straycat 33A (1)
Just a general crossword puzzle - a mixed bag with no theme.
The Bonus words each have *8 letters, and the colours are grey, turquoise and yellow*

Please observe the four-hour rule

If choosing a clue with a three-letter-word answer please choose two clues

The top three solvers will receive crossword tokens - please state which clue you would like next when you post your answer

36 Across: Conjectures (11)

Solvers’ Tally

marcmandy 1A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 37A, 1D, 2D, 8D, 3D, 12A, 34A, 4D, 17A, 13A, 15A, 29A, 5D, 7D, 27D, 22D (16)
eliphont551 30D (1)
Straycat 30A, 36A, 31A (3)
Dragon Jr 9A (1)
Jools 6D, 17D, 10A, 21A (4)

Just a general crossword puzzle - a mixed bag with no theme.

Please observe the four-hour rule

If choosing a clue with a three-letter-word answer please choose two clues

The top three solvers will receive crossword tokens - please state which clue you would like next when you post your answer

Eye is correct. 16D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

EYE

16D next please

Memphis is correct. 21A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Tatum is correct. 7D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

15 Across: School children have regular ___ checks to look for *any sight anomalies. (3)*

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 6A, 3D, 7D, 10D (5)
Withacee 4D (1)
Jools 1D, 2D, 5A, 9A, 11D (5)



This puzzle is exempt from the three-letter clue choice rule because of its nature

Please observe the four-hour rule. See explanation above. Failure to wait four hours between posts will result in your tally point being disallowed, but your answer will be entered if correct

This crossword will form a chain. i.e., I will compose a sentence which will include the last solved clue plus the new clue – the new clue will be written as a ___________ blank line to indicate the missing word from the sentence (which will be the solution).

As I will have no idea which clue the solvers are going to request, it may be a bit of a challenge (for me) to construct a sentence containing both words!

No mystery words in this crossword as it is 11 X 11

A Solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded Crossword Tokens

Please could solvers indicate which clue they would like next

MEMPHIS

21A Next please

Pea & Cal

32 A

Edward Tatum

7d please.

1 Across: Edward _____, geneticist and joint winner of the Nobel Prize in 1958 for Physiology or Medicine (5)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A, 24A (3)
Straycat 15A, 26D (2)
Jools 25A, 31A, 28A, 3D, 16D, 30A (6)

Information
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

This puzzle has a medical theme, although it could equally have been called “human anatomy”. Some of the answers may be a bit obscure, but there are also some easy ones

The mystery bonus words all have five letters – and the colours are light blue, light green and khaki-yellow (but we’ll just call it yellow). See information at the top of the board regarding mystery bonus words.

I will start you off with one of the longer clues, but from then on, please could the solver request the next clue number.

Crossword tokens will be awarded to the top-three solvers.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask

1 Down: _______ Depay, football player for Atletico Madrid and Netherlands national team (7)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 4D, 29A, Yellow bonus word (Lucy), 32A, 5D, 10A, 1A, 14A (8)
macBruck 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16A, 28A, 20D, 19D, 11A, 18D, 23A, 24D, 8A, 5A, 2D, 26A, 1D, 6D (14)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule (see top of board)

Please could solvers request TWO three-letter answer clues if choosing a clue with a three-letter answer

Bonus mystery words in this crossword all have four letters – and the colours are yellow, purple and rose – so when four squares appear in one of those colours – you may solve the mystery word for an extra point on the tally.
This is the first crossword to incorporate the Bonus Feature. Please see the information regarding Bonus Mystery Words at the top of the board.

In this crossword all the answers are famous people. If the person has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the person only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.


As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Centaur is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 1A will follow.

Both correct - you will be added to the tally, and 15D will follow.

NO MORE POSTS UNTIL UPDATED GRID APPEARS

You are both correct and will be added to the tally

That is correct - 24A will follow, and you will be the first on the tally!

5 Down: Swee'___, baby character in Popeye comic strip and cartoon series (3)

22 Down: ___ Kestis, character in Star Wars "Jedi" gaming series (3)

Solvers’ Tally

Dragon Jr 4A (1)
Jools 10D, 3D, 12D, 9A, 25A, 13A, 26D (7)
marcmandy 20A (1)
Straycat 4D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 11D, 28D, 16A, 1A, 6D, 15D, 21D, 1D, 8A, 2D (10)

Information
Please observe the four-hour rule
If requesting a clue with a three-letter answer, please request two such clues (see top of board

In this crossword all the answers are fictional names (from books, TV shows, movies, video games.. etc). If the character has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the character only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.

I have given you probably the easiest clue of all to start with.

As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Centaur

1A next please

Clue 1 - EMPIRE, 14A

OWL & SAP

Next 15D please

Buckinghamshire

24a please.

19 Across: English ceremonial county whose largest city is Milton Keynes (15)

Information

In this puzzle, all the answers are geographic locations which could be countries, cities, towns, villages, mountains, provinces, seas, rivers, landmarks etc. etc. Warning: some of the answers are quite obscure

The Mystery Bonus words are all five-letter words, and the colours are pink, turquoise and yellow

Please request a new clue when solving. In the case of three-letter answers, please request two clues.

Please observe the four hour rule

Tokens will be awarded to the top three solvers on completion of the puzzle

Clue 26. Pam 15d

You may now post again

Clues
1. A number of territories or companies under the rule or ownership of one individual or organisation
8. Goal
11. Low droning sound
18. Songs of praise
25. Uncle representative of the USA
26. Shriver, former American tennis ace (1st name)
27. Amateur radio operator

Solved
2. Arm or leg Straycat 16A
6. Flightless Australian bird Jools 20D
7. Foe eliphont551 20A
19. Sweet potato RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 6A
14. Mr’s partner Jools 23A
21. Unborn developing animals Dragon Jr 13D
23. Work-out venue { Player: Straycat} 3D
16. Panic RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4A
22. Unit of electrical current RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4A
17. Polite or formal way to address a woman Straycat 3D
10. Last section of the small intestine Jools 20D
9. Gym shoes Jools 8A
4. Dictum RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 7A
20. Traditional farmhouse in Provence RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 5D
5. Extinct flightless New Zealand bird RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9D
15. On fire Jools 12A
3. Confusion Dragon Jr 2D
12. Maxi, midi or mini for example Straycat 1D
24. 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet Jools 10D
13. Mischief-making mythological beings RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack


Please read the following rules carefully as this is quite different from the other crosswords

This puzzle is exempt from the four-hour rule, so you can submit answers to other puzzles without waiting four hours

There is going to be a series of this type of crossword with all the letters of the alphabet, although they will not appear in alphabetical order. This one is M

Every answer has one or more M's in it, and all the M's are already entered into the grid.

The clues are all posted at once. You can work out where they go from the positions of the M’s in the grid.
Some might fit in more than one place, so it would be best to solve the ones with a unique pattern of M's first until letters start appearing.

Each person may solve one clue per session

More than one person may post an answer in each session, just reply to the latest post of this crossword when it has been updated.

Your answers should be posted in this way: for example, if you think the answer to 1 down is the answer to clue no. 14, and the word is "lumping" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, lumping.

As long as you have all three of those elements, it doesn't really matter what order you post them.

If you solve a clue correctly, if you have not given the correct position (or any position) on the grid then your turn will not be counted - and I shall just say "incorrect" with no further explanation.

I will wait a minimum of 24 hours before checking the board to give everyone a chance

When I return to check the board, I will say which answers are correct, I will then update the grid and add all the correct solvers to the tally. I will also put a line through the clues that have been solved.

Once I have posted that I have checked the solvers' answers, no more posts may be made until I repost the amended grid

Just repeating this instruction because it is important Only one clue per person per update

If more than one person posts the same answer, and it is correct, only the first poster's answer will count, so it is best to check what other people have guessed first.

I have not given any numbers of letters for the clues in this crossword, and nor will I with any alphabet crosswords that follow in the future.

No further clues will be given

The clues are posted in alphabetical order of clue not in the order of the clues on the grid, it is up to you to decide where in the grid the answers go.

A winners' tally will be posted and the clues will be removed from the Clues list and added to the "Solved" Tally with the solver's name next to it - and added up at the end.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask

12 Down: (3)



15 Down: (3)



Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23A, 17D, 18D, 1D, 2D, 6A, 4D, 7A (8)
Jools 15A, 5D, 1A, 3D, 8D&11D, 19A (6)
Withacee 21D (1)
macBruck 19A (1)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with three letters
This puzzle works exactly as it says on the tin. Each clue is a picture representing the word. I will simply post a picture for each clue, and the clue number and the number of letters in the word will be underneath the picture.

Some will be very easy, and some slightly more difficult.

When you post your reply, please say which clue you would like next. A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will all win crossword tokens.

This puzzle is now complete

You will see from the Tally below that the three winners of the tokens are RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack, Jools and eliphont551

Well done. I am about to request your tokens if you would like to head to Recognition Tokens

Thanks also to the other player, Withacee, who missed out on a token.

Solvers’ Tally

eliphont551 14A, 5D, 2D, 1A (4)
Jools 6D, 11D, 15D, 20A. 9A, 17A, 1D (7)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D, 10D, 11A, 18A, 4A, 21A, 9A, 16A, 16D, 3D, 7A, 1D&12A (11)
Withacee 13A&19D (1)

I'm afraid that is incorrect. You may try again (after the four hours has elapsed)

Both correct. 21A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Centura

7A

Mona Arshi and Andi Osho.

If correct 21a please.

6 Down and ???: Mona _____ (British poet) and Andi ____ (British writer, actress and comedian) who both appeared at the Liverpool Literary Festival 2021 (5&4)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 1A&10A DH, 1D&15A, 8A&9A, 9D&17A, 18D&25A, 22A&5D (6)
Straycat 1A&10A DH , 3D&11A (2)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D&14D (1)

Note: I am aware that our (UK) Prime Minister’s first name is Rishi, but accidentally called him “Rishu” when I compiled the grid. Therefore, for the purposes of this puzzle he is called Rishu.

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

The three-letter rule does not apply to this crossword. Therefore, you should still only choose one clue regardless of the number of letters

There are four mystery bonus words – i.e. two pairs to tie in with the theme of the puzzle. All four have four letters, and the colours are yellow, pink, green and purple. Although there are two pairs of words you should guess the mystery words as normal i.e. when all four letters of one colour appear. The pairs of words do not affect the allocation of tally-points.

Instructions

The clues in this crossword come in pairs. There will be some sort of connection between the two answers.

You will be given one clue for both answers, but you will only know the location of one of the answers, but you will be given the number of letters for both answers.

The links between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be given with the clue.

To get the point, you need to get both answers. Therefore, if you think someone’s answer is incorrect on either or both of the answers, you could post an alternative solution. Sometimes there may be several possible answers.

The first clue I give will give you an idea of what might be involved, although the link will not always be on the same lines.

When I check the answers, I will say if someone has got both clues correct. If some have only one correct, I will say this but if more than one person has posted I will not say who has one correct. I will just say the number of people who have one answer correct. You may then have another guess, provided you have not posted an answer to this or any other puzzle in the last four hours.

I hope I have explained this correctly. Anything you don’t understand, please ask, and I will amend the rules to clarify.

Solvers may choose which clue they want next, but if they choose the unknown clue location from the last answer, I will choose the next clue.

A tally will be kept, but only one point will be given for both answers, half-correct answers will not be awarded any points.

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 all happened to be completed simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently

1 Across: Period of 100 years (Y replaced by A) (7)

Solvers’ Tally

Withacee 21A, 17D, 23A (3)
Jools 15A, 16D, 22A, 18D, 18A, 15D, 19D, 10D&11D (8)
Instructions:

This crossword was compiled by Dragon Jr

First you have to solve the clue

Then you have to replace one letter from the solution to the clue with another letter which is slotted in a different place in the word to the removed letter to make a new word

The new word is then the answer that goes in the grid

Here is an example:

1 Across: Type of opinion poll (V replaced by T) (6)

I have put in brackets that the letter V is to be replaced by the letter T. If you worked out correctly that the answer to the clue is “survey” you then know to replace the V with a T.
You then need to work out where in the word to place the T to make another word. Here you would place the T after the E in survey to make the word surety.

The solution you give should be the new word and not the original answer to the clue.

A further clue to the new word will only be given if people are really struggling.

The solver should give the clue they would like next as usual.

Any questions, please ask, and myself or Dragon Jr will reply (whichever one of us sees your query first).

Please observe the four-hour rule (see above)

Please choose two clues if choosing one with a three-letter answer

SagMom is correct - 9A will follow. You will be added to the tally

That's correct. 26A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

1504 x 52 =
78208

26A next please

Sag mom


9A please

11 Across: (3,3)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 6A, 1D (2)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 4D, 3D, 8A (4)

Basic rules
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

when I post the clue which will be in the form of a goldie or goldies, you need to post your answer in the form of what needs to be typed in to get the goldie images.

For example if the clue is 1 across: (5)
The answer is "bride" as that is what you need to post between the double colons.

Sometimes I will use more than one goldie for the same clue.

For example if the clue appears as
2 Down: (4,5), your answer would be Baby/Bride

I will only post the clue as two words e.g. (4,5) as above, if there are two separate goldies, even if there is more than one word in the typed text between the colons

e.g. 5 down: (7) is posted as a seven letter word because although you type in "havefun" which is two words, you do not put a space in between.

If any numbers have to be typed in I will type the clue in the form of dashes with the number afterwards (or before, depending on where the number is placed to generate the goldie).
e.g. for this goldie "Dice4" has to be typed in so I would type the clue as
3 Across: /----4/ (4) but you would only have to give "Dice" as your answer.

As usual, when you post your answer, please state which clue you would like posting next.

A solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will receive a crossword token.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

20 Down: The year Leonardo da Vinci's father died ** Leonardo Da Vinci's age (on his birthday) in that year (the year of his father's death) (5)*

Please note: The three-digit answer rule does not apply to this crossword - you only need request one clue at all times. However, two-digit answers will be unclued as they can be solved with the longer answers

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 8D, 1A, 24A, 12A, 1D (5)
Straycat 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D, 18A (2)

Instructions

In this crossword the answers are all numerical rather than alphabetical (hence the name)

The clues are a mixed bag of dates, arithmetic (you might need a calculator) and numerical trivia.

In the case of calculations I will use the following signs:

*+* (plus) *-* (minus) *** (times or multiplied by) / (division), using jiggle characters to make them stand out. Unfortunately, there is no jiggle character for division, so I might also write “divided by” in full to clarify.

All answers must be given as digits (i.e. 38 not thirty-eight)

There are some two figure answers, but obviously these will only be clued if they don’t solve themselves. No points will be given if they solve themselves.

A Solvers’ Tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win Crossword tokens!

Anchors Aweigh is correct. 28A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Eased is correct. 8D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Correct. 1D & 7A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

EASED

8D Next please

Anchors Aweigh

If correct 28a please.

TIGER

1D & 7A Next please

1 Across: Largest cat species (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 13A, 11D, 8A, 24A, 4A, 2D (6)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A, 11A, 5D, 16D (9)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)
Withacee 19D (1)
Dragon Jr 15A (1)

Please observe the four-hour rule

Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

A little puzzle with an animals theme – some of the answers may be a little obscure, so don’t expect it ALL to be easy!. Top 3 solvers will win a crossword token. Please could solvers state which clue they would like next when posting

This puzzle does NOT have any mystery bonus words as it is an 11X11 grid

19 Down: My anxiety was _____ when I realised the footsteps I could hear in the tunnel were merely the *echo of my own footsteps (5)*

Solvers’ Tally
Clem3610 6A (1)
Straycat 1D, 9A, 10D, 21A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15A, 7D, 18D, 4A, 3D, 15D, 22A (7)
Jools 2D, 23A, 5D (3)
Withacee 1A (1)



This puzzle is exempt from the three-letter clue choice rule because of its nature

Please observe the four-hour rule. See explanation above. Failure to wait four hours between posts will result in your tally point being disallowed, but your answer will be entered if correct

This crossword will form a chain. i.e., I will compose a sentence which will include the last solved clue plus the new clue – the new clue will be written as a ___________ blank line to indicate the missing word from the sentence (which will be the solution).

As I will have no idea which clue the solvers are going to request, it may be a bit of a challenge (for me) to construct a sentence containing both words!

No mystery words in this crossword as it is 11 X 11

A Solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded Crossword Tokens

Please could solvers indicate which clue they would like next

26 Across & ???: 1945 Musical Comedy, directed by George Sidney (7,6)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 11A&15D; 27A&1D; 3D&25A; 7D&18D; 8A&2D, 9A&20A (6)

Straycat 5A&1A; 6D&21D (2)

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

The three-letter word rule does not apply to this crossword as two clues are already solved at the same time

There are four mystery bonus words – i.e. two pairs to tie in with the theme of the puzzle. All four have four letters, and the colours are yellow, blue, green and grey. Although there are two pairs of words you should guess the words as normal i.e. when all four letters of one colour appear. The pairs of words do not affect the allocation of tally points.

Instructions

The clues in this crossword come in pairs. There will be some sort of connection between the two answers.

You will be given one clue for both answers, but you will only know the location of one of the answers, but you will be given the number of letters for both answers.

The links between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be given with the clue.

To get the point, you need to get both answers. Therefore, if you think someone’s answer is incorrect on either or both of the answers, you could post an alternative solution. Sometimes there may be several possible answers.

The first clue I give will give you an idea of what might be involved, although the link will not always be on the same lines.

When I check the answers, I will say if someone has got both words correct. If some have only one correct, I will say this but if more than one person has posted I will not say who has one correct. I will just say the number of people who have one answer correct. You may then have another guess, provided you have not posted an answer to this or any other puzzle in the last four hours.

I hope I have explained this correctly. Anything you don’t understand, please ask, and I will amend the rules to clarify.

Solvers may choose which clue they want next, but if they choose the unknown clue location from the last answer, I will choose the next clue.

A tally will be kept, but only one point will be given for both answers, half-correct answers will not be awarded any points.

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 all happened to be completed simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

Guard is correct. 11A will follow. You will be added to the tally.

GUARD

11A Next please

I am not too well at the moment, and am sleeping a lot at odd times. I will update crosswords as and when I feel up to it, bearing in mind I also have the Olympic games to keep up with.

Hopefully I will be able to post more in the future when I get back to normal.

I appreciate the loyalty of those who visit this board which is probably the most time-consuming board to run and is hard to keep up consistently, but I love doing it and have no intention to stop as long as I am able

7 Across: (5)



Solvers’ Tally Jools 1A, 1D, 6A, 13A (4)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9D, 10A, 2D, 20A (4)
Straycat 14D&4D (1)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with three letters
This puzzle works exactly as it says on the tin. Each clue is a picture representing the word. I will simply post a picture for each clue, and the clue number and the number of letters in the word will be underneath the picture.

Some will be very easy, and some slightly more difficult.

When you post your reply, please say which clue you would like next. A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will all win crossword tokens.

You are correct. 19A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

You are correct. 19D will follow, and y ou will be added to the tally

Dormant

If correct 19a please.

Muldoon

19D please

19 Across: Robert _______, character in Jurassic Park, played by Robert Peck (7)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A, 3D, 2D, 17D, 18D (9)
Jools 1A, 25D (2)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule – see info at top of board

If choosing a clue with a three-letter answer, please choose two such clues

The mystery bonus words all have 5 letters, and the colours are turquoise, green and beige. Please see the information at the top of the board for details about how mystery bonus words work.

This is a puzzle with a movie theme – all the answers will be movie titles, film stars or directors from all eras.

Please could solvers state which clue they would like next

17 Across: Volcano (7)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 12D, 12A, 13D&18A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16A (1)

Information

The bonus words all have three letters, and the colours are pink, blue and turquoise

The answers to this puzzle are all adjectives or words that can be used as adjectives. For example, the word sun is essentially a noun but when put before another noun used to describe it or form a compound word, for the purposes of this crossword it is an adjective e.g. Sundial/sunstroke etc.

The clues will take the form of a word that can follow the answer (the adjective) e.g. *1 across: Ben – the answer is “big” as in “big ben”.

More than one person may have a guess as there could be more than one answer – if the clue was “dog”, the answer could be “lap” as in lapdog or “pet” as in pet dog or a number of other words. So, you can provide an alternative answer to one that has already been posted, but only the correct answer will count.

If no one has guessed the adjective when I check the board, I will attempt to provide an alternative clue so you can have another try, for example if the adjective (or word that can be used as an adjective) was “wine” and you had failed to guess it from the clue “glass” then I might provide an alternative clue, for example “bottle” as in wine bottle. This will go on until the clue has been solved (hopefully not too long).

The four-hour rule stands, despite multiple people being able to post, as there is only one correct answer.

Only one guess per person, unless I come back with a new clue.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Please choose which clue you would like next when submitting your answer, but if choosing a clue with a three-letter word answer, please choose two clues.

Any questions please ask

Please keep an eye on Recognition Tokens to check the Christmas tokens are still on offer before replying.

Substrata is correct - your clue choice will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Okay, that's correct. I will request that crossword token forthwith.

Just in time - the contest will remain open for another day or two - until the Christmas tokens are no longer at the top of the Recognition Tokens board. Rabid, please could you wait at least 24 hours before having another go. Thank you.

Correct, you will be added to the tally, and your clue choice will follow.

Tried another go

SUBSTRATA

Clue 11
Martha

I'll take crossword token #4

I have just noticed that the above clue remains unanswered - here is the link:

(Unknown post)

Foyer is correct, and 36A will follow

Christmas Token Quiz

The unsolved questions are at the top of the questions with the solved questions being removed and placed at the bottom.

Players who have already entered may have another go due to the poor uptake of this quiz

Please note: I have amended the solved question abouit Charlie Chaplin to give the correct date of his death.

There are 11 questions in this quiz. Each question relates to the Christmas token bearing its number, so if you are after a particular token, be sure to answer the question with its number.

First come, first served regarding token allocation.

If you already have all the tokens or all the ones relating to the remaining questions you will receive a Crossword token instead. Please state if this is the case or if you would prefer a Crossword token for any other reason.
Tokens will be awarded as soon as they are won.

The questions will be based on puzzles that are currently running on the board, and will all have a Christmas or winter theme. They will be presented in the same style as the clues for that particular crossword.

The quiz will be reposted with the answered questions removed and replaced by the names of the winners each time answers are given correctly.

Initially, the tokens will be allocated on a one per person basis but, given the relative unpopularity of this board, this may change as the season comes to a close

Please state the number of question you are answering when posting your answer

The Questions

3. General: This is a copy of the very first Christmas card, sent in 1843. By whom was it commissioned? (5,4)



4. Numerical: Maids-a-milking * Swans-a-Swimming (* = multiplied by) (2)
5. Goldies: (8)
6. Food &Drink: What a cockney might mean when saying “mince pies” (4)
7. Pictures (5,6,4)


8. Medical: Due to a clerical error, which English health centre sent out text messages in December 2022 telling patients they had terminal lung cancer, when the messages were meant to be wishing them a Merry Christmas? ------ Medical Practice (6)
9. Poetry Quotes:
‘ “He's a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to ????
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.’

From The General, by Siegfried Sassoon

/????/-----, (name, seasonal mythical being) (5)

10. Films: Who does Maureen O’Hara play in the 1947 film “A Miracle on 34th Street”? (5,6)

11. Fictional Names: Bob’s eldest daughter in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” ----- Cratchit (6)

Solved

1. Names: Charlie -------, silent movie legend who died on Christmas Day 1977 (four days after I was born) (7)* Won by RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack
2. Music: Pogues and Popes frontman, born Christmas day 1957 (four days after I was born) who sadly passed away last month (13/11/2023) (5,8) Won by Straycat

Foyer

36a please.

31 Across: Entrance hall to a public building (5)

Solvers’ Tally

marcmandy 1A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 37A, 1D, 2D, 8D, 3D, 12A, 34A, 4D, 17A, 13A, 15A, 29A, 5D, 7D, 27D, 22D (16)
eliphont551 30D (1)
Straycat 30A (1)
Dragon Jr 9A (1)
Jools 6D, 17D, 10A, 21A (4)

Just a general crossword puzzle - a mixed bag with no theme.

Please observe the four-hour rule

If choosing a clue with a three-letter-word answer please choose two clues

The top three solvers will receive crossword tokens - please state which clue you would like next when you post your answer

Correct. I will order Christmas token #2 for you soon.

Sorry for my error. I got mixed up. I was most of the night doing the quiz. I will request a crossword token for you later tonight. Gary answered by private msg before you so on this occasion, he will get the Christmas token no 1.

Please could all future answers be on the board. Thank you. No private messages.

Clue: 2 = Shane MacGowan

.
#1 Wondering if you entered an incorrect date, because Charlie Chaplin died on December 25th 1977.
If I'm correct I would like a crossword token. Not sure which ones I have so I'm putting down a choice of three of them... 8, 6 or 5

Christmas Token Quiz

There are 11 questions in this quiz. Each question relates to the Christmas token bearing its number, so if you are after a particular token, be sure to answer the question with its number.

First come, first served regarding token allocation.

If you already have all the tokens or all the ones relating to the remaining questions you will receive a Crossword token instead. Please state if this is the case or if you would prefer a Crossword token for any other reason.

Tokens will be awarded as soon as they are won.

The questions will be based on puzzles that are currently running on the board, and will all have a Christmas or winter theme. They will be presented in the same style as the clues for that particular crossword.

The quiz will be reposted with the answered questions removed and replaced by the names of the winners each time answers are given correctly.

Initially, the tokens will be allocated on a one per person basis but, given the relative unpopularity of this board, this may change as the season comes to a close.

Please state the number of question you are answering when posting your answer

The Questions

1. Names: Charlie -------, silent movie legend who died on Christmas Day 1957 (four days after I was born) (7)*

2. Music: Pogues and Popes frontman, born Christmas day 1957 (four days after I was born) who sadly passed away last month (13/11/2023) (5,8)

3. General: This is a copy of the very first Christmas card, sent in 1843. By whom was it commissioned? (5,4)



4. Numerical: Maids-a-milking * Swans-a-Swimming (* = multiplied by) (2)

5. Goldies: (8)

6. Food &Drink: What a cockney might mean when saying “mince pies” (4)

7. Pictures (5,6,4)



8. Medical: Due to a clerical error, which English health centre sent out text messages in December 2022 telling patients they had terminal lung cancer, when the messages were meant to be wishing them a Merry Christmas? ------ Medical Practice (6)

9. Poetry Quotes:
‘ “He's a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to ????
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.’

From The General, by Siegfried Sassoon

/????/-----, (name, seasonal mythical being) (5)

10. Films: Who does Maureen O’Hara play in the 1947 film “A Miracle on 34th Street”? (5,6)

11. Fictional Names: Bob’s eldest daughter in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” ----- Cratchit (6)

Clue 13
11A
Imps

Yes, Any is correct. 15A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

You may now post again

Clues

1. A number of territories or companies under the rule or ownership of one individual or organisation
8. Goal
11. Low droning sound
13. Mischief-making mythological beings
18. Songs of praise
25. Uncle representative of the USA
26. Shriver, former American tennis ace (1st name)
27. Amateur radio operator

Solved
2. Arm or leg Straycat 16A
6. Flightless Australian bird Jools 20D
7. Foe eliphont551 20A
19. Sweet potato RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 6A
14. Mr’s partner Jools 23A


21. Unborn developing animals Dragon Jr 13D
23. Work-out venue Straycat 3D
16. Panic RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4A
22. Unit of electrical current RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4A
17. Polite or formal way to address a woman Straycat 3D
10. Last section of the small intestine Jools 20D
9. Gym shoes Jools 8A
4. Dictum RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 7A
20. Traditional farmhouse in Provence RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 5D
5. Extinct flightless New Zealand bird RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9D
15. On fire Jools 12A
3. Confusion Dragon Jr 2D
12. Maxi, midi or mini for example Straycat 1D
24. 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet Jools 10D

Please read the following rules carefully as this is quite different from the other crosswords

This puzzle is exempt from the four-hour rule, so you can submit answers to other puzzles without waiting four hours

There is going to be a series of this type of crossword with all the letters of the alphabet, although they will not appear in alphabetical order. This one is M

Every answer has one or more M's in it, and all the M's are already entered into the grid.

The clues are all posted at once. You can work out where they go from the positions of the M’s in the grid.
Some might fit in more than one place, so it would be best to solve the ones with a unique pattern of M's first until letters start appearing.

Each person may solve one clue per session

More than one person may post an answer in each session, just reply to the latest post of this crossword when it has been updated.

Your answers should be posted in this way: for example, if you think the answer to 1 down is the answer to clue no. 14, and the word is "lumping" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, lumping.

As long as you have all three of those elements, it doesn't really matter what order you post them.

If you solve a clue correctly, if you have not given the correct position (or any position) on the grid then your turn will not be counted - and I shall just say "incorrect" with no further explanation.

I will wait a minimum of 24 hours before checking the board to give everyone a chance

When I return to check the board, I will say which answers are correct, I will then update the grid and add all the correct solvers to the tally. I will also put a line through the clues that have been solved.

Once I have posted that I have checked the solvers' answers, no more posts may be made until I repost the amended grid

Just repeating this instruction because it is important Only one clue per person per update

If more than one person posts the same answer, and it is correct, only the first poster's answer will count, so it is best to check what other people have guessed first.

I have not given any numbers of letters for the clues in this crossword, and nor will I with any alphabet crosswords that follow in the future.

No further clues will be given

The clues are posted in alphabetical order of clue not in the order of the clues on the grid, it is up to you to decide where in the grid the answers go.

A winners' tally will be posted and the clues will be removed from the Clues list and added to the "Solved" Tally with the solver's name next to it - and added up at the end.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask

Any?

If correct, 15 A

10 Down: "I am free ___ Wed or Thu next month," texted Bill (3)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 6A, 3D, 7D (4)
Withacee 4D (1)
Jools 1D, 2D, 5A, 9A, 11D (5)



This puzzle is exempt from the three-letter clue choice rule because of its nature

Please observe the four-hour rule. See explanation above. Failure to wait four hours between posts will result in your tally point being disallowed, but your answer will be entered if correct

This crossword will form a chain. i.e., I will compose a sentence which will include the last solved clue plus the new clue – the new clue will be written as a ___________ blank line to indicate the missing word from the sentence (which will be the solution).

As I will have no idea which clue the solvers are going to request, it may be a bit of a challenge (for me) to construct a sentence containing both words!

No mystery words in this crossword as it is 11 X 11

A Solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded Crossword Tokens

Please could solvers indicate which clue they would like next

Ketalar is correct. 1A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Ethan is correct. 5D & 22D will follow (it does say in the instructions re three-letter words). You will be added to the tally.

I didn't miss recording it. Just forgot to reply. Sorry. Your answer is correct,you will be added to the tally, and your clue choice will follow 😺

Think you missed this one :}

Ethan Frome

Next 5D (& 22D if 2 needed)

KETALAR

Next 1A please

26 Down: _____ Frome, eponymous character in Edith Wharton novella (5)

Solvers’ Tally

Dragon Jr 4A (1)
Jools 10D, 3D, 12D, 9A, 25A, 13A (6)
marcmandy 20A (1)
Straycat 4D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 11D, 28D, 16A, 1A, 6D, 15D, 21D, 1D, 8A, 2D (10)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule

If requesting a clue with a three-letter answer, please request two such clues (see top of board

In this crossword all the answers are fictional names (from books, TV shows, movies, video games.. etc). If the character has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the character only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.

I have given you probably the easiest clue of all to start with.

As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

30 Across: Brand name of ketamine hydrochloride, manufactured by Pfizer (7)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A, 24A (3)
Straycat 15A, 26D (2)
Jools 25A, 31A, 28A, 3D, 16D (5)

Information
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

This puzzle has a medical theme, although it could equally have been called “human anatomy”. Some of the answers may be a bit obscure, but there are also some easy ones

The mystery bonus words all have five letters – and the colours are light blue, light green and khaki-yellow (but we’ll just call it yellow). See information at the top of the board regarding mystery bonus words.

I will start you off with one of the longer clues, but from then on, please could the solver request the next clue number.

Crossword tokens will be awarded to the top-three solvers.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask

Both correct - you will get a point on the tally. The next appearance will be the completed grid when tokens will be awarded.

mom
dig

Correct - 13A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Both Correct - 4D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Both Correct! 6D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Last two clues!

1 Down: (3)

12 Across: (3)

Solvers’ Tally

eliphont551 14A, 5D, 2D, 1A (4)
Jools 6D, 11D, 15D, 20A. 9A, 17A, 1D (7)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D, 10D, 11A, 18A, 4A, 21A, 9A, 16A, 16D, 3D, 7A (10)
Withacee 13A&19D (1)
Basic rules
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer
when I post the clue which will be in the form of a goldie or goldies, you need to post your answer in the form of what needs to be typed in to get the goldie images.

For example if the clue is 1 across: (5)
The answer is "bride" as that is what you need to post between the double colons.

Sometimes I will use more than one goldie for the same clue.

For example if the clue appears as
2 Down: (4,5), your answer would be Baby/Bride

I will only post the clue as two words e.g. (4,5) as above, if there are two separate goldies, even if there is more than one word in the typed text between the colons

e.g. 5 down: (7) is posted as a seven letter word because although you type in "havefun" which is two words, you do not put a space in between.

If any numbers have to be typed in I will type the clue in the form of dashes with the number afterwards (or before, depending on where the number is placed to generate the goldie).
e.g. for this goldie "Dice4" has to be typed in so I would type the clue as
3 Across: /----4/ (4) but you would only have to give "Dice" as your answer.

As usual, when you post your answer, please state which clue you would like posting next.

A solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will receive a crossword token.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Pineapple and Cake

If correct 4d please.

20D Fuji
14D Honshu

6 D please

PETAL

12D & 15D Next please

Soledad

13 A

Undisclosed ??? and 14 Down: Highest mountain in Japan and island on which it is situated (4,6)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 1A&10A DH, 1D&15A, 8A&9A, 9D&17A, 18D&25A, 22A&5D (6)
Straycat 1A&10A DH , 3D&11A (2)

Note: I am aware that our (UK) Prime Minister’s first name is Rishi, but accidentally called him “Rishu” when I compiled the grid. Therefore, for the purposes of this puzzle he is called Rishu.

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

The three-letter rule does not apply to this crossword. Therefore, you should still only choose one clue regardless of the number of letters

There are four mystery bonus words – i.e. two pairs to tie in with the theme of the puzzle. All four have four letters, and the colours are yellow, pink, green and purple. Although there are two pairs of words you should guess the mystery words as normal i.e. when all four letters of one colour appear. The pairs of words do not affect the allocation of tally-points.

Instructions

The clues in this crossword come in pairs. There will be some sort of connection between the two answers.

You will be given one clue for both answers, but you will only know the location of one of the answers, but you will be given the number of letters for both answers.

The links between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be given with the clue.

To get the point, you need to get both answers. Therefore, if you think someone’s answer is incorrect on either or both of the answers, you could post an alternative solution. Sometimes there may be several possible answers.

The first clue I give will give you an idea of what might be involved, although the link will not always be on the same lines.

When I check the answers, I will say if someone has got both clues correct. If some have only one correct, I will say this but if more than one person has posted I will not say who has one correct. I will just say the number of people who have one answer correct. You may then have another guess, provided you have not posted an answer to this or any other puzzle in the last four hours.

I hope I have explained this correctly. Anything you don’t understand, please ask, and I will amend the rules to clarify.

Solvers may choose which clue they want next, but if they choose the unknown clue location from the last answer, I will choose the next clue.

A tally will be kept, but only one point will be given for both answers, half-correct answers will not be awarded any points.

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 all happened to be completed simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently

19 Across: (5)



Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23A, 17D, 18D, 1D, 2D, 6A, 4D, 7A (8)
Jools 15A, 5D, 1A, 3D, 8D&11D (5)
Withacee 21D (1)
macBruck 19A (1)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with three letters
This puzzle works exactly as it says on the tin. Each clue is a picture representing the word. I will simply post a picture for each clue, and the clue number and the number of letters in the word will be underneath the picture.

Some will be very easy, and some slightly more difficult.

When you post your reply, please say which clue you would like next. A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will all win crossword tokens.

12D and ???: Missing two words to make a dessert __________ upside-down ____ (9,4)

Solvers’ Tally

Straycat16D&9A (1)
Jools 6D&1D, 1A&20A, 2D&17A, 12D&10A, 13A&14A, 16A&24A (6)

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

The three-letter rule does not apply to this crossword. Therefore, you should still only choose one clue regardless of the number of letters.

There are four mystery bonus words – i.e. two pairs to tie in with the theme of the puzzle. All four have four letters, and the colours are yellow, pink, green and purple. Although there are two pairs of words you should guess the mystery words as normal i.e. when all four letters of one colour appear. The pairs of words do not affect the allocation of tally-points.

Instructions

The clues in this crossword come in pairs. There will be some sort of connection between the two answers.

You will be given one clue for both answers, but you will only know the location of one of the answers, but you will be given the number of letters for both answers.

The links between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be given with the clue.

To get the point, you need to get both answers. Therefore, if you think someone’s answer is incorrect on either or both of the answers, you could post an alternative solution. Sometimes there may be several possible answers.

The first clue I give will give you an idea of what might be involved, although the link will not always be on the same lines.

When I check the answers, I will say if someone has got both clues correct. If some have only one correct, I will say this but if more than one person has posted I will not say who has one correct. I will just say the number of people who have one answer correct. You may then have another guess, provided you have not posted an answer to this or any other puzzle in the last four hours.

I hope I have explained this correctly. Anything you don’t understand, please ask, and I will amend the rules to clarify.

Solvers may choose which clue they want next, but if they choose the unknown clue location from the last answer, I will choose the next clue.

A tally will be kept, but only one point will be given for both answers, half-correct answers will not be awarded any points.

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 all happened to be completed simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently

28 Across: _______ O'Brien, American broadcaster and journalist - host of "Matter of Fact with _______ O'Brien" (7)

Solvers’ Tally

• RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4D, 8A, 22D, 15A, 26A, 29A, 5D (7)
• Jools 4A, 21A (2)
• Dragon Jr 23D (1)
• Straycat 3D (1)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule – see message at the top of the board

There are quite a few three-letter answers in this puzzle, so please remember to choose two clues if you select a three-letter one

Bonus mystery words in this crossword all have four letters – and the colours are pink, blue and red – so when four squares appear in one of those colours – you may solve the mystery word for an extra point on the tally. Please see the information regarding Bonus Mystery Words at the top of the board.

In this crossword all the answers are famous people. If the person has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the person only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.


As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Adair is correct. !D will follow - I'm afraid the yellow bonus word has already been guessed by Jools, as can be seen on the tally. Sorry.

Adair

1D please

Yellow Bonus - Lucy

27 Across: "Red" _____, American oil-well firefighter (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 4D, 29A, Yellow bonus word (Lucy), 32A, 5D, 10A, 1A, 14A (8)
macBruck 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16A, 28A, 20D, 19D, 11A, 18D, 23A, 24D, 8A, 5A, 2D, 26A, 1D, 6D (14)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule (see top of board)

Please could solvers request TWO three-letter answer clues if choosing a clue with a three-letter answer

Bonus mystery words in this crossword all have four letters – and the colours are yellow, purple and rose – so when four squares appear in one of those colours – you may solve the mystery word for an extra point on the tally.

This is the first crossword to incorporate the Bonus Feature. Please see the information regarding Bonus Mystery Words at the top of the board.

In this crossword all the answers are famous people. If the person has two names I will usually give the other name with a ______________, before or after depending on whether the answer is the first name or the second name, followed by the number of letters in brackets. I will also give some additional information as in the above clue.

If the person only has one name, obviously there will be no __________.


As usual, please say which clue you would like next when you submit your answer.

A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Correct. 25A will follow, and you'll be added to the tally.

Yes it does, but you've chosen a six-letter one so that's fine. 11A will follow, and you'll be added to the tally.

I'll add the three-letter instruction next time!

You just beat me to it

You Stayed

25A please

MAGIC
Next 11A please

Does the 2x 3-letter clue rule apply here?

4 Across: (5)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 6A, 1D (2)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 4D, 3D, 8A (4)

Basic rules

when I post the clue which will be in the form of a goldie or goldies, you need to post your answer in the form of what needs to be typed in to get the goldie images.

For example if the clue is 1 across: (5)
The answer is "bride" as that is what you need to post between the double colons.

Sometimes I will use more than one goldie for the same clue.

For example if the clue appears as
2 Down: (4,5), your answer would be Baby/Bride

I will only post the clue as two words e.g. (4,5) as above, if there are two separate goldies, even if there is more than one word in the typed text between the colons

e.g. 5 down: (7) is posted as a seven letter word because although you type in "havefun" which is two words, you do not put a space in between.

If any numbers have to be typed in I will type the clue in the form of dashes with the number afterwards (or before, depending on where the number is placed to generate the goldie).
e.g. for this goldie "Dice4" has to be typed in so I would type the clue as
3 Across: /----4/ (4) but you would only have to give "Dice" as your answer.

As usual, when you post your answer, please state which clue you would like posting next.

A solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will receive a crossword token.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

19 Down: 2012 song by Texan singer-songwriter, Jen Foster (3,6)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 18A, 18D, 20D, 13D, 29D&32A (5)
Zanda 28A (1)

A crossword with a musical theme

Please observe the four-hour rule

If requesting a clue with three letters, please request two such clues

You'll know next time!

Oops! No worries.

Sorry Withacee, if you read the instructions regarding three-letter word clues, you need to solve both clues to get the point. Jools has them both correct, so will get the point. 1A will follow, and Jools will be added to the tally.

10D VEX
11D NEE

1A Next pease

10 D VEX

9 A please.

10 Down: Compete (I replaced by X) (3)

11 Down: Snakelike fish (L replaced by N) (3)

Solvers’ Tally

Withacee 21A, 17D, 23A (3)
Jools 15A, 16D, 22A, 18D, 18A, 15D (6)

Instructions:

This crossword was compiled by Dragon Jr

First you have to solve the clue

Then you have to replace one letter from the solution to the clue with another letter which is slotted in a different place in the word to the removed letter to make a new word

The new word is then the answer that goes in the grid

Here is an example:

1 Across: Type of opinion poll (V replaced by T) (6)

I have put in brackets that the letter V is to be replaced by the letter T. If you worked out correctly that the answer to the clue is “survey” you then know to replace the V with a T.

You then need to work out where in the word to place the T to make another word. Here you would place the T after the E in survey to make the word surety.

The solution you give should be the new word and not the original answer to the clue.

A further clue to the new word will only be given if people are really struggling.

The solver should give the clue they would like next as usual.

Any questions, please ask, and myself or Dragon Jr will reply (whichever one of us sees your query first).

Please observe the four-hour rule (see above)

Please choose two clues if choosing one with a three-letter answer

That was quick - Correct. You will be added to the tally, and 20D will follow.

711711

20d please

18 Across: Zipcode for Shamrock, Texas ** 9 (6)*

Please note: The three-digit answer rule does not apply to this crossword - you only need request one clue at all times

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 8D, 1A, 24A, 12A, 1D (5)
Straycat 9A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D (1)

Instructions

In this crossword the answers are all numerical rather than alphabetical (hence the name)

The clues are a mixed bag of dates, arithmetic (you might need a calculator) and numerical trivia.

In the case of calculations I will use the following signs

*+* (plus) *-* (minus) *** (times or multiplied by) / (division), using jiggle characters to make them stand out. Unfortunately, there is no jiggle character for division, so I might also write “divided by” in full to clarify.

::All answers must be given as digits (i.e. 38 not thirty-eight)

There are some two figure answers, but obviously these will only be clued if they don’t solve themselves. No points will be given if they solve themselves.

::A Solvers’ Tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win Crossword tokens!

Please observe the four-hour rule

Oh well.....I guessed you must have temporarily forgotten how this puzzle works!

Yes I worked it out after posting, but too late to edit. Also forgot to get back in time after the 4hrs to post

Gawky is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 1A will follow.

Hi Jools - Straycat is correct, and has answered your question re the artist. I did the blanks as I always do. ??? for the word from the poem and the rest as dashes. (4,1,5,7) was the answer to the clue.

Straycat - 36A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

If correct 36a please.

Who is JVo here and should that be 4,4,1,5,7 or did you put extra blanks in?

GAWKY?
If correct 1A next please

2 Down: Adjective meaning awkward and ungainly, as might describe a newborn foal finding its feet for the first time (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 13A, 11D, 8A, 24A, 4A (5)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A, 11A, 5D, 16D (9)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)
Withacee 19D (1)
{Player: Dragon Jr } 15A (1)
Please observe the four-hour rule
Please request two clues if requesting one with a three-letter answer

A little puzzle with an animals theme – some of the answers may be a little obscure, so don’t expect it ALL to be easy!. Top 3 solvers will win a crossword token. Please could solvers state which clue they would like next when posting

This puzzle does NOT have any mystery bonus words as it is an 11X11 grid

"A young spring-tender ????
combed her joyous hair
'You are very ugly' said the mirror."

From "Mirror, Mirror" by Spike Milligan

18 Across: ????/----/-/-----/-------/ (4,1,5,7) (Name - painting by JV)


Solvers’ Tally
Jools 5D, 13A, 22A, 4A (4)
Straycat 1D, 28A, 14D, 24A (4)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10A (1)

Information

If choosing a three-letter clue – please choose another one as well, see instructions at top of board.

Please observe the four-hour rule - see top of board for info

The three mystery bonus words in this puzzle all have seven letters, and the colours are pink, blue and grey
Each clue will start with a quote from a poem whose author and title I shall provide. The quote will have a word missing which shall be indicated by the same number of question marks (queries) as the number of letters in the missing word.

However, the missing word is not the answer to the clue, but it will help you solve the clue. You might know the quote already, or you may be able to guess the missing word, but in most cases you will probably have to source the quote.

There are three types of clue:

Phrase – For this type of clue the missing word in the poem will form part of a phrase, which might be a compound word or a “thing”, or it may be a saying such as “goodness me”
Here is an example of how this type of clue will be set out:
The poetry quote (with the missing word) will be under the grid:
e.g.
The boy stood on the burning ????
Whence all but him had fled;
The flame that lit the battle's wreck
Shone round him o'er the dead.”
From “Casabianca” by Felicia Hemans
The clue would be written thus:
1 Across: /????-----/ (5) (Phrase – “thing”)
You probably wouldn’t have to look this poem up as it is so well-known, and you would know that the missing word is “deck”. The clue gives the actual answer in the form of dashes /-----/ In this case the word is chair – as in deckchair. You only need give the answer to the clue – and not the missing word (or words) from the poem.

Name - This type of clue is the same as the “Phrase” type of clue, except that the missing words in the poem form part of a name – it could be the title of a book, the name of a famous person or the name of a film or place. Anything that would be classed as a “proper noun”

e.g.
“???? looks down at her organdy skirt
As if it somehow were the thing disgraced,
For being there, on the floor, in the dirt”
From “Bertram’s Garden” by Donald Justice
The clue would be written thus:
5 Down: ????/----/ (4) (Name – novel by CB)

You would probably have to look up this quote, and would find the missing word is “Jane”. The clue says that the missing word forms part of a novel title, so you would need to work out that the novel is Jane Eyre – the answer to the clue is Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte, of course) – if it is a well-known “name” such as the above, I might only give the author’s initials. If it is less well-known I might give more information.

Synonym - This clue is simply a synonym for the missing word.
e.g.
“Waste pipes ??????? into runnels,
Steam's escaping here and there,
Morning trains through Camden cutting
Shake the Crescent and the Square”
From “Business Girls” by John Betjeman
The clue would be written thus:

14 Across: Synonym (5)

The missing word here is “chuckle”, and the answer is “laugh” which is a synonym for “chuckle”. The synonym might not be in the same sense of the word as it is in the poem. It is certainly a novel use of the word “chuckle” in this poem.

But some words also have more than one meaning e.g. “lay” can mean to set down (the synonym might be more than one word), but the missing word in the poem might be /---/Preacher, which is a non-clerical preacher.
Please could the solver state which clue they would like next

Extra clues may be given if necessary – often in the form of extra letters in the answer, or it could be an alternative synonym if it is a “synonym” clue.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded a crossword token apiece

Any questions, please ask

Yes, indeed - Inuit is the most well-known term used now. 18A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

ESKIMOS (Now called Inuit)

18A Next please?

Drake is correct. 19A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Drake

19A please

18 Down: Sam and Nathan, orphaned brothers in 2022 film "Unchartered" (surname) (5)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A, 3D, 2D, 17D (8)
Jools 1A, 25D (2)
Information
Please observe the four-hour rule – see info at top of board
If choosing a clue with a three-letter answer, please choose two such clues
The mystery bonus words all have *5 letters, and the colours are turquoise, green and beige. Please see the information at the top of the board for details about how mystery bonus words work.*

This is a puzzle with a movie theme – all the answers will be movie titles, film stars or directors from all eras.

Please could solvers state which clue they would like next

Both correct! 26 A will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Outlook and Excel.

If correct 26a please.

6 Down and ???: Two components of the Microsoft 365 Suite (formerly Microsoft Office) (7 & 5)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 11A&15D; 27A&1D; 3D&25A; 7D&18D; 8A&2D, 9A&20A (6)

Straycat 5A&1A (1)

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

The three-letter word rule does not apply to this crossword as two clues are already solved at the same time

There are four mystery bonus words – i.e. two pairs to tie in with the theme of the puzzle. All four have four letters, and the colours are yellow, blue, green and grey. Although there are two pairs of words you should guess the words as normal i.e. when all four letters of one colour appear. The pairs of words do not affect the allocation of tally points.

Instructions
The clues in this crossword come in pairs. There will be some sort of connection between the two answers.

You will be given one clue for both answers, but you will only know the location of one of the answers, but you will be given the number of letters for both answers.

The links between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be given with the clue.

To get the point, you need to get both answers. Therefore, if you think someone’s answer is incorrect on either or both of the answers, you could post an alternative solution. Sometimes there may be several possible answers.

The first clue I give will give you an idea of what might be involved, although the link will not always be on the same lines.

When I check the answers, I will say if someone has got both words correct. If some have only one correct, I will say this but if more than one person has posted I will not say who has one correct. I will just say the number of people who have one answer correct. You may then have another guess, provided you have not posted an answer to this or any other puzzle in the last four hours.

I hope I have explained this correctly. Anything you don’t understand, please ask, and I will amend the rules to clarify.

Solvers may choose which clue they want next, but if they choose the unknown clue location from the last answer, I will choose the next clue.

A tally will be kept, but only one point will be given for both answers, half-correct answers will not be awarded any points.

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 all happened to be completed simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

23 Down: Inhabitants of Greenland whose national dish is seal soup (7) - NB. Term is now considered by some to be politically incorrect and has fallen into disuse by many, with alternative names having been adopted.

A puzzle with food and drink as the theme.

Please observe the four-hour rule

There are quite a few three-letter answers in this puzzle, so please remember to choose two clues if you select a three-letter one

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 1A, 16A, 16D, 30A, 2D, 9A, 21D&31D, 35A (8)
Dragon Jr 3D (1)
Straycat 8A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20A, 25A, 26D, 1D, 5D, 12A, 17D, 13D, 32D, 11D, 10D (11)
Clem3610 4D (1)

Straycat - you are correct 38A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

LATCH?

Safety catch

If correct 38a please.

Sorry, that is incorrect. Try again.

Safety MATCH?
If correct, 26D next please

"Here dwell in ??????,
Here dwell alone,
With a clear stream
And a mossy stone."

From "Spring Quiet" by Christina Rossetti

25 Across: ?????? ----- (5) - Phrase (thing)

Solvers’ tally
Jools 5D, 20D, 1A, 1D, 33A, 18D, 24A, 30A, 32D, 37A, 37D, 22A, 23D, 25D, 15A, 31D (16)
Straycat 17A , 45A, 3D, 11A, 16D (5)

Information

Please observe the four-hour rule - see top of board for info

Also, the three-letter rule does apply to this crossword, so please ask for two three-letter clues, if requesting one with a three-letter answer

Each clue will start with a quote from a poem whose author and title I shall provide. The quote will have a word missing which shall be indicated by the same number of question marks (queries) as the number of letters in the missing word.

However, the missing word is not the answer to the clue, but it will help you solve the clue. You might know the quote already, or you may be able to guess the missing word, but in most cases you will probably have to source the quote.

There are three types of clue:

Phrase – For this type of clue the missing word in the poem will form part of a phrase, which might be a compound word or a “thing”, or it may be a saying such as “goodness me”
Here is an example of how this type of clue will be set out:

The poetry quote (with the missing word) will be under the grid:

e.g.
The boy stood on the burning ????
Whence all but him had fled;
The flame that lit the battle's wreck
Shone round him o'er the dead.”
From “Casabianca” by Felicia Hemans
The clue would be written thus:

1 Across: /????-----/ (5) (Phrase – “thing”)
You probably wouldn’t have to look this poem up as it is so well-known, and you would know that the missing word is “deck”. The clue gives the actual answer in the form of dashes /-----/ In this case the word is chair – as in deckchair. You only need give the answer to the clue – and not the missing word (or words) from the poem.

Name - This type of clue is the same as the “Phrase” type of clue, except that the missing words in the poem form part of a name – it could be the title of a book, the name of a famous person or the name of a film or place. Anything that would be classed as a “proper noun”

e.g.
“???? looks down at her organdy skirt
As if it somehow were the thing disgraced,
For being there, on the floor, in the dirt”
From “Bertram’s Garden” by Donald Justice
The clue would be written thus:
5 Down: ????/----/ (4) (Name – novel by CB)

You would probably have to look up this quote, and would find the missing word is “Jane”. The clue says that the missing word forms part of a novel title, so you would need to work out that the novel is Jane Eyre – the answer to the clue is Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte, of course) – if it is a well-known “name” such as the above, I might only give the author’s initials. If it is less well-known I might give more information.

Synonym - This clue is simply a synonym for the missing word.
e.g.
“Waste pipes ??????? into runnels,
Steam's escaping here and there,
Morning trains through Camden cutting
Shake the Crescent and the Square”
From “Business Girls” by John Betjeman
The clue would be written thus:

14 Across: Synonym (5)

The missing word here is “chuckle”, and the answer is “laugh” which is a synonym for “chuckle”. The synonym might not be in the same sense of the word as it is in the poem. It is certainly a novel use of the word “chuckle” in this poem.
But some words also have more than one meaning e.g. “lay” can mean to set down (the synonym might be more than one word), but the missing word in the poem might be /---/Preacher, which is a non-clerical preacher.
Please could the solver state which clue they would like next

Extra clues may be given if necessary – often in the form of extra letters in the answer, or it could be an alternative synonym if it is a “synonym” clue.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will be awarded a crossword token apiece

Any questions, please ask

Indeed. It is fitting that you should answer that one! 17D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Rabid

17 d please

16 Across: Wolf (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 12D, 12A, 13D&18A (3)

Information

The bonus words all have three letters, and the colours are pink, blue and turquoise

The answers to this puzzle are all adjectives or words that can be used as adjectives. For example, the word sun is essentially a noun but when put before another noun used to describe it or form a compound word, for the purposes of this crossword it is an adjective e.g. Sundial/sunstroke etc.

The clues will take the form of a word that can follow the answer (the adjective) e.g. *1 across: Ben – the answer is “big” as in “big ben”.

More than one person may have a guess as there could be more than one answer – if the clue was “dog”, the answer could be “lap” as in lapdog or “pet” as in pet dog or a number of other words. So, you can provide an alternative answer to one that has already been posted, but only the correct answer will count.

If no one has guessed the adjective when I check the board, I will attempt to provide an alternative clue so you can have another try, for example if the adjective (or word that can be used as an adjective) was “wine” and you had failed to guess it from the clue “glass” then I might provide an alternative clue, for example “bottle” as in wine bottle. This will go on until the clue has been solved (hopefully not too long).

The four-hour rule stands, despite multiple people being able to post, as there is only one correct answer.

Only one guess per person, unless I come back with a new clue.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will win crossword tokens.

Please choose which clue you would like next when submitting your answer, but if choosing a clue with a three-letter word answer, please choose two clues.

Any questions please ask

You are correct - 7A will follow, and you will be added to the tally!

Oh, sorry Straycat - Rabid just beat you to it by three minutes!

The crossword and the story are now complete.

Here is the final tally. The winners of the tokens are:

1. RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 8 points

2. Jools 6 points

3. Straycat 4 points

Well done everyone - if you would like to head to Recognition Tokens I am about to request the tokens.

I am in the process of compiling another story crossword, which may make it to the board, but impossible to say when!!!

Solvers’ Tally
Dragon Jr 16A, 12A, 1A (3)
Withacee 13D, 4D (2)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D, 18A, 12D, 14A, 3D, 10A, 17D, 19A (8)
Jools 15D, 5D, 2D, 11D, 14D, 13A (6)
eliphont551 7D (1)
Straycat 8A, 6A, 9D, 4A (4)

Hello Mum

by HeatherN

Here I am in the heart of the lovely Yorkshire countryside, in the special place where we spent many happy times as children. Yes, Mum. I am near the area where we stopped to have our picnics, and that is just what I am going to do now.

I am going to sit by the river where we used to feed the ducks, after* we had finished eating. I remember saying that I thought one of them was reminiscent of a dodo. I had been reading Alice in Wonderland and had just read about the caucus race that this strange bird in the book had organised.

I can see the large 19 Across ahead where we used to sit to eat. I have brought a blanket to sit on as I don’t want to get my dress *dirty*. I know it is now an old dress, but you bought me it for my 50th birthday, and I always wear it on my birthday, and on your birthday. I remember you saying how beautiful I look wearing it – a lovely compliment, and good for my ego. Happy birthday, Mum.

I am now sitting on one of the large stones. I have brought a cheese and onion sandwich and a flask of coffee to wash it down. Oh no! There’s an unwanted visitor, I think it’s a hornet, as it’s bigger and fatter than an ordinary wasp, and a bit scarier! I swat at it frantically with the magazine I have in my backpack, but it persistently buzzes around, so I’m going to give up and move on. I carelessly throw it a chunk of my sandwich, put the rest of it safely in my backpack and get up.

The hornet, having disturbed my peace, makes me want to move on and take a detour from my planned destination, which was going to be by the riverside, at the edge of the water. I hesitate before crossing the bridge over the river to begin the ascent up Buttercup Hill. I am glad I have my inhaler in my bag as I get out of breath going up hills.

Well, here I am at last, Mum. Thank you, hornet, for bringing me up here. It was worth the climb. The view is breathtaking. All I can see is fields, trees and the river - no people, cars or houses. I am feeling sad, yet happy that I can release you in your favourite place. You will own this hill, Mum. You will own this view. I am shaking and my heart is pounding as I take the urn from my backpack. I prise open the lid and take a handful of your ashes into my hand. I unfurl my fist and let the breeze take you.

Fly free, Mum. Fly free, my sweet, gentle mother.

stethoscope

If correct 12d please.

Stethoscope

7a please

20 Across (11)



Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A, 1D, 6A, 13A (4)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9D, 10A, 2D (3)
Straycat 14D&4D (1)

Instructions

Please observe the four-hour rule which can be seen at the top of the board

If choosing a clue with a three-letter word answer, please choose two clues with three letter answers

This puzzle works exactly as it says on the tin. Each clue is a picture representing the word. I will simply post a picture for each clue, and the clue number and the number of letters in the word will be underneath the picture.

Some will be very easy, and some slightly more difficult.

When you post your reply, please say which clue you would like next. A Solvers' tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will all win crossword tokens.

Three of you are correct - unfortunately Dawn your answer was not completely correct; therefore, you cannot have the point. Sorry. You do have the right idea though, and nice to see you on the board!