Well spotted, Jools. I normally cut and paste. I must have copied and pasted by mistake on that occasion. It will certainly not be on this list next time!

Cue 5 - 5D - MOA

Also clue 10 has already been solved so needs removing from the list

Clue 20

5D Mas

Air is correct. 1D 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
3. Confusion
5. Extinct flightless New Zealand bird
8. Goal
10. Last section of the small intestine
11. Low droning sound
12. Maxi, midi or mini for example
13. Mischief-making mythological beings
15. On fire
18. Songs of praise
19. Sweet potato
20. Traditional farmhouse in Provence

Solved
2. Arm or leg Straycat 16A
6. Flightless Australian bird Jools 20D
7. Foe { Player: elephant551 } 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









Please read the 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 clue 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. 	

Air

1D please

21 Down: Queen of the ___, work by John Ruskin about the mythological Greek goddess, Athena (3)

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 (6)
Information

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.

Spurn Point is correct - 7D will follow. You will be added to the tally

SPURN POINT
also known as Spurn Spit or Head, but that doesn't fit

Next 7D please

Correct - 16D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

You are both correct - Please no more posts until updated grid appears

Run is correct. Crossword complete - the winners will be announced in due course when the completed grid is posted (but I think we know who the three winners are

You will be added to the tally.

Lightfoot is correct - 15A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

Checks is correct - 9A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

(Chosen at random)

Clue ??? and 25 Across: Yorkshire (England) nature reserve consisting of a 3.5 mile sandy spit extending into the Humber estuary. Since storm of 2013, is England's newest island as is now inaccessible on foot at high tide. (5,5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 11A&15D; 27A&1D (2)
Straycat 5A&1A (1)
The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count
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.

Nat

25A

Meyerhof

Next 16D please

Lightfoot - 15a please.

RUN

14D Onion

CHECKS

Next 9A please

5 Across: You need to have regular ______ at the dentist to keep your *teeth in good order (6)*

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 6A (2)
Withacee 4D (1)
Jools 1D, 2D (2)

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

"Where'er he go, where'er he stray,
May Heaven be his warden;
Return him safe to fair Strathspey,
And bonie Castle-??????."

From "A Young Highland Rover" by Robert Burns (in celebration of Burns Night which was on Wednesday)

16 Down: ??????/--------- (9) (Name - Canadian singer-songwriter. Can't believe he's now 84 years old)

Solvers’ tally
Jools 5D, 20D, 1A, 1D, 33A, 18D, 24A, 30A, 32D, 37A, 37D, 22A, 23D, 25D (14)
Straycat 17A , 45A, 3D, 11A (4)

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

The final clue!

12 Down: (3)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 9A, 17A. 11D, 1A , 6A, 1D, 21A (7)

eliphont551 13A, 16D, 14D, 20A, 13D, 7A, 3D (7)

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D, 18A, 5D, 4D, 15D, 10D, 4A (7)
marcmandy 8D (1)
Withacee 19D (1)
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.

3D
Urn

You may now post again!
This puzzle is exempt from the four-hour rule
Please see above the updated grid with the solved answers entered.

The updated story with the solved words included is below, followed by the instructions.
Solvers’ Tally
Dragon Jr 16A, 12A, 1A (3)
Withacee 13D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D, 18A, 12D, 14A (4)
Jools 15D, 5D, 2D (3)
eliphont551 7D (1)
Straycat 8A, 6A, 9D (3)

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 10 Across the 4 Across 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 13 Across. 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 19 Across. I have brought a cheese and 14 Down 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 4 Down 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. 11 Down I can see is fields, trees and the river - no people, cars or houses. I am feeling sad, 17 Down 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 3 Down 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.


Instructions
This crossword consists of a story with missing words which fit into the crossword grid. You need to work out what the missing words are. which are replaced with the clue number they represent on the grid.
The puzzle shall remain on the board for a minimum of 24 hours, during which time players may guess at a missing word.
Any number of players may guess at the words at any one sitting, but only one guess per person until the updated crossword reappears.
It is best not to guess the same clue as someone else has guessed (unless you think they are wrong) as only the first posted of any given word will win the point
After I check the answers given, I shall inform who is correct, and then post that no more guesses should be made until the updated grid reappears.
I will then insert all the correct missing words into the grid, and also insert them into the story, so it is clear which words remain to solve.
It should be clear from the clue numbers how many letters in the missing words so I have not given this information in the body of the story.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will each win a crossword token.

Any questions please ask, and I will clarify anything that is unclear by amending the instructions.

This crossword is 11 X 11 – therefore, no mystery bonus words

3 Down: German physician and biochemist who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology in 1922 (8)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will lose a point on the tally

Solvers’ Tally
*RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A (2)*
*Straycat 15A (1)*
*Jools 25A, 31A, 28A (3)*
Information
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

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

2 Down: Faxon, one of the three co-writers of "The Descentants" for which they each won an Academy Award in 2012 (3)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A, 3D (6)
Jools 1A (1)
Information
Please observe the four-hour rule – see info at top of board
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

19032

24A

As Straycat did not pick a clue, I have randomly picked one myself. Please try to remember to pick a clue each time, when the instructions request this.

Number of days in a leap year ** number of weeks in a year (5)*

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 8D, 1A (2)
Straycat 9A (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

Eva is correct - I can't believe it only took you three minutes from me posting to answer! 5D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Eva

5d

15 Across: ___ Braun, Hitler's long-term companion, and wife for 40 hours before they both committed suicide (3)

Solvers’ Tally

• RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4D, 8A, 22D (3) *
• Jools 4A, 21A (2) *
• Dragon Jr 23D (1) *

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

Yes indeed. 10D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

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

Rob

1A

HOT

Next 10D

21 Down: Food that is spicy or straight out of the oven could be described thus (3)

A puzzle with food and drink as the theme.
Please observe the four-hour rule

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A, 16A, 16D, 30A, 2D, 9A (6)
Dragon Jr 3D (1)
Straycat 8A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20A, 25A, 26D, 1D, 5D, 12A, 17D, 13D, 32D, 11D (10)
Clem3610 4D (1)

Correct - you will be added to the tally, and 28A will follow!

26 Across: ___ Brydon, Welsh actor/comedian/impressionist/singer/writer (3)

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

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

Ombudsman

28A

That's correct. 18A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

"It is a piece of meat
Carried by a burglar
To distract a ????????."

From "How to Psalmodize" by Charles Simic

10 Across: Synonym (9)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 5D, 13A, 22A (3)
Straycat 1D (1)

Information
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

GREET (From agree)

Next 18A please

Eel is correct. 21D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Eel

21d

4 Down (3):



Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23A, 17D, 18D, 1D, 2D, 6A (6)
Jools 15A, 5D, 1A, 3D (3)


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

18 Down: Be of the same opinion (A replaced by T) (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Withacee 21A, 17D, 23A (3)
Jools 15A, 16D, 22A (3)
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)

Correct - I will choose next clues. It might be easier for these pairs crosswords since one of the answers is in an unknown location. You will be added to the tally.

INCURABLE & FATAL

Coo is correct. 24A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Sawyer is correct. 9D will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Ribs is correct. 15D will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Tom SAWYER

Next 9D

Ribs

15d

COO

24 Across, if correct.

19D the cry of a dove (3)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 13A, 11D, 8A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A, 11A, 5D (8)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)

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

20 Across and ???: Two synonymous adjectives for terminal as in "terminal illness" (9;5)

Please note: I am aware that the numbering is wrong on this grid, and the 6 has become 8. This will have been due to being overtired when updating. The master copy has already been amended, and will appear correctly next time

Solvers’ Tally
Straycat 16D&9A (1)
Jools 6D&1D (1)
The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count
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 pink. 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 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 ready simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

13 Across (6)



Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A, 1D, 6A (3)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule which can be seen at the top of the board
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.

4 Across: When my friend and I went horseriding on holiday, we noted with concern that several of the *mOunTS were so skinny that their ____ were visible (4)*

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


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!

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
Please observe the four-hour rule

First of all, I apologise profoundly for the delay. I had Covid before Christmas and have been suffering extreme fatigue since then, so have not been able to update the boards. I have renewed energy now, thankfully, so will be able to catch up!

Happy New Year!

However, I will still award Christmas tokens as well as Crossword tokens to the top three, as promised, and a Christmas token to Rabid for the bonus word.

You will also be the first to receive the spanking new 2023 Crossword tokens - Enjoy!.

Here are the results:

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 7 (including extra point for Mystery bonus word)
Withacee 6
Jools 6
Straycat 5
Dragon Jr 2

Therefore, Rabid, Withacee, and Jools will receive a Christmas token and a Crossword token apiece, and Rabid will receive an extra Christmas token for getting the mystery bonus word!

If you head over to Recognition Tokens I am about to request your tokens.

Well done, all. Commiserations to Straycat, who just missed out. Better luck next time!

Solved

5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D
23. Urged Withacee 13D
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus Jools 8D
16. Professional drawer of technical plans Straycat 22A
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen Dragon Jr 15A
25. Freudian self RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D
17. Shine brightly RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16D
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot Jools 14D
3. Affixing with a knot Withacee 2D
13. Mitigating Dragon Jr 1A
18. Small particle Straycat 17D
24. Use a spade Withacee
9. Harangues relentlessly Straycat 3D
22. Unit of work or energy RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20D
11. Irritable Jools 9A
2. Add a glossy varnish RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 19A
Mystery Bonus Word (Merry) RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack

That's correct.

I am afraid I misspelled his name as Rishu in my grid. So in order for 7 Down to fit, I am going to have to enter him as Rishu. I hope you don't mind. Your clue choice will follow.

TRUSS & RISHI

Clue 8 Across and ???: Last female UK PM and her successor (surname and first name respectively) (5/5)

(Amended because of lack of clarity with original clue)

Not quite. One of their first names has five letters too. This is for Jools only as it is my fault with incomplete clue!

TRUSS & SUNAK

7D Next please

Jools requested 1D which was the last clue, so I have taken the liberty of choosing this clue (or rather clues)

Clue 8 Across and ???: Last female UK PM and her successor (5/5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A&10A DH, 1D&15A(2)
Straycat 1A&10A DH (1)

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

Correct, the late and great Eddie Van Halen, of course! 28A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Is this the record for the quickest ever answer??

You are of course correct. You are first on the tally, and 32D will follow.

Well done, yes and yes! I will request your Christmas token very soon along with your crossword token and another Christmas token if you are in the top three. It will probably be tomorrow now as I will have to wait until the updated grid is approved. You will also receive an extra point on the tally which may or may not help you into the top three. I have no idea how this stands at the moment, you will have to wait until tomorrow.


I know I said I would request the Bonus word token as soon as it is guessed, but as the crossword is now complete, it makes sense to request them all together.


Thank you to those faithful stalwarts who took part!

Persimmon
32 D

32 Across: National fruit of Japan (9)

Please observe the four-hour rule

A Mixed bag with no theme. The mystery bonus words all have eight letters, and the colours are off-white, yellow and light blue.

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

I will start you off with one of the longer words, but from then on, please state which clue you would like next.

Clue 2
19A glaze

Bonus word = Merry

EVH
28A

20 Down: Guitar and amp manufacturing company owned by Fender, originally launched by legendary lead guitar player from band famous for "Jump" (3)

Another puzzle with a musical theme
Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 18A, 18D (2)
The mystery bonus words all have five letters – and the colours are blue, brown and purple. See information at the top of the board regarding mystery bonus words.

Please obey the four-hour rule or your point will not be counted. However, if your answer is correct. The crossword will still be updated.

The three of you are all correct! Your answers will appear in the updated grid.

Correct - you will be added to the tally. 1D will be next.

Miaow is correct - 27 D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

You may now post again

Sorry about the delay. I've been very tired with post-Covid syndrome. Plus the usual seasonal distractions and computer crashes etc.

Only one clue left - who will win the race to submit their guess first?

As soon as the crossword is finished. I will update it as soon as someone has got the last clue as I know you are all eager to receive your Christmas tokens!

Usually, as you may have noticed, I put them to the back of the queue before updating and posting the final grid, but this will be updated promptly, and tokens requested before the Christmas season is over.

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
2. Add a glossy varnish

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D
23. Urged Withacee 13D
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus { Player: Jools 8D
16. Professional drawer of technical plans Straycat 22A
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen Dragon Jr 15A
25. Freudian self RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D
17. Shine brightly RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16D
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot Jools 14D
3. Affixing with a knot Withacee 2D
13. Mitigating Dragon Jr 1A
18. Small particle Straycat 17D
24. Use a spade Withacee
9. Harangues relentlessly Straycat 3D
22. Unit of work or energy RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20D
11. Irritable Jools 9A






Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 answers will be removed to the “Solved” list, along with the solvers’ names.

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 clue 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. 	

You can request a clue if you like. Otherwise, I will choose the next one, as it's Christmas!

Avoid liars is correct, Straycat. You will be added to the tally, and your clue choice will follow.

I think I made a mistake in my clue which probably threw you. I think I said "avid sailors" when I should have said avid sailor.

MIAOW

27D next please

Clue 9, PUMPS, 8A

I had a typo, I didn't think it correct. I sussed it was cryptic and possibly an anagram but there isn't a suitable 10 letters

Avoid liars?

mwtmi

1D

Clue 20. 9D Mas

Clue 4
7A
Maxim?

Here is the link:

Pairs 1 Clue ??? and 1A

Two further hints:

1. This is a cryptic clue
2. The ??? word comes before the 1A word as I have posted this first. If 1A was the first word I would have said 1A and ???

Further hints can be provided on request

Chandoo is correct - 2D 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
3. Confusion
4. Dictum
5. Extinct flightless New Zealand bird
8. Goal
9. Gym shoes
10. Last section of the small intestine
11. Low droning sound
12. Maxi, midi or mini for example
13. Mischief-making mythological beings
15. On fire
18. Songs of praise
19. Sweet potato
20. Traditional farmhouse in Provence

Solved
2. Arm or leg Straycat 16A
6. Flightless Australian bird Jools 20D
7. Foe { Player: elephont551 } 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






Please read the 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 clue 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. 	

Chandoo
2D

7 Across: (2,3)

Solvers’ Tally
eliphont551 14A, 5D, 2D (3)
Jools 6D, 11D, 15D, 20A. 9A, 17A (6)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D, 10D, 11A, 18A, 4A, 21A, 9A, 16A, 16D, 3D (9)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will not get your point on the tally
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.

You are all correct - the updated grid will appear soon!

3 Down: _______ Mondeti, Indian film director and screenwriter (7)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A (5)
Jools 1A (1)
Information
Please observe the four-hour rule – see info at top of board
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

10 Across: "The Silent _____" A Manual for Kittens, Strays and Homeless Cats. Translated from The Feline by Paul Gallico (5)

Solvers’ Tally

marcmandy 1A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 3A, 1D, 2D, 8D, 3D, 12A, 34A, 4D, 17A, 13A, 15A, 29A, 5D, 7D (14)
eliphont551 30D (1)
Straycat 30A (1)
Dragon Jr 9A (1)
Jools 6D, 17D (2)

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

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

It's not right. It is a cryptic clue. Further clues available on request.

tricky clue. I'm going to try LIGHT, HOUSE but think it's right

Correct - 5A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

That's correct. You will be added to the tally. Please could you choose a clue for next time.

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

Correct - 3D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

APHAGIA

Next3D please

Clue 9. Nags 3D

250603

22. Unit of work or energy

20D ERG

Diana

15A please

Clue 11, EDGY. 9A

Teeth

Next 5A please

2 Down: On seeing her son's open-mouthed grin, Geraldine ordered him to go upstairs and brush his mucky _____ (5)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 6A (2)
Withacee 4D (1)
Jools 1D (1)

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

9 Across: George Orwell's date of birth (DDMMYY) (6)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 8D, 1A (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!

Please observe the four-hour rule

22 Down: _____ Rigg, former James Bond girl (among numerous other TV and film roles) (5)

Solvers’ Tally

• RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4D, 8A (2)
• Jools 4A, 21A (2)
• Dragon Jr 23D (1)

Information

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

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.

Clue ??? and 1 Across: Avid sailors diverted by instruction to keep away from dishonest people (5,5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 11A&15D; 27A&1D (2)
The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

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.

You may now post again!

I realise this puzzle may well be finished this time - but if this is the case, please wait until the updated grid with all five mystery bonus letters appears before submitting a guess.

This is the case for all bonus mystery words in all puzzles. If the crossword is completed, I will not close the competition until someone has correctly guessed the mystery bonus word.

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
2. Add a glossy varnish
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
22. Unit of work or energy

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D
23. Urged Withacee 13D
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus { Player: Jools 8D
16. Professional drawer of technical plans Straycat 22A
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen Dragon Jr 15A
25. Freudian self RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D
17. Shine brightly RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16D
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot Jools 14D
3. Affixing with a knot Withacee 2D
13. Mitigating Dragon Jr 1A
18. Small particle Straycat 17D
24. Use a spade Withacee


Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 answers will be removed to the “Solved” list, along with the solvers’ names.

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 clue 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. 	

I am afraid that is incorrect - you (or anyone else) may try again!

Aphasia

16D

28 Across: Medical term meaning inability or refusal to swallow (7)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will lose a point on the tally

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A (2)
Straycat 15A (1)
Jools 25A, 31A (2)

Information

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

Withacee Straycat and Dragon Jr are all correct

Jools and RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack are incorrect

This will be reflected in the updating of the grid.

Please no more posts until updated grid appears

You are all three correct. Your words will appear on the updated grid and in the story, and you will be added to the tally

9D Ego

Clue 22
9A
Ergs

14A - old

It certainly is! Not sure whether it'll be finished by Christmas though as it'll have to go to the back of the queue - and it is a long queue!

You are correct. You will be added to the tally, and 12D will follow.

Just a reminder - the Story Crossword, like the alphabet crosswords, can be guessed by multiple people in a 24-hour period, and the four-hour rule does not apply.

See link below if you would like to have a go:

Re: Story Crossword Updated Grid 14.12.22

Clue 13: 1-across is extenuating.

Clue 18. Grain 17D

Clue 24 - 10 Down

DIG

Clue 18, GRAIN, 19A

2D TIMES

SPA, HEA


Looks like 12D is the last one

You may now post again

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
2. Add a glossy varnish
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
13. Mitigating
18. Small particle

22. Unit of work or energy
24. Use a spade

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D
23. Urged Withacee 13D
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus { Player: Jools 8D
16. Professional drawer of technical plans Straycat 22A
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen Dragon Jr 15A
25. Freudian self RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D
17. Shine brightly RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 16D
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot Jools 14D
3. Affixing with a knot Withacee 2D

Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 clue 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. 	

21 Across: (3,3)

Please observe the four-hour rule

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 9A, 17A. 11D, 1A , 6A, 1D (6)

eliphont551 13A, 16D, 14D, 20A, 13D, 7A, 3D (7)

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D, 18A, 5D, 4D, 15D, 10D, 4A (7)
marcmandy 8D (1)
Withacee 19D (1)
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.

You may now post again!
This puzzle is exempt from the four-hour rule
Please see above the updated grid with the solved answers entered.

The updated story with the solved words included is below, followed by the instructions.
Solvers’ Tally
Dragon Jr 16A, 12A (2)
Withacee 13D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D, 18A (2)
Jools 15D (1)
eliphont551 7D (1)
Straycat 8A (1)

Hello Mum

by HeatherN

Here I am in the heart of the lovely Yorkshire countryside, in the special place where we spent many happy 2 Down as children. Yes, Mum. I am 10 Across the 4 Across 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 13 Across. 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 14 Across *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 9 Down. Happy birthday, Mum.

I am now sitting on one of the large 19 Across. I have brought a cheese and 14 Down 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 4 Down 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. 11 Down I can see is fields, trees and the river - no people, cars or houses. I am feeling sad, 17 Down 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 3 Down 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.


Instructions
This crossword consists of a story with missing words which fit into the crossword grid. You need to work out what the missing words are. which are replaced with the clue number they represent on the grid.
The puzzle shall remain on the board for a minimum of 24 hours, during which time players may guess at a missing word.
Any number of players may guess at the words at any one sitting, but only one guess per person until the updated crossword reappears.
It is best not to guess the same clue as someone else has guessed (unless you think they are wrong) as only the first posted of any given word will win the point
After I check the answers given, I shall inform who is correct, and then post that no more guesses should be made until the updated grid reappears.

I will then insert all the correct missing words into the grid, and also insert them into the story, so it is clear which words remain to solve.

It should be clear from the clue numbers how many letters in the missing words so I have not given this information in the body of the story.

A solvers’ tally will be kept, and the top three solvers will each win a crossword token.

Any questions please ask, and I will clarify anything that is unclear by amending the instructions.

This crossword is 11 X 11 – therefore, no mystery bonus words

It is correct. 10A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Encircles?

If correct 10A next please

You are all correct apart from Straycat

The amended tally will appear soon.

Please no more posts until updated grid appears

"If thro' the sea of night which here ????????? me,

   I could swim out beyond the farthest star,
 Break every barrier of circumstance that bounds me,
   And greet the Sun of sweeter life afar,"

From "Anchored" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

22 Across: Synonym (9)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 5D, 13A (2)
Straycat 1D (1)

Information
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

Gottlob (love that name!) is correct - 26A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

2D Clue 3
TYING

Clue 18. Grain 19a

Clue 19, GOA, 14D

Clue 17
16D
Gleam

You may now post again

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
2. Add a glossy varnish
3. Affixing with a knot
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
13. Mitigating
17. Shine brightly
18. Small particle
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot
22. Unit of work or energy
24. Use a spade

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D
23. Urged Withacee 13D
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus { Player: Jools 8D
16. Professional drawer of technical plans Straycat 22A
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen Dragon Jr 15A
25. Freudian self RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D

Gottlob

26A

2 Down: _______ Frege, German philosopher who was instrumental in the development of modern analytical philosophy (5)

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

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

Story Crossword Updated Grid 16.09.22

Please follow link, and sorry about the delay. You are all correct, and the updated grid will appear soon.

I am happy to say you are all correct - the amended grid should reappear tomorrow!

Clue 16. Draughtsman 22a

Clue 4: 15-Across is Agog

Clue 15 - GAR -8D

Clue 23 - 13 Down

EGGED

Clue 25
Ego
12D

You may now post again

You may notice that there are extra clues, nos. 24 and 25. This is because I spotted two words that I had omitted to clue. This should not affect the running of the puzzle in any way.

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
2. Add a glossy varnish
3. Affixing with a knot
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
13. Mitigating
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus
16. Professional drawer of technical plans
17. Shine brightly
18. Small particle
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot
22. Unit of work or energy
23. Urged
24. Use a spade
25. Freudian self

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A
14. Molten rock Straycat 7A
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting Straycat 4D
8. Fruit of the vine Withacee 5D
7. Canine pet Jools 11D
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1D














Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 clue 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. 	

You are all correct. Two people gave answers that are interchangeable on the grid - so I am going to amend the positioning of the words on my grid in accordance with your answers - I am doing this because any additional clues solved would not have helped with your positioning. I will not say who you are or where your answers were originally positioned, as it may influence future guesses in this crossword.

I could not do this with the word "eagle" as more letters would show that eagle could not have gone in the place where people previously guessed. Therefore, eagle is not interchangeable with any other answer.

The grid will be updated forthwith, and the amended grid will appear soonish.

Please no more posts until updated grid appears

That's right - 21D will follow, and you will be added to the tally!

Fish knife

21D

That is incorrect. Please try again.

Clue 8 - 5 Down

GRAPE

Clue 7 - DOG - 11D

Crab knife?

If correct 18A next please

Zoo is correct - 4D will follow. You will be added to the tally.

11 Down: Specialised implement for use, together with a fork, when eating some types of seafood (4,5)

A puzzle with food and drink as the theme.
Please observe the four-hour rule
Solvers’ Tally

Jools 1A, 16A, 16D, 30A, 2D, 9A (6)
Dragon Jr 3D (1)
Straycat 8A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20A, 25A, 26D, 1D, 5D, 12A, 17D, 13D, 32D (9)
Clem3610 4D (1)

Clue 6
1D - eagle

Clue 1. AGM 4d

6a zoo

4d

You may now post again

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Even though there are different colours, on this occasion there is only one Mystery Bonus Word


Clues:
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting
2. Add a glossy varnish
3. Affixing with a knot
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example
7. Canine pet
8. Fruit of the vine
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
13. Mitigating
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus
16. Professional drawer of technical plans
17. Shine brightly
18. Small particle
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot
22. Unit of work or energy
23. Urged

Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)

20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A

10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A

12. Last letter of Greek alphabet Jools 21A

14. Molten rock Straycat 7A

21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude Withacee 11A

6 Across (3):

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23A, 17D, 18D, 1D, 2D (5)
Jools 15A, 5D, 1A, 3D (3)


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

Correct - 18D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

23 A - ENTITLE

18 Down, please.

Amber is correct - You will be added to the tally, and 19D will follow.

23 Across: One who is not Jewish (G replaced by T) (7)

Solvers’ Tally
Withacee 21A, 17D (2)
Jools 15A, 16D, 22A (3)
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)

Amber

19D please

5 Down: Fossilised tree resin in which the preserved bodies of insects and other small creatures can be found (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 13A, 11D, 8A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A, 11A (7)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)

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

Jools, Straycat, and Withacee are all correct - Rabid Wolff on this occasion is incorrect.

The three who are correct will be added to the tally. And the updated grid will appear shortly.

Please no more posts until updated grid appears

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

Lie and fib are correct 20A will follow. You will be added to the tally

LIE & FIB

Next 20A please

Clue 21

11 Across - DEGREE

Clue 14, Magma 7a

clue 12 - OMEGA - 21A

CHEAP Trick

16D next please

Clue 6
7 A
Eagle

"Is it for now or for always,
The world hangs on a stalk?
Is it a ????? or a trysting-place,
The woods we have found to walk?"

*From "Is it for Now or for Always" by Philip Larkin

25 Down: /-----/?????/ (Name - Band 1973-present!) (5)

Solvers’ tally
Jools 5D, 20D, 1A, 1D, 33A, 18D, 24A, 30A, 32D, 37A, 37D, 22A, 23D (13)
Straycat 17A , 45A, 3D, 11A (4)

Information

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

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

You may now post again

*This is a special Christmas competition, and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword


Clues:
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting
2. Add a glossy varnish
3. Affixing with a knot
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example
7. Canine pet
8. Fruit of the vine
9. Harangues relentlessly
11. Irritable
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet
13. Mitigating
14. Molten rock
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus
16. Professional drawer of technical plans
17. Shine brightly
18. Small particle
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude
22. Unit of work or energy
23. Urged
Solved
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack (18D)
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour Withacee 13A
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy Jools 6A





Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 clue 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. 	

6 Down and ???: Two three-letter synonymous words meaning untruth (3; 3)

Solvers’ Tally
Straycat 16D&9A (1)
The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

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 pink. 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 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 ready simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

Yes, it's correct, and 13A will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Laird

If correct, 13A next please

Here is the link

Pictures 3 Clue 6A

I am not giving additional clues in this crossword, but if no one has got it in the next day or two, I will post a different clue which may help with the letters.

Jools, RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack and Withacee are all correct, but I am afraid Straycat is incorrect.

The three correct answers will appear on the updated grid which will appear soon (probably tomorrow). The three of you will be added to the tally.

Clue 6 - Eagle 7a

Clue 20 EGGNOG - 13A

Clue 5 - Goat 18D

Clue 10, GOING, 6A

*This is a special Christmas competition and updates will take precedence over other crosswords so as to be completed before Christmas

The rules are as below with the additional information.

The top three will receive random Christmas tokens in addition to crossword tokens

There is one mystery bonus word hidden which has *5 letters - the colours are seasonal red, green and white.*

When all 5 letters appear the person who guesses it will receive a random Christmas token in addition to an extra point on the tally. This token will be awarded as soon as it is won without waiting for the completion of the crossword

Clues:
1. Abbreviation for yearly meeting
2. Add a glossy varnish
3. Affixing with a knot
4. Alert, waiting for something to happen
5. Billy, Nanny or Kid
6. Bird of prey – golden or bald for example
7. Canine pet
8. Fruit of the vine
9. Harangues relentlessly
10. In horseracing it can be good, soft, firm or heavy
11. Irritable
12. Last letter of Greek alphabet
13. Mitigating
14. Molten rock
15. North American fish of genus Lepisosteus
16. Professional drawer of technical plans
17. Shine brightly
18. Small particle
19. State on southwestern coast of India, tourist hot spot
20. Traditional seasonal drink, yellow in colour
21. Unit of measurement of angles, temperature or latitude/longitude
22. Unit of work or energy
23. Urged

Please read the 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 G

Every answer has one or more G's in it, and all the G'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 G’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 G'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 "piggy" –

You would just enter Clue 14, 1 Down, piggy

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 clue 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. 	

If any crosswords are completed between now and the end of December, the overall winner will receive a random Christmas token in addition to a crossword token.

Don't worry, I will also run a special Christmas crossword, as it may not be possible to complete any of the existing crosswords before Christmas.

The crossword is now complete. There is a Blanks 2 in production, and it will appear in due course.

The solvers' tally is below - and the winners are

1. Jools 15 points
2. macBruck 13 points
3. HenryJaimes 3 points

Well done to the three of you and to the others who took part. If you head over to Recognition Tokens I am about to request your tokens.


Solvers Tally
macBruck 4A, 6D, 7A, 3D, 8A, 13A , 25A , 28A, 16D, 12D, 26A, 29A, 24A (13)
Jools 1A, 1D, 17A, 2D, 5D, 11A, 14A, 14D, 15D, 15A, 20A, 21A, 22D, 27A, 19A (15)
Withacee 6D, 4D (2)
HenryJaimes 9A, 10D, 18D (3)
Dragon Jr 25A (1)
Straycat 19D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23D (1)

Correct - you will be added to the tally, and 1D will follow.

Meteorologist and rain

Next 1D

Oops sorry

6 Across (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A, 1D (2)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule which can be seen at the top of the board
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.

Mounts is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 4A will follow.

I am so sorry - I should have said 13 letters, not 11. I think I mistook it for an 11X11 crossword. I have to let you have it as it was my mistake - it is actually meteorologist and rain, which I am sure you would have got if I had put the correct number of letters.

which clue would you like next?

Please could you reply on the "Pairs" post rather than the Sentence Chain post to avoid confusion.

MOUNTS

4A

Are you sure it's scientist and not just science? If so I will guess

meteorology and rain

1 Down and ???: Scientist who forecasts the weather, and a common weather condition he might predict (11; 4)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A&10A DH (1)
Straycat 1A&10A DH (1)

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

Here is the link:

Sentence Chain Clue 1A

Just don't want it to slip down the board and get forgotten!

If you are struggling, I will try to provide an alternative sentence. Just let me know.

Hollies is correct - 20D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

That's right! 7A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

DCLU


Next 7A

Hollies

20D please

18 Down: Band, among whose many hits was "The Air that I Breathe" (7)

Another puzzle with a musical theme
Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 18A (1)

The mystery bonus words all have five letters – and the colours are blue, brown and purple. See information at the top of the board regarding mystery bonus words.

Please obey the four-hour rule or your point will not be counted. However, if your answer is correct, the crossword will still be updated.

Sam is correct - you will be added to the tally, and 10A will follow.

17 Across: (4)

Solvers’ Tally
eliphont551 14A, 5D, 2D (3)
Jools 6D, 11D, 15D, 20A. 9S (5)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D, 10D, 11A, 18A, 4A, 21A, 9A, 16A, 16D, 3D (9)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will not get your point on the tally
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.

Sam

10A please

1 Across: Window *shades and blinds can be fitted with either inside or outside ______ depending on whether they are installed inside or outside the window frame (6)*

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


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!

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

Please observe the four-hour rule

7 Down: Bogart's Spade (3)

Solvers’ Tally
marcmandy 1A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 3A, 1D, 2D, 8D, 3D, 12A, 34A, 4D, 17A, 13A, 15A, 29A, 5D (13)
eliphont551 30D (1)
Straycat 30A (1)
Dragon Jr 9A (1)
Jools 6D, 17D (2)
Just a general crossword puzzle - a mixed bag with no theme.

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

Please observe the four-hour rule

That's correct. 9A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

66185

Next 9A please

Jools got there first. Ski Lifts is correct. 1A and ??? will follow, and he will be added to the tally.

Straycat - Ski lifts was the full answer. When I post the number of letters (3,5) it refers to both answers. The only thing I don't tell you is the location of the other word.

1 Across: Johnny Cash 1965 El Paso mugshot number (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools (8D) (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

Ski lifts / T bars

If correct 20a please.

SKI LIFTS

1A next please

You are all three correct and will be added to the tally.

No more posts please until updated grid appears

Clue??? and 1 Down: Transport for carrying winter sports enthusiasts and their equipment up mountains (plural) 3,5)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 11A&15D (1)
The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count

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.

Panic is correct. 3D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Mucky is correct. 2D will follow and you will be added to the tally.

Clue 17, Madam 22a

Clue 22 - 4 Down - Amp

MUCKY ?

If correct 2D next please

Clue 10 - ILEUM - 17D

PANIC

Next 3D please

That's correct - you will be added to the tally and 22D will follow.

1 Down: Little Stevie had a _____ face after eating the *stew he had for dinner. (5)*

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A, 6A (2)
Withacee 4D (1)

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

23 Down: Sonny. 22 Down next, please.

23 Down: _____ Bono - One half of a singing duo with his second wife (5)

Solvers’ Tally
*RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4D, 8A (2)*

• Jools 4A, 21A (2) *

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

You May now post again
This puzzle is exempt from the four-hour rule

Clues
1. A number of territories or companies under the rule or ownership of one individual or organisation
3. Confusion
4. Dictum
5. Extinct flightless New Zealand bird
8. Goal
9. Gym shoes
10. Last section of the small intestine
11. Low droning sound
12. Maxi, midi or mini for example
13. Mischief-making mythological beings
15. On fire
17. Polite or formal way to address a woman
18. Songs of praise
19. Sweet potato
20. Traditional farmhouse in Provence
22. Unit of electrical current

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


Please read the 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 clue 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.

1 Across: 2000 crime drama film directed by Henry Bromell (5)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 14A, 15D, 13D, 1D, 21A (5)

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

You are correct. 28A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

DOSAGE

Next 28A

31 Across: Amount of medication to be taken by a patient (6)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will lose a point on the tally

Solvers’ Tally
*RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A (2)*
*Straycat 15A (1)*
*Jools 25A (1)*
Information
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

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

POP

21 A

19 Down: (3)

Solvers’ Tally

Jools 9A, 17A. 11D, 1A , 6A, 1D (6)

eliphont551 13A, 16D, 14D, 20A, 13D, 7A, 3D (7)

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 2D, 18A, 5D, 4D, 15D, 10D, 4A (7)
marcmandy 8D (1)
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.

Please observe the four-hour rule

That's correct. 22A will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Jack SPARROW

22a please.

"‘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

1 Down: ????/-------/ (7) (Name - Fictional Character portrayed by Johnny Depp)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 5D, 13A (2)

Information
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

Correct. You will be added to the tally, and 1A will follow.

XEYE & YES

Next 1A please

1 Down: (4,3)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 6A (1)

Basic rules

Please observe the four-hour rule
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.

U-Boat is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 6A will follow.

Local is correct. You will be added to the tally, and 23A will follow.

LOCAL

Next 23A

U-boat

6A please

Lyall is correct. 2D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

22 Across: In base eight (T replaced by L) (5)

Solvers’ Tally
Withacee 21A, 17D (2)
Jools 15A, 16D (2)
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)

Coeliac is correct. 11D will follow. You will be added to the tally.

2 Down (1-4):



Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23A, 17D, 18D, 1D (4)
Jools 15A, 5D, 1A, 3D (3)


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

LYALL Watson

Next2D please

Coeliac disease

Next 11D please

A puzzle with food and drink as the theme.
Please observe the four-hour rule








9 Across: Auto-immune disease caused by an intolerance to gluten in the diet (7)

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A, 16A, 16D, 30A, 2D (5)
Dragon Jr 3D (1)
Straycat 8A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 20A, 25A, 26D, 1D, 5D, 12A, 17D, 13D, 32D (9)
Clem3610 4D (1)

10 Across: _____ Watson, South African author of "Supernature" (5)

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

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

Oryx is correct, 5D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

It is rather - Thoreau is correct, and 25D will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Strange poem!

Henry Thoreau
Next 25D please

Oryx

5D please

11 Across: Genus of large Arabian or African antelope (4)

Please observe the four-hour rule

Solvers’ Tally
Jools 13A, 11D, 8A (3)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 10D, 14D, 17A, 18D, 23A, 22A (6)
macBruck 12A (1)
Straycat 23A (1)

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

"FROM the time of the early radishes
To the time of the standing corn
Sleepy ????? Hackerman hoes."

From "Weeds" by Carl Sandburg

23 Down: ?????/------- (7) Name (19th Century American philosopher and naturalist)

Solvers’ tally
Jools 5D, 20D, 1A, 1D, 33A, 18D, 24A, 30A, 32D, 37A, 37D, 22A (12)
Straycat 17A , 45A, 3D, 11A (4)

Information

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

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

That bee the right answer! and you are last on the tally! Winners will announced in due course.

BEE

19 Across: Bumble Sting (3)

This is the last clue for this crossword, the next time it appears it will be with an announcement of the winners.

Blanks 2 is in production.

Solvers Tally

macBruck 4A, 6D, 7A, 3D, 8A, 13A , 25A , 28A, 16D, 12D, 26A, 29A, 24A (13)
Jools 1A, 1D, 17A, 2D, 5D, 11A, 14A, 14D, 15D, 15A, 20A, 21A, 22D, 27A (14)
Withacee 6D, 4D (2)
HenryJaimes 9A, 10D, 18D (3)
Dragon Jr 25A (1)
Straycat 19D (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 23D (1)



In this puzzle, the clues are all missing words which either precede or follow each of the two words give in the clue.
If the clue has the two words on the same line as each other e.g.
1 Across: Book Hole (4)
you will know that the answer word comes after the word “book” to make a phrase or compound word, and before the word “Hole” ditto. In this case the answer is “worm” i.e. Bookworm; Wormhole.
if the clue words are underneath each other e.g.

2 Down:
Wrench
Business (6)

This indicates that the answer word either precedes both of the words, or follows both the words. In this case the answer is “Monkey” i.e. Monkey Wrench; Monkey Business

However, I will not tell you whether the words precede or follow the clue words. You will have to work that out for yourself. In the next example the clue words precede rather than follow the answer word, but the clue is formatted in the same way.

5 Across
Clothes
Cart (5)
Here the answer is “Horse” – i.e. Clothes horse, Carthorse

So to sum up

Clue set out with words on same line indicate answer follows the first word and precedes the second
e.g.Bird Box (5) – Answer = “Brain”: Bird (Brain) Box
Clue set out with words one under the other means answer word either precedes both clue words or follows both clue words:
e.g.
Past
Present (5)
Answer = Tense (Past Tense), (Present tense)
Bottle
Bell (4)
Answer = Blue (Bluebottle), (Bluebell)
Solvers please state which clue you would like next
A Solvers’ Tally will be kept and the top three solvers will win Crossword Tokens
Any questions, please do not hesitate to ask

Walkers is correct - Straycat, I don't think there are any verbs as answers to the picture crosswords. More likely than not, the answer will be a noun.

Jools, you will be added to the tally. 6A will follow.

Walkers?

6A next please

Glad you're both happy with it. If the times had been a minute apart it would have been a different story!

I am afraid that's incorrect Straycat You can have another go. The first person to post the correct answer will get the point.

Walking

6a please.

Thanks Heather, that's a fair decision.

1 Down (7)



Solvers’ Tally
Jools 1A (1)
Instructions
Please observe the four-hour rule which can be seen at the top of the board
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 both got the answer correct and both clocked the same time - as this happens so rarely (I've never known it happen on this board) I have decided to give you both a point Jools and Straycat After all, it could only have been a split second between your posts, so there is no way of knowing if it was a dead heat or how many seconds were between your posts.

I hope you are both okay with that.

I will go with Jools' clue choice as Straycat didn't want to choose one! In this type of crossword it isn't obligatory to choose with there being two locations and one being unknown.

Good-O

Mother-of-pearl and Oyster

If correct please choose next clue location.

Mother-of-pearl and Oyster

Next 1D

no it's fine once I reread the instructions

Hi Jools, please let me know if anything could be explained better in the instructions for these crosswords.

Pairs 3 is still outstanding if anyone wants to have a go (provided they haven't had a turn for four hours or more).

That's correct. 16D will follow. You are first on the tally.

Type is correct 17A will follow. You will be added to the tally.

Shades is correct 1A will follow. You will abe added to the tally.

That's correct. 1D and ??? will follow. You are first on the tally

Noise abatement is correct - you are first on the tally. You do not need to state the location of the second word

I will pick the next clue as per your request

OK think I understand now

SEWING-MACHINE

Next 1D

Noise 16d and Abatement 20a

If correct please select next clue location.

So do we guess both words from the clue?

TYPE

Next 17A

Hey There Delilah

18D please

SHADES

Next 1A please

8 Across: (4)

Solvers’ Tally

eliphont551 14A, 5D, 2D (3)
Jools 6D, 11D, 15D, 20A (4)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 12D, 10D, 11A, 18A, 4A, 21A, 9A, 16A, 16D, 3D (9)

Basic rules

Please observe the four-hour rule

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.

23 Across: "Fifty ______ of Grey" by E.L.Grey has been described by some critics as a capitalist allegory. (6)

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


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!

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

Please observe the four-hour rule

18 Across: 2006 hit for the Plain White T's (3,5,7)

Another puzzle with a musical theme
The mystery bonus words all have five letters – and the colours are blue, brown and purple. See information at the top of the board regarding mystery bonus words.

Please obey the four-hour rule or your point will not be counted. However, if your answer is correct. The crossword will still be updated.

1 Across and ???: Iridescent inner shell material (also called nacre) and the mollusc in whose shell it is formed. (6-2-5) and (6)

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

16 Down and ???: UK organisation established in 1959 by John Connell to counteract unnecessary sound pollution _____/_________ Society (5,9)

The four-hour rule should be kept as only the first all correct answer will count
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 pink. 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 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 ready simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

11 Across and ???: Garment making appliance (6,7)

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

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 type of link between the words will vary. It may be synonyms, a first and second name or something else which will be explained 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 ready simultaneously, so all three crosswords will run concurrently.

That's correct 7D will follow. You are on the tally.

That's correct. 1A will follow, and you are first on the tally1

134,217,728

Next 1A

Ma he's making eyes at

7D please

8 Down: 8*~~8~~*~~8~~*~~8~~*~~8~~*~~8~~*~~8~~*~~8~~**8 (9)*

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; you can find one online) 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 could solvers say which clue they would like next

Please observe the four-hour rule

5 Down: Hit song belted out by Scottish singer, Lena Zavaroni, at age 10 /--/---/------/----/--me (2,3,6,4,2)

Solvers’ Tally
marcmandy 1A (1)
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 3A, 1D, 2D, 8D, 3D, 12A, 34A, 4D, 17A, 13A, 15A, 29A (12)
eliphont551 30D (1)
Straycat 30A (1)
Dragon Jr 9A (1)
Jools 6D, 17D (2)

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

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

Please observe the four-hour rule

Stew is correct. 1D will follow, and you will be added to the tally.

Stew?

1D please

6 Across: My mother often made a ____ for dinner at the weekend. (4)

Solvers’ Tally

RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 1A (1)
Withacee 4D (1)



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

Correct - (also Rodgers and Hart in another partnership) 23D will follow, and you will be added to the tally

My pleasure!

Richard Rodgers ( and Oscar Hammerstein)

Next 23D

Please see above the final grid, and below, the solvers.

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

In the token positions are

1st: RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 9 points
2nd: Jools 5 points
3rd: macBruck 4 points

Commiserations to those who missed out, but thank you for taking part. Your contribution is much valued.

If you head over to Recognition Tokens I am about to request your tokens!

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

You are all three correct

Please no more posts until updated grid appears

Anglicus is correct, 31A will follow, and you will be added to the tally

21 Across: Richard _______, American composer of many 20th century musical film scores, his name often paired with the lyricists he collaborated with (7)

Solvers’ Tally
RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 4D, 8A (2)
Jools 4A (1)

Information

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

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.

Clue 16 - 4A - alarm?

Clue 23 - 3d GYM

21A = Isadora

1A please

Clue 14 - Mrs, 23A

Anglicus

Next 31A please

25 Across: Gilbertus ________, Mediaeval English physician, author of the Compendium of Medicine (8)

Please observe the four-hour rule or you will lose a point on the tally

Solvers’ Tally
*RabidWolff of the Wolf Pack 15D, 20A (2)*
*Straycat 15A (1)*

Information

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