Four unclued lights (eight words in all) form a phrase describing an activity. The other unclued lights give the author, and names of three participants Across 9 Grow variable and impressionable (4) 10 Country in bad state, one further reduced (9, two words) 17 Watch acceleration in speed, say, when reversing (5) 18
Along the top and bottom rows of the grid runs a seasonal quotation of 11 words. 81 clues contain a superfluous word; the initial letters of these words in clue order spell out another seasonal quotation of 21 words; ignore the apostrophe. Other unclued lights (five of two words, one of three), singly or linked,
GRASSHOPPERS (9) of ZURICH (30) is a team that plays football — not cricket, as indicated by corrections of misprints in clues. Other unclued lights are related STRIDULATING INSECTS (13 28). First prize R.C. Teuton, Frampton Cotterell, South Glos Runners-up N.J. Smithies, Guernsey; Charles McCulloch, Temple, London
Unclued lights (three of two words; ignore one apostrophe) may be grouped to form a related triad. Across 1 Old wife to claim freebie from party (8, two words) 5 Arrest of secret police (6) 11 King’s job reduced: that hurt part of the fleet (10) 16 From lack of energy Roman general
Films starring AUDREY HEPBURN (4 29) include MY FAIR LADY, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, SABRINA FAIR and ROMAN HOLIDAY in the perimeter, and (defined by the puzzle’s title) CHARADE. First prize Ray Nolan, Droylsden, Manchester Runners-up Sandra Speak, Dursley, Glos; Stephen Saunders, Midford, Bath
Unclued lights (one of three words) are of a kind, as suggested by the title. Across 7 Mostly stern examination (3) 11 African’s body to rest briefly (6) 13 One fitted into more extensive counter (7) 15 Entice to enter round dance (5) 16 Having only a small Kazakh coin, couldn’t visit restaurant?
‘ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME’ (1D/19) is a work by AUGUSTUS TOPLADY (18/13). ELIZABETH WINDSOR (4A/26) and MICHELLE OBAMA (12/34A) were each suggested by TOPLADY. Title: associated hymn tune. First prize Peter and Jeannie Chamberlain, Rushden, Northants Runners-up M. Purdie, Cupar, Fife; Mrs Rhiannon Hales, Ilfracombe, Devon
Eight unclued lights are of a kind; as is, fancifully, the ninth. Across 6 Hurry up to fill space with one big cup (6) 12 Ape, given exercise to open fish, discarded skin (10, two words) 13 I agree Spain is rarely pleasant (5) 15 Unable to move furniture? Sure (10) 16 Witter about horse
Extra letters in clues plus 1A give ‘the separation of philosophers into sages and cranks’, an extract from a quotation by QUINE (35). 24, 25, 29 are sages; 17, 39, 42 are cranks. First prize Storm Hutchinson, Dulas, Anglesey Runners-up William Spont, Bellingham, Massachusetts; Nick Hussey, Overton, Hampshire
Unclued lights (two of two words and one doing double duty), singly or paired, reveal some that are to be gone over, and two that famously did so. Ignore one accent and two apostrophes. Across 1 Paradoxical suit, a product of mine (13, two words) 9 Police once crashed into rumpus (7) 14