Unclued lights are six characters from 45 and its author. Five of these undergo 45 in one way before entry; the other two must undergo 45 in another way afterwards (leaving real words). Collins confirms the thematic information. Across 1 Radical dissent about America’s dirty quality (9) 11 Briefly desiring drug (7) 13 Endlessly
On 18 March 2017 the great ROCK’N’ROLLER (3) Chuck Berry died. Round the perimeter run the titles of four of his compositions, ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN, JOHNNY B. GOODE, YOU NEVER CAN TELL and NADINE, followed by his initials. The further title given is SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN (14/26/23). First prize Peter Dean, London W8 Runners-up E.
Eight unclued lights are of a kind; the remaining two complete four words from a quote, which is appropriately positioned and must be highlighted. Across 12 Old noble returning 50 eggs (4) 13 See adult in Moroni, perhaps, as this? (8) 14 Confusion restrained in mediocre way to play (9) 15 Latin on air
The unclued lights are titles of Russian novels minus their ‘and’ (И in Russian): 17 CRIME and 9 PUNISHMENT (Dostoevsky), 40 WAR and 34 PEACE (Tolstoy), 22 FATHERS and 8 SONS (Turgenev), and 10 THE MASTER and 11 MARGARITA (Bulgakov). First prize Mrs G. Hancock, Thornbury, Bristol Runners-up Philip Dacre, York; Tom Richards, Wolfscastle,
Two pairs of unclued lights are theme names. Remaining unclued lights aren’t in themselves thematic, but their unchecked letters complete a book title, and part of its sub-title, in two symmetrically placed, curving lines reading down. Both phrases are (14, three words) and need highlighting. The ODE confirms 19, 28, and 43. Across 6
Unclued lights are three groups of three words of a kind, each group relating differently to a theme word. This theme word appears in the grid (8 letters, reading across) translated into the appropriate language and must be highlighted. The unchecked and cross-checking letters in the nine theme words are DARN HANDSOMELY arranged. Across
The perimetric quotation (referring to October), AMBIGUOUS MONTH, THE MONTH OF TENSION, THE UNENDURABLE MONTH’, is followed by DL, the initials of its author, Doris Lessing, a NOBEL LAUREATE (2/5). The source is the novel MARTHA QUEST (18/17). First prize Christopher Hanafin, Adare, Co. Limerick Runners-up Sara MacIntosh, Darlington, Co. Durham; C.J. Ellis, Rochester, Kent
Round the perimeter run the titles of three songs from the musical Guys and Dolls, epitomised by SKY (28) Masterson and SARAH (11) Brown, and NATHAN (19) Detroit and Miss ADELAIDE (39): A BUSHEL AND A PECK, IF I WERE A BELL and SIT DOWN YOU’RE ROCKIN’ THE BOAT. First prize P.L. Macdougall, London SW6
Definitions in ten clues contain a misprint; corrections spell out a theme word. Unclued lights are four pairs of words of a kind, each relating to the theme word in a different way. Elsewhere, ignore one accent. Across 11 Like some parasites? See ten in rotten tree house (12) 12 Statesman needs iron, regularly
Oscar WILDE (35) described hunting as THE UNSPEAKABLE IN FULL PURSUIT OF THE UNEATABLE (1A, 14, 30, 42), and the huntsmen are John PEEL (12), JORROCKS (R.S. Surtees) (19) and Siegfried SASSOON (Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man) (28). First prize Heather Weeks, Hove, East Sussex Runners-up Hilda Ball, Belfast; Hugh Thomas, Ixworth, Suffolk
Clues are listed in alphabetical order of their solutions. An 11-word quotation runs around the perimeter from the top left-hand corner. Four thematic clued answers need highlighting, as does a thematic name (7) in the completed grid. Not looking well, with a scar and spasm? (10) Gossip’s husband abandoning visit (4) Always home for
The play was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. The characters were BRICK (1A), DOCTOR BAUGH (7/5), MAE (20), BIG MAMA (37/41), BIG DADDY (37/39D), GOOPER (45) and REVEREND TOOKER (10). CAT (6th row) and A HOT TIN ROOF (7th row) were to be shaded. Title: Maggie (Brick’s wife) was the only
The transformation is 10A (three words), which suggests the other unclued lights, including one of two words and one hyphened. Across 1 Similar object I really change (8) 6 Hot dog including everything (6, two words) 12 Duck, bloody, that is sent back (5) 13 Bending law welcomed by fellow in government (7) 15 Make
MARCOBRUNNER (11) is composed of words whose definitions are 1D, 24, 32; 13, 17, 35; and 9, 29A, 38. First prize Peter Bond, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire Runners-up Rebecca Mawle, Great Nolford, Warwickshire; Peter Maddox, Swansea
One unclued light is a publication (two words). The others are relevant figures (all in Chambers) who appear in a form suggested by the publication’s title. Across 1 Maybe camping, emptied lavatory diligently (8) 8 Heartlessly shakes young animals (4) 12 Earl leaves part of UK, touring king’s avenues (5) 16 Bed of rock’s silicon
The unclued lights, in one case paired, are all suggested by a thematic phrase (two words), which is set out in an appropriate form in the grid and must be highlighted. Across 1 Brass and slate vessel (8) 6 Really humid round townships (6) 10 Ham cast chose plays — they cause discomfort (12) 12
The PROVERB (35) (in ODQ), associated with the KENNEDY (19) FAMILY (31), was ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’. EDIT (36) is ‘A rising tide’. WORT (9), POOLS (15D), BUT (21D), GUT (26) and LEEK (39) are ‘lifted’ boats. EDIT was to be shaded. First prize V. Kendall, Ware, Herts Runners-up Geoffrey Telfer, Shipley, W.
The theme word is 29 down, which defines each of the other unclued lights (including one of two words) in one way or another. All unclued lights are entered in a thematically appropriate manner. Across 1 A posh French novelist covers good French region (8) 6 Divine sun? Relax, it’s most excellent (6) 10
‘THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH YIELDING PLACE TO NEW’, from Tennyson’s IDYLLS OF THE KING, suggests the outcome of ANAGRAMMATISM (2). ALFRED LORD TENNYSON is an anagram of 9/20/22/38. Title: anagram of THE OLD ORDER. First prize Michael Smith, Aldershot, Hants Runners-up Dr J.A. McClellan, Portsmouth, Hants; A.C.R. Bull, Canterbury, Kent
Seven unclued lights are ANAGRAMS (23) of numbers. 2 (7A) + 11 (17) + 10 (40) + 16 (5) + 18 (6) + 3 (31) = 60 (36). First prize Jack Shonfield, Child Okeford, Dorset Runners-up Michael Ollerenshaw, Bowdon, Cheshire; M. Purdie, Cupar, Fife
