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 Nothing bad about fruit (5)
20 In Venice perhaps time one takes a marine group (7)
21 Second day in twelve for one in pod (7)
23 Start to collapse with low sound, and fall to bits (7)
24 Caught by piece of chain in prison (5)
25 Beer-lovers see no point in one taking shots (5)
27 Being there, lost in part of the forest (7, two words)
32 Gets a lift, as horse is uncomfortable (7)
36 One making a cell break in sly manoeuvre (5)
37 Central heating I shortly ignited: it’s hot! (5)
38 Across depot, notice is taken down (6)
39 Hide from singular relatives (4)
40 Fighter so battered; don’t worry about his mouth (9, two words)
41 Think about this prize (4)
Down
1 Shoots the judges (5)
2 One abroad rejected GI shop, going in to have meal (5)
3 Born lifeless, lacking blood group that’s essential (6)
4 One of 150 shillings concealed in the hand? (5)
5 Upright countryman loses footing, in with the others (7)
6 Work endlessly bringing cows over — such energy (7)
7 Be dishonoured, securing nothing in profit (6)
8 Beetle around, about to appeal — one’s holding the catch (9, two words)
11 Perilously alone with new limo about to break down (10, four words)
13 Engine-driver takes officer up state (7)
15 Female, unruly, not spotted (8)
16 Weapon the French need — life shattered (10, two words)
21 Get Scotsman to order round, including a coffee (9)
22 Answers happy birthday wishes (7)
26 A Greek serf accepts Leto initially...
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