to 2415: The Limit

The word was ‘pale’, suggested by PEELIE-WALLY (1A) and the title, which, with changes to its FIRST VOWEL (7D/33), becomes ‘Pele’ (suggested by VOLCANO GODDESS (22/27)), ‘pile’ (LOADSAMONEY (41)), ‘pole’ (STANG (31)) and ‘pule’ (WHINE (10)). PALE (in the ninth column) was to be shaded.

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 12 August. There are two runners- up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers dictionary instead of cash — ring the word ‘dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2418, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

First prize R.P. Wright, Loughton, Essex
Runners-up R. Dickinson, Lewes, East Sussex; Simon Shaw, Goosnargh, Lancashire