1D, 3, 15D and 40 are fictional TIGERS (30) created by 20, 35, 4A and 12. Extra letters in clues form the thematically allusive statement high risk pets emerge in reports, supplying unchecked letters of the unclued lights. First prize Patricia Gibbs, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire Runners-up E. Hogg, London SW13; Philip Hawkins, Wirksworth, Matlock, Derbyshire
Four unclued lights (two of which consist of two words each) belong in the same category; one unclued light defines them. Remaining unclued lights are the surnames of their creators. Each of twenty-seven clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter; the extras are the unchecked
TOO-TOO is a HOMOPHONE (38) of TUTU (defined by 1A and 8, and the surname of 17, the former 11 of 25). The highlighted words, both starting at 22, combine to form a homophonous representation of the puzzle’s number. First prize Michael Grocott, Loughborough, Leics Runners-up Brenda Widger, Altrincham, Cheshire; F. Khaya, New South Wales,
One unclued light (hyphened) is a 38 of a word hidden in the grid. Two unclued lights are definitions of the hidden word, which is also the surname of a former 11 of 25 (two words), whose first name is an unclued light. The hidden word and its 38 — both starting in an appropriate
Unclued lights complete the titles of Carry On films. First prize Tony Hankey, London W4 Runners-up Mark Roberts, Hostert, Luxembourg; Tony Dew, London SW13
Two clues are without definitions; their answers form the name of a person with a leading part in four works whose titles read clockwise round the perimeter. The title of another work involving the person, concealed in one row, must be highlighted. Letters in corner squares and those adjacent to them could make A FAB
The unclued Down lights are books, entered in reverse as indicated by the phrase TURN-UP FOR THE BOOKS (1A 27 28 43). First prize Daniel Angel, Twickenham, Middlesex Runners-up Rhidian Llewellyn, Minchinhampton, Glos; Jacqui Sohn, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
A phrase, formed by four unclued lights, incorporates a definition of the other unclued lights and an indication of the way in which they are entered. Two unclued lights are hyphened. Across 7 Nun, see, has to thank saint (6) 12 Rude man I’d sadly not held in high regard (9)
The future is not for parties ‘playing politics’ (16 29 1A 15) is a quotation by Woodrow Wilson. 1A provides a cryptic indication of 5, 13, 23 and 28. First prize Stephen Saunders, Midford, Bath Runners-up F.J. Bentley, Tiverton, Devon; Ian Dempsey, Oldwick, New Jersey
Four unclued lights can be arranged to form an eight-word excerpt from a quotation (in ODQ). One of these lights provides a cryptic indication of each of the other unclued lights. Each of thirteen clues comprises a definition and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter; the extras spell the name
PERCH (13A), SCAR (21A and 10D), SHAD (40A), EEL (5D) AND CARP (19D) were ignored in wordplay in their clues. The other unclued lights are listed in Chambers as things you may FISH for. First prize P.D.H. Riddell, London SE23 Runners-up Lynne Gilchrist, Willoughby, Australia; A. Willson, Leicester
In nine clues, cryptic indications omit reference to parts of answers; these parts must be highlighted, to reveal a definition applicable to each of the five members of the perimeter cordon, reading clockwise, and two unclued lights. Letters in corner squares and those adjacent to them could make TEAM NEAR GAPS. Two of the perimeter’s
The words FAST FORWARD (given by letters added to definitions in clues) define 42 and 11, both indicating the way in which loans (1, 13, 18, 25, 32 and 43) are supplied. First prize John Newell, Kingston upon Thames Runners-up Tim Hanks, Douglas, Isle of Man; Andrew Hawkins, Prenton, Wirral
In each of eleven clues there is an added letter in the definition part. These letters, in clue order, spell two words, each of which is a definition of an unclued light. The lights in question, as synonymous terms, indicate the way in which the other unclued lights are supplied. Two unclued lights consist of
Corrections of misprints in clues give BETWEEN THE SHEETS, the name of a COCKTAIL (1A) whose contents (11, 18/34, 29 and 40) appear in the grid between the sheets (19 and 21). First prize Jenny Mitchell, Croscombe, Wells, Somerset Runners-up G.R. Snailham, Windsor, Berkshire; Brian Midgley, Ettington, Warwickshire
Each of sixteen clues contains one misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell the name (three words) of a 1A, contents of which are given by five unclued lights (including two as a pair). The 1A’s name also describes the location in the grid of its contents in relation to two other
Material from superfluous words in clues gives ‘fingers on buzzers’ (describing 2/20 and 8/33), ‘your starter for ten’ (indicating 31, which is defined by 24) and ‘have to hurry you’ — all PHRASES (4D) used by BAMBER GASCOIGNE when he presented University Challenge. 24 January 2015 was his 80th birthday. First prize Hilda Ball, Belfast
Each clue contains a superfluous word. When these words are put in sequence according to alphabetical order of answers to clues, initial letters of thirty-three of them spell two 4D made famous by a certain person. Remaining words in the sequence form another of the 4D used by the person in question. The first of
Eight unclued lights were papal names used only once. Pope JOAN (30) was the fanciful ninth. First prize Michael Grosvenor Myer, Haddenham, Cambridge Runners-up Roderick Rhodes, Goldsborough, N. Yorks; Anne Manger, Penrith, Cumbria
One unclued light is the name of a 15A activity requiring the 4A of three things. Answers to clues in italics must be treated before entry in the grid in such a way as to fulfil this requirement. Definitions of the resulting entries are supplied by the remaining unclued lights, one of which is hyphened.
