16/17 (four words in total) is a work by 11 which suggests the remaining unclued lights. Five clues contain a redundant word; these can be rearranged to provide the twenty-two unchecked and cross-checking letters in all unclued entries. Across 1 Take lead from better Iraqi writer (6) 5 Opposed awfully stupid ado with
The full quotation was ‘Mother, GIVE ME THE SUN’ (14/7) from Ghosts by HENRIK IBSEN (29/1D). Remaining unclued lights give ME THE SUN: MI/RA (12), MOI/RA (24), MOI/RE (25) and MI/RE (39). GHOSTS (in the ninth row) was to be shaded. First prize Pamela Moorey, London EC1 Runners-up A. & P. James, Winchester, Hants; Kenneth
The nine unclued lights (including two of two words) form three groups of three: two of the three groups each contain words of a kind; the final group makes up a four-word title. The theme word which links the groups must be highlighted in the final grid. Ignore three accents. Across 1 Prepare
Unclued lights (including three of two words and one of three words) are four people connected by the 11A and four partial representations of their works (minus definite articles); solvers must complete each representation by shading the whole light appropriately. Ignore two apostrophes. Across 1 Correct direction by board with head for commercial quality
YEARLY FAST (30 3) defines LENT (36) and is also a cryptic indication of PAPACY (16A — i.e. pa + pacy). Lent is followed by EASTER (34), marked with a BLESSING (40) known as URBI ET ORBI (2) by the holder of the papacy, currently Pope FRANCIS (28A). First prize B. Taylor, Little Lever, Bolton
Five unclued lights make up a six-word quotation (verifiable in ODQ) by an author whose name must be highlighted in the grid. Remaining unclued lights, all real words in Chambers, each begin with a word suggested by the first two words of the quotation. Ignore two accents and one apostrophe. Across 1
The works were novels by Evelyn Waugh: Put Out More Flags (anagram of 1A/35), Black Mischief (16/23), The Loved One (17/7D) and Vile Bodies (21A/31). First prize Miriam Moran, Pangbourne, Berks Runners-up Mrs R.J.C. Shapland, Ilkeston, Derbyshire; John Light, Addlestone, Surrey
Answers to clues in italics are pie (13), as (15), unled (22) and heel (27). In each case it is necessary to PUT IN AN APPEARANCE (32 10) to create the grid entry. Definitions of thematic entries are 3, 16, 40 and 12. First prize Belinda Bridgen, London NW8 Runners-up A.L. James, Winchester, Hants; P.J.W.
Definitions in ten clues are a letter down; missing letters, in clue order, spell out the creator of one unclued light (three words) which defines the other seven (including one hyphened). Elsewhere, ignore one accent. Across 1 Chap started to mine free ores, developing alloy (14, hyphened) 10 From Austria, backless seat
Part of a literary work (13 words) goes clockwise around the perimeter starting from square 1. Remaining unclued lights are anagrams of five words which make up a key image from the work. Letters in the twenty unchecked perimeter squares could give: DIT WHERE I CHIDE and SEDUCE. Elsewhere, ignore one apostrophe. Across 10 One
Five unclued lights were to be VOWELLED (28) in a UNIQUE (2) way: CATAMARAN (4A), GEE-GEE (3), DISINHIBIT (39), BOOBOO (31) and SURUCUCU (21). First prize Albert Fowler, Bexleyheath, Kent Runners-up J.S. Roberts, Rodmell, East Sussex; C.G. Millin, Ramleaze, Wiltshire
45/11 (seven words) is part of a quotation (in ODQ7) from 13/34D. Remaining unclued lights, all real words in Chambers, must be filled to display two items for which the quotation is entirely inappropriate. Collins confirms 6A. Across 1 Grouchy papalist speaking (4) 6 Intimidate French socialists with touchy bent (8, two words) 12 Playing
‘OFF WITH HER HEAD (1A)!’ was screamed by the Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Remaining unclued lights were girls’ names minus their first letters: [M]ARIA (9), [P]AULA (12), [C]ATHERINE (15), [I]SABELLA (22), [F]RANCES (29), [B]RIGID (33) and [A]MELIA (34). HEARTS (14) was to be shaded. Title: [A]LICE. First prize Julie Sanders, Bishops