Apex Productions proudly present - THE WAY TO BEAT INFLAT ION

A Christmas Spectacular starring

ANNE BOYES                 NORAH JARMAN    DOROTHY TAYLOR

ably supported by

C Allen Baker Jonathan Crowther Bertram Franco Michael Holroyd Mike Laws Don Manley
Les May Parry Michael. Jeremy and Richard Morse Alec Robins
William Slimmings Stephen Sondheim Fred. Stubbs John Sweeting
Diagram by  Apex

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This puzzle is the result of an experiment. It seemed to me that the Annual Christmas Puzzle would be much more interesting if Members could be persuaded to contribute all the clues. It was a bit of a. gamble but, of the original 17 invited, only one declined. Perhaps a more ambitious production with a cast of 36 could be staged, if the puzzle proves to be a complete success, but this will depend upon the solving and I await comments with great interest. If interested, let me know when you submit your clue. The 42 letters (11 words) of the perimeter of the diagram, starting at one of the squares in the top row and reading clockwise, give the clue to 17 Across. All clues (except 17 and 23) are presented in pairs, each being linked with its symmetrical opposite’ In 14 of the 16 pairs, the two clues are separated by one redundant word and the initial letters of these give the unchecked letters of the perimeter. Competitors to send a double clue to the top row of the perimeter (word on left clued first) with the two clues separated by any one redundant word beginning with the initial letter of the second word to be clued.

ACROSS

8,33           Small submarine being run alongside a deadly chaser - a piece of idiocy nipped in the bud (4,4)

9,32           Passionate hero who’s tender in bed, presumably also one that’s turned over satisfied (4,4)

11,31         Woman is a beauty doubly deficient, heart - broken as her breasts’ contents don’t gain approval we hear (6,6)

12,29         Stopping short on the verge arid turning pink, “Nab him, Five of Clubs,” snaps the Queen observing the Mad Hatter and., full of hostility, may decree “Off with his head!” (12,12)

13,28         Divine! Conclusion of epicure coming to the end of a well baked King Edward? (4,4)

14,26         Hutton, encompassing big hit with old - style flash, imitates lazy chap Grace, for example, taking only a single (5,5)

16,24         Cheer for Palmer’s round, one blanketed by St Andrean mist - atmospheric cover indeed, after turn, leads to pitching problems (4,4)

17              (7)

19,22         Distraction in court: “Bring back the rope!” interrupts closing address in most grievous case - fab1ed multiple killer? (6,6)

23              It increases fertility - one born every minute? (7)

DOWN

1,25           Average space for putting up plant nowadays, rod or pole (errors excepted.) (6,6)

2,18           Respectful of reduced flexibility of bow when going about is one aircraft - carrier becalming a sailor on cutter, I see (8,8)

3,15           Distressed areas in U.K., Basque unrest, disturbance affecting half Europe - I’m late in evacuating agent (9,9)

4,28           What might be regarded as seamy in the old days is “together” now: love among the Himalayan Indians at first caused beatings there (5,5)

5,21           Bounder in plane circling East Indian island tricks part of fleet, mashes up one vessel (7,7)

6,30           Yet when climbing is snow inclined to linger in Shanrgri-1a? (4,4)

7,27           Ancient Eastern ruler, male but sounded female. Exactly right - a born queen (5,5)

10,20         Nudists on beach don’t sit on it long in English circ1e, busy with Macs - could be clear around 5 (6,6)