Hi Wendy thanks for the note. I have only recently discovered this site. The speed of the replies makes me realise just how good at crosswords people are.
Apart from the hints on solving a cryptic I also noted the table on compilers as to who they really are. I do the Guardian crossword and usually look at who is the compiler so as to give me an idea as to the degree of difficulty. Araucaria is still the best in my opinion.
Have a good weekend yourself