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Sorry I am late starting - planting raspberries, blueberries and watering while I can. The answer to 5d would open up Xword for me. An ordinary girl, distant creature. (5-8)
second word, second letter A last letter G

penny farthing?

Yes Penny Farthing - an ordinary/bicyle

Penny - Girl
Far thing - remote

Thank you both, am now left with just 15d 'Semi-Christian sect apt to leave Anabaptists confused.(8) ?s?b?a?s and 25a 'Mistresses take action to hold back desire'(8) S?E?N?Y?
Stepneys fits, will check dictionary. Any help appreciated.

Tsabians ..anabaptists less apt

Step ney s....yen< in Steps

Thank you Tony thats a great help. Can I ask you if you complete a harder crossword than this one, this is really beyond my ability and I can't complete without some help, but can't resist the challenge.1

Hi plodder

This was a bit of a 'toughie'.
Experience is everything ( i've been crosswording for over 65 years) and, if you do ask for help, then ensure you fully understand the logic behind the solutions. Always ask if you are unsure as fellow puzzlers are more than happy to help.
Keep at it and good luck.

Thanks for the comment Tony. I phrased my question badly I meant to say are there other crosswords harder than Saga and with your years of experience do you attempt them?

I think that EV (Enigmatic Variations), Magpie,
Inquisitor & The Listener are generally more difficult, and from a personal viewpoint I concentrate on these and themed, bar grid puzzles.
Try the Spectator. There is a link to the puzzle on here every Thursday. It is a good middle range puzzle and a good introduction to grids other than the standard ones.

Thanks Tony that's in my diary for Thursday.