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Shellraine, I admire you confidence (in me) because I have been struggling to start putting in the across answers since yesterday evening and still can't begin. Are you able to offer a substantial shove?

I've solved the clues except for the first four down ones and that would really help in placing the answers. Thanks in anticipation!

Hi Jogamel. Tricky to know how much of a hint without giving the 'game' away!! There is a major, annual event/contest starting this weekend. The 9th, 10th (unclued) and 11th across clues fill the middle row (which is also, coincidentally a hint in itself).

Orson he first down clue is a drink which is 5 letters hidden (backwards) in the rest of the clue.

Thanks, shellraine. I did think of doing that but as the last down answer is 4 letters I thought the first down one would also be 4.

Easy mistake, Orson. But the last down clue doesn't end in last row!

Could I have help with these please
12a Before food, starters of apple in stewed South American fruits (5) A?A?S

14a Vacuous American to stop working either a little manly fellow or a girl (5) ?N?IE

12ac is ACAIS. ac = before food then first letters.

Is the last but one down answer SHOE or SHOO?

shoe to match up symmetrically with ANES