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I think I have completed this one successfully and found four pairs which work together, but have no idea how the remaining two unclued answers (12a and 24a) relate to those pairs or the preamble? Any hints would be welcome!

Those two entries each 'include a thematic component'. I think they're the 'individually' mentioned in the preamble.

PS I could be wrong!

Thanks malone - based on your reply, I will have a tea break and then take a fresh look at the problem!

I agree with you Malone about 12 and 24 across. 14 across does not appear in my copy of either Chambers or OED but I was able to confirm the obvious answer by Googling that and the definition.

Thanks, alwayspuzzled. 14 Across isn't in my Collins, but I was, like you, happy with the answer.

It's taken a while to sink in, but I now see the 'individual' reference! Thanks malone and alwayspuzzled.

Macman, glad you're got it sorted, confirmed, whatever!

After sailing through most of this, I can’t see 1a or 1d.....
Gentle hint? As it’s only Thursday afternoon.
I have a B in 1a, from a thematic, which really isn’t helping me.

Without giving too much away:
1a. The B is quite helpful for the 'regular' letters (preceded by a word for Shetland viol).
1d is a word of French origin?

Thanks. I'm finished.
But wow that top leftt corner was very tough!
I did enter the wrong answer for 2d - a trick clue with two perfectly good answers and I went with the wrong one - so that didn't help.
Not heard of the words at 1a or 1d - or 11a.
Still can't see parsing for 1d, but leave it, I'll think on. Don't want spoilers so early.