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Sorry! That should have been 'take away the first four letters' at 23A.
So, you have a blank square (to be filled by a number), then CH. Then, a three letter word to complete the answer.

Oudemia, Nelson has given you the answer. I was not thinking I could remove just one letter from the beginning of 23d.

Nelson, or anyone brighter than me, I am enjoying this so much but cannot see my way round 39a or 17d. I have dra?d for 39 and ?ea?de??? For 17. Am I wrong?

jogamel, you have the right letters for 17D.
It is a normal clue/entry, four letter word and five letter word.

39A , definition is 'local hussy'.
Take an old word for prostitute and put it round a word meaning to inform and an abbreviation for chinese.
This gives a nine letter word.
But, there is a clash at the end, so you only enter the first four letters.

If you know the theme, it will help to know that the number you put in the last cell of 39A is 6.

Me again. 39a is sorted now, but not 17 yet

17D.
H for hard.
add a three letter word meaning to swallow.
That gives you the first word of the entry.

D for dead.
add a four letter Spenserian word for easy.
That gives the second word.

The definition is Cosmologists final state. (Scientist's term for the way the universe will eventually die.)

Thanks Nelson. Just 4d to check. Is it a proper name? Don't understand Acton. Can you confirm?

Don't laugh. How stupid am I? Got it now. Enjoyed.