Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, and Saturday's crossword - despite being a prize puzzle - for some reason is always easier!
We do not have any plans for this coming weekend as yet.
We have been very child-orientated over the last few weeks!
Great fun though it has been, I think perhaps we need a leisurely weekend to catch up on some R &R!
The Great North City Games at Newcastle are tomorrow....
And on Sunday, it is the Great North Run....... the half- marathon between Newcastle and South Shields.
We must be coming to the end of the Athletics events, I think?

Good morning, Elle!
Fine morning here!
I don't find the Saturday puzzle easier!
Laura Muir says this is her last outdoor event of the year.
So, yes, the outdoor season must be ending.
I have not looked at the TV schedules to see what is on over the weekend, though.

A Very Good morning to you, Rusty!
A pleasant, coolish, day here!
We are just home from a two -hour (energetic) walk with the dog.
From now on, I am taking it easy today....
A coffee, apple and cheese whilst I look at the crosswords.....
Then Athletics in the early afternoon - 1.15 pm till 3. 45 pm on BB1.
The Newcastle City Games.
How about you?
What are you up to?

Hello, Elle!
I was out and about earlier.
I think I am home for the day.
Nothing planned anyway.
Just finished my puzzle.
Not certain I have 20a correct, for the parse escapes me just now.
I shall put it away just now and come back to it!

Hi, Rusty!
I was sitting at my computer when your message came through!
Yes, I've finished the crossword, too.
I feel well satisfied today....apart from 21d and 24a which I have yet to parse, I am pleased with my achievements!
My especial favourite clue is 25a.....
( I knew that one day all that Shakespearean reading would come in handy!!)
But I also liked 9a; 12a; 17a and 16d.
Yes, a good puzzle!
It makes up for yesterday's!
A small hint for 20a...do exactly what the clue says!

Aha, Elle!
Did what you said and got "scheme/idea"!
I was thinking AI (artificial insemination) for a "start", and other weird combinations to get a parse!
Great stuff, thank you!
No more puzzles for me until Monday.
I knew Percy/Harry Hotspur.
I read up on him about a year ago when I would never have known the connection.
A good test today was the puzzle.
Well done on finishing and parsing it, Elle!

Hi, Rusty!
I still have two to parse, though, Rusty.
For 21d: I have "brass" = "money" (def)
I thought "bra" for "supporter".... but then couldn't account for the "ss"?
and 24a: "abut" = "border" (def)..... but cannot parse the remainder?
What am I not seeing here?
I'm watching the City Games at Newcastle.....
Are you watching them, too?
What miserable weather for the athletes - and their supporters!
We still have sunshine here!

Hello, Elle!
Still a bright sunny day here, too.
Now, 24a, read your answer backwards!
21, I am not sure about.
Like you I thought, "bra" and can not see where "ss" fits in.
There is a golf club called a "brassie" and if you remove "that is/ie" you are left with "brass/money", but a golf club is not a supporter?
I'll come back to that one later.
For a fresh look at it.

Hello, Elle!
I have had a thought!
A supporter is a "brassiere".
Remove "ie/that is" and "re/about"
and you are left with "brass" for "money".
That would do, perhaps?

Hi, Rusty!
Wow! Yes, I think you have it there!
How clever of you!
I should have sat here till the cows came home and never got that!
(These poor cows....!)
Likewise with "tuba"..... I didn't see that, either!
Great...all finished now!
I've enjoyed today's puzzle!
Did you watch the Athletics?
I missed bits due to phone calls......but saw most of it.
It was sad to see Greg Rutherford go!
But he is all set for a new career in cycling!