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My good friend usually sends me a scan of the puzzle on a Saturday but, unfortunately, is unable to do so this week until maybe Wednesday. I'm not in the UK so can't buy the paper. I wonder if any kind person might email me a scan please? If so, my email is simond9x AT gmail DOT com

Many thanks

I agree with the comments about this one. An hour for me while half distracted watching the england collapse.

But the general comments are unfair I think. There have been a number of excellent puzzles this year, although I agree the last few weeks it seems like we have had a higher number of easier ones than usual. And as mentioned, last week’s, while not perfect, was very good.

And either last year or the year before the forums were full of comments about what a vintage year this was for excellent listener puzzles.

I've sent it, Simon. Hope you get it.

Like you, Smellyharry, I've enjoyed most Listener puzzles, including those of recent times, but this one unfortunately is an exception, for reasons given below.

Grid received. Thanks Jo!

If I this bear of little brain can finish this puzzle in a little over an hour, without much need to refer to reference resources, it must be easy. I can understand why people are being critical. Ah well, on the plus side, it does leave the weekend free for uninterrupted gardening, perhaps they knew it was going to be good weather?

@ ChrisE

"I only attempt the Guardian and RT crosswords."

Chris, we often pass each other on the Guardian Cryptic page - that being the only crossword I did until 18 months ago. My friend urged me to try the Listener and I haven't regretted it. It requires a different mindset and a willingness to use solving aids, especially Chambers which I have on my laptop and phone. It's very addictive and today's would be a good one to cut your teeth on if you've never tried it before.
Cheers,
Simon

I agree with this post (simond9x) If The Listener is always impenetrable except to the seasoned solvers this will discourage others from attempting the puzzle. If the following is lost, the puzzle may be lost as it nearly was a few years ago.

Having carried out the preamble instruction regarding the final grid I don't think looks like what I imagine it's supposed to look like, but if I made it look authentic I'd be breaching the preamble. Hmmm.

Murky, my grid looks quite pretty - and quite authentic. Did you remember the '...must remain unchanged. The rest of the grid must be..'? The first part of that makes the final grid better.