Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

THE CLUES
Requests for help should normally include the clue itself, the number of letters in the answer, and details of any you already have. Any special instructions or additional information should be included.
HINTS only should be given, no answers please.

THE THEME
Requests may be made here for GENTLE NUDGES towards the theme, do NOT reveal the theme under any circumstances.

Yes,'hints' and 'gentle nudges' are vague terms, but we can all try to get the balance right.

Early finishers should avoid any reference - jocular or otherwise - to the theme. And, as ever, please treat the Listener with the respect it deserves.

I realise that this is slightly off topic for this thread, but I note that the solution for Listener 4710 (Surprised by Sabre) on the Times website shows two cells that are completely blocked off from the rest - the M in MAERL and the S in DROPS. Did I miss something in that puzzle?

I’m sure you didn’t miss anything, kitsune. The solution notes on the website give MAERL and DROPS, so I think the printed grid mistakenly has two extraneous bars in it.

Thank you, quisling, that's reassuring.

I have to confess that it took several seconds for me to clock how the last of my 6 letter words linked to the theme!

Does it begin with R? I'm making hard work of the last bit.

...just spotted the one to which jack aubrey may be alluding.

The 3 letter one is stubbornly refusing to reveal itself and enable me to get across the line.

To S1/R1 - MP.

or Frank Richards may help.