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Ifor’s second offering this weekend is at least as good, and in my opinion, even better than his IQ. One of those where you are in the dark about the wider picture but seem to be making incremental progress - and then it all goes to custard. Except in the next couple of steps major light dawns and everything comes together, all difficulties get resolved and the overall shape is clear. And a lovely tribute to the thematic subject into the bargain. Thanks again, Ifor.

Hi

I rarely post here, however when I look at a blank grid. I turn to all the other puzzles in the Telegraph

I'm normally pleased to see an Ifor puzzle, but not this one. To add to the fact the grid is blank I find its preamble incomprehensible.

It's worth persevering. A blank grid usually means that many of the clues are pretty straightforward - a third or so, perhaps - and intersecting possibilities occur (not always correct, but you have to start somewhere). I found the bottom half easier than the upper, and failed to spot the across one which was entered differently until well into the thing. It may help to know that the clashes occur in down answers. The end result is worth the effort.

I found this reasonably easy but unsure about the Anonymous (10,4). I googled the thematic surname and found a (10,4) but the 4 letter word is the same as the word resulting from the paired cells. Am I missing something?

Jadzia, I don’t think you’re missing anything. The bit in the preamble about “scattered as the individual wished” makes pretty clear what is intended; and the 4 letter product in the grid is not “qualified” so to speak.

Thanks Jack

I didn't start this until yesterday, partly because of things which I needed to do and partly out of Ifor-phobia. I have a full grid and the thematic surname but I have no idea about the anonymous 10, 4 to be entered under the grid. A nudge/hefty shove in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Not for the first time no sooner had I posted then I realised what was needed.