Crossword solution

The words FAST FORWARD (given by letters added to definitions in clues) define 42 and 11, both indicating the way in which loans (1, 13, 18, 25, 32 and 43) are supplied.

The unclued Down lights can be abbreviated as MM, and the unclued Across lights as CC. Together as MMCC, they confirm puzzle number 2200. First prize David J. Carpenter, Sutton Coldfield Runners-up J.

The unclued lights can be arranged to give: ‘I decided to sell my Hoover … well, it was just collecting dust’ (by) Tim Vine. This was voted best one-liner at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe.   First prize D. Morris, Birchington, Kent Runners-up Elizabeth Feinberg, Rancho Mirage, California; M.

Corrections of misprints in clues give BETWEEN THE SHEETS, the name of a COCKTAIL (1A) whose contents (11, 18/34, 29 and 40) appear in the grid between the sheets (19 and 21). First prize Jenny Mitchell, Croscombe, Wells, Somerset Runners-up G.R.

The unclued lights are some of the words highlighted in Chambers 2011 which were unfortunately omitted from the 2014 edition of the dictionary owing to a printing misunderstanding.

The quotation around the perimeter is from 25 — varieties of French cheese are highlighted.

Material from superfluous words in clues gives ‘fingers on buzzers’ (describing 2/20 and 8/33), ‘your starter for ten’ (indicating 31, which is defined by 24) and ‘have to hurry you’ — all PHRASES (4D) used by BAMBER GASCOIGNE when he presented University Challenge. 24 January 2015 was his 80th birthday.

The unclued lights (including 10/1A) are operas by Giuseppe Verdi (whose name in translation is Joe Green).   First prize Dr Simon Shaw, Goosnargh, Lancs Runners-up E.C. Wightman, Menston, W.

The MUSICIAN (21), Rod Stewart CBE (25A), was born LXX (16) years ago on 10th January 1945. The associated works were MAGGIE MAY, EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, SAILING and GASOLINE ALLEY. ROD (27), STEW (17) and ART (23) were to be shaded.   First prize Mrs R.J.C. Shapland, Ilkeston, Derbyshire   Runners-up Dr J.

Eight unclued lights were papal names used only once. Pope JOAN (30) was the fanciful ninth.   First prize Michael Grosvenor Myer, Haddenham, Cambridge   Runners-up Roderick Rhodes, Goldsborough, N.

First prize Roly Harris, London N1   Runners-up Michael Collins, Petts Wood, Kent; Clare Reynolds, London SE24; Tony Mouzer, Shard End, Birmingham   Additional runners-up G.E. Bell, Hexham, Northumberland; Hugh Dales, Dysart, Fife; J. Caldwell, Winster, Windermere; Jenny Staveley, Kingsdown, Bristol; H.V.

Ambrose Bierce defined history as an account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools. ‘Bunk’ is another famous definition of ‘history’. First prize Mrs J. James, Harrow, Middlesex Runners-up J.E.

‘ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME’ (1D/19) is a work by AUGUSTUS TOPLADY (18/13). ELIZABETH WINDSOR (4A/26) and MICHELLE OBAMA (12/34A) were each suggested by TOPLADY. Title: associated hymn tune.   First prize Peter and Jeannie Chamberlain, Rushden, Northants   Runners-up M.

Answers to clues in italics — stramash (1A), pasteboard (33) and lineated (36) — are treated as in the ROMAN (15A) custom of SUOVETAURILIA (1D), involving the SACRIFICE (4A) of a sheep, a pig and an ox, to create entries defined by 32, 21 and 22.

The eight unclued lights are anagrams of eight clued solutions: 2/12, 3/13, 8/35, 16/40, 18/28, 19/30, 24/27 and 26/38. First prize Eileen Robinson, Sheffield Runners-up John Bartlett, Shirley, Solihull; M.

The theme word is PHOENIX (38A). 6A, 12A and 26A are legendary birds; 15A, 28A and 4D are state capitals; 16A, 30D and 37D are the ‘Southern Birds’ constellations. The title was suggested by River Phoenix and the Phoenix Islands.

Unclued lights (11/1D, 12/35, 15, 18/1D and 22/17) are fences of the Grand National course, together with two famous winners (19 and 29). First prize Barry Butler, Birmingham Runners-up Mrs J. Smith, Beeston, Norfolk; R. Wightman, Menston, W.

The unclued are locations on SKYE, ‘The Misty Isle’ (solutions at 15 and 31). ISLE does double duty in 15/31 and 31/33. The title suggests ‘Over the sea to Skye’, the isle now being linked to the mainland by a bridge. V/W at 41 Across refers to the alternatives Waternish and Vaternish. First prize D.P. Shenkin, London WC1 Runners-up C.

Unclued lights each contained a different TREY (20) from the alphabet: AFGHAN (24), CANOPY (27), DINGHIES (42), DABCHICK (1D), HYMNODY (5), KARSTIFY (6), ASTUTE (10), CALMNESS (26) and MADEFY (30D). The title suggested KLM. First prize Mrs R. Hales, Ilfracombe, Devon Runners-up E. Reuben, New Barnet, London;R.

Extra letters in clues plus 1A give ‘the separation of philosophers into sages and cranks’, an extract from a quotation by QUINE (35). 24, 25, 29 are sages; 17, 39, 42 are cranks.