Thanks and Hi, Chrisg. It is an crossie of a week or so ago (& it's by Auster). As there are no shops near to where I live, I take advantage of the Guardian's generous and free downloadable crosswords. I print out those I like (not Arucaria - sorry!) and try 'em at my leisure. I but the Guardian when I travel to nearest town.
Re RING. Methinks you're right but I certailny don't like the clue. Call = RING and the words "children requiRING" transport the word RING. Can't say I love it, eh? On second thoughts, maybe it's OK.