Well hats off to all of you.
Thinking about it, crosswords are designed to stimulate the grey cells and when you get clues like these, and those of last weeks for that matter, it is a far better exercise than flying through it. After my initial 'annoyance' at the setter I congratulate him/her on causing the dialogue and teamwork displayed today.
I probably wouldn't be so generous had you left me groping in the dark!