Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

By looking at today's Guardian puzzle, it seems the dear old man (and one of my favourite setters) is not doing too well.

My most favourite compiler, lets hope for a good solution!

For all those who have come to love the man over the years, it's worth reading the comments today on "fifteen squared". For me, quite simply the best ever setter. And in fact he's still busy setting. Long may that continue.

Sad news.

Has anyone else noticed btw that in one of his best puzzles last year (according to the pundits), namely Guardian Cryptic 25,597 (March 30th), the only sign of the zodiac omitted in its ominous Latin form was "Cancer"? As far as I can see this was not commented on at the time (possibly for reasons of tact) -- whether it was known at the time or not, surely a frightening aspect in retrospect.In any case must have a crack at it now: reputedly not one of his easier ones, apparently!

............I now see it's not the only sign not named in Latin, but perhaps no coincidence nevertheless?

Oh no! I've loved his crosswords for so many years.

Thank you, Araucaria. Sending you love and good wishes. Get well soon.

(Am I being silly? I looked up 13,15A on wikipedia and it says it's for all stages of the disease. If it's possible at all for him to get better, well, don't we all wish for that?)

Even with his problem Araucaria produces another gem of a crossword published today in the Guardian. he is simply the best. get well soon

I regret to say that terminal oseophageal cancer is just that. I do know 2 men who were given terminal diagnoses many, many years ago and are still alive and well, but not with that particular cancer. Also they were not 90 +
I looked at the "announcement" crossword. What a courageous man.