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Hello, Elle!
Well done, to you and Jazzgirl for solving the clue!
It can be easy getting stuck in tramlines with your thinking. Tip, put the paper away, have a coffee, paint your nails, or a wee walk or something, and when you return to the crossword, the solution often jumps out at you!
I rarely get a knock at the door. The postie , usually.
All the family have keys, which they use.
I may suggest to my joiner to get a letter box with a knocker. Is that a wonderful idea?
I may look for a bulb tomorrow, after I get a haddock.
My joiner's pal is a sparky, and he is going to mention
bulbs to him.

Years back, I was told a sentence which contained "and and and and and" and made sense.
It was to do with painting a pub sign. The Cat and Fiddle, or similar.

Two shock football results......East Fife 4 Forfar 5...and.....Dumbarton 2 Smartbarton 3.

I'm glad my sentence proved diverting.

Rusty, when we got a new door last year, we couldn't have our doorbell put back, so opted for a nice, shiny knocker. Every time someone knocks it hard - KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK - I expect to open the door and find a policeman standing there. There is no reason, other than an over-active imagination, why I should think this. Maybe I've watched too many police dramas?

Hope your bulb hunt is successful.

Malone, with the loud KNOCK, someone is "demanding" instant attention!
I may have a rethink on the knocker!

Elle, this clue in The Times today is just for you.
I shall be very disappointed in you, if you don't get it!

9a. Horse lands escapee unfortunately in battle (13)

I shall give a teeny hint as there are no crossers to assist you.
Think North London!!!

Rusty, these 'demanding' people have turned out to be parcel deliverymen, neighbours, friends... the KNOCK is distinctly peremptory.

I forgot to comment re Henry Marsh and his shovel-like hands - yes, you/we/one would more likely expect long, elegant pianist's hands from a surgeon.

I have it, rusty, but I don't understand the "North London" hint?

I don't understand the North London hint either !

BTW My front door has no knocker. I have a doorbell on the outside wall (wireless) which chimes quite cheerily.

rusty: It's OK. I've just twigged (author Lyn etc.)

Goodness, Jazzgirl, you have given it away!!!!