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Hi woodlouse,
5d is 1 of the 9 pairs where the wordplay gives the grid answer and the definition busking requires a deletion.
8a definition is rot(a); sen (without) in (s in (n + one)).

Oops, 5d definition preparing = busking.

Hi Woodlouse. As I never tire of saying : if a person doesn't want to look in on a forum where help is given for crosswords, don't look.
5 : B, KIN, US (as in people). G unclued.
8: N(note) ONE nursing S(ection) all outside SEN (senza - without).

Thanks, both

I may be back!

Can someone explain the wordplay to 23d? I think the definition consists of the first 5 words of the clue. This is one of the clues where the wordplay and definition are both for the full 8-letter word

Hi buzzb, the definition relates to the 6 letter entry with the wordplay giving turncock (prior to deletions) rut reversed + c (colt) in nock.

Thanks, ginge

After a reviving G+T it suddenly dawned on me that it's not so much about what you delete as what you leave in - would that be correct?

From the point of view of the grid, yes, exactly right. Which makes it quite a clever puzzle, to my mind. And the 4,6 are pretty good, especially if you consider when they were written.

Thanks again - should be relatively straightforward now - but tomorrow I think.