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Thanks so much, Essira. That's quite obscure, I'd say. But nice to have confirmation.

That's what I was chasing after with Dryden earlier on Meursault - we both had the same answer I'm sure but to say it is obscure would be an understatement. To me that mars what was otherwise a very challenging but reasonably fair puzzle - and some of the other first ring entities were none too common either. Shame as tackled logically it wasn't as intimidating as some solvers made out.

Hi S_Pugh. I'm tempted to overlook the obscurity (how many people would have got that without the internet ?), since in many respects the puzzle was very good. A radial puzzle with 7 rings and every other one comprised of related words or names ? Probably I was quite slow in getting the grid filled, given that I'd cold-solved so much of it...

Having come back to this after rather a long day, I still have four clues to do, in spite of having already received a hint for one of them. Would very much appreciate some further help.
23 It was necessary once etc. (I know the definition, but can't work out the correct word)
24 Note nothing new with square cloths etc. (again, I thought I had the answer, but it was not in the plural, so no good I presume.)
47 Fifty per cent of Oaps having ding-dong after rowing.
and finally
39 Pillbox closures etc. ( I have gratefully received a hint but still can't get it.)
Very grateful for any nudges if anyone is passing by.
Thank you.

Samovar,

23 Definition is 'bar'. Necessary once = LOO
24 Note = alternative spelling to RE + NOTHING + NEW + SQUARE
47 Definition is 'rowing' (as in the sport) First half of OAPS + synonym of DING-DONG.
39. Scottish beloved = JO. Half = SEMI

Can someone help me with the outer circle?

I presume that the first 3 are DORCAS, DELIO and GABRIEL?
After that I'm stuck.

Thanks.

Demeter, its not just Gabriel , it' one of the two-worded ones fro m 'Far from the madding crowd' . That should get you going again.

Thank you so much, Demeter. I will try again!

Thanks again, Demeter. Got them all now.

You're welcome Samovar.

Thanks uncle_w.

Still struggling a bit here. I hate this sort of endgame.