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Thanks again Brendan.
I didn’t understand the definition which was holding me up.
All done now.

If I am correct that the clue formed by the extra letters comprises 10 words, is the purpose of the 8th & 9th ones (2,1) at 21d, 23d and 25d simply to link the wordplay to the definition ?

That's how I see it, Son1. I feel that the two-letter preposition should really be used in "definition from wordplay" constructions rather than the other way round (as here), but I'm probably being anal-retentive.

I appear to have satisfactorily resolved everything except 34Across, for which I have LO?TE. I have absolutely no idea how this clue works, and would appreciate a not too subtle, heavy-handed nudge, please. I've assumed the extra letter to be G.

Turast, maybe 'originally Spenserian' will help...

PS I got the answer from working through Chambers, that hint could be nonsense!

I think it might be a double definition &lit with 'alternately' doing double duty as part of the def 'or' + anagrind for - LET (g)O [the (g) is extra] +S and 'originally' doing double duty for the S - '(S)penser' + 2nd def for LOSTE (the 1st being 'let go' [past tense].

...sorry, the 2nd def is present tense, not past tense - 'let go' as in 'loose', but it is a different def (the other being 'lose' 2).

No, it's not a double def , my mistake - the def is 'let go', but it's also the anagram fodder (so, &lit but only one def).

This time have had a good run except for SE corner. Can anyone help me with 28 down - I did not study Latin and often struggle. Also 32 down - I can't parse the clue and here identify the surplus letter.

If I could resolve these two I'll struggle on to the next stage, so any help appreciated.

Many thanks

The honours refer to playing cards. You need the two highest.

The African political party is the usual South African one.

The whole thing is a 4 letter acronym for an exam body [now defunct]