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8d - As Chris says, it's an unusual definition of "shades" but both that and the answer mean "ghosts". The parsing as as per my previous post.

I didn't believe 10a could be right until I googled (even though it was my second, tentative, entry!)

Many thanks Chris and Brendan. It means I've finished and can stop now.

Chris, I think I told you before that I live in Exeter. I only go to Barnstaple to have operations on my hands (trapeziectomies). Now I've had both done, I don't expect to go again.

Thanks to everyone for the hints. My FOI was 9ac and I think it was one of my favourites.

Sorry, roof, I had forgotten. Another crossword poster lives in Bishops Tawton, but I'm afraid that I can't remember who that is either!

Another Devonian here. I was born and grew up in Exmouth. It always amuses me when the river Exe crops up in clues. I think Rossim might also be in Devon, unless I have that wrong

Just finished this now, as went out to the beach on this glorious day. But if someone could just help me parse 12a that'd be good.
Last in was 16d and I think my favourite today was 14d, though I loved it all, very clever and such a creative idea.

Hi Abicoop,

12a - First 2 letters are "one side of" (a pair) of "bridge" (partners) + 3 letter "always" around 5 letter "at that point" - definition is "something sailor needs"

Thanks, hadn't realised those 3 letters meant always

Same here, but apparently it is up north and in Scotland:-)

Thanks for response re 21a. I was thinking 18a was the first letter of the second word rather than the last letter of the first word!
Interested in the Devon connection. I lived in Torquay as a teenager and my parents lived there for many years so all our holidays involved a visit to Devon. Our favourite place was Dartington Hall and the Cider Press in Totnes.
I now live up north, so the word for "always" in 12a was no problem for me.
I'm so pleased I've discovered this blog. Before that I would often jettison the crossword as being beyond me. Now I know I'll be able to finish it though it does take a lot of time.
Thanks.