What a gem 16a is! Thank you Jono for the explanation, which I had not twigged despite getting the right answer…
Thanks Jono also for the observation about the grid pattern and alliteration being the same as in the 2nd May Everyman. I love that you are so attuned to grid patterns.
I needed the hints from Alzy and Geeker about the repeated letter pattern to make any significant inroads to this crossword. It made a great framework to work from.
I have the correct answer to 11a from the definition word but am at a loss as to how it is constructed. Any insights would be appreciated please.