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Yes, I wake up to the Listener every Friday. Sometimes I only work half day on Friday, and can devote my afternoon to the puzzle. With my early retirement at the end of the month, I will have to try to complete them on Friday like you. Always impressed with those who can do that.

Malone, in answer to your first post, please keep this thread. It’s very helpful to get some idea on the nature of a puzzle without any chance of the game being given away, even if there are only a few posts. I don’t look at “may contain answers” unless completely stumped or finished.

I live in Asia, so the Listener gets published (very) late on a Friday for me. I’m writing this early Saturday morning, before my young son wakes up. When that happens, progress on the Listener generally slows somewhat!

Thanks Serpent - an enjoyable work-out.

Always like your puzzles for something slightly different to the norm and this one didn’t disappoint.

My answers to "Backed demand to protect island tree (5)" and "Check where sidewalk ends (4)" have no common letters. Am I wrong?

Loge and Splinters, thanks - it's good to know this thread still has a purpose in life!

Bananabean, I think you'd be best to repost your query on the 'May Contain Answers' thread, this one is meant to be help-free!

Another cold solve nightmare for me - but I have now finished this. I must admit that there are 2 or 3 clues where the precise parsing eludes me, but the final grid eliminates any lingering doubts. I think I had solved 30+ of the clues before the pennies began to drop - another listener that deserves a lot of praise.

I agree this was very enjoyable - especially after last weeks horror which I still have to complete.
I got the theme quite early. 90 degree symmetry with four clues defining the themes location. There are only four clues that can provide this and sure enough the first of these I looked at had an extra word.
Back to last weeks now. I have not looked at the forum thread but I guess from the number of submissions others struggled too.

Thank you Serpent. Nicely constructed, particularly liked the 4 word message. Been solving some of your earlier puzzles on Magpie back issues. Great stuff.

Thanks tatters and malone : )

Also enjoyed this one very much. Three clues still to fully parse which I'll stick on the other thread.