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Times puzzle editor David Parfitt writes today:-

On January 11, 1925, The Sunday Times gave space to a new feature — and thousands upon thousands of readers since have enjoyed the fruits of that original editorial decision. The innovation was Sunday Times "Cross-Word Puzzle" No 1, which to many people's surprise, appeared a full five years before its counterpart in The Times. Almost a century later, we are proud to be publishing Sunday Times Crossword (aka "Sunday Times Cryptic") No 5,000 — and the big day is tomorrow.

Crossword No 5,000 is a collaboration between five contributors to the series from across the years. It's a beautifully constructed puzzle, so do give it a try. Peter Biddlecombe, the Sunday Times crossword editor, has written an entertaining piece about the history of the series. And you can also have a bash at that very first ST crossword, which we have reproduced digitally. Be warned, though — the debut puzzle is a very different beast from its modern descendant. Most noticeably, it predates the inception of cryptic crosswords, so all the clues are of the concise variety. However, that doesn't mean that the puzzle is any easier — you will see what I mean if you're brave enough to give it a go!

Sunday Times Crosswords No 1 and No 5,000 will be accessible tomorrow from the website Puzzles section and the Crossword Club. Peter's article will appear in the News section.

This might be a good reason to buy a copy tomorrow.

Love

KT17 (now G84)

Thanks M, good to know, I may well purchase a copy. KT17 to G84 is quite some move!

Indeed J it is - and a move I've dreamed about since I first visited this fair land in 1970.

There can be few places more pleasant to chew one's pencil and fail to compete a crossword (including yours) than looking out over the water at Garelochhead.

(I have tried to change my user name but failed to understand how.)

M

Hi KT17
It is not possible to change your username by editing.
The only way is to register again, with a new username , using a different email address .

Thank you Jazzgirl, I shall do so. I realised soon after doing it that naming myself after a postcode was a silly idea, so my new name will be more crosswordly - M

Hi guys - Jazzie where’ve your been! You too KT! Your PR needs you!
Good idea to get a months free trial of digital edition. Cheapest Times package is Sunday pack = full digital access + Sunday printed. Less than £10 pm.

Hello Paul

PR et al have gotten so clever that smallbrains get disheartened!

Plus we have so much work to do on/in/around the new house that I barely have time for any crosswording...

Which is in a way good news as after too much arse-time I'm now living the life of a Highlands backwoodsman with commensurate benefits to my waistline and so forth

Mx