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I haven't posted on here for ages, but really had to express my admiration for this magnificent puzzle. I have been known to smile on occasion while solving, but I actually laughed out loud when I finally deciphered this. And I was pleased to follow the two key final steps and pour myself a large one!

I quite agree, crucifer. A very good challenge, I think John Henderson is doing a fine job as crossword editor. A more reliable test than the Listener now, where dreary entry-level puzzles have become the stock-in-trade

I’m still tussling crucifer finding the clues difficult today. I’m three quarters the way through, but need help with the NW quadrant. clue 1 would help - a couple of horses and other creatures from Europe (7)

Four-letter word for a pair of horses, plus a term for swimmers (first letter extra). Answer is someone from part of Western Europe, jogamel

Thank you!

I agree with you, Crucifer, the IQ has had an excellent run. Really enjoyed this, especially the two key final steps!

This is an absolute masterpiece. After waltzing through yesterdays Listener I started on this beast and got nowhere pretty quickly. For once. the amount of cold solving required didn't seem to bother me as the challenge was there to be beaten. One or two wrong answers (and therefore extra letters and central letters) didn't exactly help, but perseverance finally won the day (2). The relief of the message was most welcome as well - but I will have to wait a while to fulfil its command.

That was quite a workout! Fortunately I started to see the gist of the message and was able to build some answers as a result and the grid gradually filled. I got held up by 14 where I happily made a well known Hollywood star/male dancer from the material in the clue.

As ever, I have one ? I can't parse 10 'Past work, not quite finished by editor, gets wrapped up'. Have the answer, know the missing letter but? (I can see a possible parse for the last 5 letters but the rest doesn't seem to work). 🤔

Granama1, the first two letters of the answer, followed by a full point, are an abbreviation in Chambers

echo gitto here - a good challenge, and liked the message.

would appreciate parsing of 10 please.