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Quite a good puzzle from Doc today( for a change!!)

Yes, Bunty

Doc seems to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting these days.

I hope all is well among the Spectator compilers.

Can't see 27a

I agree about a better Doc offering this week. Woodlouse - think cheap beer.

Thanks, Always

Cheap beer as in Viz magazine?

Generally, I worry that Doc is feeling his age. His editing has deteriorated (eg where a clued clue is left unclued) and I wonder if he has been upsetting other compilers. He seems to appear every other week recently.

Cheap as in the original cost per quart.

I reckon Doc is on commission with Brewer…he sure loves that big book. As for him appearing so frequently, didn’t they introduce a new compiler quite recently? Haven’t seen them since…

There are more than three setters, but Doc slots himself in every three weeks. I'd be happy for him to use the other setters more (and Brewer's less!).

I thought this was a distinctly average puzzle.

I've got the "Speccie" crossword compilation book which is at least a couple of decades old now. Some of Doc's puzzles back then were really fiendish, with intriguing themes.

Either I've improved or Doc has mellowed dramatically of late.

I'm glad Doc is being praised for his long contribution.

Presumably he is answerable to nobody.

I hope he is afforded all the dignity he is due.

But it's time.

I do think it’s about time the Spectator crossword prizes on offer were increased. They have remained the same for many years. Perhaps Doc should be lobbying Michael Gove for an increase.
Also why have the prizes not returned for the i Saturday crossword and Inquisitor? Does anyone know?