Inquisitor 1267

[Neveracrossword]

5 D. Garment initially enveloping Ancient Mariner's bottom? (6)
??oo??

18 A. Craving drink,one getting tipsy quickly knocked back single (9)
??n?ma??h
(I've been trying to work in something with 'oen'/wine, but haven't managed to get anywhere).
Any help much appreciated.

[kayakamina]

Oenomania

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, I missed that - I shouldn't have trusted the 'h'.

[Neveracrossword]

I've now completed over three-quarters of this and have ground to a halt.

40 A.Claw what father had back from extremely cold point (8) ???e?i??

NB.I should have said that this is themed (as yet unknown!) and five answers must be amended. I hope the ones I'm struggling with are not involved.

[slaney]

Aphelian
Claw=nail
What=eh
Father=pa... all reversed

[Neveracrossword]

Slaney, thanks.

[boreas]

I have finished the puzzle but am stuck on the 'further six cells', I can see a six letter word but don't understand about deciding whether or not to highlight it.

[Indy-trier]

Hi Neveracrossword
An alternative spelling for that plant at 6A gives you ..ou.. For 5D. The word you make for 5D will be part of the thematic phrase.
A clever puzzle issued on the right day. Great fun!
PS I'm still torn between the two possibilities for the second 6 letter word! Have opted for the less obvious one but . . .

[crosswhit99]

Indy-trier, there is a big clue as to whether the further six cells should be highlighted at 6 Down - its presence predicts six more weeks of the timely interruption (hence 1a/1d)