Spectator 2284

[djawhufc]

Morning all

Fieldfare for us with a quote and author to find.

Enjoy

DJA

[whatsthat]

Thanks as always Daniel.
Lovely picture of Romy.

[Ruthrobin]

I'm struggling for 19d. Is it in Chambers?

[djawhufc]

Hi Shirley

It's a pun.

Candle-ends (as in wick)

Enjoyed your last Magpie puzzle by the way.

[Ruthrobin]

Many thanks, Daniel. We were really stumped! So glad you liked that rather 'different' Magpie puzzle.

[Piffleworthy]

I'm grinding to a halt. Could a kind person offer a hint for either 1a: Excel as old Greek character among women (11) or 1d: After business, show card to church guide (10, hyphened), to help me along?

[djawhufc]

vera and eve are used in the answer to 1a

1d 6-4 word for place of work and then one for a novel

[Piffleworthy]

Thank you, am up and running again!

[Speravi]

I'm probably being obtuse, but for 35d, I'm torn between LAKE (as in carmine) and RARE (as in steak) - or is there another, correct, option?

[whatsthat]

Speravi, your steak is right.

[Neveracrossword]

I think Rare equates more with Bloody.

[Speravi]

Thank you, whatsthat and Neveracrossword, I'm grateful for your quick responses: I see now that RARE is the more appropriate option.

[Neveracrossword]

You're welcome.