Listener 4690 Hatched? Matched? Despatched? By Ifor

[upsetter]

A great theme and also a personal favourite.

The final instruction is still a bit confusing although it didn't hinder the final grid fill.

Thanks, Ifor.

[emcee]

Straightforward enough, I think.

Does Ifor set tough ones any more? I used to dread it when I saw his name against a puzzle!

Thanks, Ifor.

[Hagen]

Certainly one of Ifor’s easier puzzles but no less enjoyable for that. Neat working of the thematic material, with which (to my shame) I only have a passing familiarity, and top-notch clues as you’d expect from this setter.

Most likely there won’t be a Listener next week, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish all fellow posters a Merry Christmas.

[olichant]

Absolutely. Happy Christmas one and all. And thanks, Ifor - I enjoyed that. Nice theme.

[HawkCrossword]

Very clever, and beautifully constructed - thanks Ifor!

I'm not overfamiliar with the theme, but I think I can work out what's required from a reference.

So that's my puzzling all done for the year. I think 2021's been a proper mixed bag, with a sprinkling of absolute stunners. What were your highlights?

I made my setter debut in February, which was a personal milestone for me. I'm really glad I took the plunge, as setting's such a wonderful challenge. I've since sent a couple more in, which I hope get to see the light of day, but let's see - the standard's very high these days.

Finally, I hope everyone here has a Merry Christmas, and stays safe from this viral scourge. Take care, and I'll see you in 2022.

[Hagen]

Since you ask, Hawk, my top three were (1) 4680 Manhunt by Shark, (2) 4662 Hungry by Android and (3) joint between 4674 Elusive Figures by Poat and 4675 Called to Order by Vismut. There are many other contenders and these are the ones I remember the most.

The Listener really does keep on giving and although some puzzles may not be to everyone's taste, we owe our gratitude to setters and editors alike.

[sunny-dave]

A nice puzzle to end the year - thanks to Ifor and compliments of the season to all Listenerers.

[Philoctetes]

A pleasantly different, though relevant theme. Thanks
If you look at the bottom of the online grid, after the clues, you will find - printed in White - "Listener Crossword 4691 and solution 4688 will be published in The Times on Monday December 27."

[olichant]

(Almost) snap, Hagen - for me, I couldn’t choose between Manhunt (which I think if you forced me would be the number one) and Hungry, and Poat's triangle. On the whole, we have been spoilt this year. Thanks to everyone responsible!

[olichant]

Also Diversions, also the box of chocolates. And, actually, Arden’s dice. What a year.

[emcee]

But DEFINITELY NOT the Spice Girls puzzle!

Merry Christmas everybody.

[Hagen]

I can't see anything in the PDF about next week's Listener, but apparently it's in the paper as Philoctetes quotes it.

[HawkCrossword]

Yes, the print version has the message about next week's puzzle - Monday 27th it is, then. I've had to cancel BRB's trip to Lapland - he won't be pleased.

Agree with all the best puzzle choices above, but I'll add two I particularly enjoyed earlier in the year, as they were flawlessly put together: 4642 Music Box (Tnap) and 4644 Symbols (Aedites).

[HawkCrossword]

If anyone wants a puzzle to do on Christmas Day itself, then the Friday (Christmas Eve) edition of the i Paper has an "Inquisitor with a twist".

[Scorpius]

I would find it difficult to pick POTY since there are so many contenders. All so far mentioned are high on my list of excellent puzzles. I think Hungry by Android would be top of my list, closely followed by Shark's Manhunt.

I also very much enjoyed That's Your Lot by Ploy, Me and My Puzzlers by Wan, and To Good Friends by Little Hare.

One of my discriminators is the quality of clueing. If two or three puzzles have similarly engaging themes, deft implementation and good grids, but the quality of clueing is higher in one of them, that's the one that will get my vote.

[NickorWan]

Late to it this week due to enforced DIY. Very enjoyable, thanks, Ifor.

Ifor reminds be a bit of the late Schadenfreude; prolific setter, reliably setting at a high standard.

Quick plug – if anyone wants to write a clue for the latest Round Robin puzzle, details are on the Crossword Centre message board. Thank you.

Season’s best to everyone.

[IainGrace]

For a separate challenge this week’s Inquisitor is a superb construction.

[Hagen]

Seconded, IainGrace.

[NickorWan]

A lot of excellent puzzles this year. These come to mind, but I am sure I will have missed others that I loved. Glad I don't have to pick a winner.

Music Box by tnap
Hungry by Android
Elusive Figures by Poat
Called to Order by Vismut
Variety Show by Enigmatist (sorry, emcee)
Manhunt by Shark
Round Table Man by Banjaluka
Diversions by Dysart
To Good Friends by Little Hare

[NickorWan]

As there in nothing mentioned online, perhaps it will be available at the normal time on the 24th, and just the paper version delayed.

[Dim16]

Enjoyable puzzle which I almost finished before giving up. 20d has defeated me so not going to bother trying to work out where to insert bars.

Happy Christmas to all, looking forward to the last puzzle of the year on 27th.