Jumbo Cryptic

[stevenj]

Thank heavens! I managed to finish this one!
Despite what I wrote last time, I did have another go. With very little success. I felt very gloomy. Despite all the support and guidance so many of you have given me, I thought I was so out of understanding that maybe I needed to start on easier puzzles.
Anyway, today’s was one that I did understand. Thank you, Setter!
steven

[Captain2]

Well done, Steven. Perseverance pays off, always keep learning.

[cashier]

Last week's was a stinker Steven. I've just finished today's and was relieved it wasn't like the last one. I'll do the second set of clues after breakfast tomorrow. Well done on finishing. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when you started doing the Jumbo crossword?

[stevenj]

“ start” is a funny word. In one sense I was a late teenager/ early 20s student. Swambo ( I must stop calling her that) takes the paper and I just “ had a go at some of the clues ( I’ve never done the other crossies). But it was pretty desultory). Then some time in my early 20s I started to “really try”. But still with limited success. I’ve been desperately trying to remember when I came across The Answer Bank and you people but I can’t . Maybe two years ago? Maybe 3. Anyway it was because of the helpful way ( and not in the least patronising) by people like yourself and particularly Mamyalynne and Lie in King in the early days that I became more and more hooked. It’s been a Godsend during the plague.
Even though that’s all very non specific, I hope it sort of answers your question. Basically, it’s a thank you toto you all
steven

[johnny.5]

Hi Steven
your profile says you joined AB in 2007
15 years ago lol ;~)

[cashier]

Thanks for answering Steven. I thought you had been on here for quite a while and must be a child genius.