The Week

[paulineward]

5d Joker man touring northern English town? Midlands actually (13)
10d Embracing game partners, Bertha posed naughtily to succeed with all the men (5,3,5)

Have only just looked at this, very late this week. Had a dreadful time trying to get on this site all week. Busy periods are no chance!! Don't know what's happening! Any help to see if I can get started would be appreciated, then I will see how I progress!

Also, had to have cat put down today...had her 14 years...girls are devastated. Just got little bit of me time now...so going to give it a go!! Thanks...and if I get cut off again...don't think I am being rude if I don't reply!

[kettledrum]

5d. Kidderminster - Kidder + Mister round 'N'

[paulineward]

thanks a lot kettledrum!

[kettledrum]

Pauline - I'm so sorry to hear about your cat, who must have been a good friend to you and the girls for all these years. This time of year is not a good time to lose a much loved animal - nor to get a replacement.
I don't think I can hack 10d ! Do you want to throw another couple of longish ones at me , & I'll do my best. I'm sorry, but I'm not in the same league as Kayakamina !

[kettledrum]

Sorry as soon as I said I couldn't do it, it came to me! Sweep the board - anag Bertha posed + E W ( Bridge partners)

[Muffet]

Sweep the board. Anag of Bertha posed, with W(est)/E(ast) Bridge partners.

Very sorry about your cat. I hope you'll get another. Lovely to be welcomed home.

[paulineward]

Thanks kettledrum....we have a dog as well who has grown up with the cat, and will wonder where she is I am sure..it is very sad, we got them both from animal shelters, so we know the cat has had a better life than maybe she would have done......anyway as for the crossword!...
10d stars with S and last word starts with B if that helps...only just got them.

Let's try...6d Head out to lunch mainly for Covent Garden entertainment (10) ..third letter is t
27a It's not seating needing lots of foam (4,5) B---/----r

thanks

[paulineward]

thanks kettledrum and Muffet...I type too slow!!!! just got your replies as I posted!

[kayakamina]

Nutcracker

Bath chair

[paulineward]

Where were you hiding K? ..thanks ..

[kettledrum]

Ah Kayakamina - I'm glad you're there - thought you'd gone to bed, and I was feeling very slow and inadequate.

[kayakamina]

I was very sorry to read the news Pauline. I missed you over the last few days and hoped there wasn't a problem.

My best wishes.

[paulineward]

Not at all kettledrum..are you up for more?

[kettledrum]

By all means, Pauline - I like a challenge !

[paulineward]

Isn't everybody kind?..thanks K. Glad I decided to pop on line for a bit!

How about..14d Check on military braces (10) ?????o?c??
20a More wanting the monarch to follow French-born girl (7) N?E????

[kayakamina]

Reinforces

Needier

[paulineward]

Blimey...K...how do you do it or am I just stupid!! Will have a look and try now...will probably post again in a mo!

[paulineward]

18d Poor wife vomited (8) ?r?????d
17d Column that's smooth found around Italy

suppose if I tried really hard for a few days I might get these..but I am sure one of you will pretty soon...my mind must be preoccupied...that's my excuse!

[paulineward]

..sorry!!! what am I like...17d is 8 letters..second one i