did seem a bit easier today (the cryptic that is)
unlike the listener - managed to complete the grid, get the 7 extra letters in the rows, 12 clashes in the columns, 2 sentance message (which ties in with the letters in the rows) but once again failed at the last hurdle and cant make head nor tail of the invitation!
away for the holidays now so happy christmas
p.s.
shame there is no christmas theme in the times crosswords this year unlike previous years - unless that is the final hurdle??