Guardian

[Lavender77]

"Keep out of here - clue nine soon forged with zen" (9,4) and the first word starts with E

"Rehearsal keeps half singer king in play" (9,4) and the first word starts with P

"Lad of pure Dresden, doubly hard, is made" (5-8) and the first word starts with U

I just cannot get started! If I get these, I'm sure I'll be able to put all the others in.
Thanks

[sandyRoe]

1 exclusion zone?

[frugalfred]

3. under-shepherd

[sandyRoe]

3 could this start with 'China'? Lad, a mate(china plate...mate in rhyming slang), and Dresden, china?

[frugalfred]

^anagram of "pure Dresden" + doubly hard = "hh"

[sandyRoe]

I see it doesn't . :-)

[tatton7]

Practical joke.