Toddled off to get the paper, came home to find all inserts missing. Went back to the shop and leafed through the other Times papers, no inserts either. I politely explained to the assistant that I did not want the paper without the crossword. She pointed out the crossword to me on the second to last page, but looked confused when I told her that was not THE crossword I was planning on doing. The manager checked the back-ups for missing inserts, but there were none. So I had to come all the way back home again, to get my paper to take back for a refund.
Having worked a night shift, I have no intention on wandering further in search on my beloved crossword. I may be able to get the paper later on tonight, otherwise I will have to keep myself amused by stalking your crossword questions for the whole week!
I share your pain - it is SO frustrating when that happens. Have you considered signing up to The Times online, and submitting the x-word that way? Hope you get the times2 section later.
I'll look into that today - I'm on the computer all the time so it makes sense, really. However. I've just made a heartfelt phone call to my OH at work to explain my awful situation. He was flabbergasted and will endeavour to seek out my crossword on his way home. Steak tonight if he does, beans on toast if he doesn't!