Jumbo 998

[stevenj]

Finished! I now get so much pleasure from understanding and solving these clues. All thanks to Lie-in King, bibblebub and others whose "masterclasses" helped me crack the code.

When I say that I have finished this week's, I do have a question:
18ac "Beginning to assemble by church in a West Country town" The answer seems th be Axminster and I understand virtully all the reasoning (and it fits with connecting answers). BUT I cannot work out how the "X" fits in. Can you advise me please?

But mainly, thanks again to all you aces!
Steven James

[sandyRoe]

could the x mean by as in (6 by7), 6x7= ?

[bibblebub]

^ that's exactly it

[ichkeria]

Yes that's it

[sandyRoe]

In my day we would have said, '6 times 7'.

[bibblebub]

but if you're after a bit of wood then you could well ask for 2 by 4

[stevenj]

Thanks so much Just in time before my bathtime.
I am so grateful to all you great teachers!
steven

[Flyhalf]

I've tossed it out, but isn't "times" included in the clue? X as in 3 x 5.

[stevenj]

No, I recorded the clue correctly. No "times". But the very helpful responses by Sandy Roe and the others gave me the explanation I needed.
steven

[Aquagility]

a+x(times)+minster.

[Aquagility]

Sorry, I didn't see the earlier answers. Another senior moment!