Listener Crossword No 4301 It's Over Here! By Jago

[trux]

Have just taken up my £1 special offer for first month of my Times subscription, and do hope I shall get better value for money in the coming weeks. I regret to say that this is just not up to Listener standard. Apologies to Jago for being so blunt, but seriously ...

[Ruthrobin]

Well, as usual, I am delighted to have a very easy and predictable one that leaves time to watch Wimbledon etc. Many thanks, Jago!

[olichant]

It was officially my fastest solve ever (which probably says something) so back to the Magpie for me.

I liked the theme and I thought there were some neat clues, even if they weren't the hardest.

[starwalker]

I agree with all. Filling in unclued entries before starting the proper solve was just a gift. Thanks Jago, but . . .

[jim360]

Solved this one in a hand-drawn grid on the train. Still enjoyed it loads. Easy clues perhaps but I thought a lot were great fun.

[lyrabelacqua]

Entertaining, but too easy. Still, done in time for the kick-off.

[Contrarian]

Yes, this is the first Listener I have ever solved completely without resorting to a dictionary. (So it must be easy).

[emcee]

My, that was tough,

Have actually had to time to post this week. Haven't tried it yet but reckon the 'normal' Times puzzle's probably more of a challenge.

[Octocyber]

That was an enjoyable trip - fastest ever solve which needed only Bradford.
Thank you, Jago

[contendo]

Yes, don't know how this really qualified for The Listener. Nice to see I got a prize - the first for 30 years!

[Zabadak]

Congratulations Contendo!
This could have been even easier for me as I have a small part to play later in the 41 7, when it can be found in 12 (2,3,4,9,8) 18ac(1). I cannot remember a simpler
Listener.
,
,4

[upsetter]

Sorry, but this is ridiculous. Pity the theme was not the Caucus Race. Of course we should be grateful to all setters for the time and care they put in. We well remember weeks going by at a time with hardly any clues solved and accept that introductory Listeners are a good thing. But this would do nothing to introduce the solver to even last week's puzzle, which set an appropriate minimum standard for that purpose. IOHO the newbug would be more likely to think that the Listener is a Torygraph with extra hints. Will retract but only if so directed by Zabadak.

[easylistener]

Well I'm not complaining. Glad to have one I can do without resorting to emailing kind people for hints for once!

[ichkeria]

Easy was it?
Might try it then
Any hints
lol

[Whenland]

Mrs W guessed the theme and had a fair portion of the grid filled without solving a single clue, so all done and dusted in plenty of time for Gardeners' World.

[Philoctetes]

Second Friday finish in four weeks. Pathetically simple. ironic really, as my paper is not being delivered tomorrow for some reason, and i could do it despite the celebration in the local park.

[Alan7777]

Yes, it was very easy. I am pleased to have finished it so quickly but disappointed that I now have almost a week to wait for the next one.

[Cloverjo]

Not often I'm in the Friday Club, but that doesn't mean much this week, it seems. It might have been slightly better if there were hidden words to find or something. Nice to have one I can do though.

[Speravi]

Pleasant enough, but not much of a challenge. Around 30 minutes to complete this on the 'bus ride home. It got me thinking though. Some time ago (20, 25 years ago?) there was a Listener in which the entries were missing words in a narrative that described the/a Boat Race. These narrative-style crosswords have always been rare, I think, but nowadays, we simply don't seem to be offered them at all. A pity, since they add variety. So, a challenge for composers!

[krumb]

Well, I think I have completed my 1st Listener and Friday night too!!!!!

I have a full grid and assuming there is no colouring, cutting or origami needed, I shall send this off.

Just a quick thank to all those who offered encouraging words, particularly Jim360.

[Cagey]

I enjoyed it, whilst listening to the news quiz, while my dad fell asleep on one sofa, my mum on the other, and the other half on the floor. It was quite a good episode too. Had it been the real something happening and not a crossword, it is likely that I would have been asleep and the rest awake.