Guardian Prize Crossword 29,009

[parlefrancais]

16, 22 10 24 (family member) defending the homestead with university reformers (8,6) Have got .U.H.R.., C.U.T. Thanks for any help

[JJ109]

Lutheran Church

Lurch is the family member!

[Captain2]

Do wish peeps would tell us if it is a themed crossword.

[JJ109]

Actually captain - the crossword doesn't tell you it is themed. BUT once you have completed it you notice a theme!!

[Toorak]

Lurch (family member) around the ranch (homestead) u (university)

[Captain2]

Fair enough, JJ.
Just not quite sure how someone 'cold' to the xword would resolve
'22 10 24 (family member)'

[elliemay1]

I understand the parsing but what does 22 10 24 mean?

[JJ109]

Hi Captain the answer to 10a 24a is "Family member" and this reference 10 24 is included in a number of clues - so you automatically would think father, mother son etc - and someone cold or even doing the crossword would be totally flummoxed, until you get letters in. One particular answer could only be one word, and then you think "how on earth is that a family member. Then it hits you and you have a theme and then the other themed answers become a doddle. But to start with, you don't know there is a theme!

Best wishes!

[JJ109]

Ellie, 16a 22a Is the clue that needs solving - the 10, 24 refers to another clue 10a 24a where the answer is "family member"

[elliemay1]

Ok, thanks jj

[parlefrancais]

Thanks a lot!

[JJ109]

You're most welcome, parlefrancais!