Spectator N0 2640: Double Entry By Doc

[Matakari]

Good morning, a very generous anagram feast from Doc today. I’m stumped by the last three for which I seek help before trying to crack the “Double entry”. Thanks in advance!
 

1a     Put up a hammock for son with Heather ( 5 ) : S????
27a   Fire-fighters from sailing vessel needing help, we’re told ( 7 )
34a   Sign overlapping with 41 for record collections ( 5 )  : LI?R?

[Neveracrossword]

34 The sign is astrological - put it in front of 41 A (which you must have, as these are your last three). You will end up with record collections (and other collections.)

1 A The usual Son and the usual 4-letter 'heather' beloved by setters. You'll have a hammock.

You haven't given any of your letters for 27 A

You will be at a huge advantage this week with all your yearsof experience,  the theme is something Doc has used before.

[Geoff.T]

Hi all,

Is there a way to avoid the ambiguities in the SE corner?

Geoff 

[Neveracrossword]

Geoff. T, I don't have my grid to hand, but I had one ambiguous unclued entry - but on the other side (NW)! I think I avoided an ambiguity in the SE by settling on one answer for an Across unclued, and the intersecting Down could then only be one option. I'll check when I get home...

[nescio]

27a  The answer is the usual name for a body of firefighters. The first part is a 4 letter sailing vessel, the second part sounds like another word for help

[Tilly2]

Good grief! I have only just printed mine off and you've nearly finished, Matakari.

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, this month's Genius puzzle is the most Matakari-friendly crossword I've seen for a long, long time. There are no extra or missing letters, nothing fancy at all! It was quite good fun.

[Neveracrossword]

Tilly2, I was delighted to see you feature in a clue this week.

PS It was a very Doc puzzle...

[Tilly2]

Was that Matilda?

[Tilly2]

No, I've just seen it, 13 down!

Mentioned in dispatches.

[Neveracrossword]

Tilly2, no - it was the clue for 13 D.

[Geoff.T]

Neveracrossword 

Hi.

I agree with NW. The entry in question has two possible endings.

In SE, there are two possible across entries (according to Chambers Word Wizard) which lead to several down entries.

Geoff

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, GeoffT. I have just done a quick online check. If I use (A), the first option for 33 A, there are loads of options for 31 D. If I use  (B), the second, there is only one shown for 31 D.

[Geoff.T]

Hi again Neveracrossword

That's exactly what I found. The point remains that any one of the alternatives is acceptable, hence an unsatisfactory endgame.

Geoff

 

[Neveracrossword]

Geoff.T, I think Doc is nowhere near as fastidious as he used to be, ambiguities have featured in at least several of his puzzles!

[Geoff.T]

Agreed, Neveracrossword.

Also, his recent puzzles are often extremely simple. This one was another which was completed without reference to any dictionary before the endgame. Many of the answers were immediately obvious.

I have an old paperback of historical Spectator crosswords which is a revelation. The words 'dumbing down' come to mind.

Geoff

[Matakari]

Many thanks, NACW, I omitted to give my letters for 27a.
????ADE ( They look like BRIG... ).
As soon as I crack the theme, I'll be having a look at the Genius, thanks!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari. Nescio gave you the answer to 27 A. 

I'm sure the theme won't hold you up for long! 

GeoffT, I too have seen some old puzzles, and they are definitely a lot harder than many recent ones. Today's was ... pretty pedestrian!

[Matakari]

I've now reached the game of juggling with letters.
It should soon be over!

[Matakari]

I may have done something wrong because I've ended with lots of possibilities for the Unclueds.

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, I think there are three entries where there isn't just one option.Those are mentioned earlier in this thread.