Listener Crossword 4093 Times Group by Colleague

[starwalker]

Another Friday, another Listener and another new setter (or is it).
After a very straightforward grid fill, I shall now retire for a glass of something to consider the preamble.
These easy fills are starting to worry me - what is coming round the corner ?

[Clamzy]

Daagg - True not in Chambers as such but easily obtainable in the wild card search facility in Chambers CD rom.
Having said that I notice that two across clues in this puzzle required the 2008 edition (one for the definition and the other for wordplay) and were not on the CD rom.

[BlackHugh]

daagg - the third group is in my Chambers (2008)

[daagg]

BlackHugh - I agree it's in Chambers, just not under the number, which is the obvious first place to look. By the time you've found it, you know the answer!!

In answer to the people preferring some styles of puzzles, I would say that "variety is the spice of life" - now where have I heard that before?!

[AndrewG-S]

I have submitted on EV for about 2 years and Listener for 4 months and won absolutely nothing - so if any one feels like donating me an unwanted prize that would be much appreciated!!

[teuchter2]

I eventually got there on Monday after finding the thematic word in the grid. This was of appropriate shape to lead me to the third group, which I had not heard of. On the subject of winning, I have had two Parker pens and a bottle of champagne, but over quite a number of years. Second half starting!

[naomirod]

actually S-matrix no! Whilst im by far the brightest worker on the building site where i work,compared to you lot on this forum im a bit of a retard.However, i will continue mulling over the advice offered til the pub opens

[zita-green]

This is my first attempt and I struggled with the third group. Even as a long-lapsed catholic who knew of it, I did not make the connection for ages. It seems arcane in the extreme to connect such groups. I don't think I'll be doing it again. Speccie & EV are much 'better' for me
On the subject of winning, I won the Indy 3 times in as many weeks; the Speccie & Beelzebub the first time I entered and nothing from Azed, Everyman or the Guardian. It must be just the luck of the draw.

[mullingar]

I'd like to add my name to the headscratchers. I'm a novice but I can see as far as the two groups and a number given by their product and there the trail goes cold. Please scratch this itch!

[jacinth]

That's where I was at last night mullingar. I hope you have the Chambers CDROM. After enough hard-staring to outdo even Paddington, I did the backsearch as others have suggested here and the answer was very soon forthcoming. I hadn't heard of it before - otherwise I hope you can find the hidden thematic word.

[mullingar]

No CD ROM I'm afraid any hints on searching for the thematic word?

[mullingar]

whilst I'm at it. I can't quite justify 20across. Any guidance folks?

[Mysterons]

You're looking for a 6-letter word meaning 'quick', more commonly used to mean 'spruce' in the sense of a smartly dressed man - move the last letter forward a few places and insert the usual letter for 'one'.

[AndrewG-S]

Once you have the titles for the groups and little bit of a slog with Chambers should get you to the third

[Archie1962]

I have what I think is the thematic word but I'm puzzled by the phrase "aptly depicted" in the preamble. Is the shape highlighted meant to represent something?

[daagg]

Archie - it certainly is a thematic shape. If you have found the third group, then you should recognise the shape fairly easily.

[BlackHugh]

But be careful - I did firstly find the thematic word with a different "route" which is certainly not in the right shape

[Archie1962]

Ah yes, don't know how I missed that first time. There's definitely a trap there for thw unwary.

[mullingar]

thank you Mysterons I see that now. Despite all your encouragement the identity of the third group is still eluding me