I think I've got there, though held up for a long time in the NW of the grid and an overenthusiastic wrong answer to 1 down in particular. A wrong assumption about probably the most critical missing letter sent me chasing after several wrong answers to the question, too.
Rather hard work, this one, with several possible dead ends cluttering up the solving process, and a grumble about doing word searches averted by spotting the Answer after carefully rereading the blurb.
Not bad, a proper Listener workout. Thanks to Tangram, and best wishes to all who gather here
Still working on this after a break of two days. I'm pretty sure I've got all answers now, but am struggling with what the middle of the question is, although I know the answer. This just gives me the nagging feeling that I may have something wrong, and the middle letter is still eluding me, so it's frustrating that everyone seems to have found it so obvious.
Finally got it! What a numpty I am. I think I was expecting the middle letter to be involved in the answer, spatially that is. Have I spelt spatially right? Who cares!
Surely it's best to aim for a healthy balance with sensible priorities and not to neglect the important things in life - work, family & friends, crosswords, the dog - not necessarily in that order.
Finally arrived - really enjoyed the thread after I had struggled with that top NW corner. I too wondered about the central entry - it seemed too obvious but not confirmed to my satisfaction.
Loved the last few entries. Not allowed a dog so that one's out. Thanks for showing that great thinkers have a sense of humour too.
Going on holiday in Dorset tomorrow. Haven't started 4187 yet - hope it isn't too hard. Perhaps I can do it on the journey if I can persuade Mrs. Ef to do teh driving. Unlikely if the weather is as bad as forecast.