degreen - I have to ask: have you solved any of this puzzle yourself? You've asked for over 30 answers for this crossword now, all on separate threads, and you've not started on the perimeter, which I can't imagine you'll be able to do. I'm always happy to help when I can, but I don't understand why you're attempting this crossword.
As a point of order, from the "Crossword Guidelines" at the head of the Category -
1. Please be helpful and kind when offering answers, solutions and suggestions. Suggesting another user should “try harder,” will not be tolerated – quizzers of all abilities are free to use the website as they please.
It's been removed, greyfox. I'd suggest that the Private Eye Christmas crossword with it's in-joke references and specialised perimeter, would not be the place to start any 'crosswording journey' !
FWIW, after several years of popping up occasionally asking for the last answer or two to the PE Crossword, I was amazed to find a couple of ones where I could actually give an answer before anyone else.
Well I never! I wasn't aware my post had been removed. I'd have liked to have been notified why - it contained nothing that contravened the basic AB guidelines as far as I'm aware.
Seemingly degreen's constant repeat requests about a prize crossword where s/he clearly doesn't have a clue about the answers are deemed to be in the spirit of what the AB is about.
As you rightly say brainiac, the Private Eye Crossword is a very niche cryptic - there's no way it could be considered as an entry level suitable for beginners. It's hard to escape the conclusion that this site is being used as a means(slim odds though they may be) to win a decent prize rather than learn about the basics of more straightforward cryptic crosswords.
I'm all for helping people and there's none better than Lie-in King on here for doing that. I just think the helpful community are being taken for a ride on this occasion(though there has been previous from the same poster).
Hi all - appreciate the strong feelings here, but I (possibly like degreen) am attempting the PE 692 with almost no previous experience in cryptic crosswords. Perhaps not ideal, and I am definitely looking forward to an easier challenge in future, but I think a combination of Tier 4, a quiet Christmas at home, and terrible TV will drive a lot of new quizzers. So be kind to us! (Though those of us that use the AB community knowledge should definitely NOT enter for the £250 prize.)
ClueSoSo, I think you're right - the situation we find ourselves in is having a bearing on our hobbies and many are testing the water with different puzzles.