FACTFINDER’S CROSSWORD

Dear Reader,

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we are suspending competition entries for all our prize crosswords. Puzzles will continue to appear as normal but no entries will be accepted or prizes given.

We hope to return to normal as soon as possible.

The solution to this week’s Factfinder crossword will appear next Saturday as usual.

Stay safe!

Joy Yates, Editorial Director

Across

1 A non-commissioned officer (5,8)

10 An international language published in 1887

(9)

11 A master of ceremonies (coll) (5)

12 The upper edge of a ship's side next to the

bulwark (7)

13 Method of restarting play in rugby (4-3)

14 A coarse homespun cloth or dress (6)

16 Increase rapidly in scale or intensity (8)

18 A feudal superior (8)

20 Archaic term for to spread a greasy

substance over (6)

23 Ready cash (coll) (7)

24 A mixture of mercury and other metal (7) 26 One related on the mother's side (5)

27 Provide one with a nervous stimulus (9)

28 Statesman (1918 - 2013), who was President

of South Africa (1994 - 99) (6,7)

Down

2 The trembling poplar (5)

3 Heart-shaped (bot) (7)

4 City on the French Riviera (pop about

75,000), founded in 1530 (6)

5 Having no settled home (8)

6 Collective name for the Pacific islands (7)

7 Large city in southern Alaska (pop about

300,000), founded in 1914 (9)

8 An instrument used to measure radioactivity

(6,7)

9 A percussionist (13)

15 Borough in southern England (pop about 90,000), designated a New Town in 1946 (9)

17 Slang term for an enormous number (8)

19 Shakespearean term for thieves (7)

21 Featured as the principal actor, singer, etc

(7)

22 A fantasy world created by C S Lewis in

seven novels (6)

25 A cherished ambition or goal (5)