NAME

ADDRESS

TOWN

POSTCODE

PHONE NUMBER

The first correct entry drawn will receive a copy of Chambers Crossword Dictionary; two runners-up will receive a copy of an anthology of puzzles from the Chambers range. Write your name and contact details in the space provided and send to: Listener Crossword No 3995, 63 Green Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 6HE, to arrive by August 28.

Centrally-numbered groups of three radial entries contain, in no particular order, one unclued member of a set reading inwards and the jumbled answers to two clues. Taking the central spot as ring 9, each quadrant of ring 8 contains more than one letter. Rings 5, 4, 3 and 2 contain answers to normal clues and three unclued thematic entries without gaps and no entry spans any space outside the grid. In both radial groups and rings, clues are presented in no particular order but never overlap. Rings 3 and 5 read clockwise, rings 2 and 4 anticlockwise. Chambers Dictionary (2003) is the primary reference.

RADIALS
1 Resting place of ashes could be rare one - mixed with ground cumin. Putting endless small fish into diaries creates mischiefs
2 Angle fresh bream first and horse mackerel. Soul caught in network to return to life
3 Sign of disease has curtailed space at University, reflecting publicity. Thingumabob has dance with active evil spirit with energy
4 Power to make oneself comfortable in sticky vehicle returning graduate that's almost egg-shaped
5 Stamp one on cat with fish tail: more than one cat could be noiseless (one answer is of two words)
6 After endless study three notes make dreary composition for six players: let it remain in group with Oscar
7 Aircraft design in black. English flower gets insects in turbans
8 Youngster having two drinks? Fine as way back for one in compassion
9 Get in touch with Elisabeth about first class marble in Gabon and establishing co-operation
10 Mostly damped earth in communes causes ailments - rumour about recurrent bowel complaint for tart's youngster
11 Actor and medic fall out at this type of party (one is going about mostly loaded, starting to mock peculiarity of dialect)
12 Gradation could be changed for researcher. Horseman shoots back to Italy in retreat

RINGS
2 Pot in prison room from tropical tree
3 At length soft mountain Berber, not active, on tower in Hammamet encountered god and varied diet: unknown young cook supplies rumps stuffed with a bit of nettle
4 Point creditor to silver tree a student's given to his union. Note: loud American, Henry, opening church in East End, has money to show First Lady after Prince declined English baron's plot
5 Sunrise at sea makes certain among us unfortunate seamen having avoided European rips in the past end poetically in green void

More information about Chambers books can be found at www.chambers.co.uk
A dedicated site for Listener puzzle fans can be found at www.listenercrossword.com

Listener dinner
There are still places available at the dinner to be held on September 20 to celebrate publication of Listener Crossword No 4000. The cost of the dinner is £25 per person and cheques for that amount should be sent to Jim Coulson, c/o 16 Emgate, Bedale DL8 1AL, by the end of August. There is a "Black and White" theme (interpreted as you wish) with a prize for the best version. The location is the Apollo Hotel, Hagley Road, Birmingham; those requiring accommodation must make their own arrangements. The timing is 6.30pm (in the bar) for 7.30pm (dinner).

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