Sloggers, betters and other cruciverbalists’ centenary convention

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To commemorate the centenary of the crossword, we really should have a proper get-together for all the regulars, be they high-profile or lurkers. Everyone, from novices to occasional solvers to the all-correct Listener élite, is welcome.

So we have booked the basement bar (very spacious and not claustrophobia-inducing, just in case ‘basement’ worries you) at Penderel’s Oak, 283–288 High Holborn, London WC1V 7HP (where the recent 3-D crosswords event took place) from 12:00 midday until 7:00 pm on Saturday 21 December, and we hope as many of you as possible will be there (even if you can only make it for a while).

Although they haven’t confirmed yet, we are very much hoping that Alan Connor, John Halpern (Paul, Mudd), and Mick Hodgkin will be there to sign copies of their recently published books (last-minute Christmas shopping, anyone?), and maybe to say a few words.
Mick has now confirmed, and Alan has made a provisional commitment, depending on other commitments that day.

We are not planning to organise food, because it’s very easy to order your meal at the bar. Please do so, because this pub has been very helpful to our crossword community, and the food is pretty good.

So that we can give the pub an idea of numbers, we’d hugely appreciate it if you could let us know of your intentions. Please email crossword.event@jetdoc.co.uk. You might not get an individual reply (though we’ll check and respond to any queries), but I have set up an auto-response, so you should know your mail has been received.

… oh yes, and there’s that Christmas thing coming up, too. That’s got to be worth a drink, at least!

  2. Well done, Jane! I think my wife Susan and I ought to be able to make this one. If you want a reserve talk (or even a third one) I would be happy to give my personal take on A Hundred Years of Crosswords in Ten Clues (one per crossword decade) if people/organisers would like this. I shall be delivering this talk to The Australian Crossword Club in Sydney on 1 December and have already trialled it in this country to non-specialist groups. The content of the talk will appear in the introduction to the new Chambers Crossword Companion and will reveal what I believe to be the very first cryptic clue.

  3. Really looking forward to this – I’ve responded via your crossword gathering that I’ll attend.

    Is this open to GU people as well?

  5. Jane – A completely necessary event – well done! Depending on my Christmas shopping schedule, I’ll try to make it up to London for a while on the day.

    Don – Interesting … You may have sparked a friendly competition to determine what we think is truly the first cryptic clue … Without revealing more than you wish, what date do you have in mind?

  6. I expect I’ll be there and would be happy to see ms geek and pals. Good excuse to get away from the last minute crimbo shopping.

  7. I know, I’ve never been to one, and I ought to come to one some time, but that is right in the middle Santa Special season, so enjoy yerselves kids and remember me standing in the freezing stuff on the platform whilst you are safe in the warm.

  8. Not quite sure of my timings that day, since I’m meeting someone in the evening and can’t be there at lunchtime, but intend to come for a while.

  9. Responding to Claire (#3) — yes, of course! I don’t usually go on GU, but maybe I should. Please draw attention to it there too.

  12. A great idea but sadly I’ve already got two prior commitments that day. Hope you all have a great time, though.

  13. I so enjoyed the Sheffield bash that I would love to be there in London but, sadly, it is impractical for me. I hope everyone enjoys it and that the passing of the Rev. will be marked with pleasant memories rather than sadness.

  15. I’m really sorry to have to miss what I’m sure will be another super do: it’s our choir’s Christmas concert.

    Have fun, everyone!

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