Skylark (EV) – Page 2 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

EV 1593 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1593 (Hints)

Apparently by Skylark

Hints and tips by Phibs

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When I provided hints for her last EV, Skylark was kind enough to explain the origin of her pseudonym, chosen because as a youngster she was entranced by Errol Garner’s rendition of the Johnny Mercer / Hoagy Carmichael song of that name. Since we will be searching for names in the completed grid, Mercer’s closing couplet may well be relevant: “So if you see them anywhere / Won’t you lead me there?”

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EV 1569 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1569 (Hints)

Coexistence by Skylark

Hints and tips by Phibs

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I’d like to tell you where the pseudonym Skylark comes from, but I can’t. Is she perhaps a diminutive songster, or someone who enjoys the occasional drop of a blithe spirit? Or could the fact that Chambers gives the verb ‘skylark’ as meaning ‘to trick’ be relevant? I’m hoping that our setter might come to my assistance…

…which she has very kindly done – see the first comment below. A much better reason for choosing the name than any of my suggestions!

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EV 1495 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1495 (Hints)

The African One by Skylark

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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This will be Skylark’s third year of crossword compiling. She has set crosswords for the Magpie, the Listener, the Inquisitor series and the Enigmatic Variations series. A ladies’ month Inquisitor will be appearing shortly. Continue reading “EV 1495 (Hints)”

EV 1455 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1455 (Hints)

The Golden Oldies by Skylark

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Skylark joined the relatively small band of lady setters just a couple of years ago and has delighted solvers of the Listener, Magpie, Inquisitor and Enigmatic Variations series with crosswords on literary and musical themes (Jazz, the Beatles, Endeavour Morse, Jeeves, Hercule Poirot, Frank Muir – his ‘Aisle Altar Hymn’, Oscar Hammerstein and Robert Graves). Continue reading “EV 1455 (Hints)”