November 2026 Higher Calling by Hedge=sparrow

 Higher Calling by Hedge-sparrow

The perimeter cells contain part of a quotation inscribed on a structure (reading clockwise) and the speaker’s surname (reading anticlockwise). The wordplay of each across clue yields an extra letter; these letters must be used to fill the unchecked cells in the quotation portion of the perimeter. Solvers must complete and highlight the full name (11 cells in total) of the speaker. Each of four down clues includes an extra word, which must be removed prior to solving. These words are also inscribed on the structure. In accordance with the sentiment expressed in the quotation, solvers must replace one grid entry with a word identifying the type of structure, leaving real words throughout. Finally, solvers must highlight two further entries (11 cells in total) with a nominal link to the thematic person.

Across

6 Sincere trust that is abandoned by saint (4)

8 Junior resident doctor in hospital – one firefighting (7)

9 Spite American offender shortly heading in the direction of New York (8)

11 Once called ballot in Honduras (5)

13 Valuable items – until pinched by mugs (6)

16 In the style of twirling fake dancing-girls in Cairo (6)

18 Inner tension limits lyre’s highest note (4)

19 French toilet’s blocked by extremely enormous bottoms (6)

20 Antelope, utterly exhausted, heading west across Louisiana (5)

21 Can turned over behind pick-up point (5)

23 Game Irish saint (6)

24 Approach northern tower (4)

25 Scotsman tracking age of the Muses (6)

27 Raises clenched hands after call to express exultation (6)

30 Incendiarism enthrals upper-class Canadian native (5)

33 Line copy regularly seen in A. Pope’s retrospective Rape of the Lock? (8)

34 Lounger gets IT to help prepare paper for publication (7)

35 Stop imbibing beer (a sign of holiness) (4)

Down

1 Channel briefly dipped in sound (4)

2 Emptied rubbish in European river (5)

3 Head of African gang mounting fenced enclosure in Kenya? (4)

4 Cardinals on edge, wanting bit of extra fortitude (4)

5 Humanity connects with ground base on unstable hot star (6)

7 Ancient plough not starting at this point (3)

10 Felt great desire to refuse flipping ear plugs (7)

12 Free to introduce line for national car maker (4)

14 Former Scots starlet dissolving in tears (7)

15 Spirits uplifting one during devotion, say (5)

16 Marshal kept in total ignorance (5)

17 Sacrifice small hill pony? (5)

22 Tuberose plant recipe set in the right way (4)

23 Cycling giant harbouring love for deadly snark (6)

26 Cite section of Bible following question on ethics, principally (5)

28 Facet uncovered in short description of invention (4)

29 Flash Harry dignitaries sent up (4)

31 Finally gather what is efflorescence on salty soil (3)

32 Crusty layer is turning adumbral on the outside (4)

To enter this competition, input your solution into the website at https://cc.vellender.com before 8th December 2026. The first correct entry drawn from the hat will receive a book from the Chambers range, which has been donated by Chambers. 

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