100 Crosswords

This edition of the magazine includes the 100th crossword I have compiled for St Georges and I feel like celebrating! On this momentous occasion I thought I would share a few thoughts with you.

It all started, many moons ago, with a call from the magazine editor for new copy. What’s new, I hear you cry.....

What sort of thing? I asked. What about a crossword, came the reply.

That should be easy I thought and grabbed pen and paper. The first few started off in fine style only to end up wanting a four letter word(!) starting with x and ending with z.... or a word with three a’s on the trot. Gradually I got into the rhythm and things got easier.

I have always been very grateful for my proof readers who prevent my mistakes hitting the general public. There was the time (not long since) when there were no down clues, a time when clue 25 across had no home, etc etc

My crosswords now go into church magazines all over the country. It is great fun when we are out and about to look up the local church, admire its architecture and history and then see if my crosswords are in their mag.

So thank you St Georges for starting me off on an abiding interest, long may it continue!

Jane Rice-Oxley