Our current 'Cryptic Crosswords' group remains stubbornly at full capacity, meaning that we have repeatedly had to say no to anyone enquiring if there were any places available to join us. Our chatty round-table format, jointly taking on a trickier puzzle that might stump us if we attempted it alone, only works if numbers remain limited.
Rather than growing the current group therefore, I am wondering if there is enough interest to set up a second group too.
Most enquires that we have had have come from people who are looking to learn and improve. Some who dabble but struggle to complete whole puzzles, others who simply think it might be something they'd enjoy but first need an introduction and a source of puzzles at the right level to get started. What I suggest for starting a second group, therefore, is to have a few weeks aimed particularly at beginners, and then expand from that.
(This slot, however, is not fixed. Anyone with other commitments here, or with hearing difficulties in open-plan venues, we can consider alternatives. So please do enquire, even if the proposed arrangements are a problem.)
Absolutely no prior knowledge needed to start with - just some enthusiasm for words and wordplay. Come and give it a try, and if you find it is not for you then no problem. However good revision too for people who can do some types of clues but not all - help to fill any gaps and brush up on techniques. The first few weeks just looking at how cryptic clues work, and how to recognise the main clue types - anagrams, charades, double-definitions, homonyms etc. But towards the end of the six weeks, moving on to full crosswords and opening up the group to others who perhaps already knew the basics, but are looking for sources of suitable puzzles to practice on.
To review options again after the first six sessions, to see if there is enough interest for the second group to continue.
For anyone who enjoys wordplay and riddles, the cryptic crossword should be right up your street - as well as being recognised as being a great exercise for the brain, to help fight dementia and age-linked decline. It isn't as hard a pastime as many people think - rather just knowing what to look for! (In fact, once you get used to cryptic crosswords many people say they are easier than standard ones, with more than one way to find answers, and more confidence that the answer you give is the one required.)
Getting together with other cryptic fans works well too. Crosswords can certainly be a great solitary pastime, sitting down with a pot of tea in the morning to test yourself on the puzzle of the day, but its also increasingly being recognised that they make a great sociable activity too. Surprise not only yourself but also the rest of the group with what bits of obscure knowledge you have tucked away in your brain; see how different people come up with different ideas; appreciate any particularly fiendish or entertaining clues.
If interested, please speak to Cath at the next members meeting, or go to the crosswords group page and send an enquiry email from there. I'd love to hear what your cryptic crosswording background (if any) is, and whether the Thursday dates would work for you.