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Volume 11 Issue 7 October 2026

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A Season of Change and Halloween Spirit There is something special about autumn in Fingal. As the evenings draw in and the first hints of winter appear, the landscape takes on a character all of its own. Hedgerows turn golden, leaves gather along country lanes, and the crisp air carries the unmistakable feeling that the year is entering its final chapter. For many communities across Fingal, autumn is also a time of preparation. Schools, families, community groups and local businesses are beginning to look towards Halloween, an occasion that has become deeply woven into the fabric of Irish life. Across towns and villages, preparations are already beginning. Costumes are being chosen, pumpkins are appearing in shops and homes, and children are eagerly discussing what they might dress up as this year. For parents, meanwhile, Halloween brings the familiar tasks of finding costumes, planning parties and making sure decorations are both enjoyable

and safe. There is also an opportunity to remember the traditions behind the celebration. Halloween has strong roots in the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, marking the transition from summer to winter. In Fingal, where historic landscapes, old villages and rural traditions remain such an important part of local identity, that connection with the past can add an extra dimension to the festivities. Autumn gives Fingal a chance to pause and appreciate what makes the area distinctive: its countryside, coastline, villages and close-knit communities. Halloween adds colour, imagination and a little bit of harmless fright to the season. So, as the leaves fall and October nights grow darker, Fingal can embrace Halloween in the best possible spirit — with creativity, community, tradition and, of course, plenty of pumpkins. The Locals Team

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SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

Local News

New name but same great club: East Coast becomes North Dublin Toastmasters

Who are North Dublin Toastmasters?

understanding of our location.

North Dublin Toastmasters is a club that helps members become more confident by developing a range of social, communication and leadership skills. We provide our members with a relaxed, friendly, fun and professional environment to help them achieve these goals. You can volunteer for a variety of roles at our meetings and each role helps you to develop a varied range of skills. Members get an opportunity to grow at their own pace with no pressure to take on any specific role until they are ready. We also give regular, supportive feedback to help each person achieve their full potential.

Why the name change?

Our club has been established for over 30 years. Until recently, we were known as East Coast Toastmasters. Although we are all proud members of “East Coast” we feel that this name was a little too broad and vague for members looking for clubs in their own location. Whilst we welcome members from all areas and all counties, we believe that “North Dublin Toastmasters” will help potential members find us and give them a better

Are guests welcome to attend?

We are delighted to welcome any guests who would like to attend our meetings and there is no charge. Most members who join the club first attend as a guest to see how a typical meeting runs. They often join us when they see how our club can help them achieve their own personal goals.

Where and when do we meet?

North Dublin Toastmasters meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month. We alternate between in-person meetings in St Cronan’s Parish Hall, Swords (first Tuesdays) and online meetings (third Tuesdays). Online meetings are another increasingly relevant way to develop and broaden your communication skills. To get more information about our club you can email NorthDublinToastmasters@gmail.com or phone our President Mick Rock at 0877686069

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SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

100+ EVENTS | 20+ LOCATIONS Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

View 2026 Programme

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

Film Review

The Pulp Documentary Delivers the Magic

Splash out

on a new bathroom

By Jack Shanley For this month I decided to review the new ‘Pulp’ documentary. Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore? Directed by Garth Jennings and narrated by the endlessly charming Jarvis Cocker, this film captures the legendary Britpop band on their triumphant 2025 tour while taking a wonderfully nostalgic look back at their long, strange journey. At roughly 100 minutes, it strikes the perfect balance between a fiery concert film and a heartfelt history lesson. Rather than being a dry band bio, Cocker describes the movie as a bit like a jumble sale—and that’s what makes it so fun to watch. The absolute highlight of the documentary is its goldmine of archive footage. Jennings dives deep into the history of ‘Pulp’ spanning over four decades, pulling back the curtain on Pulp long before they were famous. We get to see brilliant personal photos, quirky old TV appearances, and even a teenage Jarvis’s school exercise book where he mapped out his dream band’s strict dress code. There is even a peak at a wooden Dalek his grandfather built for him to climb inside. It’s a endearing, hilarious window into a group of eccentric Sheffield outsiders who slowly clawed their way to pop royalty. Equally thrilling is the concert footage, recorded during their massive shows at London’s O2 Arena. Jarvis Cocker remains one of the greatest frontmen in rock history. Even with his signature “Vegas-meets-Sheffield” dance moves looking slightly creakier these days, his showmanship is completely magnetic. Backed by a full string section and a massive neon backdrop, the live performances feel enormous. Seeing tens of thousands of fans from different generations screaming along to classics like “Disco 2000” and “Babies” will give you instant goosebumps. What makes the film really shine, though, is its emotional heart. Between the high-energy arena hits, there are deeply tender moments—including a stripped-back performance honoring the late bassist, Steve Mackey. Easy to follow, visual, and wildly entertaining, Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore? isn’t just for die-hard fans. It’s a joyful, witty celebration of growing older without ever losing your spark. Whether you want to relive the 90s or just watch a brilliant performer at the top of his game, this is a must-watch. In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore?’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. You can watch it on Mubi today. Director: Gareth Jennings – Rating: 12A – Genre: Music/Documentary – Run Time: 1h 30m- Language: English. For more film content, please follow @screen_.addicts on Instagram. 6

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With Susan Women’s Health through the seasons: Supporting wellbeing with Chinese Medicine and natural care

The changing seasons can influence many aspects of women’s health, including energy levels, menstrual cycles, sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. While everyone’s experience is unique, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as being closely connected to the natural rhythms of the environment and encourages adapting self-care practices throughout the year. In TCM, each season is associated with different organs and qualities. Spring is considered a time of renewal and is linked with the Liver, which plays an important role in the smooth flow of Qi (energy). Some women may notice increased premenstrual symptoms, irritability, or headaches during this

time. Gentle exercise, stretching, acupuncture, and eating plenty of fresh green vegetables may help support balance. Summer is associated with the Heart and is considered a season of warmth and activity. Staying well hydrated, eating cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, leafy greens, and berries, and avoiding excessive heat can help maintain energy and comfort. Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding should pay particular attention to hydration and seek medical advice if bleeding is unusually heavy or persistent. As autumn arrives, the focus shifts towards the Lungs and preparing the body for cooler weather. Nourishing foods such as pears,

pumpkin, oats, soups, and warming herbal teas may support overall wellbeing. It is also a good time to prioritise rest, maintain regular sleep habits, and strengthen the immune system. Winter is linked with the Kidneys in TCM, which are considered the body’s foundation of vitality and reproductive health. Gentle movement, warm cooked meals, adequate sleep, and managing stress are encouraged during this quieter season. Many women find this an ideal time to restore energy and support hormonal balance through healthy lifestyle habits. Acupuncture may help support women’s health concerns such as menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, stress, and general

wellbeing when provided by a qualified practitioner. Research suggests it may be beneficial for some women, although results vary, and treatment should be tailored to the individual. Natural self-care, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and good sleep, remains the foundation of health throughout the year. Regular medical check-ups, cervical screening, breast awareness, and discussing any persistent or unusual symptoms with a healthcare professional are essential. Chinese medicine works best as a complementary approach alongside appropriate medical care, helping many women support their health in harmony with the changing seasons.

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE** Due to increasing demand for space in our magazine could all contributors please note OUR STRICT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES AND PICS IS THE 14TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

Local News

Graffiti removal expert part of Swords Tidy Towns

Eric Duffy

Swords Tidy Towns has been winning awards for many years as they work during all weathers to keep our community clean. They also put fantastic efforts into decorating Main Street and other areas with summer flower arrangements. Not so well known is an STT member who works on removing the graffiti that pops up with annoying regularity. Delivering a cleaner town on this front is Eric Duffy, a resident of Carlton Court. Given how this work has required constant attention he has a new process for anti-graffiti efforts that he thinks will work out well. “I first got involved with Swords Tidy Towns when my neighbor, Matt Cullen, chatted to me while he was tidying a flower bed in Carlton Court, he explains. I soon decided to get involved, and after a bit with the litter picking, quickly became passionate about cleaning as much Graffiti as I could.” He is quick to point out that Tidy Towns always earn a lot of respect for wall murals and flower baskets, the work on removing graffiti can go un-noticed. “Usually when the school holidays begin there is an uptick. I’d say there are only a few kids leaving graffiti but they make the town’s environment look awful.” Eric has found that a wall might be repainted as soon as he cleans it. “I discovered they throw in the towel once we get to the third round”. In the same breath he worries that what he firmly

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

considers to be vandalism, will surge back into popularity. “I believe we need to encourage the youth to develop their Art through art competitions, a more positive opportunity to show an artistic talent” As part of a new Council funded project to combat litter and graffiti (ALAG), a mapping and tracking system is being developed for Swords. This offers a new way of identifying areas where graffiti causes a persistent nuisance. This new “public realm awareness” tool is nearly complete. Swords Tidy Towns is one of several Swords based organisations contributing to the design and improvement of this system. Browse www.swordlive.ie to see what is on offer. The remarkable variety of beautification provided by Tidy Towns over the years is truly inspiring. https://swordstidytowns.com/ completed-projects/ “New volunteers are certainly welcome to become part of our team” Ken Duffy, STT Chairperson.

Fingal News

Explore Fingal’s Ireland Home of Halloween programme

Explore Fingal launched an impressive programme of events for Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 with more than 100 events in over 20 venues. The launch took place at one of those venues, Howth Castle, which is hosting several different events during October. Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween is a collaborative all-island programme led by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland that celebrates the island’s role as the birthplace of Halloween through festivals and visitor experiences inspired by Samhain traditions. Fingal is one of the seven counties chosen as Ireland Home of Halloween hubs. Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said, “Home of Halloween celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Samhain and our 2026 events promote our very special connection to Halloween through performance, storytelling, spectacle and spooky experiences. There are events suited to all ages and stages of life whether you’re a foodie, a history fiend or seeking family fun. With vintage cinema screenings in Balbriggan, writer’s workshops in Howth, Harvest food and fine dining in Naul, ghost stories in Blanchardstown and Goddesses in Skerries, there truly is a unique experience for every person to enjoy.” Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Highlights and key events for 2026 include:

Pumpkins After Dark

A spellbinding open air event running from 2nd to 31st October, Newbridge House and Farm on the dauntingly named Hearse Road in Donabate is transformed into a magical Samhain wonderland. Step into a breathtaking 1km long illuminated farm and walled garden walk where over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins glow scarily in the darkness.

Festival of Fire

On Halloween night 31st October, the Festival of Fire takes place in three locations around Fingal –Bremore Castle, Swords Town Park and Millennium Park Blanchardstown. It kicks off at 7pm with a Scary DJ, an electrifying musical prelude setting the mood for an unforgettable night. Then fireworks displays will light up the night sky with explosions of colour and aweinspiring light. It’s free and fun, the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.

The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt Ardgillan Castle taps into its own shadowy

history from 22nd October to 1st November for this atmospheric Halloween tour. During Samhain, when the veil between the living and the dead grows thin, the Taylor family return to Ardgillan Castle, Fingal, the home they once knew. Costumes encouraged!

Feast of Samhain

This Halloween, iconic Howth Castle will come alive with a full programme of events including shadowy Samhain tours with the Castle Historian with chilling tales of ghostly encounters and Castle folklore, a Foraging & Sorcery Workshop, a Feast of Samhain Candlelit Supper Club and a choice of seasonally appetising cookery classes in Howth Castle Cookery School. The successful Hooks and Reels writing workshop takes place over Halloween week.

A Traitorous Tale: A Ghoulish Feast

Malahide Castle’s hosts a one-of-a-kind immersive dining and interactive event including an after dark tour behind the velvet ropes. Guests are invited to sip deadly cocktails, indulge in an autumnal feast, and interrogate suspicious historical guests to unravel a centuries-old betrayal. Based on the Castle’s own history and hauntings. SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

Feature

Getting ready for spooks and festivities!

Thinking about a family mini break this October? Farnham Estate Cavan has great Autumnal offers; enjoy Woodland walks, delicious dining, spacious rooms, spa & the spectacular indoor/outdoor pool – we love it here. Like a fright at Halloween? Farmaphobia is a fun (aka terrifying) experience. Perfect for horror fans! Pillo Hotel Ashbourne; close to Emerald Park, Bounce & Beyond Ballyboughal and Dublin Zoo is a firm favourite of ours. Generously sized rooms, swimming pool, fab food and a sensory room, makes Pillo ideal for family breaks. Pumpkins After Dark is back at Newbridge House & Farm and is a no frights family friendly experience. The Haunted Trail at Malahide Castle is another spooktacular, family friendly Halloween event. Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan has spacious family rooms, lovely atmosphere, yummy food. A 5-minute walk to the train station and then, only 30 mins into Dublin City. National Concert Hall, The National Wax Museum Plus, Dublinia and EPIC museum are excellent for Autumnal days out in Dublin. For family friendly dining, we love Shake Dog Diners. Their food is affordable, tasty and they have a great menu! There are lots of great movies running atm and many cinemas, like Arc Cinemas, have special offers

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

for families. Kids clubs on weekend mornings are especially good value. If you are planning a Santa visit, it’s a good idea to book early as they tend to sell out fast. Here are some of our favourites for 2026….. ElfTown Dublin at the RDS is an interactive, immersive experience, with two magical ways for families to experience the wonder of Christmas. Choose from the full 75-minute Elf Town Immersive Experience or the shorter 30 minute Santa’s Magical Visit. Book here: https://elftowndublin.ie/ Elf Town Dublin Airfield Estate Dundrum is stunning at Christmas, blending timeless traditions and a funfilled visit with Santa. Explore the breathtaking grounds, visit the Jersey cows, playground, café and garden centre. The elves can’t wait to welcome you! Book at: https:// www.airfield.ie/events/the-magic-ofchristmas-santa-airfield/ Christmas Island is a stunning experience. Take a journey on Sata’s houseboat to meet Santa, the Elves & Mrs. Claus. Enjoy Indoor mini golf, tubing, crafts, face painting, cinema & lots more! You can even book in overnight! Book here: www. ChristmasIsland.ie We are giving away Christmas experiences family passes at www.mams.ie https://www.facebook.com/mams. ireland/ https://www.instagram.com/ mams.ie Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

CAR REVIEW

Nissan Micra Returns as an EV By Declan Glynn

After a noticeable absence from showrooms, the Nissan Micra is back – reborn as a fullyelectric urban hatchback for a new generation. The Micra Electric takes things to a new level, combining the car’s long-standing reputation for practicality and affordability with intuitive technology to make it the smart choice for everyday drivers making the switch to electric driving.

Design-Conscious Appeal The new Micra’s subtle SUV-inspired proportions provide it with a robust stance and a modern-retro look. Featuring eye-catching LED headlamps within circular LED daytime running lights, an iconic rear lighting signature, and sporty 18-inch wheels, it is a design that successfully balances form and function.

Trim & Battery Options There are three trim grades to choose from: Engage, Advance and Evolve. The entry-level Engage model has a 40kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 317km on a combined Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

driving cycle. Mid-spec Advance trim comes with the option of a 40kWh or 52kWh battery, while the top-spec Evolve model is only available with the 52kWh battery, which increases the achievable range to 416km. Both variants support DC fast charging up to 80kW and 110kW respectively, enabling a 15% to 80% charge to be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Alternatively, a 10% to 80% charge via an 11kW domestic wallbox charger can be achieved in as little as 3.45 hours. With NissanConnect powered by Google built-in occupants can enjoy services like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play.

Car on Review My review car was a Micra Electric (52kWh) in Evolve trim, and it looked terrific in its Authentic Blue metallic paintwork with a contrasting Mystery Black metallic roof. The cabin features a clean, uncluttered layout centred around a dual 10.1-inch screen setup with built-in Google services. The Micra’s slightly elevated driving position gives a clear, crossover-like view of the road ahead, and overall cabin comfort is excellent, with soft-touch finishes, padded

fabrics, and distinctively patterned seat upholstery providing an upmarket look and feel. On the road, the new Micra is a genuinely enjoyable companion, and the driving experience can be summed up in three words: Nimble, Fun, and Refined. The electric motor is located on the front axle, and it produces 150hp (148bhp) and 245Nm of instant torque, resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.0-seconds. The car feels responsive and agile at all times, and it feels planted and secure too, inspiring confidence whether navigating challenging urban streets, enjoying a spirited drive on country roads, or cruising on a motorway. One-pedal driving can be selected via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, with multiple regenerative braking levels available, and this is perfectly suited to stop-start city driving.

Conclusion & Price The all-new Nissan Micra Electric is highlycommendable in every way – from its striking exterior design to its refined driving manners, and everything in between. Pricing starts from just €25,995 (ex-delivery), with my test car specification priced from €32,995 (ex-delivery).

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

By Mike Power

Sword’s Development 1940s and 1970s

The population of Swords has continually altered down the years, from its beginning as a prosperous and important medieval settlement (1300 ) , to a bastion of the pale (1600), a colonised ascendancy town (1700) , and then finally to a somewhat rural backwater , (1900), a place you passed through going somewhere else

!.The 1940 aerial picture above shows Swords still fixed within it’s 1200 ad medieval boundaries, it’s burgages ( long narrow medieval plots) still very prominent on the eastern side , and with little further development in evidence..In contrast ,the modern expansion of Swords shown in this 1970 aerial shot shows the building of St Columchille’s,

Ghost stories and superstitions By Jon Kavanagh One of my earliest memories sees my mother lighting the paraffin oil lamp in the gate lodge where we lived in Oldtown, North County Dublin. Outside, darkness covered the surrounding woodlands; creating a fertile atmosphere for the imagination, folklore, superstition and things that go bump in the night. As the nights grew darker, family, friends and neighbors gathered around the open fire to catch up on the local gossip, exchange notes on their medical complaints, and tell ghost stories. Uncle Patsy who lived near the Four Knocks Burial Tomb (situated at Naul with a lager interior than Newgrange) was never short of material. With his renowned opening line “Do yous know what I’m going to tell yous?”, he would regale and scare us with stories about the large unearthly black dog with red eyes roaming the neighborhood, the man who walked through a closed gate, and the long-bearded druid like figure he uncounted sitting in an armchair in his parlor, to mention just a few. Certain mischievous people found fun in dressing up as ghosts. One night whilst cycling home my father found himself in the unwanted

SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

an estate located directly on the hill behind the monastic site. Along with River Valley, these two particular housing estates began a process of population growth and resettlement that has made the Swords of today among the fastest growing places in Ireland. Can we successfully manage the change?

company of Billy; one such prankster known to wrap himself in a white sheet to put the heart crossways in those of a nervous disposition. Thinking fast my father hatched a cunning plan to give Billy a taste of his own medicine. Out of the blue he pretended to see someone and loudly said “Hello there, a nice night”. “Who did you speak to?”, Billy nervously quivered. “The old man sitting on the bank”. my father replied. Thinking that my father had actually seen a genuine apparition, Billy beelined for the safety of home at a speed that would merit the yellow jersey in the Tour De France. There were no further reports of him ever again donning the white sheet. Superstitions and pisoges played a part in everyday life. Land owners wouldn’t dare cut down a tree on a Fairy Fort, lest they be dogged with bad luck for the rest of their days. Taking a short cut through the fields (once a common practice) was problematic: If you had the misfortunate to step on a ‘stray sod’ you would lose all sense of direction and find yourself wandering aimlessly in circles for hours on end. Correlation between those who stepped on the ‘stray sod’ and those on their way home from the local remains unknown. Many including my mother believed the shrill sound often penetrating the silence of the night was the Banshee foretelling the imminent passing of someone in the locality. Skeptics said the hair-raising racket was no more than of a fox calling for a mate. Rural electrification and television brought tremendous progress, but took a away an era of mystique when we made our entertainment. Happy Halloween!

Local Sports

Swords GAA Club set for Annual Charity Blitz in Aid of St Francis Hospice

St Colmcille’s Gaelic for Mothers & Others Celebrate 10 years of fundraising for St Francis Hospice

St Colmcille’s GFC welcomed players, families, friends and the wider community for its annual charity blitz in aid of St Francis Hospice held on Saturday, 19th September. The club has been holding the popular fundraising event almost every year since 2016 in honour of two of the players’ mothers who passed away and spent some time in St. Francis Hospice. Following the action on the pitch, players and supporters came together in the club hall for refreshments, a raffle, and the real fun which continued into the evening. Marian O Neill, Club Secretary, St. Colmcille’s, said: “Over the years, this blitz has become a really special event for our club. It brings people together for a great afternoon of football and

plenty of fun, but most importantly it gives us an opportunity to support the incredible work of St Francis Hospice.” “We have raised thousands of euros for the hospice since we first started holding the blitz, and that is entirely down to the generosity of our players, families, friends and the wider community.”

About St. Colmcille’s GAA Club

This small but busy and ambitious club has been part of the Swords Community since 1935. They are looking to grow their teams and offer the following opportunities to join in the fun. Nursery training Saturdays 10.30 am Sponsored by Glenveagh homes.

U6’s training Saturdays 10.30 am U8’s team Wednesday 6.30-7.15 and Saturday 10.30- 11.30 U10’s team train every Wednesday 7.15-8.15 & Saturday 10.30-12 U13 girls training every Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday at 10.30. Adult men’s team are training every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30 Sponsored by Members First Credit Union. Our Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team are training every Monday at 7 p.m. Media enquiries: Pamela Kavanagh – 085 8022707 or Pamkavanagh@gmail.com

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SWORDS LOCAL-OCTOBER 2026

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@gmail.com before 5pm on November 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck!

Across

1. Someone who gets money by deceiving people. (9) 6. This town hides a carport monk! (11) 12. Double-reed woodwind instruments/ (5) 13. Addictive drugs, especially illegal ones. (9) 14. A male relative. (5) 15. Bram Stoker’s undead creation. (7) 16. Short-legged scent hound. (7) 18. Gets money in exchange for labour. (5) 19. Spoken or performed without previous preparation. (2-3) 21. Erect a tent on the playing field. (5) 23. It demands to be scratched. (4) 25. Running while out of control in a dangerous manner. (4) 27. River crossed by Julius Caesar in 48 BC. (7) 29. Bend or hang downwards limply. (5) 30. Items sold cheaply because of minor flaws. (7) 32. A mournful song, especially one forming part of a funeral rite. (5) 33. Noise made when clearing the throat, typically to attract attention or express disapproval. (4) 34. Not new. (4) 35. Avoid someone or something by a sudden quick movement. (5) 38. Distilled alcoholic drink deriving its flavour from juniper berries. (7) 39. The centre of Dublin, postally. (3) 40. I simpered at the outer layer of skin. (9) 42. The official currency of Thailand. (4) 43. Make rude and mocking remarks. (4) 45. Small amounts of food eaten between meals. (5) 47. Become less intense, like a storm. (5) 49. Large, powerfully built bird of prey. (5) 51. A partial or total loss of memory. (7) 54. Sweet citrus fruit. (7) 57. Showing no skill, clumsy. (5) 58. Fictional European country used by Anthony Hope as the setting for The Prisoner of Zenda. (9) 59. A wooden frame for holding an artist’s work. (5) 60. Unwelcome party guest. (11) 61. The ability to know what is in someone else’s mind. (9)

Down

1. Submerge an area with water. (5) 2. Hawaiian word of greeting and parting. (5) 3. Interrupt the rest, peace or order. (7) 4. The only kingdom in the Pacific. (5) 5. A dish of melted cheese on toast, often Welsh. (7) 6. Devoutly religious. (5) 7. An increase in salary. (5) 8. Facial coverings worn to disguise or amuse. (5) 9. Ways to get from a starting point to a destination. (6) 10. The man for a film award. (5) 11. Small items kept in memory of the person who gave them. (9) 17. A small drink for the child. (3) 19. Opened windows to ventilate an area. (5) 20. Elaborate maze in Greek mythology. (9) 21. Is it mightier than the sword? (3) 22. Circular band used in making barrels. (4) 23. A situation in which no progress is possible. (7) 24. Made someone with an illness healthy again. (5) 26. Am I a cad, Ma? Nutty question! (9) 28. Obtainable at a low price. (5) 29. A boat designed to keep harbours clear. (7) 31. The person in charge of a trial in a court. (5) 33. Concur, have the same opinion about something. (5) 36. Happen afterwards or as a result. (5) 37. Cuts off a branch from the main body of a tree. (4) 38. Talking in a rapid, excited, and incomprehensible way. (9) 41. Irritate, annoy. (3) 44. Tree susceptible to a Dutch disease. (3) 46. In opposition to. (7) 47. Major port on the River Scheldt. (7) 48. Full of incessant or frantic activity. (6) 50. A person entertained in one’s house. (5) 51. The main artery of the body. (5) 52. The direction in which a compass needle normally points. (5) 53. A god in Greek mythology who is half man and half goat. (5) 54. Piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head. (5) 55. Knock something over, often an apple cart. (5) 56. A narrow passageway between or behind buildings. (5)

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