The news last weekend of the death of Richard Rogan, the Times crossword editor, after a heart attack the previous weekend has struck the crossworld like a hammer to a bell. There are many solvers, but the central nexus of setters, editors, bloggers and the keenest solvers is a tight-knit group, and there are few who have not encountered Richard in some way, whether as editor, or as a participant in crossword gatherings. The impact is all the stronger for its suddenness and because Richard was so lively a character. Commiserations and condolences to his family.
My own week has had its moments. There is retrenchment at the Ministry and my job is one that is under threat, and the details of the next steps in the process were released this week. We shall see what we shall see, but there has to be the possibility that I may find myself with more time to spend on this website. (I could finally get around to adding to some of the other parts!) After thirty-odd years in government service it is an interesting position to be in.
There is a puzzle new on the site this time around: an Independent daily from December 2010. Blatantly chosen because there were only 21 clues to type in, I confess…
The next fortnight sees a few puzzles popping up, including the final two of mine edited by Richard Rogan:
12 June: a Times Quick Cryptic from Pedro
14 June: regular Independent puzzle
15 June: a Times Jumbo
16 June: an Enigmatic Variations puzzle
19 June: Pangakupu in the Guardian (amended date; that will teach me to rely on only one calendar – I had it written down properly, honest!)
21 June: regular Independent puzzle
I recall that I suggested I might have an announcement to make this time round – and I don’t yet. Things are still being worked through. What I will have, in the middle of the week, is a short setter’s blog on my recent Inquisitor.
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Mark says
In what must be a small and tight-knit community, all will deeply feel any such loss. We are sorry that you have lost a friend and colleague.
We have been reading articles in the Guardian about the many political and policy goings-on in NZ, and sadly, they mimic the antics in the UK (and elsewhere) at this time. Politicians strive to further their careers and pay packets rather than serve and see merits in actual and meaningful actions and the staff, oft’ beleaguered, who actually deliver them.
Hopefully, your service will be retained. But if not, you will be recompensed well for years of often ignored yet correct insight and guidance.
One wonders if retirement to Australia would be more attractive than suffering the slings and arrows of the NZ government?