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Claire Bennie

@clairebennie.bsky.social
147 followers 228 following 156 posts

Advisor on Housing Design and Development wearemunicipal.co.uk Also: art deco flats; choral music, cryptic crosswords (Ruskin)

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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Double Ruskin trouble today: firstly at the ever fabulous @mycrossword.co.uk with www.mycrossword.co.uk/featured/21 #cryptic #crossword
mycrossword.co.uk
Featured crossword No 21 · MyCrossword
Solve Featured crossword No 21 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 31 clues by Ruskin. Published Mon 5 Oct 2026. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Hurrah! www.thetimes.com/article/sund... #cryptic #crossword
thetimes.com
Sunday Times clue writing contest 2140 Accordionist
Results: Clue writing contest 2140 Accordionist Winner Claire Bennie, London SE5One might give performance indicators about holding company One might give performance = definitionindicators =
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Alison @alisondennison.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Saves time
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I can’t pretend I am not tickled by this: www.thetimes.com/article/sund...
thetimes.com
Sunday Times clue writing contest 2123 Mannequin
Results: Clue writing contest 2123: Mannequin Winner Claire Bennie, London SE5One stands in the window of very busy pub on the phone One stands in the window = definitionof =link-word between
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Really enjoyed the @coot.bsky.social crossword in @unchcrosswords.com issue 3. Faves 9A, 14A, 20A, 24A, 30A, 31A, 6D. Wish I had time to set another!
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Sowmya Ramkumar @somsram.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
#1ACGrids www.1across.org/2026/03/08/g... On International Women’s Day 2026, 1ACross is happy to present “Give to Gain”, a special puzzle put together with several talented cruciverbalists from across the globe We are also happy to announce a special prize for this grid. #cryptic #crossword
1across.org
Give to Gain
On International Women’s Day 2026, 1ACross is happy to present “Give to Gain”, a special puzzle put together with several talented cruciverbalists from across the globe We are als…
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
I’m a plodding solver and it took a few hours but I finished the @henriwords.com @unchcrosswords.com barred crossword last night. What a tour de force! The PDM when I understood ‘the thing’ was a delight. Thank you.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Really enjoyed @mpcryptics.bsky.social puzzle in second issue of @unchcrosswords.com
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Number 11 from me - please give it a whirl... Knock sculpture over and say nothing! (5) Thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @mycrossword.co.uk #cryptic #crossword mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3086
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 3,086 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,086 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 30 clues by Ruskin. Published Sun 1 Feb 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
I’m in New York right now if any crossword types are here! #cryptic #crossword
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Number 11 from me - please give it a whirl... Knock sculpture over and say nothing! (5) Thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @mycrossword.co.uk #cryptic #crossword mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3086
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 3,086 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,086 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 30 clues by Ruskin. Published Sun 1 Feb 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Reposted by Claire Bennie
Sowmya Ramkumar @somsram.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
www.1across.org/2026/01/24/v... Voting is now open Host @clairebennie.bsky.social #1ACCWC 550 #cryptic #clue #contest
1across.org
Voting Now Open – 1ACCWC 550
1ACCWC 550 hosted by Ruskin is now closed for clues. Voting is now OPEN CLICK HERE to cast your votes All participants must have received an automated email notification. Please check your email to…
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Sowmya Ramkumar @somsram.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
#1ACCWC 550 19 clues in so far. A few more hours left to enter the competition - Get your clue in if you haven’t already. The 2026 Leader board is waiting for you. #cryptic #crossword #clue #contest
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
So lovely to come home to Unch. That’s my holiday downtime sorted…
Crosswords on a table in a cosy living room
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
I find something pleasing about the referee’s gloves in the Masters (and their whole demeanour tbh)
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Sowmya Ramkumar @somsram.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
#1ACCWC 549 www.1across.org/2026/01/18/1... Congrats to Ruskin @clairebennie.bsky.social and all those on the podium. Thanks for a fun word @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social
1across.org
1ACCWC 549 – Wonder – Results
Thanks to @Lowdowncryptic Larry for hosting the contest. Great word to kick off the year and a fantastic response with 35 clues and 38 voters. Top 10 # Name Clue Points Voters Anno Comments 1 Ruski…
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Why not enter a clue for this week’s word? www.1across.org/2026/01/18/1...
1across.org
1ACCWC #550 – MEDUSA – OPEN FOR CLUES
This weeks contest is hosted by Ruskin For 1ACCWC 550, the chosen word is MEDUSA Here are the rules Limit of 1 clue per setter. Please Annotate your clues clearly. Please login to participate. You …
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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Find many of your favorite setters, along with some you might not have heard from in a while or maybe at all — it’s a fun one! 👇
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
#cryptic #crossword
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Watch out Keir - I've made it to Number Ten! Hope you enjoy this - let me know... mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2901
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,901 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,901 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ruskin. Published Sat 29 Nov 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
BOUDICA clues: Time to vote folks! www.1across.org/2025/11/28/1... #crossword #cryptic
1across.org
1ACCWC 547 – BOUDICA – Voting OPEN
We closed the contest with  20 clues, three less than the previous contest. Voting is now OPEN CLICK HERE to cast your votes All participants who set clues are expected to vote. You are not allowed…
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
It’s my birthday! Make me happy by entering a clue for BOUDICA. (I came up with a nice &lit and then remembered I can’t play this week…)
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Unch Crosswords @unchcrosswords.com · 26/11/2025
Issue 2 available for (pre)sale now: unchcrosswords.com
cover of Unch Issue 2 (jan 2026). text reads "Unch: the clued-up crossword magazine". the main image is an multicolour pattern with empty white squares with 3d-effect trails of blue, yellow and pink.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
#cryptic #crossword
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Why not set a clue this week? And research a powerful woman while you're at it... www.1across.org/2025/11/23/1...
1across.org
1ACCWC 547 – BOUDICA – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Ruskin who won  1ACCWC 546 – TIE THE KNOT, her 2nd win taking her to the 18th position in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 547, s…
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Rachel Playforth @archelina.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
More Unch to brighten up your January! Pre-order now! 🎉
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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 14/11/2025
It's the Seasonal Reposting Competition! Repost this over the weekend, and on Sunday one lucky person will win a signed copy of one of my books. For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 fiendish @theguardian.com #puzzles and all the stories behind them: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
Boatman - the first 50 reportedly makes a great present or holiday read, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show the story behind the Shipping Forecast puzzle, on display on Brighton beach.

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his unique mind works. The first 50 is a book I never knew I needed in my life. Gift it to yourself and to the word-lovers in yours".

Hugh Stephenson (Alan’s predecessor at The Guardian) says: "This is a unique book of crosswords" and Henry Morris: "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again".Boatman - the second 50 contains another 50 puzzles from The Guardian, with five bonus puzzles previously only available online and including puzzles, solutions and the ideas and stories behind them, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show one of the stories, which is accompanied by a picture of a large cow.

Reviewing Boatman - the second 50, Gyles Brandreth says: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best" and Brian Bilston: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".
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Henri @henriwords.com · 11/11/2025
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are: www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif... If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
mycrossword.co.uk
The Difficulty Dial · MyCrossword
As a cryptic crossword setter you don't always know exactly how difficult or otherwise your own puzzle is - they're all easy when you know the answers! And e...
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Think @perrydewynter.bsky.social might like this clue: Delivered cheeses for picnic (6) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2825
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,825 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,825 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ruskin. Published Wed 5 Nov 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Betty - the sub postmistress on @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social - is a legend. Je suis Betty.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
After a short break, here's my ninth #cryptic #crossword. Feedback welcome. mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2825
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,825 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,825 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ruskin. Published Wed 5 Nov 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Close… DMC’s clue was my gold choice.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Number 8. Perhaps a bit meta...? mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2671
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,671 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,671 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 30 clues by Ruskin. Published Wed 27 Aug 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
South East London at the end of summer
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
A hot splash of colour for a hot day in South London. Fun stuff from Met Works.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Would love a couple more solves and feedback over the weekend…. Yours - learning a lot from this learned community - Claire
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Number 7 includes my longest ever clue! A pint to the first person who correctly identifies the theme, and replies to this post with one word… www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2634
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,634 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,634 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 31 clues by Ruskin. Published Wed 13 Aug 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Number 6 is out. Feedback welcome for this improver. Thanks. www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2562
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,562 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,562 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ruskin. Published Thu 17 Jul 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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The Cryptic Mystic @thecrypticmystic.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
This week's Clue of the Week winner! #crypticcrosswords youtube.com/shorts/0nDp2...
youtube.com
Clue of the Week Winner! No. 53 Claire's inspired clue for Mickey Mouse
YouTube video by The Cryptic Mystic
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Five is live! Please have a go. Thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @mycrossword.co.uk www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2527
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,527 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,527 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 30 clues by Ruskin. Published Thu 3 Jul 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Number four is live! Thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @mycrossword.co.uk. Feedback for this improver welcome. www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2497
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,497 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,497 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ruskin. Published Thu 19 Jun 2025. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-y...
linkedin.com
Five Yards, Two Wharves and a Loop
Ten takeaways from a 30 km walk round Birmingham’s new housing Birmingham is being changed by a wall of money: I would estimate £2bn-£3bn in the last 5-10 years. I wanted to see what that investment i...
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
This arrival feels like a milestone…
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
I think I was predestianed to see this
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
@pickardje.bsky.social would do this better but has inspired me to reflect…
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Third cryptic crossword now at mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2453. Would welcome comments.
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 2,453 · MyCrossword
Made for cryptic crossword enthusiasts, MyCrossword is a free platform for creating and publishing your own puzzles.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Fluffy meanwhile meadow in Wembley.
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Claire Bennie @clairebennie.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
One of London’s best spaces, in full spring flow.
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