A message from Puck:
The 2018 3D Crossword Calendar is now available. Puzzle setters for 2018 include seven regulars from the Guardian (Arachne, Enigmatist, Nutmeg, Pasquale, Puck, Tramp and Vlad) and three others whose puzzles are blogged here (Anax, Eclogue and Shark).
BBC Children in Need Appeal World Championship 3D Crosswords Puzzle Calendar is not just a snappy title. It’s an extremely posh calendar with beautiful photographs and art work. It also has twelve delightful and satisfying puzzles in a unique series of monthly three-dimensional prize crosswords set in the frame of a calendar.
Eleven elite crossword setters, plus one from another star system, have lent their genius to BBC CiNA and RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, for nothing other than the crack of producing a world class work of crossword art and to help youngsters in need.
Every single penny of the £12.99 investment in young people will be split between the two charities.
The 3D project is supported by (at least) monthly newsletters with competition results and solver feedback, along with explanations of puzzles. Newcomers are most welcome, and will find the Hints & Tips for each puzzle reassuring whilst getting used to the new medium. More experienced solvers also find them invaluable!
Come join us and help youngsters in need … at the expense of some fun for the grown-ups. You could be the next 3D Crosswords World Champion.
Last Saturday in York (where Nora Boswell lovingly made her appearance to replace the much-loved Eric Westbrook) I once again bought a 3D Calendar.
Sometimes I keep them to myself, sometimes I use them as a Christmas present.
They’re lovely on the wall.
They’re lovely anyway.
This year there are a lot of many solvers’ favourite Guardian setters involved.
I fully endorse Puck’s post here.
Thank you, Puck. I’m a big fan of the 3D Crossword Calendar and have some very useful reference books won in the monthly draw over the last few years.
Extra puzzles appear on the website during the year, each with the chance to win a book prize and giving the opportunity to complete 12 correct grids in case you missed sending some monthly solutions and thus qualify to enter the Championship competition at the end of the year.
My only regret is that none of my friends or family do crosswords so I have nobody to buy one for. 🙁
I can’t find any details of how we buy the calendars. Can you give details on the website please?
Ignore the last request – I’ve just spotted the link when I scrolled down
Sorry about that
Hi Derek
Visit the site via the link Puck gave at the end of his message. In the top left-hand corner of the home page there is the option to order the 2018 calendar. Clicking on this link will take you to a page that gives options to buy the calendar in various formats.
Because of this post I went and ordered one.
I recommend buying if you can afford it. It’s a great cause, and this year’s has been a lot of fun so far. (And still to come, an Anax puzzle for November and an Enigmatist for December.)
I’ll have some 2018 Calendars with me tomorrow at The Times Championships, and thereafter at The George pub [details at http://bigdave44.com/2017/10/19/cruciverbalist-convention-nov-2017/#more-85501%5D in case anyone would like to take a look before purchasing. And when I run out, I’ll be more than happy to take further orders.
Bought one at the York do and thought it a really nicely put together piece of work. Great stocking filler for a crossworder, or, even better, to keep all to yourself!