A message from Puck:
The 2019 3D Crossword Calendar is now available to order from the link below. There is no printed calendar for 2019, due to recent health problems experienced by the 3D Crossword project’s founder and main man, Eric Westbrook (aka Sirius). The calendar is however available in virtual format, in the same style and to the same high standard as in previous years.
The BBC Children in Need Appeal World Championship 3D Crossword Puzzles Calendar is an extremely posh affair with beautiful photographs and art work, and a new feature, cryptic drawings by Frank Paul. 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, for nothing other than the crack of producing a world class work of crossword art and to help youngsters in need.
Puzzle setters for 2019 include seven regulars from the Guardian (Arachne, Enigmatist, Nutmeg, Pasquale, Puck, Qaos and Vlad) and three others whose puzzles are blogged here (Anax, Eclogue and Shark).
Every single penny of the profit from a £12 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.
http://www.calendarpuzzles.co.uk/
Despite having enormous difficulty adjusting to the format, and making quite a few blunders along the way, I have really enjoyed my excursion into the 3D Cryptic format during 2018. I had no hesitation in signing up again for the 2019 online edition after such a delightful experience. The fact that the calendar’s earnings go to such good causes has made being part of it feel very worthwhile. It has been a pleasure over the last twelve months to participate in the community that has grown up around the 3D Calendar enterprise. There is much to be admired in the altruism and generosity of Sirius and those who assist him, as well as the setters who have chipped in to make the calendar puzzles so much fun, so challenging and so rewarding. I heartily recommend that you get involved and subscribe, and I want to thank Puck for promoting it. “JinA”