This is the Message Centre for Icy North
The Monkey Puzzler
Icy North Started conversation Jan 12, 2013
I was saddened to learn this week that one of my favourite crossword puzzle compilers was terminally ill with cancer.
The Reverend John Graham, known by the nickname 'Araucaria' - it's the Latin name for the Monkey Puzzle tree - compiles some of the most fiendishly difficult cryptic crosswords - they've appeared in the Guardian and other UK publications for 50 years.
Difficult the clues may be, but this only makes them ultimately rewarding to solve. Here's one of his personal favourites:
Going to the country? Let Greenline coach drop companion off (7,8)
I'll leave that one for you to solve (it's tough). If you need the whole grid, it's here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/cryptic/22175
But the most touching part of this story is the way Araucaria made his announcement. Within some special instructions for yesterday's puzzle (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/cryptic/25842) he wrote:
"Araucaria has 18 down of the 19, which is being treated with 13 15."
Solvers found the answers were 18 cancer, 19 oesophagus, 13 palliative and 15 care.
The Monkey Puzzler
Rudest Elf Posted Jan 12, 2013
"Going to the country? Let Greenline coach drop companion off (7,8)"
Gets my vote............... and makes our little show seem pedestrian. 
The Monkey Puzzler
Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor Posted Jan 12, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about his illness, he seems like that all-too rare combination, a good person who is also clever and learned.
I'm afraid I can't do cryptic crosswords. I never learned how. You could plan the whole invasion that way, and I'd be clueless.
The Monkey Puzzler
Recumbentman Posted Jan 12, 2013
I downloaded the puzzle and solved the clue. Elegant.
The Monkey Puzzler
Recumbentman Posted Jan 12, 2013
Had to google to find out why CH means 'companion', but then I'm not British.
The Monkey Puzzler
Vip Posted Jan 12, 2013
I'm afraid I don't know the answer either, I *am* British!
The Monkey Puzzler
Icy North Posted Jan 12, 2013
CH is Companion of Honour (the holders add those letters after their name, I think).
Seb Coe was recently appointed one.
The Monkey Puzzler
Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor Posted Jan 12, 2013
Is this, like, an escort service? 
The Monkey Puzzler
Icy North Posted Jan 12, 2013
We can always rely on you to lower the tone, Dmitri
The Monkey Puzzler
Vip Posted Jan 12, 2013
There are so many honours I get confused! I hasn't heard of that one before. 
The Monkey Puzzler
Icy North Posted Nov 27, 2013
Sadly, Araucaria died this week.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25112264
Key: Complain about this post
The Monkey Puzzler
- 1: Icy North (Jan 12, 2013)
- 2: Rudest Elf (Jan 12, 2013)
- 3: Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor (Jan 12, 2013)
- 4: Recumbentman (Jan 12, 2013)
- 5: Recumbentman (Jan 12, 2013)
- 6: Vip (Jan 12, 2013)
- 7: Vip (Jan 12, 2013)
- 8: Icy North (Jan 12, 2013)
- 9: Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor (Jan 12, 2013)
- 10: Icy North (Jan 12, 2013)
- 11: Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor (Jan 12, 2013)
- 12: Vip (Jan 12, 2013)
- 13: Icy North (Nov 27, 2013)
More Conversations for Icy North
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."