By way of reminder, the object of this game is to solve (and briefly explain) the clue presented by the previous poster and then set your own clue.

Anything from the (worldwide) crossword arena is acceptable by way of clue style, but if you stray too far from the pure path beware the scourge of... Pandora's WET NOODLE!

The puzzle could be an old favourite or something of your own making. Don't be shy: this is for everyone, not just the old hands!

For those unfamiliar with crossword clues who want to give it a try, there is plenty of guidance online and a quite entertaining and instructive book (not just for beginners) available from amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Times-Crack-Cryptic-Crosswords/dp/0007546521/ref=dp_ob_image_bk and no doubt elsewhere, and for those who like British Crosswords you may like to try these (which are free): http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords and https://www.ft.com/crossword.

There is nothing to prevent (say) a couple of related clues if offering a single clue cramps your style.

If there are multiple answers involved, there is no restriction against one person solving all and the solver of the final clue/part is the one who goes next.

Obviously you need to await confirmation of a correct answer before posting your own puzzle, but please then do so reasonably promptly: if having answered correctly you are not going to be able to set a follow-up clue within about the next 18 hours, please pass your turn to someone else so that the game does not stall.

To save the poor demented solvers from excessive brain damage , you should consider revealing one letter of the answer when the question is set, unless the answer is very short/easy so that provision of a letter hint at the outset would spoil the sport!

If no-one is biting within about 24 hours you should start dropping additional hints, and to try to give everyone a fair crack of the whip, the immediately previous setter is asked not to post a solution to the current clue within the first 24 hours.

Constructive criticism and cheerful badinage are to be expected, not to mention a certain amount of national rivalry, but above all, have a bit of fun.

The weighty trophy to be passed to whoever solves your clue is the jewel-encrusted CanukDenis Memorial Championship Belt
===[**CDM**]===

This thread is so named in honour of our late dear friend Denis Borris (aka CanukDenis) who was an ever cheerful and quick-witted presence on this forum, posting many an iffy crypt just to stir the pot, and intrigued by all things linguistic, mathematical and beyond.
RIP CD - we hold you in our hearts as we play on!

Next clue to follow shortly, courtesy of current title holder manxman...

Thank you Sherlock and Lex

Bird jogging in place (7)

one 'e'

direct left

Since the designated amount of time has passed:

pelican (anag. of in place)

Right you are Sherlock ===[**CDM**]===

Thanks, manxman!

Grounds for divorce finally, say (6)

Direct on left. 2 e's and 1 other vowel.

(e)state

divorce finally (e)
say - state

That's it, Cue! I'll divorce myself from this.... ===[**CDM**]===

Thanks, Cheryl

Bar claim in outskirts of town (6)

T(aver)N

Indeed, Rog. You can wear this the next time you hit the pub ===[**CDM**]===

Thanks, Cue!

One that tickled the fancy of both me and Mrs W:

Capital tugboat gets fortification (5,2,6)

OK - hints:

(Sorta) double def
5 vowels (one E and four Os)
Was found in a Brit newspaper
For the geammar buffs, one definition is <agent noun, preposition, proper noun>, the other is <noun, preposition, proper noun>

Tower of London

Good one!

Nice solve, manxman! ===[**CDM**]===

Ta UW

Can contains animal poison (5)

no 'e's

t(ox)in

Good solve Sherlock ===[**CDM**]===

Thank you, manxman!

Hot at all in search (8)

Direct on left. 3 vowels of which 2 are e's.

c(vcvc)vcc