Cryptic crossword No 3,218

I almost didn't attempt this as I'm sitting in a very noisy queue at the passport office, but I was pleasantly surprised that I managed with just a few nudges. Some (of course) too clever for me (1d) but most delighted. Loved 10a,17a,21a,(COTD, so neat), 3d,15d,20d. Thanks for a wonderful diversion and now I'm nearly at the front of the line

Cracking puzzle, Fez, and well done for hitting your milestone. Faves : 10a, 12a, 17a, 19a, 29a, 30a, 4d, 16d and 24d. Thanks. PM

Luckily I started this first thing when my brain cells are at their optimum, it took a while with some tough going here for me (I had to reveal a few) but as always with your puzzles I learnt a few clever construction tricks. I'm afraid the theme passed me by until I read the nina. Particular favourites 11a, 13a, 12a, 28a, 29a, 30a, 1d (tricky), 9d. I look forward to the next 100!

Wow, how good was this! And that was before the revelation of the theme. I love the way you make old crossword chestnuts feel fresh and stimulating , with nothing ever feeling strained. Pick of a great bunch: 11a, 12a, 14a, 21a, 22a, 3d(brilliant!), 5d (nice misdirection), 18d and 20d. Only pause was definition in 1d. Inspiring !

A super milestone puzzle from the best setter on this site! Podium: 29a, 3d and 9d... but I could easily have picked many others. Theme was nho but educational 🤓. And welcome to the club! 💯

What I appreciate and admire most about your work, Fez, is that the deep, craft-focused analysis you've shared with the community hasn't dampened your playfulness at all. No surprise this was a treat. Spoilers and favs to follow in a bit. Thanks.

Thanks Fez for a super crossword. My list of favourites included 8a, 12a, 13a, 22a, 27a, 28a, 30a, 20d (liked the 'co-ordinates'), and 23d. Congrats on #100 --- welcome to the club! More in reply.

Congratulations on the milestone! Fantastic Nina for it, too. Faves: 8a, 11a,21a, 5d is beautiful, 16d is, well, 16d. 12a got me. NHO 27a but got from clues. Thanks for a lot of fun, Fez.

Tremendous puzzle Fez, thanks, and a great way to celebrate your milestone. Congrats! It took me a while to get back into the swing of full-fat Fezziness, but once I recalibrated, there was so much to enjoy. I’d pick out the following for special mention: 11a, 12a, 19a (COTD), 27a, 1d, 3d (despite needing your notes for the parse), 16d and 24d

Well done on the milestone Fez. And what a way to celebrate it with another puzzle of style, wit and ingenuity. The standard you set is formidable, yet always with such joy and lightness of touch. Truly, you are master of the craft. FWIW (as I could make a case for more or less any of them), my podium is 17a, 5d and the hilarious 21a. And if anyone hasn't read your blogs on this site, they really should. They are equally outstanding.