Each of eleven clues contains a misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell the source (three words) of a message reported by a 23 whose surname is an unclued light. The message in question (eighteen words, in ODQ) occupies the perimeter – reading clockwise from the top left corner – and two unclued lights.
 

Across

 
11    Pointer formerly in north-east led astray (5)
12    Gloss over past latitude (4)
13    Rest disrupted by married lover (5)
14    Paltry affair without right bird (7)
15    Terms in art translated and broadcast again (10)
17    Bound round end of flimsy rod (5)
20    Sea nymphs before fish in new series (8)
21    Carved gem from artist pinched by scoundrel (6)
26    Fibre necessary to resist leader (5)
27    Stop excavation and go away (5, two words)
28    Criticism dismissing first work (4)
31    Deep song by company in Christian Union (8)
36    Slops end in drain covered by strip of wood (5)
38    Involved in a tribute for one leaving school (10)
39    Noble honour in lap (7)
40    Scots lure unruly steer (5)
41    Fellows protecting area amply (4)
 

Down

 
2    Room, old in appearance, with English wardrobe (7)
3    Anger, until resolved, not changing (10)
5    Hard to support lines in appeal for opposite of wellbeing (5)
6    Island engulfed by rubbish, endlessly so, in period (8)
7    Proceed quickly, once in power, on negotiations (5)
8    Cop not finally lucky, deprived of justice (5)
10    Give up education in church (4)
16    Country in current match losing heart (5)
18    Up and about, mostly wise (4)
19    Nonchalance about rendition of sensual soprano (10)
22    Speak fondly with doctor in valley (5)
24    Law boxer abandoned, causing swelling (8, hyphened)
25    Cot blanket chewed in part (4)
29    Climb by lifting muscles (7)
32    Learnt to work for annual value (6)
33    Bind Romeo in struggle with love (5)
34    Question concerning constant noise near microphone (5)
35    Very entertained by dance festival (5)
37    Shout numbers with energy (4)
 
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 15 February. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers dictionary instead of cash— ring the word ‘dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2245, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.