The theme word is GRASS (for which the title is a cryptic clue). 1A, 1D, 6 and 37 are informers; 28, 29, 33 and 39 are types of grass; 8A, 15, 22 and 26 are German Nobel literature laureates.
 
First prize Mrs R.J.C. Shapland, Stanley Common, Derbyshire
Runners-up John Renwick, Ramsgate, Kent; Taylor-Mansfield, Worcester