CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. In abysmal ignorance speak ill of somebody (6) 4. Maker of fly-trap may rest on the snooker table (6) 9. Rock that gets broken in great upheaval (7) 10. Something imaginary that could be made real initially (5) 11. One will make an offer for it in the same place shortly (4) 12. Being French, we show common sense (4) 13. A dear beginning for a schoolmaster (3) 15. Young female who left the oil plant backwards (4) 16. One appears in lace endlessly, not being a member of the clergy (4) 19. It is like the king to invite one (3) 21. Sort of pickle that will make daughter unwell (4) 22. At one time it appeared in concert (4) 24. One doing nothing to rid the French of him (5) 25. Come clean about using flour initially in making scones (7) 26. Is prying about the rounded edge of the stair (6) 27. Is reluctant to take in the curious, poor material (6)

DOWN

1. Song to the Virgin Mary one takes on for enlargement (13) 2. Theatrical lady takes this, the seventh note (7) 3. Member of film crew must take a firm hold (4) 5. Base for column on physical education lasted out (8) 6. Sediment, for instance, is retained by the doctors (5) 7. Without let-up, rely on including code to a smaller degree (13) 8. University fellow is about to take me up, the fiend! (5) 14. One could get broiled on this playing-field (8) 17. Strive to maintain it in dispute (7) 18. It takes guts to take feathers from a bird (5) 20. Puts an end to skill, taking the first last (5) 23. Move slowly, from being at home, to church (4)