Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

3. Neat configuration of a vessel (9) 8. See 26 Ac. 9. What the listener does

in genuine practice (9) 10. This sort of food comes in instalments, we hear (6) 11. A way of raising revenue

for an island (5) 14. Join a military detachment near the East (5) 15. Likely to be shaken up

in the game (4) 16. Go through the exercise

(5) 18. Essential, initially, for everyone accepting radio signals (4) 20. It’s awkward to put the

ink-holder back in it (5) 21. Initiate the deciding of a

point in court (5) 24. If you want to stay for good, you’ll have to pay the bill! (6) 25. Beautiful flowers from

Gail Mason? (9) 26, 8 Ac & 11 Dn. A singular occasion associated with many relations (4,4,1,4) 27. It’s vital as steel in

modified form (9)

DOWN

1. Causes of sudden deflation (9) 2. They make up the royal train (9) 4. Footpad? (4) 5. Feature of dress that makes some of the people attractive (5) 6. He announces the girl and the lad in some confusion (6) 7. A plot to remove the tail from the aircraft (4) 9. What the castigator did is given some value (5) 11. See 26 Ac. 12. Rock revealing strange items in solitary surroundings (9) 13. Was scared about the

description of birds (9) 17. False statements about

five biographies (5) 19. In a successful one the happy medium may be found (6) 22. Virginia allowed a

servant (5) 23. Elevated position where

the District Attorney is (4) 24. Fail to maintain tension

with a group of stories (4)