Quick crossword

ACROSS

3. Make a speech about where people live? (9) 8. The destination of this trip is an ancient city (4) 9. The inference is that it is to be taken away (9) 10. Set of games that can be

stretched (6) 11. The length of the

beat? (5) 14. Showing slackness,

mislay a ring inside (5) 15. Always having some of

the very best (4) 16. The correct side? (5) 18. They have a habit of community membership (4) 20. Draws lines for players to

keep within (5) 21. Be sceptical, but do it

anyway (5) 24. This bird is about right in

the morning (6) 25. Didn’t pay up - a

shortcoming indeed (9) 26. It’s hard work producing

tip-top lubrication (4) 27. To go back to her would

be sensible but for this (9)

DOWN

1. Sensational beginning includes learner (9) 2. Mute discovered how to astonish (9) 4. Sounds like an expensive animal (4) 5. The way for 8 out East (5) 6. Write crucial piece having taken seat with anger (6) 7. Cupid got up irritable (4) 9. Put off being freed, in a way (5) 11. Could be a show of

strength (5) 12. Development: coup d’etat

ousts right (9) 13. By and by bearing

gifts? (9) 17. Rated surface of tyre (5) 19. Thus given ornamental

fabric to comfort (6) 22. Feel depressed

underneath (5) 23. Abandoned one side (4) 24. What a muddle where

the troops eat! (4)