CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Had a bit of luck in getting a lot of money (4,1,7)

8 Is it right to employ small tricks of the trade? (5)

9 Work for a long time to leave the Queen behind a fan of musical drama (5-4)

11 Came across an ancient vessel for sale (6)

12 Put forward a new proposal to get under way (2,6)

14 A boss had drama produced for a top diplomat (10)

15 The first storeman is left out of a granary (4)

18 Fitting return for some to be fruitful (4)

19 Side having to fit in, at the end, shows up and recognises one (10)

21 Girls have to reckon on getting a bit off (8)

23 Is about to get a judge to agree to repossess (6)

25 A tall glass needed for a large drinks measure (4,2,3)

26 Make use of a mantilla, we're told (5)

27 Win over a place of refuge to draw back at the sound of a drum (4,1,7)

Down

1 A skinflint can become quite wretched (9)

2 Girls took on some writers, at the end, to hand things out (8)

3 A negative response in France, at another time (4)

4 Moving ahead, in the main, making canoe leave in good order (5-5)

5 Join an empty tube to a vessel needed to hold a refreshing drink (6)

6 Did one have to complain about an Old Testament character? (5)

7 Is only concerned about the present, time after time (4,3,2,3)

10 Casual cross-section used to gauge public opinion (6,6)

13 Fern had to find a girl who had a shock (10)

16 Nomadic characters move about like a vagabond (9)

17 Generous person had time, at the end, to set one free (8)

20 Stay-at-home type occupying the crease

(3,3) 22 Is certain to have good place to get increased power (5)

24 Crooked form shown by criminal characters (4)