Cryptic crossword
ACROSS
1. Fur done up in bales (5)
4. Perception can clearly be seen (7)
8. Staggered to be enticed around church (7)
9. Spell ‘March’ badly (5)
10. Pubs batting with poles (4)
11. Reasonable quality of blondes (8)
13. National emblem to keel over (4)
14. Sharp as a police department (4)
16. Country I claim is explosive (4-4)
17. Girl seen to sail around... (4)
20 . ... she’s even gained fifty
pounds (5)
21. Two drinks to go to Uruguay – bottled here in France (7)
22. Feels excitement during knitting lessons (7)
23. Riddle is put back before the day before (5)
DOWN
1. Elf digs tunnel, oddly concerned with himself (4-9)
2. Obstruction put on nobleman (5)
3. Oriental church has nothing to reflect (4)
4. Native seen raising help in hotel (6)
5. Contest – it’s in the bag (4-4)
6. Dashing permission to proceed (2-5)
7. Tune is great – I’m changing indication of beat (4-9)
12. Men trail around to the end of the line (8)
13. London and L.A. in confusion over woolfat (7)
15. Put nitrogen in bags for light meals (6)
18. She has rage, being sent to Tyneside... (5)
19 . ... Sal’s different as a
girl (4)