Cryptic crossword No 2,945

Hi all, first time posting on MyCrossword after a few previous submissions to Rookie Corner. Have taken a bit of a break to work on my setting skills before submitting again so hopefully it's been worth the wait! Eager for any and all feedback and constructive criticism - I'm hoping my clues are a bit more sound than previous attempts have been.

Thanks Dynamite & welcome to MyC. I thought this was an excellent debut with many well written clues. My top picks were 9a, 22a, 25a, 1d, 15d, 16d, & 18d. More in reply.

Welcome to MyC, Dynamite - and congratulations on an accomplished puzzle. Your accurate and concise cluing is impressive. My favourites were: 10a, 22a, 25a, 26a, 15d and 22d. Very picky comments follow ...

Hello & welcome Dynamite. I'm also a newcomer to MyC. It seems like we're likeminded in terms of welcoming constructive feedback, which is great; I look forward to learning and refining my setting alongside you. And thanks for a great puzzle. Some standout clues for me were 10a, 17a, 22a, 25a, 1d, 15d, 16d, 22d. More details below.

Hi Dynamite and welcome to MyC. I was told this was worth trying and I am very glad I did. Nice tight, clean surfaces; succinct clues and good solid cryptic grammar on the whole. Fortunately Coot has done most of the heavy lifting reference nitpicks so I can stick to highlighting faves including 17a, 24a, 26a, 5d, 15d (COTD), 21d and 22d. Thanks. PM