The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 26,042 - Sep 24 2009

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Clues Answers
A fine figurehead ends oddly insulted AFFRONTED
Almost deal with it -- no one backed such practice TRADITION
Bush is an officer of the church ELDER
Commit to a little coastal walk with one's wife -- finally! PROMISE
Creature seen from brilliant angle STARFISH
Entire moat renovated for one -- with strings attached MARIONETTE
Food obtained by way of initial discussions between partners VIANDS
Getting the hang of exchange rates in China MASTERING
Household troops get watches GUARDS
Housing projection goes without starting EAVES
Leave for golf in Middle Eastern ruler's land EMIGRATE
Leaves to cover crime in church buildings PARSONAGES
Long to start late and make a living EARN
Makes strenuous efforts and leaves complete swine GOESTHEWHOLEHOG
Mature swan on river island RIPEN
Clues Answers
Our land is cultivated but lumpy NODULAR
People of importance get a lift from such a wide boy SPIV
Places calling time, say, on non-smoker! TAVERNS
Queen offering a pectoral display CLEOPATRA
Recover from takeover by soldiers RECOUP
Sick of French and given penalty for being vague ILLDEFINED
Skin disease caused by reckless passion? HEATRASH
Slowed down for facility west of Dover -- no longer available! EASEDOFF
Spoils luck, accepting nothing LOOT
Stadium that took an age to make a comeback ARENA
Take a cold mushroom and tomato starter ACCEPT
The sort of American who used to be quiet WASP
Trouble for a time in a French home AGITATE
Volunteers left to follow diet of army unit REGIMENTAL