Cryptic crossword No 1,055

I've not encounter you before Salix so thought I'd give this a go. A lot to like, notwithstanding a few odd surfaces - eg 9a, 12a (slightly odd surface), 14a (some will not like use of indeed), 15a, 17a, 23a, 4d, 5d (though 'keeping grams' might have been neater as in 10g), 6d (COTD), 13d, 18d. Spoilers follow...

Very late, Salix, for which my apologies but I have been catching up on all unfinished/unattempted recent puzzles, having finished a project that was occupying my time. Lots in here to like. Yes, Baldur has picked up on a few fair points and, yes, the odd surface is bizarre, but there are plenty of nice clues including 17a, 21a, 3d, 4d, 5d and 13d. Thanks. PM