Cryptic crossword No 1,137

Nicely done Bees - 1a, 9a, and 18a were my favourites :)

Thanks Bees, another super puzzle. Faves include 9a, 11a, 13a, 18a, 21a (despite rather grim surface), 8d, 14d, 16d & 24d. Thanks again!

After the General’s recommendation in the latest OffGrid, I decided it’s about time I tried a Bees puzzle and I’m glad I did - very nicely done, neat and elegant clueing throughout, and some lovely ideas. As a subeditor by trade, I particularly liked 24d, and among other faves were 1a, 9a and 21a.