Cryptic crossword No 630

Thanks yogdaws, a very enjoyable solve - despite an off-putting start (ha ha only joking, that's a tough word very well clued!) Other favourites include 11a, 14a, 23a, 24a, 29a, 5d, 7d, 15d, 24d. Spoilers follow ...

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Hi yogdaws. In catching up post holiday, I did yours on the plane home and had most of my comments done - and then they disappeared in the landing hiatus. Going back over this, I enjoyed 14a, 23a, 15d, 18d, with my podium being 25d (a nice twist on an old favourite solution), 23d (I never recognise &lit for sure but this must come close) and 6d (which requires GK but I live in the Midlands so had the necessary). 9d is almost up there too. Thanks. PM