No 10618A, Wednesday 14 Nov 12, Arden

Another good round from Arden winds up today.

ACROSS

1   The nuances of fine neckwear (8) NICETIES {NICE}{TIES}

5   Boats, that are used for winding back (6) SLOOPS <=

10 Letter keeps record on tiles laid out (7) EPISTLE {EP}{TILES*}

11 Can rule out this source of energy (7) NUCLEAR*

12 Haven’t started to look at the weapon (5) LANCE gLANCE

13 Surpass with article on science in style (9) TRANSCEND {TR{AN}{SC}END}

14 Go crazy dealing with a section (12) DEPARTMENTAL {DEPART}{MENTAL}

18 A hard concise design pertaining to a large congregation (12) ARCHDIOCESAN*

21 Perhaps a chart ripped out by the villain from Hamelin (4,5) PIED PIPER {PIE}{D PIPER*}

23 May be steer over the rim, for a flower (5) OXLIP {OX}{LIP}

24 Huge semi-convertible for those working inside (7) IMMENSE {IM{MENS}SE*}

25 A barrel of foam is all baloney (7) BLATHER {B}{LATHER}

26 No fool will come back for fish (6) TARPON {TARP}{ON}<=

27 Perhaps detain setter inside? It’s utter madness (8) DEMENTIA {DE{ME}NTIA*}

DOWN

1   Want the French to be sharp (6) NEEDLE {NEED}{LE}

2   He patronises right inside court (6) CLIENT {C{LIEN}T}

3   Up river chasing bird in front, one gets possession (5,4) TITLE DEED {TIT}{L ED}{EED<=}

4   Making treacle is not simple subject for shrink (7,7) ELECTRA COMPLEX {TREACLE*} {COMPLEX}

6   They are often tied initially with local services (5) LACES {L}{ACES}

7   Where a cockney lives is rented, say with some food (8) OMELETTE {'OME}{LETTE}(~let)

8   With legs apart making odd turn in seat (8) STRADDLE {S{TuRn}ADDLE}

9   Rent if rentable — accommodation for a spoilt kid (6,8) ENFANT TERRIBLE*

15 Cobble up and talk, before it will become all gas (9) EVAPORATE {EVAP<=}{ORATE}

16 Twist is not what some bravely put on before attack (3,5) WAR PAINT {WAR P}{A'INT}

17 Self-contained tool makes the headlines (8) SCREAMER {S}{C}{REAMER}

19 It is commonplace to see a bowler, say, who has retired from the game (3-3) OLD-HAT {OLD}-{HAT}

20 Old city as it is painted in spring (6) SPARTA Anno pending (Addendum - {SP{ART}A} - See comments)

22 Measure hoop for a horse (5) PINTO {PINT}{O}

BLANK GRID