This crossword No. 21956 clues and answers were published on Fri 21 Jul 2000 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21956 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
9-across – Climber accepts a period without a sweetheart : VALENTINE
10-across – Smoker in lead is sound : PLUMB
11-across – Confound laid-back star working to capture record : NONPLUS
12-across – Polish plate and check for sign of approval : PLAUDIT
13-across – It could have an accidental consequence : NOTE
14-across – Famous craft worker in the old country : SANTAMARIA
16-across – Criticise a guerrilla for dashing style : PANACHE
17-across – Hanging a writer to make an impression : PENDENT
19-across – Solution to shyness frees communications in the main : ICEBREAKER
22-across – Animal detailed in portico : STOA
24-across – Wild animal’s desire : RAMPANT
25-across – Linesman half-heartedly spread pigment : MELANIN
26-across – Bridge player left the game : SPORT
27-across – A prankster’s sick initially, being nervous : ILLATEASE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Plant devastated vigneron’s empire : EVENINGPRIMROSE
2-down – Support heavyweight sea creatures : PLANKTON
3-down – One does not start a fire : INGLE
4-down – Petroleum producer offers inducements well : OILSHALE
5-down – Leading serviceman in store had complete authority : DESPOT
6-down – Flavouring and cooking man’s tripe : SPEARMINT
7-down – Split up left-wing union : SUNDER
8-down – Remove a rope in Gorky, say : ABSTRACTPAINTER
15-down – Damage network with the removal of church composer : SCARLATTI
17-down – Reformed pleb keeps papers of introduction : PREAMBLE
18-down – Scholar entertains Pole or other European : ESTONIAN
20-down – In the West Country without having to hitch : EXMOOR
21-down – A trail blazed in the sky : ALTAIR
23-down – In Northumberland it’s said to be cheerful : BLYTH
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.