Times 23,850

[WTW]

5a A runner's last in race - hit by javelin maybe! (7)

S _ E _ R _ D (Speared?)

26a Possible material for sculptor - pumice? (4,5)

B _ T _, _ _ _ E (Bath stone?)

28a For surgical assistant, vital being rirgt behind doctor (7)

D _ _ _ _ _ R

1d Course at Oxford includes old poet (4)

P _ P _ (Pope?)

23d "Children matter!" the head ejaculated (5)

I _ S _ _

20d Difficult individual to excite, being devoid of energy (7)

O _ E _ O _ _

[Aquagility]

23d Issue

[WTW]

Many thanks Aquagility.

[Aquagility]

20d One rous (rouse-E)

[slaney]

1d Yes ...P(o)pe

[slaney]

28a Dr esse r

[Aquagility]

5a Yes a-r in speed

[kayakamina]

20d One rous(e)

[kayakamina]

It's my turn to apologise AQ !

[Aquagility]

Quelle politesse!

[WTW]

Many thanks again Aquagility, and many thanks also to slaney and kayakamina