By way of reminder, the object of this game is to solve (and briefly explain) the clue presented by the previous poster and then set your own clue.

Anything from the (worldwide) crossword arena is acceptable by way of clue style, but if you stray too far from the pure path beware the scourge of...
Pandora's WET NOODLE!

The puzzle could be an old favourite or something of your own making. Don't be shy: this is for everyone, not just the old hands!

For those unfamiliar with crossword clues who want to give it a try, there is plenty of guidance online, for instance http://www.gameboomers.com/Garden/CrypticCrosswordTypes.htm and https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/premium/xword/cryptics.html as well as a quite entertaining and instructive book (not just for beginners) available from amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Times-Crack-Cryptic-Crosswords/dp/0007546521/ref=dp_ob_image_bk and no doubt elsewhere, and for those who like British Crosswords you may like to try these (which are free): http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords and https://www.ft.com/crossword. English setter John Halpern's website may also be of interest www.johnhalpern.co.uk.

There is nothing to prevent (say) a couple of related clues if offering a single clue cramps your style.

If there are multiple answers involved, there is no restriction against one person solving all and the solver of the final clue/part is the one who goes next.

Obviously you need to await confirmation of a correct answer before posting your own puzzle, but please then do so reasonably promptly: if having answered correctly you are not going to be able to set a follow-up clue within about the next 24 hours, please pass your turn to someone else so that the game does not stall.

To save the poor demented solvers from excessive brain damage , you should consider revealing one letter of the answer when the question is set, unless the answer is very short/easy so that provision of a letter hint at the outset would spoil the sport!

If no-one is biting within about 24 hours you should start dropping additional hints, and to try to give everyone a fair crack of the whip, the immediately previous setter is asked not to post a solution to the current clue within the first 24 hours.

Constructive criticism and cheerful badinage are to be expected, not to mention a certain amount of national rivalry, but above all, have a bit of fun.

The weighty trophy to be passed to whoever solves your clue is the jewel-encrusted CanukDenis Memorial Championship Belt
===[**CDM**]===

This thread is so named in honour of our late dear friend Denis Borris (aka CanukDenis) who was an ever cheerful and quick-witted presence on this forum, posting many an iffy crypt just to stir the pot, and intrigued by all things linguistic, mathematical and beyond.
RIP CD - we hold you in our hearts as we play on!

The next clue will be posted shortly by current Belt holder Sherlock

Thanks for the belt, Sue!

Service provided in mountainous area (6)

Direct on the right. cvccvc vowels are different.

Mass-if

You got it, Kevin! ===[**CDM**]===

Thank you kindly!

Independent boss and retired clergyman freeze (3,4)

I + CEO + REV backwards (retired) -> ice over

You melted that one pretty quickly, Rog! ===[**CDM**]===

Many thanks!

Make sure to indicate a feature of the border (10)

Direct on the right
Wordplay 5 + 5
Think Charlie...

Hmm - for "border", think for example the old West Berlin

checkpoint (good clue UW)

Praise from the master is praise indeed, manxman!

Yours, I believe: ===[**CDM**]===

Thank you UW

Rock star's prime sound (5)

S/ting?

good answer Lex, just not quite the one I had. Change 2 letters

direct on the left

S/tone?

Well done Sherlock, you're a star ===[**CDM**]===

Thanks, manxy!

Perhaps a teddy bear, somewhat fed up? (5)

Sated = fed up - hidden word

Can't hide anything from you, Lex! ===[**CDM**]===

Thank you, and apologies for the delay!

Fish buffet without starter of sushi's nonsense (10)

Direct on the right cvcccvccvc

Wordplay 3 + 1 + 6, two letters repeated (one consonant and one vowel)