Azed No. 2664 ‘Eightsome Reels’

[Blackhawker]

…made a reasonable start, but now come to a juddering halt as I’ve got what I think is the right answer, but it doesn’t fit. So help very much appreciated. Here is the preamble:-
Each numbered square in the diagram is surrounded by eight blank squares. All clues lead to answers of eight letters, and these are
to be entered around their appropriate numbers, clockwise or anticlockwise, beginning anywhere. Solvers must determine where each begins and the direction in which it is to go. The four unchecked groups of three letters at the corners of the completed diagram, read anticlockwise, are words that may be found in Chambers.
No.2) Standoffishness displayed by some Methodist ancestors
I have ‘distance’ with the ‘d’ starting middle left.
No.9) Old portraits: place pictures beside former queen, retiring ????????
No. 8) I have ‘minister’ with ‘m’ starting middle bottom.
I do hope this makes sense and certainly very many thanks in advance!!

[JJ109]

2 D is middle left and goes anti-clockwise
9 Retrates starts left bottom and goes clockwise
8 M is middle bottom and goes clockwise

[Blackhawker]

Thank U JJ109, I had 2 & 8 correctly identified & placed, but the wrong answer for 9!!

[JJ109]

You're most welcome, Blackhawker!

[Blackhawker]

Still struggling any help with the following greatly appreciated. (5 may be ‘investor’?)
3 Hardy types showing interest in bar?
4 Arguing, being frugal about rand
5 Stag maybe? Try venison, each cut
then cooked
6 See His Excellency flanked by escort shuffling feet

[Neveracrossword]

5 Is Investor - anagram of 'try' and 'venison' without their last letters.
3 Spartans, hardy types.
4 Sparring, arguing, Sparing, being frugal, with R for Rand inside.

[ProfessorMaisie]

TROCHEES