Don

    Well, that's certainly put things into perspective!! My problems are considerably less than yours - just the loss of pads on index and ring, right hand!! Six months down the line , they can still reduce me to tears if I catch 'em wrong....!!   Having listened to all the advice , I'm keeping the banjo - I've been convinced that there's light at the end of the tunnel...   it's heartening to know that there are folks out there kind enough to care!! Thanks to every one of you...

                Best Regards...Spot   :-)