Blimey!
I started something here and didn't even have the decency to reply sooner than this - sorry about my shocking behaviour. I'll try to not do that again. (I've been a bit busy recently).
Let me deal with a couple of the points raised:
1. yes, I'm a woman (let's be honest - a man with the username 'christabel' would be a bit weird! My name is actually Kathryn for anyone who cares)
2. Simon73 - thank you very much for the birthday greeting (you must be a very nice young man!)
and....
3. I took all your advice on board and spent a few hours on Saturday afternoon checking out various amps. I settled on an Eden Nemesis N8 because it sounded the best when I hooked my bass up to it. I'm sure some of you will knock my choice (that's fine btw) but for me, right now, this is the amp for me.
Kathryn