Hi All,
Just a quick line to say thanks to all who offered solutions re the above question.
A special thanks to Geoff (Raden) who pointed me towards:
"R Glover Ashcroft in Enfield". I was able to pop in there today and it was very pleasant to be treated like a valued customer again now "The Sheds" have taken over nearly all such places (this feeling was in spite of only leaving with a couple of 'samples' to see what worked best). ;-)
If anyone wants a good selection of gloves (it looks like if it's a glove they do it!) you would get quite a selection making up the minimum order value (maybe a you could get together with some mates for a batch of 'rigger' or 'gardening' gloves at good prices?
If you email rupert.cox I'm sure he would be pleased to look after you at r-glover-ascroft.com (mention me .. I mentioned my contact came via an Internet newsgroup and it might persuade them to get a simple web site going showing their product range?). ;-)
Or ring on 01992 717272. (My only link being a happy customer).
I'd also like to thank Paul as I bought an alternative pair from Boots ;-)
I managed to pick up a variant of Sheilas ''Fray Stopper' stuff but haven't tried it as yet.
The other links / references will be explored in due course .. ;-)
All the best and thanks again ..
T i m