Been a while since the last update. Not an awful lot has happened except the thermostat housing developed a crack, dumping the coolant all over the road, resulting in me needing to be towed home.
I noticed the radiator kick in and temp gauge creeping up about a mile and a half up the road from home so pulled over immediately, switched off, popped the bonnet and saw the expansion tank was empty. Called the AA, got safely home without cooking the engine I've poured so much money into maintaining!
All sorted now - new thermostat and housing. Also treated her to a new alternator courtesy of Aaron.
Hopefully will have some more exciting Pippa news later this year.