Anyway, in brighter news, I have my car back! Got the train to Nottingham and picked it up yesterday. Apart from the damage to the wing and bumper (and that's a big 'apart'!) it now seems fine. It now has second-hand suspension strut and hub, and wheel too. Andthe steering and suspension seem fine as far as I can see.
Lasrt week of work this week, so at the weekend (weather permitting) I'll have a good look at it and decide exacrtly what I need. Then I can look into getting it fixed up at my leisure. Off the top of my head it's a black offside front wing, a black bumper, and a complete offside headlight unit. Not sure about the cross-member across the front of the car; I know it was bent, but can't remember exactly what the set-up was there.
Still, it's good to get it back. And to say goodbye to the fortune I've spent on trains and taxis!