Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.
Rich we bought a GIC Offroad Extreme with a couple of extras. As everyone would be aware they are at the cheaper end of the market but the more I look at them the more I like them and most importantly it is in our price range. Also from the little I can find on the net no one has too much bad to say about them. Nothing a grinder, welder and a bit of steel can't fix anyway.
As far as the newbie weekend sorry I will have to give it a miss. We have Fraser booked for April and another shakedown weekend booked beforehand. So little time so many things (kids sport/parties/hobbies etc) to do.