Thanks guys. I think, deep in my heart, I know I should submit to a dry suit to save all this to-ing and fro-ing!
I just got back from North Cyprus where the water temp was 28-30 degrees until we hit the thermocline at about 16m which took the temp down to 19. Still managed it in a shortie though
So I will keep you posted on how I do with the dry suit next week - if anyone's up in Stoney next Sat/Sun, look out for the novice with a tan, moaning about the restrictive of the dry suit 9which inevitably won't fit!) and complaining of being too cold!!
If the worst comes to the worst, I could always emigrate...