Thanks for the explanation, much appreciated. I'll have to look at the polar scope during the daytime - many have said not to bother with it because of the lack of a bright star around the South celestial pole. I like your idea with the compass on a long shaft - that's brilliant. I think most of my problem is probably due to innacurate latitude adjustments. An inclinometer will resolve that problem.
I'm gradually getting things together - at the moment and for the next Six months, my main goal is a car. After that, I'll do some stuff with the astro gear
My goal is to to learn drift aligning, get accurate polar align, 5 min subs and guiding going. After that, it's mastering darks, flats, lights etc. And after that, PP. I'm not worried if it takes me a few years, or even if I don't master it all, as long as I'm having fun, that's all that matters. And despite a rought early start with imaging, I'm having fun!
Dave