Thanks for the camera suggestion. Part of the problem is not knowing where to start,what to buy etc but I suppose like anything else once I was shown how to use it I would eventually get the hang of it.
The Olympus is an old faithful friend,must be about 16 years old now and the most technical thing I have to do is change the batteries and put new film in.
Santa's list already full but maybe I can ask for an early birthday present in time for next years holiday.