MilRob

Thankfully, no! Level is about 1mm below protruding tab in reservoir - but hard to see from above - consistent pale salmon pink colour and with no sign of any globules, etc. Hasn't been looked at since last service in mid March.
Thanks for your interest, and regards, Miles

I think I will take the risk and leave well alone until the March service. I shall only be using the car locally until then.

But thank you all for your comments, which provides me with a list of improvements to get done then.
All the best, have a good Christmas.
Miles

Thanks again.

I have spent a lot on my pride'n joy and am reluctant to incur more until next service, due in March.

Shall I be running much of risk by delaying investigation and repairs you suggest till then??

Thanks your quick reply.
The needle doesn't drop as if signal lost.
It drops steadily until reaches C as the revs increase under full throttle over 15 secs or so, and climbs back to normal similarly as soon as I back off.
Which led me to believe thermostat might be problem?
It had new water pump fitted 6 months ago, but not sure about thermostat.
Regards Miles

On fierce acceleration, up through the gears, 2nd to 4th, at 6k rpm, temp gauge drops like stone to Cold, almost immediately. But cruising quietly at up to 3k temp normal, and at prolonged idle in traffic.

Should I be worried, please?
Or can it wait for investigating service in March.
Many thanks, Miles

Thank you all for your helpful advice.

We have a friendly Subaru garage, 3 mins walk away, who did a quick check and tracked the problem to the column switch; and you guys pointed me to a s/h tested replacement from https://www.mgfntfbitz.co.uk/ for £24, plus your simple refitting instructions, so I will get them to do this. Phew!
Thanks again.

... so am left with main beam only.

The stalk will not operate dipped lights. Only main beam and side lights.

It seems that there are separate fuses for left and right dipped, and since both lights don't work it shouldn't be fuse problem.

Presumably new stalk?
More expensive repairs with specialist garage. Groan!

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks Miles