Many thanks for your reply and kind sentiments!
As to the problem - I checked the alternator's output this morning, and it was zero. I pulled it off and checked the rectifier pack, and two of the diodes were dead. I've just driven for two hours to see if I could get some replacements, but was not successful. The store I went to said that they will have a new unit for me on Monday - I also ordered a new diode pack so that I can rebuild the original unit as a spare. Sadly, this means that I won't be able to enjoy the nice weather that has been forecast for the weekend - over here we've had rain for months...
