Thanks guys (Two thumbs up CFI Guy) I really appreciate the comprehensive answers. Exactly what I was after!

Yup Biennial was the intention, but the autocucumber on my phone decided it knew better.

In a nutshell, with a small amount of elbow grease and prior preparation I can head over to the U.S., end up going for a local flight with some friends, head home for a beer and spend the evening taking the **** out of each other's aviation systems. Perfect!

If I want anything more than that, i.e. a job, I have to put my nose back into the books, tidy up some loose ends and jump through the regular hoops, which is reasonable and fair. Also good to know.

Thank you very much!