Sorry to have taken so long to report back on follow-up developments but have been away for a few days.
I have flown on two occasions (neither solo) since that bouncing scare, the first two days later and the second four days after that.
Both times we did circuits, practising touch-and-goes (with and without flaps) and go-arounds.
My instructor put me through several situations where I had to very quickly decide whether or not to do a G/A. These included coming in a bit high or fast, balooning before touchdown and missing the runway. All of this was beneficial. I think I made the right calls on the go-arounds and also managed to land fairly smoothly (no major bounces).
Of course we discussed at some length the whole G/A issue and the causes/ recovery of bouncing/balooning.
These are the main points:
My instructor emphasized that the go-around is always an option. It should preferably be initiated before touchdown.
It can be quite a dangerous manouevre if initiated after touchdown, so if a bounce occurs you muct decide very quickly whether to go around or whether to recover and land.
If the bounce is not too severe, the recovery can be safely employed by correctly re-positioning the aircraft for touchdown and landing in the usual manner by holding off with back pressure on the control stick. Never allow the nose to drop.
If the bounce is severe, go around.
My problem was that I while I was coming in a bit fast I did not think this warranted a go-around. First mistake, particularly with the winds as tricky as they were.
Second mistake: I did not properly recover from the first bounce. It took me until the third bounce, and in potentially a very dangerous situation, to finally recover correctly. I can only put this down to lack of experience.
No doubt I have learnt some valuable lessons and, hopefully, will be a better pilot for it. Thanks to all on this forum for their advice and encouragement. I look forward to my next solo although I must admit some trepidation still lingers.
Airdog