Many thanks, all!
Your replies have been very helpful. It can be a bit disconcerting when an instructor says the opposite to what you have learned from the very beginning...
Once again, thanks for clearing this up for me.
JF - thanks for the kind words. I`m happy with the effect of wind on a plane now.
This forum is great for student pilots like myself. Hope you don`t mind students invading the staff room...Stand by for further requests for information!