Thanks for the input people. 2 or 3 things to note:
1) the taxes and charges were as stated and covered 3 people from STN to Hamburg and return.
2) I accepted by booking with Ryanair that in the event of a cancellation I would not get the fares refunded
3) they will email to you but you cannot email a response since they leave their mailbox at it's limit so all emails bounce. (unless someone can give us a "proper" email address.
kepp the ideas coming please.
Thanks