Thanks guys. AA, I should probably have looked at the laptop before posting, but it's in Binoette's bedroom (funny how that seems to happen

) and she's asleep.
But you're right, the mains power attachment does charge the battery when connected, so the iimportant thing is whether the cord from the wall socket to the "brick" ( I like it) is removable. Sounds from your post as though it is. I'll have to check it in the morning, but sounds good. Thanks.
Weather wise, about 18 at midnight, minimum of maybe 16 then up to 23 tomorrow (today) for golf. Life's tough.