Thanks all for input on this, I feel like I still don't fully understand the process but it seems like even if I let it lapse it won't be so much of a big deal to do some refresher flights followed by a proficiency check (if maybe a bit of messing around with CAA procedures).
Whether or not I need a course completion certificate seems to be a 'point of dicussion'.
astir 8 - I had checked out oripää, I thought actually they had powered aircraft there though unfortunately for me not PA28's.
I can't understand why there's no flying club at Turku's main airport, it's not like the city's huge but you would have thought there would be enough demand. If I had several hundred thousand euros I'd try and start it myself.
Paul