Have I misread this Whenurhappy? As it stands resettlement courses start five eyers before retirement. You take a voluntary extension of five years at Gp Capt's pay/allowances and are upset that you can't start the woodwork course until you're 58? I think I agree with his wife that the five year's money is a good deal! I'd stay with her rather than running off with a solicitor friend at 52.