Hi D.J. and Paddy
Nice to know that I'm on the right track! I've spoken to John who "does" for me and he's suggested that Paddy should visit his local jewellery supply place and get:
2-3 pairs of crosslock tweezers (they have small riveted wooden pads that disperse the heat).
Warning: they can still get hot and the cone of a flame can burn you quite nicely...
some good quality solder flux for silver. John uses borax but there is some liquid stuff that looks like urine (yes, it's true) called Batten's flux
jeweller's silver solder in sheet or wire form
a charcoal block to solder on
John says that he only tins one part of the work (usually the lug/ slider) but fluxes both areas. He's told me that when I next visit he will let me take some photos of before and after!
Watch this space!