It seems the "herding instinct" of the Bongo is extremely strong & ours simply didn't want to leave. Bless.
Luckily we were in the best possible company.
Ady sourced some tape & made a pretty good job of sealing the hole enough to get the engine running, Harry (whom some might call a bleeding expert) worked his magic to release the air out of the system to give us a fighting chance to limp home.
Plan A was to get the RAC out if running proved too risky. 364 days into the 12 month warranty on the last new cylinder head meant taking no chances.
A mention was made of getting a hose from Wheelquick. A light came on in my mind. "Who do we know in Wigan who could be persuaded to assist in our hour of need . . . ?" As it turned out, Bongo only made it up the hill to the site enterance before Uncle Haydyns alarm sounded off again.
So we forgot all about the RAC & called the BDC instead.
A suitable watering hole was established for a Sunday Roast at the Royal Hotel in the village whilst the hose, 10 liters of coolant, tools, BDC & an apprentice made their way up the M6. DBO came along despite the fact that he'd already left there once & Ste was still suffering the last dregs of the dredded ManFlu.
After a swift hose swap & a masterclass demo in the Art of Bleeding, all was well & we gingerly made our way south with the Fairy Godfathers keeping a close eye on us in convoy.
Needed only a cupfull of coolant as a top up this morning due to the last few bubbles finding their way to the header tank overnight but, fingers crossed, its as good as new now. Hurrah!!!
Once again, a huge munkey hug to a pair of most excellent chaps. I'm nominating them for the New Years Honours list. The Dukes of Wigan or Lords of Lancs or something.
& many many thanks for all the help from so very many of you luverly bunch for being there & being such a bunch of really good eggs.
You're never alone with a Bongo are you?
At the end of the bash & at the going down of the roof . . . . We shall remember them.
, so does this mean you still need to change the other hose and do another bleed Chris?
(as a get him home measure) 
