Well I'm back folks. Have had to deal with a bit of an emergency with the dog. Had to get him up to Bristol for an op on a damaged disc, hence the delay in getting back to this thread.
Anyway the upshot is, I have given all of the timber a thorough going over with a lint free cloth soaked in white spirit, I actually used a number of cloths to complete the job and, I am absolutely chuffed to bits with the outcome. The colour is absolutely spot-on and all of the pieces are now completely dry and ready for varnishing.
I am going to apply these finishing coats in the house rather than in my workshop as, even with the heater on I think that it will still be too cold for this job.
I am going to have a look at the video link that was provided by Eric the Viking.
Thanks again to all who came in on this. It really is very much appreciated.