Hi Loz, i have asked him the question (via email).
I was going to ask if it feasible to run without the shoes, sounds as if it is so may be a good option, as the hand brake was useless at the moment anyhow
I ran mine without shoes for a couple of days after having broken a piece of the spreader mechanism trying to fit the new shoes. Had to order from Eurospares and needed the car in the meantime. You'd need to remove all of the spreader mechanism so that there's nothing to catch, and also tighten the cable to keep it out of the way, but both are simple jobs. Park in gear and avoid hill starts!
Also, next time your on the car ferry, ask for some chocks, I did this on the Dover/Calais SeaFrance ferry a few years back, needless to say I accidentally slung them in my boot by mistake!!!!
I even have a steep sloped driveway and just trained the kids to run out an put bricks under the wheels whenever I arrived home.
I ran mine for a week or so with no hand brake when I manglified the spreader mechanism (just like Miles!) when I moved the car back a couple of feet with no shoes in... So you must unhook the spreader assembly then there is no problem...
I even have a steep sloped driveway and just trained the kids to run out an put bricks under the wheels whenever I arrived home!
Incidentally the spreader part is readiuly available from main dealer and was about £15 I think.