Well I have finally managed to get to work on my own car, now daughters is sorted.
Update on the broken spring, is that it's not broke. The shock on the other hand has died. Hence why the spring was so squished down. So new shocks on order, and as I already have new springs and bearings, the whole front end will get a well deserved overhaul. Checking on records of car history, there is no record of any work being done to suspension legs. So I'm guessing there all original. Which isn't bad for 229,800 miles.
On looking at wish bones, they are a bit floppy, so I see these being replaced too.
At least the sun's out.