the best bit of advice i was given was; dig it as large as you can as you will always wish you had made it bigger.

keep the topsoil for use else where in the garden. have planting shelves at differing depths. 8-10" 14-18" etc. so you can plant different plants. no need to go any deeper than 3ft.

chose the site free from overhanging trees if possible, consider if you want electricity to it ect [armoured cabling might be needed]

check sizes of pond before you get your liner and ensure you have a good 'overlap' of liner on the soil surface. ask the liner supplier to check your figures before you buy. buy the best quality you can afford. butly is considered to be the best.

Always use an under-felt of some kind to cushion your liner from stones etc. from piecing it.

oh yes and a layer of soft sand between that and the soil. we used old wollen blankets as our under lay.
how you feeling Ian? nice to see you are keeping your hand in so to speak :o)

I think I'm back to "normal"? Well as normal as I can get! Lol

glad to hear that ian. you had me very worried there. [i sent you a card did you get it?]

I got loads of cards and have them all in a box in the wardrobe now. I'm very grateful for them all so thank you very much. xx