Hi - thanks so much your input was actually really useful!! It is quite a daunting group to ask questions to because there is so much information (particularly regarding geometry its so confusing to a beginner - particularly as I am used to just jumping on my bike and going off for a week I had never really thought about any of this until now wanting to spend some actual money on one).
After your post, I found an article on cyclingabout that explains geometry of road/touring and cyclocross bikes well. I think I have probably narrowed down my clearer aims for a new bike (am sure that other forum user will be chuffed lol), so thankyou for helping me towards that!