Alan, my curved soprano is an ex-rental cheapie bought for mostly fun. The make is Artemis, which judging from the logo is some kind of Trevor James as there is a tiny 'tjj' visible in the engraving. Jambo, who at one time was a contributor here, had an identical one except for the engraving, so it would seem to be a mass-produced thing which is badged up later. It's very playable, the intonation is good, and makes a very sweet sound with a not-very-expensive Selmer HR mouthpiece, although the trusty old Yamaha 4c is pretty good too.
As for Panshanger, yes I have been there once or twice but not regularly, it's the old story of not going to places on your doorstep, plus it's a little on the pricey side' also I have, to be honest, been to places with a bit more atmosphere. I can recommend the Old Barge in Hertford, free sessions every other Thursday - there's an organ/sax/drums* band coming up soon, I will most likely be there.
*Not Van der Graaf Generator