Thanks Mr Bags.
The failure does have me presently looking at additional back up options, particularly in view of the noises from the Time Capsule.
CCC does appear to be a very useful tool, however SWMBO does have a need for a PC (actually the courier has about 20mins to deliver before we have to go out) and so CCC probably isn't the correct option.
Excluding iPads/Pods and Android phones we have my MacBook Pro, an iMac and a PC laptop to back up.
For various reasons, including lack of control and upload speed, I don't favour the Cloud.
Any recommendations appreciated.
Misc.