Also I suppose writable dvd's are ££££ more thatn non-rewritable ones.
Could I
perhaps use my PC to do the transfer - dvd writer. but how to I get the
vhs
signal onto it?

I use the following method (Because I had the kit anyway!)

VCR connected to the AV input of my Sony DCR-TRV30e camcorder
(No tape in the camcorder)
FireWire cable from camcorder to PC
Put the camcorder in playback mode
Press capture in Pinnacle Studio
Press Play on the VCR
Wait ages!
Edit, and burn to DVDR

Sparks...