The gearbox oil has been changed

and so too the diff oil.
Preston Jag Centre did the deed, a very courteous owner even arranged transport, dropped the other half and I off at the local "I've seen you coming. com" garden centre come multifranchise at Barton near Preston whilst they got on with the job.
I got a 'phone call to tell me when everything was completed and an offer to pick us up again! Really nice touch, that.
Had a great conversation when we got back resulting in the news that there were NO bits/particles/deterioration of the oil and filters and that they suspected it had probably been changed in its lifetime

In addition it was pointed out that this was one of the best XK8 around with regard to corrosion, i.e the lack of it!
The car has an excellent gearbox anyway, smooth shifting and no jolting, probably as a result of being looked after in its previous life. I have only driven it home so not been intensively used yet but I have put it on cardboard, in the garage, to check for any leaks, none apparent at the moment.
Another job off the list
Many thanks to those that contacted me and put me onto other dealers, appreciated.