I have taken the plunge and ordered a Spa Cycles Audax bike
Oh! Congratulations, Richard, and thanks for the followup!
It's always nice to hear "the rest of the story", and I was burning with curiosity.
This is a wonderful new bicycle you're getting, and I can almost feel the excitement in your words. There's nothing like a new bike, and this one sounds like a corker for your needs. If you can get all-day comfort and the choice of relatively plump 28mm tires with mudguards, it should do you well in any weather and all seasons. Yes, the CTC was enthused about it, and I have no doubt it will do you right. I can't see it going wrong in any way for your needs. I can see why the Raven Tour wasn't so well suited to this focus.
Best of luck on the way home. Just remember it will be new and a little unfamiliar, so no outpacing the motor traffic for the first 5km, okay? Gotta keep you safe for the Big/Fast Rides you'll be doing with a wonderful new machine.
All the best,
Dan.