Thanks for that fella's
I've got some axle stands from restoring an old VW Beetle , nearly got rid of them a while ago glad I didn't now. I'm thinking I've also got those 'handy' pieces of 4 x 2 timbers, & rolling the bike on to the timber ( effectively raising the bike 2 inches) then position the axle stands finally slipping out the timber from under the wheels?
But as you rightly point out a centre stand investment is very worth while for the long term.

Cheers