Thanks, Daytona- I thought that might be a possibility, but because of there being (seemingly) a couple of 'sticking points' on either side if neutral (as in, feels like going into neutral, but isn't quite..?), I thought it might be something more serious!
It has to be looked at by the mechanics tomorrow for another issue, and I'll mention the switch/detent possibility.. many, many thanks.
Oh, and not sure what to search on the site for: no matches for the terms I was using, which isn't entirely surprising, since I am a little dim after all. Did find an el cheapo centre stand, though- will order one from there once the bike shop have had their pound of flesh... *sigh*
(I hate the previous owner... they removed the centre stand. Duh.)
So many thanks for the link..!