Thanks RocknRolf and FrankenWashie!
Right now I'm focussing on sanding and more sanding. I'm not sure of the finish just yet. Torn between a shou sugi ban (burned) finish or just a simple cherry stain.

I've waited so long for this to arrive (I'm in South Africa) that i'm now worried about ruining it if i burn the wood.

I foresee my next few weeks being filled with sandpaper, before I need to worry too much about glue