Welcome Chris.
For a mine of info go and check DaveW post "How to...." in maintenance and servicing.
He covers many useful areas - including a wooden insert for jacking. I have made one myself based on his design and it works a treat - spreads the load and protects the cross member. I added some pieces of wood on the underside to locate the wood on my jack's round plate and this helps keep it in place when moving the jack into place.
Enjoy owning the car and get your hands dirty! It's all part of the fun!
