Variables in functions ... What is best?

Globally allocate a block/pool, then using placement new operator

It sound great but I fear its a step too far right now ... I think I will do a bit more learning before I go messing directly with memory
Thanks though, I suspect this is exactly the sort of thing I need to be working towards.

Right now, with my very limited skills, a union sounds like a superb way to build code that will break without giving me the slightest hope of finding the cause.
Again interesting point to note for much later in my C/C++ journey

Thanks folks.