AVCs after pension

I am now retired (early)and on pension.
While working I paid AVC's and collected the value of the fund when I retired.
Going forward I expect to do contract work, or find work as an employee with some company. My question is when I pay tax on my future income , can I reduce my tax burden by putting say 30% of my income(I am over 55), excluding pension income into e.g. a Quinn pension scheme. Would I get the value of the AVC,s back when I reach 65 or when?
Rgds
Billo

Further to what I said above :if e.g. I earned (in addition to my pension)30k to the end of Dec 05 as a self employed contractor, could I then put £30% or 9k into Quinn life pension scheme and get tax back at 42% and recoup my 9k at age 65.
Rgds
Billo