Thanks for the explanation Whopity! I think the question here is whether skydiving ops or glider towing for a club is considered a commercial operation? I also fully understand your point re: knowledge and experience however someone must start somewhere, correct? Can I not turn up for a few or several sessions to know how things work and then go on from there?
Airgus, like I said, getting the PPL is a given, and thank you for your advice! I may have already stepped off the cliff today as I've signed up with the local school for some flight hours, and as you've said, we shall see. I have had several flights in a glider a few years ago but a few bad experiences with the club meant I stopped going. I wonder if they'll remember me but I have my logbook for proof!