Aerbabe & I accepted bar-shakers's invite and had a really good evening. Howard's talk was very interesting and informative, I found out ,for example,that and obstacle can appear on a chart because planning permission has been granted for its construction, rather than a physical object appearing. As a local flyer he was also well placed to put our problems into perspective.
If you ever get the chance to attend one of his talks, or the CAA safety evening, I can't recommend them too highly.
Thanks to b-s & Essex Microligh for extending the invite, also to the Raj curry house, its the first time I've eaten there but not the last I hope.