Paris Dakar - good to hear from you mate, Happy New Year!
Ah yes, thems were the days..am a little fatter and greyer as well, to boot
Thanks to all and sundry for the fine advice - I have actually just left the North Weald group (very good it is too - highly recommended). I have also checked out a group at Elstree and it also looks good, but I'm after something even cheaper, hence the nod towards microlighting.
Monocock, what is this beast you are referring to that I can buy for £1500 with a mate!?