Stapleford's alright and has good instructors. The owners need to spend some of the profits on the school and the aircraft rather than on their horses though...
In any case, I wouldn't want to be driving 5 hours each way to BFC. Is that even feasible? I suppose not. I drive an hour and a quarter to where I train and that's enough! Think of all the occasions you'll turn up for lessons only to be told they're cancelled due to the weather...
Though I'm younger than you, I gave up a lucrative career to throw money at flying. I don't regret a penny of it. But bear in mind that you will be spending £45k and not earning for 2 years or more.
Fortunately I have lovely wife who I send out to work!
