Noggin,
You're correct that Shobdon has an AFIS, but this is only at weekends. Most of the time it only has an A/G.
I think its slightly picky to distinguish between 'request joining information' and 'request airfield information'. They are both the same thing and the reply will always be the same - runway, circuit direction, other traffic etc etc.
You seem to be suggesting I'm asking for joining INSTRUCTIONS but instead I'm merely looking for information to help me in making a safe join of my choosing keeping in mind the information given.
SpeedBird22