Thanks for the reply...That is one option. See the thing is I have an FAA IR(A) and would quite like to remain instrument current the cheapest possible way. I can have issued an IMC on the basis of my IR but don't have as yet, so the only real option is to practice these approaches VFR, with a safety pilot while under the hood. I'm not 100% sure of how it is in the UK but normally in the states the Approach controllers are happy to issue a VFR practice approach clearance as it makes their lives easier, and so long as the tower know you're going to 'circle south of the airport' or whatever on the missed approach then everyone is happy, plus I can fit in more approaches than if I execute the published MAP.
cheers