In defence of Elstree:
We started the 2000 Dawn to Dusk there. We flew in late one afternoon, left the aircraft overnight, and took off from there 8am the next day. Everyone was friendly and helpful, the manager opened early so we could leave, and they donated our landing fee and a tankful of fuel to "Flying Scholarships for The Disabled", which we were collecting for. I have good memories of the place.