Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going for it! I kind of figure that however much flying you do, it's never really enough, anyway...
Lack of free time is more of a problem than lack of money,
but my daily train journey gives plenty of time for bookwork, etc., so hopefully no problems there. Shoreham airfield looked particularly inviting as I went past this morning, too....
Puffin Killer - thanks for the book recomendation. I've ordered it.
Aviatrix - any advice on where to get hold of the things you mention? I'm new to all this...
Thanks all.