.........get down the local small airfield and offer my services cleaning aircraft helping refuel, washing cars for pilots etc.
Really? Starting your career as a but kisser isn't a good idea, no one will have any respect for you.
It's a tough industry to break into, especially now. The hangars, baggage bays, and offices are full of wannabe pilots. I even know of people who have taken jobs as hosties who want to be pilots. For some reason, some people seem to think that if you have a job near an aircraft, you'll end up in the cockpit one day. It doesn't work that way.
If you want to be a pilot, then target that from day one. A job (a PAID job) at the aeroclub to help suppliment your training might help you make contacts. But remember all the instructors are already one rung higher up the ladder than you, and aren't going to help you much, beyond ensuring they get to log the most instructional time with you.
if you're that keen, then read. Read everything you can. Knowledge is everything. Talking intelligently with a chief pilot about how the recession is affecting the airlines will earn you more street cred that washing his car.