Like you I live on the island and when I used to fly it was mostly on the mainland due to the lack of aircraft here. I instructed part time at Compton Abbas in Dorset for several years. It continues to be a friendly popular place, the aircraft are middle aged Warriors, a Cessna 172 and an AA5 well maintained plus opportunities for aerobatics, and tail dragging, regular fly outs and club nights and clear of controlled airspace. It's a bit of a trip but it is through the New Forest and if combined with another exscuse for going over a good day out. Worth a look at their web site if nothing else.