Actually CDUK your post has brought out the best in contributors and many of the posters that have given their views are well respected 'movers and shakers' of the scene. And give sage guidance.
And I have to agree there is some fun to be had and good times ahead. It's just not going to be like it was.
For you, that doesn't matter as you will react to each new step along the way as we did when starting out last century
Two thoughts from my perspective. I saw many PPL's give up because they continued to rent flying club trainers or tourers after getting a licence. I likened it to renting a car from Avis every weekend.
No, you need to move towards ownership as a way of reducing hourly costs. There are a/c you can chuck £20 of fuel into and have an hours fun with. Also group or syndicate ownership defrays the cost and puts you in touch with potential fly buddies too.
Secondly, 30 to 50 hours flying a year is quite some time when you add up time spent prepping and then jawing after. So pick the days when the wx is OK. I had plenty of frights trying to fly on a certain day in iffy weather because I'd promised someone a ride. No, come back another day.
I warm to enthusiasm and hope that all the replies have fired you up. Be a pal and keep us all informed how you get on.
Blue skies
Sir George Cayley