Thank you for all your replies, everyone. Considerable invaluable advice given!
@al446, thank you for your reply (and for the "welcome"). Sounds like you have a great wealth of experience within the aviation sector! I am very sorry to read that your PPL ambition had to come to an end - great shame indeed. I would never turn into such a bar-steward (fortunately!). I respect all opinions - simmer or aviator. Always welcome. I thought you would be interested to know I am currently training for my Private Pilots Licence at Halton Aeroplane Club, RAF Halton (airfield)...and have seen some of the 'apprentices' surface at the airfield quite a few times! Admirable. Small world!
Thank you once again. Wishing you all the very best.
David