Pete
I think you've got a golden opportunity to come up with a fast track to getting a PPL to solo standard in a glider. You and your mates instructed me about half a dozen years ago on JSAT(G) and I took 3 days of instruction and here's what Colin McInnes had me do:
1st day - quck groundschool then fly
Lesson 1-11 in 40 minutes
Lesson 17-19 in 11 minutes
2nd day
Lesson 12-14 in 12 minutes
Soaring and ridge running for 36 minutes
Lesson 15 in 8 minutes
3rd day
Aeros for 19 minutes
Lesson 16 for 2 minutes
Lesson 21 "first solo" for 9 minutes
All in all that's about 2.5 hrs of flying time. I must admit I felt completely comfortable and competent to fly solo after that from aerotow and then added winch later on.
Now the big challenge for you will be the EASA changes to licensing 8 Apr 12. Also, the fact that you will need an aerotow rating on a PPL after that date to tow gliders.
I see interesting times for the BGA coming with these EASA regs - many of your members have enjoyed grandfather rights for a very long time.
All the best
LJ