Shutty -In answer to your question-it depends really on your definition of being 'paid.' The CAA define it as 'Valuble Consideration' Now some may say that 10's of thousands of pounds worth of 'free' flying (for which you work you arse off) is valuble consderation.
In Yorkshire I recieved a luxury
mobile home to live in for the season and was very well fed by the club house canteen.
In Spain I got accomadation and an allowance that was just (and I do mean 'just' enough to by meals with. However, most of the visitors took pity and picked up the bill anyway when in resturants.
In Scotland I got a room and basic allowance that was just enough to buy petrol (for the car of course!) food and beer. Again people tended to buy the beers (as thanks for finding them good thermals or wave-if you don't do that you'll go thirsty!) for me.
Its not easy but it is good fun, very rewarding and if your situation allows you to do that (ie, no family or mortages to worry about) I reconmend it even just for the hell of it, just for a while.
The social scene is great. So good, in fact, a bit of self discipline is required to avoid hangovers on flying days!
Incidently trying to maintain a long distance relationship on no money isn't a good idea. I made the mistake of getting a girlfriend two weeks before I left for Scotland. The relationship survived the time I spent in Scotland but not for too long after that. I think we'd developed the relationship too far by phone and letter and the reality of being together wasn't quite ready for it. Just a word of warning...
As I said before, most clubs will need at least 100 hours TT before letting you tow (insurance) Most require tail-dragger expereince as aircraft like SuperCubs, Pawnees (which are big but very easy to fly-and land) or even Chipmunks are common.
You certainly have a much better chance if you have flown gliders up to at least 'bronze' level (basic cross country qualification) as you
have to be able to find the lift. It is expensive to pay for an aerotow and you will
not be popular if you drop the glider in sink and it lands before you do!!!
A CPL probably won't be an asset at that stage as they assume that you will abandon them immediatly you get offered a proper job!
Like any other segment of the aviation world its a question of timing, persistance, putting yourself about, writing lots of letters (phone the British Gliding Association and ask for a list of clubs) and of course, a fair bit of luck!!
Good luck to all.
P.S. Dont forget to enjoy it!!!