Personally I love learning on an RAF airfield; yes, its a steep learning curve with airfield procedures and strict, crisp RT but I believe this will make me a better pilot in the long run. I also fly the military oval circuits as a matter of course which seem easier than the rectangular ones.
Had one of your Bling Airs following me around the circuit the other day, he called "Is the civilian aircraft doing oval or square circuits?" which I thought was a bit cheeky. I wondered whether he had ever seen a hexagonal one. Don't know why they can't thrash the circuit at your place, they can be a pain in the butt up here. Perhaps they need the experience of a proper operational unit but then there's Cgy just down the road from you. I got off between a landing Astor and a C17 doing PAR's the other day which makes for interesting flying in your 100kt spammy.
Kev, whatever you do be it powered or gliding you will love it. No one would pay silly sums of money to punch holes in the sky if it wasn't worth doing.