I wouldnt buy the equipment from the flying club (unless your feeling charitable) because they are sure to be more expensive.
I found the cheapest place to get the Thom or Pratt books were at amazon.co.uk. It is a matter of opinion as to which are best but I bought the Pratt collection along with the PPL confuser and passed all the exams first time.
I bought all the equipment from the various catalogues that drop out of the Flyer magazine. Don't go mad buying all the little flying toys because you won't use them for a while yet.
The differences between the 'proper' PPL and the NPPL is mostly to do with the medical, so if you are physically fit and can pass the Class 2 without any problems I suggest keeping clear of the NPPL because otherwise you will be restricted to flying in the UK only.
28th,,