Ian,
I too am just now sitting back and enjoying my training...I know I will get there in the end...and I think that the more time spent with an instructor will make the student a better pilot....probably totally wrong, but keeps me happy
Hope your friend can take you flying and you can keep the currency up.
I fly from RAFC Cranwell, a really great,friendly small club and loving it...flat countryside - excellent for PFLs -although one ditch looks very much like another when on a navex!