I've not done much flying in that area, but I'd suggest as a first stab try Jay Madhvani at Plaistows. He's always impressed me as a sensible bloke who runs a good school, and he's probably 45 minutes from you (in the crook of the M1 and M25).
I don't entirely agree with Chris, but happen to know that he flew an XL for some years and had much fun out of it - so that's probably where he's coming from as much as anything. It is slower than some more modern types - but is much better for short field work, you pays your money... I'd suggest looking at the following, any of which should suit you as a first cheap aircraft:-
Raven-X / Hybred 44XLR (basically the same aeroplane)
Pegasus Q (also known as XL-Q)
Mainair Gemini Flash (also known as a flash 1). NOT a flash 2.
Or on a REAL budget, a Gemini Sprint, Puma Sprint or Pegasus XL (also known as XL-R). These are the slow high lift machines.
All of the aircraft I've listed are very safe machines with a good track record.
A few hints...
- If possible a 503 is better than a 447 (both air cooled), or a 582 is better than a 462 (both water cooled). Water cooled engines are quieter and more efficient, but have a lot more to go wrong.
- Check when the next major engine service is due. Don't buy anything with less than 60 hours to run.
- Get a BMAA inspector to go over the aircraft with you, and particularly ask about the life left in the wing.
- Don't buy anything with a Fuji Robin engine. Nothing actually wrong with them, but spares are virtually inobtainable.
- See if you can get somebody to throw in a radio, intercom and trailer with the deal - it'll save you a lot of money in the long run.
Hope this helps,
G