The truth, the whole truth, or just part of the truth?
I'm afraid the third (CAA) club the OP visited has been somewhat economical with the truth. Being new to aviation you may not have come across it before, but you can inspect the official CAA aircraft register by searching for G-INFO and it will show you the ownership and airworthiness status of any UK registered aircraft. Obviously details do change, so it can occasionally be a week or so out of date.
According to that database, the only Cessna the above-mentioned club currently owns has had a lapsed CoA since June this year and one of their two motorgliders - a Grob 109 - has had its CoA suspended.
I am also reliably informed that the BGA has declined to provide airworthiness support to any aircraft falling under their remit which is owned or operated by that particular club or the club's owner.
It is important to emphasise that the 'old guy flying a Slingsby Venture on his own doing tuition' is in fact a highly regarded commercially qualified instructor and examiner for a variety of aircraft types, whose reputation is above reproach. He has been in business for decades and his company should not be confused with the 'other' club, which only started operating in mid 2011.
Last edited by znww5; 4th Oct 2012 at 15:11.