Comparing the solo hire of a C-152 at Bournemouth to a club at a small grass strip a few miles north west, Bournemouth was only £4 / hour more expensive. For that you get ATC, a long FLAT runway, security, slightly cheaper fuel, landing fees included. I don't know how much work is required at a grass airfield to keep the runway in order but it can't be much more than Bne spends of grass cutting.
Charlie Fox, how does the amount you spent compare to similar airfields, like Bristol or Southampton? Surely the handling fees you talk about are a rip off to GA almost anywhere.
PS, I like sunny Bournemouth
D