My inclination is to always question why I do not the answer to a question! So Keygrips points are very valid and well made.
I did fly through controlled airspace during my training but not very much. I never landed at an airfield inside controlled airspace though. In the UK, a common provider of radar services are military bases operating this thing called "Lower Airspace Radar Service" - LARS for short. Such bases tend to be in Class G airspace, so I've done zone pentrations throuh Class D, and had Radar Services from airports in Class D where I've not gone into the airspace, and had Radar Services from military bases. So I've never met the situation I will be meeting shortly.
Although licensed, I am not experienced, and in common with a number of other beginners, I would prefer to ask around beforehand, rather than appear incompetent on the radio.
It's not really a big issue - if the controller didn't say "Clear to enter the zone" in response to my message, I would ask for the clearance to be given explicitly. Similarly the traffic situation suggested a radar inforamtion service would be helpful, and it hadn't been issued automatically, I'd just ask for it when I realised it might help.
The airport does have publish VFR arrivals procedures, but these concentrate on operations within the controlled airspace - I've checked the AIP for this information.
Thanks for the advice regarding the "presently/maintaining" - I tend to be a big "wordy" on the radio, so it's a useful reminder not to be!
Thanks also to CM for the improved first call and the reminder that the controller will require the Point of Departure. As I intend to request a particular VFR arrivals procdure, CM's subsequent call gives me an opportunity to fit this request in also. I'll try to phone ahead and pass some details by phone, so they can have the strip ready.
I am expecting to enjoy the trip tremendously and learn a good deal. I'm planning the trip for the end of the month, and given my qualifications, it will be very dependant on the weather whether I fly or drive. I'd be very glad to post a report on Private Flying on the trip, it would be a way to put something back into PPRuNe in return for the valuable advice.
Thanks