(A cheerful post - for once!)
I thought that, after all my months of belly-aching on here, it was time for me to contribute something a bit more positive about my flying so far.
Since getting my ticket at the end of February things have really improved. I quickly realised that hiring the club planes was not really for me, both financially, and because they don't really create a good impression with non-pilot passengers.
I discovered by accident that a colleague of mine has been in a syndicate at the local airfield for four or five years and is really happy with it. I did think twice - mainly because I had a stupid idea that 'real' planes don't have the wings on top - but, as usual, PPRuNe came to my rescue with sensible advice
A month later I have completed my conversion to type with a new instructor, done a cross-channel flight, and yesterday a glorious lunch at the Crab & Lobster in Bembridge
As an added benefit my colleague is keen on exploring far and wide, so we have done a fair bit of 'mutual flying' to Ostend and Deauville. I can't recommend that highly enough - especially for relatively inexperienced pilot such as myself - it really boosts the confidence levels.