Thanks for the replies everyone. Unfortunately I dont have time to reply in depth, just to say I decided not to fly that route on sunday due to the weather, so some other time. I did however, call Southampton ATC to enquire about a north south transit via SAM. They said they have no objection to it, providing traffic levels permit it. I asked if in reality it would be very unlikely to be approved, they said no, but be flexible and be prepared to route via the VRPS either to the east or west as requested.
Therefore, being reasopnably smooth on the radio I think I will try it, but also be ready to skirt round the edge too.
Odhiam MATZ sounds easy, as long as one avoids the ATZ and talks to Farnbrough.
ANyway, I'll let you know if I get my N/S transit granted!
D