Hello BAP,
I would echo ETOPS comments about Flintshire Flying School at Hawarden (EGNR). The school has a good atmosphere and does private hire as well. Hawarden is a good place to fly from and there are also a number of private owners based there who may be open to you flying their aeroplanes. The journey from your neck of the woods wouldn't be too bad, probably around 35-40 minutes, on the basis I'm about 15-20 minutes east of Ashcroft. Incidentally I don't know of any club/school activity there.
Going back to Hawarden, it also has a great café/eatery in the form of Chocks Away.
If you want to have a chat, feel free to PM me.