Alan,
somehow I missed your reply to me asking where you are. I am only in Weston super Mare. I had exactly the same problem as you when I first got into horology, nobody was interested in helping. I started on the BHI distance learning course but have since had a bit of a falling out with them 😳
If you do ever have a problem I will always be willing to help if I can, I will ask Bob to let you have my phone number (Bob, can you give Alan my phone number please 
)
I have only been doing this for the past 5 or so years now so have a bit of experience. It is frustrating when first starting out but you will get there
Paul.
