Hi Ian,
I know a very good tutor who runs superb photography beginners courses from the village of Smeeton Westerby, near Market Harborough. I guarantee if you attend one of his courses you'll learn more in one day than you would in a couple of years left to your own devices.
Take a look at his website
here for further details. Once you've been on one of his courses he maybe able to direct you towards someone who is looking for a willing assistant.