Firstly, well done Dave! Brilliant choice of instrument; the best, actually. You are amongst friends here. And enemies! First lesson is to learn all accordion jokes, some of which are very good (how many guitarists does it takes to change a lightbulb? None, the accordion player can do it with his left hand) and then don't rise to the baiters.

I learnt the box over the water from you, on Mendip, but I guess every Tuesday night for a free lesson from Dave the Box would be a bit expensive in tolls, fuel and time. I'm afraid I don't know of any teachers in your patch. However, the finest Mudcat exponent of the accordion (to my knowledge), Sam Pirt, does occasional residential courses in Goole, East Yorkshire, and he's an inspirational teacher. You are also in time to go to the autumn Folkworks Weekend Workout, which is three days of excellent tuition in both your instrument, and participating in orchestra playing. That's usually in Darlington.

Good luck with your journey, and don't be downhearted with slow progress. Oh, and learn both hands at the same time. It's pants trying to put together two separate skills.