Hi Luke, your local to me, we are going to RIFT Harmer Green this Sunday, I'd suggest if you want to get started, bite the bullet and come along. If you visit RIFTS website and contact Tony, book a place as a rental, it'll cost you £50 and you'll get a CM16 and protective gear, It's a great site and the best way to start is to dive straight in.
Hope to see you there, Prisce.