I'd join a band (there are a few local ones knocking about that offer training to new players) but with five months left I think I might as well teach myself for a few months and then try my luck in Ireland, see if I can get into a local band that's willing to train me up.

I'll give your advice a go. There must be something I'm not getting quite right and it's great that I've got a few clarinet players on my f'list! I'll probably update at the end of today with how it went/what videos I looked at. Might be handy to keep a record of my learning.