Bev - you have my FULL SYMPATHY!!!
I started quilting at 9, in rural Bedfordshire and I have grown up with this 'problem'!
You are right about difficulties getting fabrics etc - but I have found over the years, that there are more quilters than you think! Maybe not in your village but probably not SO FAR away!
Do you drive? If so - may I suggest that you drive into just one or two quilters guild or Embroiderers guild meetings - you only have to go once or twice (I really DO know how hard it can be to drive miles for these things!) Once you are there, you are SURE to meet someone nearer to home and then you will at least have a buddy!!
If not - PM me anytime and I will be happy to be an Over the Irish Sea quilting buddy via email!!
PB