I think that second shot would look great in black and white because of the way the steam rises up in the frame to the sky with the trees acting as a boundary

Its not the same as a good tiripod but would the locations you like to take photos permit the use of a gorillaPod, i have not used one but they can take upto 5KG if you get the right one & as long as you con find something to put it on at the right height/location etc.

Mark

I live in central Reading!

Dont know of any clubs, its not something i have investigated. Maybee worth asking staff in London Camera exchange or Station Cameras. They will may know.