Liquidator
On the home page, right hand side are a list of trips planned. I believe there is one for beginners to a slate mine in North Wales in the New year. This would be a normal walk-in type trip with no need for SRt / ropes etc
EDIT: Sorry not listed as a trip but keep an eye out for what's planned in 2009.
Also, you may want to check out the recommended kit requirements document towards the top of the home page.
And I am sure that many of the other posters will have good suggestions / ideas / planned trips that they'll reply with later.
You are also likely to find a number of members in your area who will give you some info on more local stuff planned.
We're a friendly enough bunch
people like ICLOK and Spitfire, amongst others, are into there IA stuff including steam powered things.
It might also be worth registering with mine-explorer.co.uk as you will find a large number of AN memebers are also on ME regularly. (both great websites)
😉