1. I still find it amazing that 90% of the people who do drive stick in your country can drive stick. Shifting is a much finer mechanical process than steering and really should be done by the dominant hand.
2. Split the difference.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...=Manual&page=1
Who knew those were so cheap? Some of them are under £6,000.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...=Manual&page=1
And here's a low mileage one:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...us=1500&page=1
You're welcome for solving all your problems.