HI everyone.

I am an absolute beginner,been viewing this forum for a couple of months now, bit apprehensive but decided to jump in anyway, regards Derek

Hi Derek and welcome.

Good on you, Derek. Just diving in is the best thing to do.

I remember the feeling of that first post and thinking that they'll all be terribly clever and knowledgeable and I won't understand what they're on about and they'll think I'm stupid, etc etc.

First up - The nice thing about this forum is that that is not the way people think. It's all about learning and everyone on here knows that you have to start at the beginning. It's the hunger for learning that's appreciated on here.

Second thing - One of the best ways of learning is for you to get involved on here and ask questions. The only daft question is the one you thought about but didn't ask.

Thirdly - I think they still think I'm stupid!

Hi Derek,
welcome.
This site has so many experienced photographers, all willing to help those of us who are reasonably new to photography. If you don't learn from these guys, I'll be very surprised, I certainly have.
Get posting, you'll soon be helping others yourself. :)