The model that I've really enjoyed in the UK (which isn't exactly fantastic for diving either!) is to join a fun dive club, do occasional wreck etc diving in the UK and then weekends/weeks diving away. Part of what I enjoy about being in a good dive club's when you can meet on a really rubbishy rainy evening and talk about diving! So I guess I'm looking for a dive club of some sort to do some weekends away with.
As far as kit's concerned, I'll probably bring my own wetsuit, BC, fins, mask, regs and computer. (Ie: pretty much everything!). I generally prefer using my own kit.