Brum,
I'm in your position exactly (right down to the gear I bought two days ago!) I can barely tell my Ass. from my Dec and for the life of me I can't find more than 4 contsellations and a few bright DSO's. Bear in mind I am quite stupid really but I bet I'm not the only one.
I find the planisphere's useful for pre-observing but much too small to read in the dark even with a flashlight.
Now Andrew,(all you ols-school types find something else to do).
Lean your head closer, and let me whisper in your shell-like
.
Get a Celestron Sky Scout or a Meade My Sky or download that new i-phone app. that does the same thing.
If the constellations (who thought these up anyway) aren't all that apparent you tell the thing what you want to see and it guides you to it.
I'm finding it much easier to learn the sky 'after the fact' than blundering around in the dark trying to see Toucans and Water Goats. If anything its made me appreciate the hobby more and I can start finding my way around from more obscure reference points.
Good luck and Clear Skies!!!
Peter