Please do try differing modes of transmission if you have a collinear as I can work lots of distant UK stations and DX. I have regular SSB QSO's throughout the UK on both 50 Mhz and 144 Mhz. Italy, Croatia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta were worked via Sporadic-E on 144 Mhz SSB using 20 Watts, all 59 reports during the Summer of 2007.
Don't let the thought that you are vertically polarised put you off as you may just surprise yourself.
Many thanks for reading my page. Don't forget to check the info on the CRAG website on the 'CRAG AWARD' if you work me.