Thanks for the post Rich, very timely.
I fitted the new battery on Saturday and took it for a 15 mile spin to make sure it was charged up, as i think it was a bit low when i got it.
I left it OFF the optimate for 4 days till to-day, and when I tried to start it, first time it just clicked, same the second time, then it fired up on the third.
I stopped it, and when I fired it up again it went first time, no clicking.
I have put it on the optimate and it has taken about 3 hours to get to full charge, so I guess it must have been very low when I fitted it. I know ithe bike is chargeing ok because I put the voltmeter on it when I had the old battery and it went from 12.2V to 13.8 v as soon as the bike was running, so it must be chargeing ok.
So that means, either the new battery i fitted had a very low charge and didn't get to full charge after a 15 mile ride, or, I guess it's a sticky or faulty solenoid.
I have a friend coming to have a look tonight, but i don't think there will be much i can do before I go to France on friday, I guess i may have to push start it!
I have taken a print of you comments above and will take them to france in case i get stuck and need to try your suggestion, so thanks very much for taking the time to write.
If I find out anything interesting tonight, I'll post it here.
Thanks again to all, keeping my fingers crossed.
Clive