Thank you for your replys and sorry for the delay getting back.
After further examination I found that one of the bush holders had broken.
I was expecting problems locating a replacement but a local motor rewind company gave me the number of a company in the Midlands.
The guy there could not of been more helpful and sorted out a set for me at a resonable price.
After fitting the brushes I fired her up and the solenoid worked perfect and the kettle was soon bolling.
It was the best cup of tea I have had for a long time.
The long term future of the unit is a back up to a solar panel system at a coal mining museum.
If I can work out how to I will upload pictures when it gets installed.
I am happier with a spanner in my hand (wrench)than anything I.T.
Thanks again and I will be back as my appetite for working on these machines has been wetted and I am already looking for my next project.