[Neil]

I am asuming that the bulbs you are using are decent ones. One of the things that may cause bulbs to blow is loose connections in switches, ceiling roses and bulb holders. Possibly loose connections on the fuse holder in the fuse box. I am not really into domestic wiring, my area of expertise is industrial. I will have a word with a couple of lads I know and see if they have any ideas. As far as the fuse blowing that is very common when a buld blows. As it blows it can pull excessive current which can blow the fuse. Is it a Wylex fuse box. If so I have a 6 amp MCB replacement for the original wylex fuses you can have if you like. It won't solve the problem but at least it is easier to switch back on when it trips instead of rewiring the fuse.