Confession time...all sorted.
Yes, I read the manual, and yes I lowered the pressure on the presser foot but what I didn't realise is that once I would actually start sewing the fabric would move easily. I just wasn't used to the fact that the foot seemed so firm on the work when it wasn't operating. With my other machines the work slides freely under the foot even when I am not actually sewing..with this machine and foot it is apparently different.
Thankyou everyone.