Well, that would imply my technique is wrong.
The thinnest part of the shank of the bobbins this considerably thicker than the bottom of the V bit of the stand, so the fulcrum is higher than expected.
I had someone standing on the right hand side of the bike, in case it fell, and then with my right hand pulled on the bike backwards and with my left hand, pushing the handle bit down towards the ground.
I understand the physics of it, I just don't understand the technique!

Thor said that when he used a paddock stand for the first time it was tricky but then he got it sussed and no probs.

rgds

Stick something under your sidestand to straighten the bike up, makes the rest easy. I use a half brick, but my bike's taller than standard, so that might not work so well for you. This makes it so easy I could get the bike on and off the stand while on crutches :) Off wasn't so much fun, mind.

3rd time lucky
 

Well, I've just spent a few minutes with it again. I got my wife to sit on the bike to make sure it was perfectly upright, then adjusted the mounts. it then went up very easily indeed. It could have been that I just got the technique right finally, but it may have been that without the mounts in exactly the right position, itmade it much more difficult.

So it certainly is possible! Chain lubed easily, wheel cleaned - I'm happy!

thanks for your input everyone

rgds