I think I have fixed it - I must have had it in the wrong place in the tpl_header.php. I was sure I had tried all the combination but clearly I had made a mistake. Still I am slowly getting a better understanding (I think )

Moving the code for the freeship header to just above:

<!--eof-navigation display-->
</div>
<!--<br class="clearBoth" />-->
<!--eof-branding display-->
<!--eof-header logo and navigation display-->

Seems to have stopped it being forced out and is allowing it to stay inline with the rest of the header and other items when the page is compressed horizontally.

I apologize for troubling you and appreciate your help...