Just got a new desire from Clove and I had been having trouble getting a data connection on Vodafone and was getting a bit frustrated so though I would post the eventually simple solution to save anyone else the hassle.  

Once I had entered the correct APN settings (posted elsewhere on Geekzone)  I had to search available networks in network operators (menu>Wireless and Networks>Mobile Networks> Network Operators> Search Networks) and once it came up with Vodafone, select it.  It then gave me a 'registered on network' message

also while I am posting I got 2,  25% off Zagg storewide vouchers if anyone interested