The thing about the bulbs is a good idea.
They sell plug-in type transformers with 1600W for travellers, they're around ATS 500,- ($30).
That will be enough for the 3 light bulbs, the stereo and the phone answering machine he wants to use.
I also won't have troubls with extra fusing for protecting the transformer and so on.
Interesting facts about the 110V in England!