Thanks Luciano,

I had thought of that initially, but disregarded it as the TRIAC would have to be off at the same time as the light bulb is on. But seeing your picture made me think about it, and I figured that I can just measure the voltage there just after zero crossing and before I trigger the triac - either that or charge a little cap through a diode and read the cap anytime. Makes it a really simple circuit too!! Will try it as soon as I get back from holiday - am off to Fiji for a week, BULA!!!