I would say that there is nothing wrong but your Clematis will always be under stress because it is in a container. I would look to plant it in the ground so its roots are cool and mulched with some old compost. In my opinion a west facing sitiation would be preferable.

OK thanks Jimmytheone it has actually been in this container for years it was my late mother in law's so reluctant to change things in case we lose it, although im sure you're right, do you think that's what caused the buds to die off

The problem with container-grown plants is that they will displace the soil with the root growth in time. They become wet and then dry, have to deal with the roots becoming hot and then cold. When you water often, you wash away any feed that you give it. If you replant with the roots intact, I don't think you will do any harm. Once it settles down, you could always layer one of the stems as a backup.

I also think all the wet wont have helped.

Planting it out from the pot directly in the ground wont hurt the plant. It will just do what any plant does when you buy it and plant it out. You will have to tease out some of the roots as they are bound to be congested.

That plant is running on empty in that there is no more soil in the pot. Plant it where its feet will be in the shade and its head in the sun as the old clematis saying goes. Best would be to crack the pot and remove the root ball that way but if the pot is your mothers you may not want to do that.

Thanks very much for all your comments, much appreciated :-)