I don't understand why so many people fail MOTs for minor faults, obviously the welding isn't minor but the other things??? Did you not check these before you took it for MOT?
Its not rocket science to check the basics (water, lights and tyres) before you take it for MOT.
Its not just you jill, I hear stories from friends all the time that they failed on simple things, it only takes 20 minutes to check the basics before you take it in!