Sounds like lack of circulation. Check to see if heating circuit is turned on underneath boiler & when you turn heating on you check that the flow & return pipes get hot.
check the expansion relief pipe from boiler (the one that goes to outside & is open ended) Check to see if it,s dripping. Also check all visible pipework for signs of water leakage :wink:
Get up in your attic & tee off cold water mains with short stub of copper preferably 22mm about 100mm long & put a cap on end of pipe.This will act as a small expansion vessel & noise should disappear
Get your mate to come round again & try cleaning out the venturi within the flue way just above fan assembly as slightest piece of dust/dirt causes problems