I'm going to look into this 3 column page layout you mentioned to see if that helps. It wasn't done like that because usually, I work in InDesign ... I rarely use Word, and only to set up templates like this, so the client can do their own eFlyers.

Also, considering I had to remove the background image to bring down the file size, and you've experienced no issues, causes me to think that the image is creating the problem so, I'll try tackling it from that angle.

Cheers anyway.