McGrath, I don't need to create categories but it is a feature of the forum design I have chosen and thought it may be useful.

As for creating separate forums, yes I need to this if this thing is to work as an area for special interests. It enables those areas to be defined and have a specific moderator or person responsible for that area.

I don't like the idea of just drop in there and post anything on any subject as the idea is to cater for specialist areas - could be anything - say a Mudcat camera club...

Jon