The server's been reset and updated (not that it needed it) plus the database for the forum has been optimised - I don' t think this is server-related so I'll try to find out if there is a problem with the connection at the server location.
Just have done some further work on the database - if there are any more problems please post details to the new topic, including the information requested : http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=117596
I'll lock this thread here.