Any ideas welcomed here folks!

Cheers,

What about letting people know via the posts since that is where most people go. In reality, not many are going to read the sidebar or click on every link at the top. Maybe, even provide a link at the end of some posts to the forum.

forum links will have to be a lot nearer the top side panel, even top or perhaps a scrolling tickertape showing 5 most current forum topics?

Both great suggestions - we've got to make it simple, that's for sure!