Sorry, I realised I posted this in the wrong area..

If I wanted to add to the front page of my website a few lines just listing say the last 5 new topics or replies to the forums.. how might I do it?

thanks!

Try this hack.

https://www.ubbdev.com/db/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=8&t=000011

Install that and then I think you can call the Active topics list Via SSI to your page.