Joe,
I would like to set this style of site up ... how would I go about it ?

I am used to simple websites but am a quick learner.

 

Not too bad to set up a site, Gary, although it takes quite a bit of tinkering to get it as "right" as this one. The software this site runs on, vBulletin, is IMHO the best, but it costs money. Info here: http://www.vbulletin.com/

There's also a pretty good free forum software solution here: http://www.phpbb.com/

Hope this helps!