Cookies Policy

Cookie Policy

Like many websites, when you visit our website, a small amount of information known as a ‘cookie’ will be downloaded to your device (e.g. your computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone). A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers stored on your browser or the hard drive of your computer (if you agree). Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device.

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Distinguish you from other users
  • Improve your browsing experience
  • Help us improve our website

Cookies cannot be used to identify you personally.

Examples of how cookies enhance your experience:

  • Remembering your device so you don’t need to re-enter information repeatedly
  • Recognizing your login status across pages
  • Analysing anonymous usage data to improve the site

We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information.

If you wish to restrict or block cookies, you can do so via your browser settings. For more information, visit: https://www.aboutcookies.org

Types of Cookies

1. First-party cookies

Set by the website you’re visiting.

2. Third-party cookies

Set by external services like analytics providers (e.g. Google Analytics) or advertisers.

3. Session cookies

Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser.

4. Persistent cookies

Remain on your device after you close the browser to remember you for future visits.

Categories of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Required for website operation (e.g. secure login, shopping cart).

Analytical/Performance Cookies

Used to measure and analyse how users navigate our site.

Functionality Cookies

Recognize you when you return and remember preferences.

Targeting Cookies

Record visits, pages viewed, and links followed to personalize content or ads.

Specific Cookies We Use

Cookie NamePurpose/DescriptionExpiry ccSID Session trackingOn browser close ccUser Visit statistics48 hours ccRemember Remembers login48 hours bt Behaviour targetingVaries ana_svc Real-time serviceVaries phpbb3_* Forum softwareVaries style_cookie Forum display styleVaries __utm* Google AnalyticsUp to 2 years uid/uit User ID & login time trackingVaries ssc/psc/uvc Social activity trackingVaries di/dt Expiration trackingVaries


Session Management

Cookie NamePurposeExpiry ASP.NET_SessionId Maintains session state for ASP.NETOn browser close ARRAffinity Ensures client affinity for server load balancingOn browser close


Personalised Content

Cookie NamePurposeExpiry XplodeAdministration Identifies admin area user sessionOn close Xplode::LastLoginFlag Prevents simultaneous logins for backend users6 months


Web Analytics / Metrics

Cookie NamePurposeExpiry __utma Tracks number of visits2 years __utmb Tracks time of visit30 minutes __utmc Tracks when a session endsOn close __utmz Tracks referral source and navigation path6 months


JavaScript Detection

Cookie NamePurposeExpiry __atuvc Ensures share count is updated properly for social sharing buttons2 years


Cookies for Improving Service

We use Google Analytics to collect anonymized data on:

  • Page views
  • Time spent on site
  • Navigation patterns

We do not store personal information and we do not allow Google to use or share our data.
Learn more: Google Analytics Privacy Overview

Embedded Content from Other Sites

Our website may include embedded content (e.g. YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Google Maps). These third-party platforms may:

  • Use cookies
  • Collect user data
  • Monitor your interactions

You can manage which embedded services you allow by selecting:

  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Google Maps
  • Tracking Cookies