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These photographs sit tucked away in a dusty box, each one a portal to a simpler time. Images of a sprawling, uneven landscape bathed in afternoon light transport me back to my childhood. This wasn't your typical park playground, with brightly coloured equipment and smooth surfaces. This was the Mill Hill Slag Bank – a rough and tumble expanse that held a unique charm for a local boy like myself.  The Slag Bank, as it was affectionately known, was a product of Cleator Moor's industrial past. Created by waste materials from the Cleator Moor Iron Foundry, which closed its doors in 1920, the slag formed an undulating terrain dotted with wildflowers and patches of scrubland. Far from being an eyesore, it became a haven for local wildlife and, more importantly, a playground for generations of children.  My own memories are filled with scrapes and bruises earned from tackling the slag's slopes on my bicycle, building makeshift forts, and losing myself in imaginative adventures. I

Have you ever wondered what makes this website tick? Let's delve into the tech powering it, and why I opted for a speed-first approach. For many years now, I've relied on Blogger as my blogging platform. While it might not be the flashiest option on the market, it gets the job done for me. It's familiar, user-friendly, and allows me to focus on the content itself. Plus, it's powered by Google. Their infrastructure is second to none, so why wouldn't you choose the best? But content is only half the battle. A slow website is a frustrating one, so I've taken steps to ensure this blog loads lightning fast. The foundation for this speed comes from the simple design. Less clutter means less for your browser to process. However, I didn't stop there.  Behind the scenes, some prefetch magic is happening. This clever trick tells your browser to anticipate what it might need next (such as javascript), pre-loading it in the background. The result? Pages that appear to

Hello . Some of you might be wondering where everything went. Did the blogosphere swallow my content whole? Did I have a sudden aversion to sharing? Well, the answer's a bit more nuanced than that. The truth is, I've been fiddling around with the direction of this site for a while now. One minute I'm diving deep into philosophy, the next I'm rambling about the perfect cup of tea. It's been a bit of a mixed bag, and frankly, it wasn't quite sitting right with me. But fear not, loyal readers! I've finally landed on something I'm excited about. From here on out, this site will be all about the visuals. Think stunning landscapes, captivating street photography, maybe even the occasional foray into the world of product closeups (Zzz!). Why the shift? Well, there's something undeniably powerful about a captured image. It can tell a story, evoke an emotion, or simply transport you to another place entirely. And that's the kind of experience I want to sh