Inn Touch issue 42 by Orchard House Media Ltd

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Newsletter of the Rotherham Branch of The Campaign for Real Ale Issue 42

Inside

this issue: Campaigning News Puzzle Page Branch Diary

Beer tax e-petition reaches landmark 100K signatures Pints, Percussion and Plectrums

www.rotherhamcamra.org.uk

see page 5

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Your Rotherham CAMRA Magazine

I began my editorship with the last issue of Inn Touch, with a plea for all to ‘Get Inn Touch’. The magazine; a separate entity from other publications of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is an attempt to inform. Throughout the UK different branches have formed, some come together in great cities and others are found in nooks and crannies. Inn Touch, is OUR way to communicate outside the town, to invite visitors to our locale. This is key to Rotherham’s economy and serves our growth. Yet, Inn Touch is also OUR way to communicate with each other. Rotherham CAMRA would like to hear from you, be it: your views on the best eaterie, music or drinking establishment in town; a business or individual that deserves a special mention or could do with a pint; or your views on anything BEER. These are just suggestions, and I encourage you to Get Inn Touch by writing to the magazine (Adam Rodgers, 39 Renway Rd, ROTHERHAM, S60 3EU; email: adam1983rodgers@yahoo.co.uk ) so that you can contribute to the growth of Inn Touch and the prosperity of Rotherham. Some of you have already begun to do this, let me reiterate all your views are valued and I do my best to share all views in the magazine. Inn Touch will be written with my minimal input; as I said in the last issue, I am not trying to communicate my own views, or those of CAMRA, the Rotherham Branch or committee. One key issue raised by a town centre publican is that Inn Touch ‘…is not focused enough on

Rotherham…’ Agreed; rest assured that we as a branch will try harder. Yet information volunteered by the public is invaluable. The more people on board, the more sources of information we have, so we can get our facts right, keep them up-to-date and make Inn Touch more about Rotherham. We encourage you to join us and want you to let us know how to up the ante, to make CAMRA more interesting and worthwhile. In doing so, I do not doubt we will make Rotherham more interesting, worthwhile and entertaining. Let me know whatever ideas and information you have. This is your Rotherham CAMRA magazine. Let’s make it as interactive as possible. I am trying to inject new ideas in each issue and would be keen for feedback in regards to my puzzles page. Perhaps you are more skilled than me in something; so teach me, or let me know about some software package that will make my life easier. Finally, let’s remember what is important… Keeping pubs open: Keeping Rotherham open. We have just been given a great new football ground; a great venue for the next beer festival, and err… some football. Let’s make the most of our town. Adam Rodgers Editor of Inn Touch

Contents

YOUR ROTHERHAM CAMRA MAGAZINE

CONTACT DETAILS

E-PETITION REACHES 100,000 SIGNATURES

PUZZLE PAGE

ROLL OF HONOUR

YORKSHIRE PUB OF THE YEAR 2012

YORKSHIRE CLUB OF THE YEAR 2012

PINTS, PERCUSSION & PLECTRUMS

BRANCH DIARY

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The Milton Arms is a little country pub serving freshly made food including sandwiches, roast dinners, home made chips and fresh vegetables. One Handpump with rotating Real Ales on a weekly basis. We also our make all h es fr s ie p ! everyday

Opening Times 12noon to midnight 7 days a week

Effingham Street, Rotherham, S65 1AL

Real Ale £1.70 - £2.20 A PINT! Homemade food served Mon - Sat 10am - 3pm.

Sky sports live on FIVE screens. Karaoke Wed 5-9pm, Sunday 4-8pm.

Serving Food 12 - 2pm and 5 - 8pm all week Sat and Sun 12 - 3pm

Christmas bookings now being taken

Not serving food Saturday or Sunday night. 63 Church Street, Rotherham, South Yorks S61 4DY Tel: 01709 512353

Food Hygiene awarded 5 Stars

Phoenix Sports and Social Club Pavilion Lane Brinsworth Rotherham S60 5PA Tel 01709 363788 www.phoenixssc.co.uk

• Function Rooms available to hire for Weddings, Parties, Conferences etc • Free Wifi

• Open 7 days

• Large Screen TVs for Sky Sports • Ample free parking

• Up to 5 quality assured cask ales • All sports & cultural sections are open to the public for associate membership • 2 full sized snooker tables and pool table

Athel’s @ The Phoenix Real Ale & Real Food SUNDAY CARVERY Athel’s Opening Times Sun 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. Mon Closed Tues to Fri 10.00 - 8.00 p.m. Sat 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

12 noon until 3pm. Large parties are accommodated with ease and bookings are advisable

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Beer tax e-petition reaches landmark 100K signatures Mass Parliamentary Lobby announced for December 12th- over 1,000 people expected to participate CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is delighted to celebrate with other members of the beer and pub industry as the Government e-petition calling on the abandonment of the beer duty escalator has exceeded the 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a Parliamentary debate. The petition is only the 12th Government epetition - out of over 16,000 submitted - to have ever reached the 100,000 landmark. The beer duty escalator, introduced by the last Government in 2008, and continued by the coalition, has successively penalised Britain’s beer drinkers by automatically increasing duty levels by 2% above inflation every year. As a result, tax on beer has increased by over 40% since 2008, with a third of every pub pint now being swallowed in tax. Over 4,500 pubs have also closed over this same period. CAMRA has invested significant resources into campaigning against the beer duty escalator, and major breakthroughs in the lead up to the petition securing 100,000 signatures included over 15,000 beer drinkers adding their names to it over the course of the Great British Beer Festival, held at London’s Olympia at the beginning of August (7th-11th). With a Parliamentary debate now in prospect, CAMRA is ramping up the pressure on Government by announcing it is to hold a Mass Parliamentary Lobby in Westminster on Wednesday December 12th, with over 1,000 people expected to attend from all corners of the UK to voice their discontent at punitive tax increases on Britain’s National Drink. Attendees will be asking to speak to their respective local MPs, and seeking their support to protect the nation’s historic beer and pub industry.

Contact Details

Rotherham CAMRA committee contact details: CHAIRMAN Steve Burns - stephenburns1@sky.com INN TOUCH EDITOR Adam Rodgers 39 Renway Rd, Rotherham, S60 3EU adam1983rodgers@yahoo.co.uk SECRETARY Tracy Hyslop - burwell1967@aol.com MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Geoff Brown - geoff.thebroons@blueyonder.co.uk TREASURER Linda Andrassy - linda.andrassy@hotmail.co.uk SOCIAL SECRETARY John Hyslop - johnhyslop@btinternet.com UNDER 30 CO-ORDINATOR rotherhamyoungcamra@yahoo.co.uk PUBS OFFICER Jim Crowe - jamesicrowe@gmail.com PRESS & PUBLICITY Sean Page - sean_t_page@hotmail.co.uk PUBS PRESERVATION OFFICER Paul Redfern - paul.redfern861@gmail.com FUNDRAISING OFFICERS David Owen - Dowen55uk@yahoo.co.uk John Johnson - jayjay1709@hotmail.co.uk WEBMASTER Paul Redfern - paul.redfern861@gmail.com Published by the Rotherham Branch of CAMRA. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or CAMRA Ltd. Copyright © Rotherham CAMRA 2012. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement. Contributions are welcome from any CAMRA member by email or post to the editor. Layout based on a design by David Norton. Circulation 3500 in Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

ADVERTISING: Sales: Jane Michelson Tel: 01778 420888 Mobile : 07732 393621 jane@shillingmedia.co.uk MAGAZINE AND ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Orchard House Media Ltd - 01733 211001 CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale Ltd, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW 01727 867201 www.camra.org.uk

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Puzzle Page

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BIG NEWS The biggest news we’ve had in Rotherham for ages – there’s going to be a new Brewery in the town! It’s called Chantry Brewery and it’s in Parkgate. Work is well underway installing the brand new 20 barrel state of the art plant from respected German manufacturer Moeschle. Their brews will be available for the first time at The New York Festival. This makes Rotherham Branch’s first Festival even more of a don’t miss event! It will take place at Rotherham United’s football ground, the New York Stadium, in the prestigious 1925 Suite, which has a panoramic view over the football pitch. As well as beers from Chantry Brewery, there will be 45 more to choose from and cider, wine and bottled beer from the USA on the Big Apple bar. Food from Eric Twigg Foods of Pukka Pie fame will be available at all sessions. £5 Entry by ticket only, available from September 30th at the following outlets: Hare and Hounds, Rotherham Church House, Wath Chequers, Whiston Loyal Trooper, South Anston Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield From 5th November, any tickets left will only be available from Reception at The New York Stadium. CAMRA members (with card) will get their first pint free! Opening times: 5-11pm Friday 9 November 12noon-11pm Saturday 10 November The Branch needs volunteers (you have to be a CAMRA member) to help set up, run and take down the Festival. Free refreshment sponsored by Wentworth Brewery will be on hand for set up and take down. You can volunteer online at www.rotherhamcamra.org.uk/new-york-beerfestival. The beer list is available on the website.

News

PUB NEWS Yorkshire Pub of the Year 1: Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield 2: Jemmy Hirst at the Rose and Crown, Rawcliffe 3: Old No7, Barnsley Yorkshire Club of the Year Wakefield Labour Club (Red Shed) Our local entries, the Black Lion at Firbeck (17th) and Phoenix SSC, Brinsworth (5th) both did well, improving their positions from last year.

BRANCH WEBSITE The Branch website address is now www.rotherhamcamra.org.uk in line with CAMRA practice. We are in the process of revamping the site but in the meantime you will find it tidied up and fully up-to-date with news and events. It will be the prime source of information from and about the Branch. On Facebook, as well as the Rotherham CAMRA group, there is now a Rotherham CAMRA page. Bookmark www.facebook.com/rotherhamcamra and ‘like’ the page and you will automatically receive updates to the page in your News Feed. The page will be updated alongside the website.

PUB OF THE SEASON Autumn 2012 Pub of the Season is the Chequers, Whiston. 5 well kept real ales are available and regular live music nights to keep you entertained. Summer 2012 Pub of the Season was the Bluecoat, Rotherham. The renowned town centre pub does it again! 10 handpumps of excellent and varied real ales, friendly welcome and top value.

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Branch Roll of Honour PUB OF THE YEAR 2012 Overall Award:

The Black Lion, Firbeck Town & District Award:

The Bluecoat, Rotherham Bluecoat - Rotherham

PUB OF THE YEAR 2011 Overall Award:

The Beehive, Harthill Town & District Award: Phoenix Sports & Social Club, Brinsworth

PUB OF THE YEAR 2010

Old Fartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner - Church House

Overall Award: Bluecoat, Rotherham town centre Rural Pub Award: Bay Horse, Scholes

CLUB OF THE YEAR 2012 Phoenix Sports & Social Club, Pavilion Lane, Brinsworth Runner-up: Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club Phoenix also won the award for 2010 & 2009

Bluebell

PUBS OF THE SEASON Autumn 2012: Chequers, Whiston Summer 2012: Bluecoat, Rotherham Spring 2012: Robin Hood, Aughton Winter 2012: Loyal Trooper Autumn 2011: Church House. Montgomery Sq., Summer 2011: Blue Bell, Woodhall La., Harthill Spring 2011: The Sidings, Whitehill Lane, Brinswort

Wath-on-Dearne The Sidings

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Pub Awards

Sheffield’s Kelham Island Tavern Is Camra’s Yorkshire Pub Of The Year 2012

The Jemmy Hirst at the Rose & Crown in Rawcliffe was runner up in the completion. It is owned, and run, by Simon & Jane Hicks, and is described in the new CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2013 as: “Outstanding village pub, well-known in the region and winner of the Yorkshire Pub of the Year competition in 2011. A warm welcome awaits you from the owners, locals and Bruno the dog. Book-lined walls and an open fire provide a haven on a cold winter’s day. It is the perfect place to sample the four guest ales; a traditional cider can also be enjoyed. The patio or river bank beckons in warmer weather.” The Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield has been named the winner of the ‘Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2012’ competition by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). 18 pubs were nominated for the prestigious title, and a panel of judges then individually visited each nomination and scored them against strict criteria: Quality of Real Ale, Community Focus, Atmosphere, Campaigning, Style/Decor, Service and Welcome, and Value for Money. The Kelham Island Tavern is situated in Russell Street in Sheffield, and is no stranger to wining this prestigious title, having won it in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2009. It is owned and run by Trevor Wraith and his team, and is featured in the new CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2013: “This small gem was rescued from dereliction in 2002. Twelve handpumps (sic)dispense an impressive range of beers, always including a mild, a stout and a porter, so you are sure to find something to suit your palate. In the warmer months you can relax in the pub’s multi awardwinning beer garden.”

CAMRA’s Yorkshire Regional Director, Mick Moss, said: “The standard of the competition was very high, but the Kelham Island Tavern just ‘ticked a few more boxes’ as far as the judges were concerned.” Mick will present framed certificates to the licensees of the winner and the runner-up in the near future, when special presentation events have been organised. The Old No. 7 in Barnsley and the Old Cock in Otley finished in joint third place. For more information and comment please contact: Mick Moss (Regional Director) Tel: 07885 345796 E-mail michael.d.moss@bt.com Trevor Wraith (Owner of the Kelham Island Tavern) Tel: (0114) 272 2482

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Yorkshire Club of the Year 2012

WAKEFIELD’S LABOUR CLUB IS NAMED CAMRA’S YORKSHIRE CLUB OF THE YEAR 2012 Mick will present framed certificates to the representatives of the winner and the runner-up in the near future, when special presentation events have been organised.

ROTHERHAM CAMRA’S PUB OF THE YEAR 2012. The Wakefield Labour Club, in Wakefield – appropriately also known as The Red Shed -- has been named the winner of the ‘Yorkshire Club of the Year 2012’ competition by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The Red Shed is situated in Vicarage Street in Wakefield, and the club’s President is George Denton. It is featured in the new CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2013 (launched on the 13th September): “The Red Shed is an old army hut that has survived the redevelopment of the area. Home to many trade union, community and charity groups, quiz night is on Wednesdays and live music plays on the second and last Saturdays of the month. There are three rooms; two can be hired for functions. An extensive collection of union plates and badges is displayed over the bar, and numerous CAMRA awards adorn the walls. The beers are usually from micros nationwide. CAMRA’s Yorkshire Regional Director, Mick Moss, said: “The Club of the Year competition attracts clubs of all types; from traditional working men’s clubs to sports and social clubs. The enthusiasm shown by the management and staff of these clubs to promote and sell quality real ale, helps to ensure that their membership also includes discerning drinkers.”

The Black Lion at Firbeck, as presented in the last issue, is Rotherham CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2012. 18-months ago, landlord Phil Rogers bought this pub from Punch Taverns and has enjoyed every success. This pub is not the easiest to access, but it is the editors opinion that Phil has nurtured a diamond in the rough that is always worth making the trip to visit. 2013 Pub of the Season nominations are:Carlton Park, Rotherham Leeds Arms, South Anston Cavalier, Ravenfield Hind, Whiston Please submit your scores using the online form on the website www.rotherhamcamra.org.uk

A’S

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Music and Beer

Pints, Percussion & Plectrums Many establishments in our town entertain our drinking times with music. We are fortunate when publicans promote live music, showcasing the talents of cover artists, musicians performing their own craft, or when others allow any of us to do our own thing. Many establishments spring to mind, but information needs to be kept up-to-date. Rotherham Open Mic Productions (R.O.M.P) continue to stage their fayre at The Bridge Inn on the first Friday of each month. Gav Roberts pumps out poetry and spoken word performances that provide an alternatively thriving community in Rotherham Similarly, Clive Davis continues to hold an Open Mic Night on the first Wednesday of each month. Both these events are well-received and the management at both pubs and the work put in by all is mentionable and motivating. Yet both events would welcome more participation, so if either are your thing, get yourself out to them. You will feel the benefit of doing so, as each atmosphere is welcoming, open and friendly. Although the pub does not offer real ale, the SNAFU on High Street deserves a mention, as it is up for sale. This comes as a blow as the management and staff and volunteers have all made SNAFU, THE entertainment venue in Rotherham for years. If anyone has an idea of how to save the pub, so it does not become another inevitable retail outlet, please step forward. On a number of occasions, people have uttered the words ‘Rawmarsh’ and ‘Mashers’ to me. Yet on searching the web and finding a website which has not been updated for nearly two years, I am nonethe-wiser. So if anyone can shed a little light.... I have popped in venues where like-minded individuals have taken my email address and promised to volunteer information, but they are

yet to do so, which is a shame as I can only get in so many pubs, and I am unaware of the music that is nurtured within the walls of so many that I am unaware of. So... If you have any information at all about pubs who promote real ale and a real love of music, then please Get Inn Touch. That way, we can support: local musicians; the sale of real ale locally (and hopefully local real ale, also known in CAMRA circles as LocAle); and the long-life of our evening musical entertainment

CALLING ALL UNDER 30 REAL ALE FANS

Rotherham CAMRA has a separate segment in order to enable young people to enjoy real ale, and learn more about brewing via social events. If anyone has any ideas about how to make CAMRA more exciting for us youths, please email Adam: adam1983rodgers@yahoo.co.uk or Andrew rotherhamyoungcamra@yahoo.co.uk

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A Wider View CAMRA is the largest single issue consumer organization in Europe, with around 140,000 members we have a voice that is listened to in the UK & EU Parliament’s. But the threat to pubs is bigger than ever and I would urge each and every one of you to sign the ‘Save our pub’ E petition at www.saveyourpint.co.uk DO IT NOW because once a pub is lost it’s gone forever.

centre, now the picture is very different. Not only is there a good choice of pubs and clubs selling Real Ale there are a large variety of Ales available. The pubs and clubs are all different, some offer live music, some have sports TV. Some are quiet, others offer food and some have recorded music. So there is a pub to suit all tastes for a good night out.

As well as campaigning, CAMRA branches (esp. Rotherham) have a good social side when members go out on Pub crawls, Brewery visits and Beer festival visits. CAMRA organises over 300 of these a year; they are a good showcase for local beers (Locale) as well as beers from further afield, that you may normally find in the local pubs.

I have a saying, Every CAMRA member is a Membership Secretary so encourage ALL your beer/lager drinking friends to try a pint of delicious Real Ale you never know they might like it and help us with our campaigns. Remember Real Ale is not cold, but it is cool.

Not that long ago you would have struggled to find a decent pint of Real Ale in Rotherham town

Keith Spencer CAMRA National Executive Member and Proud Rotherham Branch Member

MARKET HILL, BARNSLEY S70 2PX OFFERING AN EXCITING RANGE OF CASK ALES, CONTINENTAL BEERS , PILSNERS AND CIDERS. OldNo7Barnsley

@OldNo7Barnsley

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The Stag Rotherham All Cask Ales now

£1.99 a pint! FREE!

Four hand pulls available Live Sport with Sky Sports and Racing UK

Cask Ale Trail on Tuesdays

Food served until 8pm every day

Try 3 different casks and get the fourth FREE!!!

karaoke every Wednesday

01709 838929 Wickersley Rd, Rotherham S60 4JN www.thestaginnwickersley.co.uk

RA AM 011 m C ear 2 a h her he Y Rot b of t Pu

The

Beehive Large range of cask ales, lagers, wines, spirits (including over 20 different malt whiskies)

We serve a wide variety of delicious home cooked food, including plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. OPENING TIMES MON: CLOSED, TUES - THURS: 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 11pm FRI: 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 11.30pm, SAT: 12 - 3.00 & 6 - 11.30pm SUN: 12 - 11pm FOOD SERVICE TIMES MON: CLOSED, TUES - THURS: 12 - 2pm & 6 - 8.30pm FRI: 12 - 2pm & 6 - 8.30pm, SAT: 12 - 2pm & 6 - 8.30pm, SUN: 12 - 7pm 16 Union Street, Harthill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S26 7YH TEL:- 01909 770205

Whiston, Rotherham S60 4HQ

5 Real Ales served at all times 2 For £10 on selected dishes Carvery £6.95 choice of 4 meats FOOD SERVED Sunday 12 - 4pm Monday 12 - 8pm Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 9pm 30th September Susan Bell Clairvoyant 27th October Neil Diamond Tribute Singer - Free Entry!

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Tel: 01709 377003 www.thesitwellarms.com

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Branch Diary

CAMRA events and more, in your area!

Branch Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 8pm. Pub Survey trips on the last Friday. Please contact the Social Secretary John Hyslop for further information and to book any Branch event: social@rotherhamcamra.org.uk or Mob: 07768 679920 3-6 October 2012 Sheffield CAMRA Steel City Beer Festival 5-11pm Wed and 12noon-11pm Thu-Sat at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. See www.sheffieldcamra.org.uk for all the details. Fri 9 & Sat 10 November

The Rotherham Branch “New York Beer Festival” When? Friday 9 November 5-11pm Saturday 10 November 12noon-11pm Where? New York Stadium, the brand new home of Rotherham United. 5min walk from Railway Station and Bus Interchange. The festival will be in the stunning 1925 Suite with terrace overlooking the pitch. 4 bars with 45 Real Ales featuring the public launch of Rotherham's new Chantry Brewery & The Big Apple Bar for Cider - Bottled Beers from USA - Wine. Hot food available at all sessions. Live (but not deafening!) entertainment All ticket event - £5 including glass and brochure. CAMRA members - present membership card to claim a free pint! Tickets will be available from 1st October from local outlets to be announced soon. Volunteers will be required in setting up, working

on the days and dismantling the festival. Those wishing to assist will need to be CAMRA members. Please go to: http://www.rotherhamcamra.org.uk/new-yorkbeer-festival and complete the form using the link on the webpage to apply to volunteer at the festival. Alternatively, contact Andrew Rodbourne by email rotherhamyoungcamra@yahoo.co.uk Returning in 2013, on Wed 27 Feb - Sat 2 Mar 2013 Baa'sil Goes West, the 21st Rotherham Real Ale and Musical Festival, again at Magna. See www.magnarealale.co.uk for details.

The Black Lion ~FIRBECK~ ROTHERHAM CAMRA

PUB OF THE YEAR 2012

FOOD IS SERVED - TUES - SAT Lunchtime 12-2pm • Evening 5.30 - 9pm

SUNDAY LUNCH 12-4pm Serving Traditional Ales and Home Cooked Food We offer a great choice of dishes freshly prepared with the finest fresh local produce.

En Suite Accommodation - Now Available ENTERTAINMENT Tuesdays - Quiz Night Monthly Attractions Folk Night - 15th October Jazz Night - 11th & 25th October New Road, Firbeck, Rotherham • Tel: 01709 812575

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