Oracle on sea nov 2015 for web by Oracle Publications

Oracle-on-Sea

November 2015

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OR ACLE Publisher’s letter

fter many months of planning, I am very proud to announce that Oracle's charity recipe book, Cooking-on-Sea has now gone to print. You can pre-order your books for Christmas by ringing the office on 01702 393838, all profits for the recipe book will be going to HARP Southend's homeless charity. Cooking-on-sea will be available after Oracle’s 10th Anniversary party on 19th November when the book is being launched at a sparkling reception. This professional, perfect bound cookbook costs only £15 plus p&p and will make a great present. Please place your orders early to avoid disappointment, for this very special limited edition. Oracle’s competition this month has been kindly donated by Cliff House Clinic. This is your chance to win an Advanced Collagen Wave Stimulation Treatment. Imagine the results of a face-lift without the surgery. Younger, firmer, more radiant skin with results that last for years. This treatment would normally cost £125. Put the bounce back into your skin! For more information on Cliff House Clinic’s treatments please go to their website www.cliffhouseclinic.co.uk or call Penny on 01702 431 970.

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HARP – no more rough sleeping by 2018 9/10

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Six of the best: Easy styles for late autumn 16 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith The changing face of local democracy Council News by Cllr Ron Woodley

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HARP – no more rough sleeping by 2018 O

ne of HARP’s greatest achievements on behalf of Southend’s single homeless is the provision of The Bradbury Centre, the first and only purpose built 18 bedroom emergency accommodation which opened in March 2014. It’s an important landmark in a journey which started in the 1980s when Southend Centre for the Homeless opened the town’s first Day Centre in Westcliff followed by a night shelter in York Road. The two were amalgamated in 2002 to become Homeless Action Resource Project (HARP), and I took up my current post as Chief Executive in 2004.

The key to the door While the Council will house families and children, this duty ends when someone reaches 18. This is where HARP comes in. We work with single homeless people who are 18 and over. The Bradbury Centre can see up to 40 people a day. Last year alone, HARP assisted 1,071 vulnerable people. As well as our night shelter, we have 114 units of accommodation around Southend, but there is a waiting list and we still have people sleeping rough every night in the town.

For over 10 years, HARP operated out of these two centres. Last year the entire service combined with the opening of The Bradbury Centre which now offers a one-stop shop for anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Our specialist workers provide housing and financial advice as well as hot meals, medical facilities, a laundry, clean clothes and shower facilities. We offer training to those in need to help them rebuild their lives after the scourge of homelessness. We can accommodate up to 18 people in our emergency hostel. Each person has their own room and washing facilities, giving them a safe and warm place to stay, as well as time to adjust and assistance in getting back on their feet. NOVEMBER 2015

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Robert One of the young people that visited us was Robert. When he arrived he was in a desperate state. He had no money or belongings and had been sleeping on the street for several days. His mother had recently remarried and Robert explained he came home one day to find his place setting at the dinner table gone. He was 18 years old. HARP was able to offer emergency accommodation at the Bradbury and from there he moved into our supported accommodation for young people where he had the opportunity to learn about living independently. Robert is currently on a course with the local college from which he hopes to build a career and we are supporting him to rebuild his relationship with his mother.

One of our current residents at Vera House is Tom. He has mental health issues and has spent a lifetime on the street. He loves to be out in the fresh air and cannot cope with bills. He is a vulnerable, intelligent man and an avid reader. By giving Tom support, as well as the freedom to come and go, he has the opportunity to come in off the street.

Home is where the heart is No-one should be sleeping on the streets in this day and age but sadly homelessness nationally is a growing problem. Many people tell us how HARP has helped save their life. We want to continue to help and to send out a message that someone cares. HARP has launched a campaign to end rough sleeping in Southend by 2018. We know this is ambitious and we know we cannot do it alone. It is only through the support of the local community that we have achieved so much already.

HARP assisted 98 long-term rough sleepers last year but to end rough sleeping we need to further develop our existing specialist accommodation. Tom We are struggling to find the funds to staff this HARP also opened Vera House in the summer of service overnight for the most vulnerable. To this year. This is the newly refurbished night make this happen, we need to raise £50,000 a year shelter which now provides a safe haven for for the next 3 years. Southend’s vulnerable long-term rough sleepers. If you would like to be part of our end rough The 11 bedroom house focuses on helping sleeping campaign, there are many ways you those with complex needs. Our figures show can make a difference, including becoming a that half of the people supported by HARP’s regular giver. For more information, please visit services last year had a history of experiencing our website www.harpsouthend.org.uk or call mental health issues. 01702 615000.

by Gill Garwood Chief Executive at HARP

01702 615000 www.harpsouthend.org.uk Reg Charity No: 1098126

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NOVEMBER

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Six of the best:

Easy styles for late autumn

ack in summer, there was a brief moment when the fashionistas went a little crazy for a haircut called the ‘road trip’. The Guardian newspaper accurately described it as ‘Joan of Arc meets the apocalypse’. It was all about the fringe – short, messy and looking like it had been styled by a toddler ripped to the dungarees on Calpol and wielding a pair of blunt nail scissors. Great if you’re Lady Gaga or Yolandi Visser, but less so if you’re not. And, frankly, who is? Before we head into the deep mid-winter or the Christmas party season, late autumn offers up some great opportunities to try some chic, relaxed styles that will look perfect in the office, out with friends or at home with the family.

Back to your roots Ponytails in all their guises are still very much ‘in’. Whether you prefer sleek, side or even – as seen on New York catwalks – sheathed in metal, the signature look is seriously low. Try bunching the ponytail below the nape of your neck, or if your hair is long enough, between your shoulder blades. It creates a new level of sophistication in such a simple style. Side partings have had a bit of a bad press for many years now, but a deep, glamorous style can create a real ‘Wow’ factor. Keep it unstructured and loose for maximum unfussy, laidback cool.

emphasis on the neatness of the twist itself, a statement pin and piece of ribbon, or a braided extension hold it in place and the attention of all who behold it. The adage, ‘if it ain't broke …’, certainly applies to the spring fashion of bohemian waves. This, the simplest of looks to create, is all about thick textures and natural-looking waves and kinks.

Crown lifting There are some days when creating even the simplest of hairstyles can seem like a faff. If you’re not in the mood but want to rock a glam style, treat yourself to a luxurious headband. A leather one makes a real statement. Alternatively, team up your ponytail with a headband for an effortlessly cool look. In the spirit of the new, laidback autumn styles, swap the word ‘bun’ for ‘knot’. Why? Well, buns require skill and precision, while knots are thrown together. This is a great way to show that you’re too busy enjoying life to fuss over your hair. Sponsored by

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Council News

The changing face of local democracy O

ver the past year I have spent many hours exploring the possibility of devolved powers from Central Government. Devolution is a deal with the Government, offering opportunities to shape our future economic growth. But Devolution can only be achieved if Essex or areas of Essex become a Combined Authority, where councils enter into a legal entity, becoming partners who work together on funding and long term strategic decisions on major economic issues. This must be approved by each council before being submitted to Government and debated and agreed in Parliament. A Combined Authority will not replace existing councils, reorganise local government, or be a threat to local sovereignty and unfortunately Devolution does not give us access to a new pot of funding.

Thinking big Our current position is that a letter signed by all 15 Essex Council leaders has been sent to the Secretary of State, requesting continued engagement in the development of the next phase of work. What we hope to achieve is that by 2025, Greater Essex will have the strongest economy outside London and be an internationally recognised location for investment, with the most technically skilled workforce in the UK. Our plan is to have a high quality standard of living for our residents, in an area where we already have airports servicing 19 million passengers a

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year and ports providing throughput for over 40 million tonnes of goods. Our companies, are amongst the most innovative in the country, and ranked 3rd behind London and Manchester, justifying Essex’s reputation for entrepreneurialism. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement and we hope to accelerate economic growth, increase the required level of house building, and attract foreign investment.

Time’s-a-changing Hopefully all this will increase the resilience and robustness of Essex to adapt to economic shocks and shifts in the future, and enable strategic planning and investment in infrastructure, including attracting more private sector investment. Of course we have to be certain, before a final decision is made, that this is the right route for Southend-on-Sea, that any trust issues are resolved and most importantly we don’t lose the right to make decisions affecting our town. We aren’t there yet, but I feel we are heading in the right direction to ensure that in the future Southend-on-Sea will play a major part in decisions for Essex and our residents will continue to be proud of the town.

Cllr Ron Woodley 01702 588662 Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

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Thorpe

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Celebrating 10 Years

UNBCaH y IS LSAU UEN

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Welcome to the Oracle! K

iller bees, north-south divides and threats of closure, Oracle has survived many tribulations since its launch in September 2005 and seen many comparable magazines come and go. A decade on, we take a look back to the very beginning to see how it became the much-loved and highly respected publication it is today …

Going spare

“Welcome to Oracle”, beamed Emma in her first “page 3” appearance!

“How do you sell something that doesn’t exist?”, says Emma Wynne-Morgan, owner and publisher of the Oracle, “That was the hardest part. There I was, a housewife working from a spare bedroom, trying to be taken seriously as a business woman and asking for investment upfront. When people would ask what the magazine looked like, I had nothing to show them!”

Emma must have shown promise though, because investment was forthcoming, and with artworking and design support from her then husband, Adrian, the magazine finally came into being.“After months of planning, preparation and phone-calls, I couldn’t believe my dream was actually going to happen.” Unfortunately, the dream was about to turn into a nightmare: “First, the printer rang to say that he

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had an upset tummy. The next day he called and said that he’d been stung by a bee!” As a result, Oracle’s first ever print run was delayed by four days, making it the only Page artwork was edition ever to go out originally sent to late.This led to problems the printers on CD. with the distributor, who Sporting a striking decided to only post design, these are the half of the magazines actual discs that forcing Emma’s friends kicked it all off. and family to pull together and help her deliver the rest.“Needless to say, both the printer and distributor were sacked immediately!”

Cross that bridge “I just wanted to give up. It was so hard,“ but with no income and mounting debts, Emma was left with no choice: “I had just one week to build my own team for distribution. I had to have a service both I and my customers could rely on.” “I have been getting regular work, ever since I first advertised in the Oracle, 10 years ago. Emma and her team have always been very professional, helpful and supportive and I wish you all the success for the future.” Danny Brooks, Brooks Paving

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NOVEMBER

2015

The in-house distributors delivered in more ways than one – just three months later, and there were cries of protest: the people north of the railway bridge had seen the Oracle and wanted to know why only the people on the south side were receiving it! Not wanting to cause offence, distribution was upped to satisfy that demand and then, in October 2006, Oracle-on-Sea was introduced to cover Leigh and Chalkwell as well. Over the next few years, Oracle went from strength to strength, increasing in size, moving into its own premises in Southend town centre and building up its sterling reputation.“It’s nice to be invited on press trips abroad,” smiles Emma as she looks out onto her mini-fleet of company cars, sponsored by a major local client.“Business people from all over the country started calling us. We even had one man from Australia who wanted to advertise – he’d picked up our magazine on the train whilst on holiday here!” “Thank you to Emma & your team for your professional friendly service over the last 10 years. Your magazine has helped us attract new customers through the years. Wishing you continued success for the next 10 years.”.” Bryan Andrews, A.V. & B.V. Andrews Jewellers

She who dares The magazine was beginning to sell itself which was a blessing for Emma:“I loathe the whole concept of cold calling and selling. I have always felt very passionate about the magazines and know they work, which I think has helped sell them over the years. Fortunately, most of our business now comes from recommendation.“

“I have been working with Emma and her team for the last 10 years and have always found them very professional. Since advertising we have received a number of inquiries and still advertise regularly, 10 years on.” Richard Hopson, Hopson Property Services is that when someone comes to me with a problem, charity or cause, I can actually do something to help. That’s a great feeling.” These days, Oracle isn’t only a magazine and has expanded into events management, website design and estate planning. Emma shows no signs of resting on her laurels: “I have a number of exciting plans for the future … but you’ll just have to wait and see!” What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are just starting out? “If you really want something and believe in it, you can make it happen. If I can do it, so can you.” And if you could go back 10 years and advise the former you, what would you say? “Don’t do it!” Emma laughs. by Simon Ramet

Next month: Oracle’s 10th Birthday Party!

Whilst it’s great to have people queueing up at the door, it’s not without its risks: “I had one customer who was refusing to pay for his advert. One evening, while I was at home with my children, he turned up on my doorstep and threatened me.” Ever the professional, Emma overcame her discomfort long enough to make it clear in no uncertain terms what her expectations were. “He decided to settle the balance in the end – no hard feelings.” Oracle has got others hot under the collar too, and even been threatened with being shutdown permanently as it has dared to speak out on some challenging local issues that other publications wouldn’t. But it seems that nothing can deter this determined lady:“I believe we have a moral duty to the community. The most rewarding part of Oracle NOVEMBER 2015

Oracle House – new premises since January.

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Chris Miller feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although

that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Southend, Leigh on Sea and Thorpe Bay areas DQG &KULV LV ÀQGLQJ WKDW his approach is a major

factor in his success.‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for,

which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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recipe of the month

Method: Very lightly butter a 1-litre pudding basin. Heat oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4.

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Coarsely grate one of the apple quarters and thinly slice the rest. Combine the sliced apple and blackberries, toss with the 2 tbsp caster sugar and spoon half into the basin. Mix the flour and baking powder together. Beat both the sugars and butter together in a large bowl with an electric hand beater until light and creamy. Break in 1 egg and beat well, then beat in the second egg (the mix will look curdled). Sift half the flour mixture over the sponge mixture and fold in gently. Carefully stir in half the milk, then repeat with the rest of the flour and milk, followed by the orange zest and reserved grated apple.

Apple & Blackberry Sponge Pudding

pple and blackberry must be one of the best combination of flavours, whether in a pie, crumble or as here in a pudding. The pudding itself uses very little butter and semi-skimmed milk so about half the fat as a regular pudding. A little grated apple goes in the pudding mixture with some orange zest which adds to the flavour. It is baked in the oven rather than steaming and served with home-made vanilla custard. Enjoy!

Apple & Blackberry Sponge Pudding Serves 6

Ingredients: For the pudding – 1 large eating apple 140g fresh or frozen blackberries 50g golden caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp 1½ tsp baking powder 2 eggs 85g butter, softened 50g light muscovado sugar 140g plain flour 2 tbsp semi-skimmed milk finely grated zest 1 orange For the custard – 25g golden caster sugar 1½ tsp custard powder 1½ tsp cornflour 300ml semi-skimmed milk 1 egg yolk 1 vanilla pod or 1tsp vaniila extract 200ml tub half-fat crème fraîche

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Spoon two-thirds of the sponge mixture over the fruit mix in the basin and level off. Spread the rest of the fruit on top, followed by the remaining sponge mix. Place the basin in a small roasting tin half filled with hot water. Bake for 1¼ hrs (lay foil over the top for the last 15 mins if it is browning too quickly) until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. While the pudding is baking, make the custard. Mix the sugar, custard powder and cornflour with 1 tbsp of the milk to make a paste. Beat in the egg yolk. Pour the remaining milk into a pan, slit the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape in the vanilla seeds. Add the pod to the milk and bring just to the boil. (If using vanilla extract add a tsp to the milk). Pour this over the cornflour mix, stir, then pour into a clean pan. Cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time, until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème fraîche. Loosen pudding from the sides of the basin with a round-bladed knife and carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Serve with the custard.

Next month’s recipe:

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Diary Dates FREE Monday 2nd November 8pm St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Shoeburyness The Shoeburyness Residents’ Association present an opportunity for residents to find out more about what is happening in the local area with the Council Leader. MEET COUNCIL LEADER CLLR RON WOODLEY

FREE

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

Every Saturday until 14 November Southend Seafront 7.30pm–8pm FREE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON

Saturday 14 November Southend High St and Seafront WOMEN’S INSTITUTE SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE FRIENDS MEETING

The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Road Every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm November 9th Angela Collins – A Puppet’s Tale. BOOK SIGNING: MY LITTLE BROTHER, MY LITTLE LIFE BY DEE H. GORDON

Wednesday 11 November 7–9pm Coast Coffee House, Royal Mews Free tickets from Deegordon@Btinternet.Com and free coffee with every purchase. GARRISON RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AGM

Monday 30 November 7.30pm Hinguar School An opportunity to talk to the people who make the decisions on The Garrison. NIGHT OF THE LIGHTS

Friday 27 November 5–8pm Yuletide Procession on Leigh Broadway, Christmas Market Place in Elm Road, Festive Window Competition, entertainment areas will feature at Scott & Stapleton, Strangeways, Haart, Oasis Cafe & Liquid Flair. Childrens’ PreParade Fun Time at Leigh Community Centre from 4.30–6.00pm.

Do you have an event? Email us to get it on here!

info@oraclepublications.co.uk NOVEMBER 2015

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Oracle Travel

Langkawi – diverse activity and affordable luxury L

angkawi, Malaysia, is an island just a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, the perfect holiday location for the Christmas and New Year period. Stop in Kuala Lumpur for a few days and enjoy some great value shopping in the state-of-theart centres or local markets. Drink cocktails in the Sky Bar at Traders overlooking the famous Petronus Towers and stay in the colonial splendour of the Majestic Hotel.

Animal magic Langkawi is very diverse, offering experiences from rain forest areas to mangroves and the beach. Visit the Four Seasons, an amazing luxury resort set on a beautiful beach. As with all Four Seasons Resorts it integrates and complements the local style and environment. The hotel has a very special employee – resident naturalist, Aidi Abdullah, who plans and conducts interpretive ecological trails for the resort. Aidi has guided guests, key media and documentary teams through the delicate and fascinating ecosystems of Langkawi on jungle treks and mangrove excursions. He can take you on a boat ride deep into the pristine mangroves of the Langkawi ecosystem, enthral you with his stories and make you fall in love with this lovely part of the world. The kids’ clubs offer children remarkable learning experiences

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through the Geo Park – home to eagles, kingfishers and monkeys, to name but a few.

Caring for trunks, with trunks Moving west, The Datai hotel has stood for 25 years amongst the rain forest canopy. It was built with such care to the environment that they used working elephants to ensure that minimal damage was done in its construction. For those wishing for the beach life, the villas lie on the edge of one of The 10 Best Beaches in the World, as voted by National Geographic. Here you can enjoy daily tours to the rain forest and for the more adventurous, go exploring at night. The hotels are not too far apart and offer everything one could want from a two-centre holiday without the extra travelling. Langkawi is both educational for the family, inexpensive for the pocket and relaxing for that special time away.

Melanie @ Hermes Travel

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Your Stove is waiting for you! Photo for illustration purposes only

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Local Letters

Train! Pleaseool St Line and been appalled by the behaviour I have recently started commuting on the Liverpanded to and from Southend. Foul language, of many of the schoolchildren travelling mob-hhardly, exclus to young people, however, I am loud phone conversations and shoes on seats arethe adults sittingivemute among them. stunned at just how inconsiderate they are to playground-level noise, had over bags In one journey alone, I was subjected to who regularly shows off tobyclimb how slowly seeing blocking the aisles and was delayed by one child, I witnessed two ladies violently knocked forwardsy he can get off the train. The following day, girls them. However, most extraordinar in their seats by the play-fighting boys and to the behind next, over the backs of the chairs, in order to was the young man who trod from one seat beat his friends to the door. adults from? Well, according to their So what second-rate, failing school are these young local grammar schools - schools that claim to uniforms, displayed with pride, they attend the aspire to far superior values! I suggest that their headteachers introduce some lessons in social Common−ly Disappointed etiquette, respect and dignity. After 1,500 hours work, 100 witness statements, photos, S. Jones letters & tremendous support from residents, the Village Dear Oracle, Please thank Adèle Ramet for her spellbinding short story in October’s Oracle. I am a writer and was wondering whether you were looking for other short stories...? Lorna D.

Dear Lorna, While we do not currently have a regular space for short ﬆoriс, we love to showcase local artiﬆs whнevр we can. Please see the submission guidelinс on our websiт: www.oraclepublications.co.uk /submission-guidelinс 42

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Green Status application for Shoebury Common made in November 2011 was rejected. Despite being used for recreation by local people for over 20 years without trespass or permission on the South Common, the covenants went against us. Use of the North car park, which included dog walking, was described as right−of−way use, not a pastime and the Council refused to support us, prefering to spend many thousands on this enquiry. There have been no improvements since the boating lake was removed in the 80s and I feel there was a real opportunity to protect the land and benefit the community by building a playground or organising car−boot sales, fairs or classic car rallies. Although saddened, I would like to thank all of the residents, witnesses, councillors and other good people that supported us. Peter Lovett N.B. If you would like a copy of the report, please email me on peterlovett46@gmail.com

Something on your mind? Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

NOVEMBER

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