Valley News March 2022

E E FR

Issue 177

March 2022

for Whitechurch, Whatcombe, Clenston, Stickland, Houghton, Turnworth & Milton Abbas

Tom Daley waving to the children at Stickleberries when riding through Winterborne Stickland Picture by Carole Gill

Helping to inform and unite the Community

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

Milton Abbas and Winterborne Benefice - March Services ASH WEDNESDAY 2ND 7:00 Whitechurch (Communion Service with ashing with live-stream to Facebook) SUNDAY 6TH 9:00 Turnworth (Communion) 10:30 Whitechurch (Communion) 10:30 Stickland (Morning Worship with live-stream to FB) SUNDAY 13TH 9:00 Stickland (Book of Common Prayer Communion) 10:30 Milton Abbas (Communion) 10:30 Clenston (Book of Common Prayer Communion) 4:30 Houghton (Cafe Style) SUNDAY 20TH 9:00 Milton Abbas (Book of Common Prayer Communion) 10:30 Stickland (Communion with live-stream to FB) 11:30 Whitechurch (Cafe Style) SUNDAY 27TH 10:30 Whitechurch (Morning Prayer/Worship) 10:30 Houghton (Communion with live-stream to FB) 10:30 Turnworth (Morning Worship) 6:00 Milton Abbas (SoulSpace) Calling all Classic Car and Military Vehicle owners Entries are invited to display pre-2000 classic and vintage cars and military vehicles at The Spring Countryside Show, Turnpike Showground, Motcombe on the 23rd-24th April. This new show will generally be focusing on local crafts, food & drink, cookery plus woodland, rural life, gardening and much more.

Classic cars are also wanted for The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show on the 17th August.

For more details contact the Show Office on 01747 823955 or info@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

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will communicate with the Parish, the construction and use of the website, social media guidelines and compliance with rules and regulations relating to the website and Councillor’s responsibilities.

The core aspect of the Strategy is a direct method of communication between the Council and the Parishioners. The Council wants to launch an email-based newsletter with details of planning applications, local news, clubs, events and matters of local interest.

There is posted on the website, a simple form where residents will be able enter their email address (GDPR compliant) so can have easy access to the newsletter and local information and news. Go to winterbornestickland.org.uk/newsletter - Please do sign up, so we can all benefit from better understanding of our community.

The Parish Council is keen to extend the coverage of the website with local and interesting information. If any residents have ideas on what we might include or have historical information, please do get in touch with the Parish Council by email wsticklandpc@gmail.com.

More information can be found at winterbornestickland.org.uk.

Editorial In February we experienced extreme weather. Whilst extremes of weather seem to be occurring more frequently around the world, we haven’t experienced as many of these type of events in the UK and particularly in Dorset. We saw a a very rare red warning issued for wind speeds. How lucky we were that the weather forecasters were able to predict not only the route that the storm would take, but also the dangers that would be posed by such high wind speeds.

People mostly seemed to have heeded the warnings - however, it was sad to learn that people died as a result of being hit by trees or masonry falling. How much worse might it have been if everyone had been going about their normal routines, and hadn’t received any warnings?

A different kind of extreme was also demonstrated recently.

When someone in the public eye takes on a challenge for charity it captures the public’s attention - especially when the challenge is extreme! Two such events have shown how inspiring it can be: Owain Wyn Evans managed a 24 hour drumathon and raised huge sums of money for BBC Children in Need (over £2.5 million). And very recently we had Tom Daley cycling through Stickland and Milton Abbas on his ‘Hell of a Homecoming’ journey from London to Plymouth, raising money for Comic Relief. Such wonderful and inspiring examples of famous people doing their bit for the community.

We are lucky locally that so many people do their bit for the community. In this edition we can read of the progress that is being made by the hall committee at Whitechurch village hall, and we are pleased also to read of recent activities organised by the Milton Abbas Local History Group. We have details of the activities of some of our Parish Councils who act on our behalf, and the efforts of Stickland (especially currently) to try and include as many residents as possible in its activities and decision-making. And at this difficult time, we wish Whitechurch residents good luck in finding volunteers to help re-form their parish council. It is good to have reports about what is happening.

Another example is the activities organised by the Gale family under the Artsreach umbrella. We might not always find the content of the shows suits us all every time, but the fact that the organisation brings such activities to us locally deserves our support - and our thanks. We also wish Graeme Gale good luck in his quest to raise £2000 from his monthly quizzes in aid of the Milton Abbas Surgery bid to purchase an ECG machine.

Let’s keep doing our bit for the community locally.

Winterborne Houghton Parish Council The most recent meeting of the Winterborne Houghton Parish Council was held on the 17th January at the Pamela Hambro Hall.

One member of the public also attended.

We are pleased to advise that this meeting was also attended by our newest Councillor, Bruce Maguire, a Houghton resident, who was co-opted onto the WHPC at our December meeting following the resignation of Cllr Simon Barnes in November of last year.

Some items covered on the Agenda included updates on two Planning Applications, one of which pertained to the erection (part retrospective) of a garden shed at ‘Plovers’, Water Lane, W Houghton (P/HOU/2021/04141), this has now been approved by DC Planning.

Also a planning application for the siting of a temporary agricultural dwelling at land known as ‘South Paddock’, Bulbarrow Hill, W Houghton (P/FUL/2021/01910), there is still no decision from DC Planning regarding this application.

The WHPC also discussed anticipated spend items for the next financial year, the ‘2022/2023 Precept’. With fewer planned outgoings, we were able to lower the Precept from £5,100 in 2021/22 to £4,600 for 2022/23, a reduction of a little over 10%.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 8th March, notice of content will be posted on the WHPC Notice Board (located next to the Telephone kiosk in Winterborne Houghton).

Pamela Hambro Hall

Winterborne Stickland Parish Council

The Pamela Hambro Hall 100 club membership is now due for renewal - thank you for your support. This is a monthly draw that gives the hall a significant income, 50% of the sales go directly to the hall funds.

The new year starts on April 1st. Please could you put your £12 in an envelope with your name on and put through my door Wyvern, Legion Lane, or Mr G Case, 2 Quarleston Hamlet, Clenston Road.

Membership gives each member a chance to win each month 1st prize £25, 2nd £15, 3rd £10. If you would like a ticket, there are a few spare, please let me know.

Hazel Lappin 880969 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday April 11th at 7pm. It would be good to see some members of the community there to help us with any suggestions for future developments. There is no expectation that anyone who comes to the meeting would be elected to the committee - but any volunteers would be especially welcome!

Welcome to 2022! Whilst 2021 was a hard year for us all, the Parish Council has reflected on some of the positives for the Parish in the last year. The Play Park is up and running, and the usage is really fantastic. The War Memorial grounds have been transformed and we are well on the way for refurbishment of the memorial. A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have helped with the upkeep of the river, donated time for Remembrance and many upkeep projects around the village.

The last meeting of the Parish Council was on 24th January at Pamela Hambro Hall and the minutes are available at the website www.winterbornestickland.org.uk/meetings/2021 and the notice board by St Mary’s Church, West Street, Stickland.

Business included several planning applications seeking the Council advisory agreement, voting in the proposed budget cycle for 2022 / 23, discussions on Winterborne Stickland Sports & Social Club, ownership of Council held assets, Pamela Hambro Hall and reduction of banking costs for the Council.

The Council also discussed the Queens Jubilee and how the Parish may wish to celebrate. It was agreed to discuss with the Church, Winterborne Stickland Sports & Social Club and Pamela Hambro Hall to ensure a coordinated approach to the celebrations.

The River Management Plan is to be reviewed to ensure it is up to date.

The Council adopted a new Communications Strategy which will be published on the website. This includes how the Parish Council

Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall The Committee have been busy over the past few months. We would like to thank all of those who have supported us by attending our events and activities especially over Christmas & New Year.

This year has started with the installation and completion of a new hall kitchen. Thank you so much to The National Lottery for awarding us a grant.

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We also have a new website, www.wwvillagehall.com We still have a lot of maintenance work to carry out including a new fire exit pathway, new guttering, new entrance porch & a new arch window. If anyone is able to provide us with a quote for any of this work please get in touch.

Events coming up are Bingo 19th March & 9th April. Dance night, Auction & our popular Social Nights.

Kurling is on Thursdays at 10am, come have a go - it's lots of fun.

Crafty Natter is fortnightly, pop along with or without a craft, chat, drink tea, make friends.

Just to remind you we have a lot of hirers, and we thank them for their continued support of our hall. These include Zumba, Tai Chi, Dance Fitness, Keep Fit, Disco Stretch & Flex, Pilates, and Puppy Training. Please see our main advert for details of events & activities.

100 Club Winning numbers are: January 62, 97, 78 February 21, 93, 2 Thank you for reading. WWVH Committee, info.wwvh@gmail.com

for the summer season and to welcoming new members, offering tuition and a friendly playing environment including joining club competitions, league matches, friendlies, and fun days”.

Charity Pub Quiz update Following the charity pub-quizzes held monthly at The Crown in Stickland, we had the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance box emptied, and the generous quizzers (or are they Quizzees?) have raised £516.88 since the easing of lockdown restriction meant we could return to meeting at the pub. A HUGE thank you to all of you!

Temporarily, I have changed the cause we are raising money for - currently we are raising funds to support the growth of the Milton Abbas Surgery Practice and aim to raise £2,000 to buy an ECG machine for use at the Milborne St Andrew surgery.

Please do join us on the 2nd Monday each month for a fun-filled quiz. We currently restrict teams to a maximum of 6, and charge £2 per head for the pleasure of scratching your head and receiving friendly banter from the quizmaster. All the monies raised go directly to our cause. (Booking a table is recommended - why not try out the new pub menu whilst you are there - 881042) Graeme Gale

Milton Abbas Surgery Note for Carers Do you care for a family member or friend who has a disability, illness or needs support in later life? It is important that we know if you are an unpaid carer so that we are aware of the extra pressures you are under and can offer you appropriate support and information. If you haven’t already, please let the surgery know you are an unpaid carer and who you care for, and we can record this information on your records. You can also pick up a carers information pack at Reception or look at the virtual version on our dedicated carers page on our surgery website www.masurgery.co.uk For all of your caring and for all of your caregiving – thank you!

Wednesday 16th March - Young Carers Action Day #YoungCarersActionDay is about Taking Action on Isolation. We want to help young and young adult carers stay connected, access the services and support they need, and reduce their isolation. A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after or helps to look after someone. It might be their mum or dad, grandparent, brother or sister or a close relative. This often means doing things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, giving medication or just talking and helping when the person they care about is feeling sad. Looking after someone takes up a lot of time, and it can sometimes be very difficult to cope with everything and find time for things they enjoy.

If you are a young carer, it is important that you let the surgery know so that we can give you support. Give us a call on 880210 or please send an email to miltonabbassurgery@nhs.net for the attention of Kelly. Remember, you are not alone in this - it’s okay to ask for help.

Surgery Closure On Thursday 10th March, the surgery will be closed for Practice Protected Learning from 3.30pm–6pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. For out of hours care or advice during closures, please call 111. In the case of an emergency, call 999.

Patient Participation Group (PPG) A reminder that our PPG, known as Patient Voice is open to all of our patients to receive information about the surgery and support how we do what we do. Patient Voice meets 4 times a year (currently virtually) and you are welcome to attend, or just receive information by email. If you are interested, please contact our Patient Voice Secretary, Nigel Hodder at ma.patientvoice@gmail.com

Milton Abbas Local History Group Well it may be some time since readers of Valley News have heard about us, but believe me we are still going strong - in fact we have increased our membership numbers and we now have a record - seventy. Which is much higher than before COVID, and makes us one of the largest of local village organisations. Our monthly meetings have continued throughout the pandemic, initially using ZOOM only, but now live and with ZOOM at the same time, which we call 'hybrid' meetings. The pandemic has caused some changes as we had to switch to online meetings and that, together with our website, has attracted new members from all over the world, many of whom are researching their ancestors from Milton Abbas. We also have new members residing in Whitechurch and Stickland. The Milton Abbey estate once owned large parts of these villages and we have plenty of records and information concerning them, in particular maps and estate surveys as well as the sales catalogues of 1852 and 1932 so that it is easy to research your house histories.

If you are interested in history then please explore our website miltonabbashistorygroup.com and use the search box. There are over 100 pages to explore and many more blog posts. You can get in touch with us there.

The 'hybrid' meetings have been challenging to organise, and we do not know of any other organisation doing this. We are concentrating our efforts on making our live meetings in the Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas, every month the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible. Our next meeting 2 March 19:30 in the Reading Rooms will feature a presentation on a snapshot of village life from a 1754 Milton Abbas manor court document, and a presentation by one of our members on her family history and her links to Australia. All our meetings are about village life in times past, and we love to share our stories, so please come along and see what we have to offer you and what we are up to.

You can also help us by becoming a member for just £10 a year, giving you access to our comprehensive members’ section.

Anyone for Bridge?

The Milborne St Andrew Bridge Group, now in its seventh year, continues to meet in The Royal Oak, in Milborne, on a weekly basis.

We meet on a Thursday at 7pm, apart from when the pub holds its "Pie Nights", when we meet on Wednesdays. "Pie Nights" in March are on the second and last Thursday of the month.

The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity to learn and improve your bridge skills in a social and "blame free" environment.

Anyone joining will be made very welcome, and there is no charge for joining or playing. For those who have never played before a simple 2 page "crib sheet" can be provided. Several of our current regulars had never played before joining.

If you would like to try something new, just want to improve your playing skills, or would like further information contact Laurie Benn on 01258 837720 / email - lauriebenn@uwclub.net

Winterborne Valley Croquet Club Opens Play starts on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club From the 1st April Club members will be able to enjoy our skilful, fascinating and social sport. Potential members may apply through the club website (wvcroquet.co.uk), or by e-mailing the club at membership.wvcroquet@gmail.com Why not come along, young or less young, for a free taster session? You will be hooked!

We encourage young players & comply with safeguarding rules.

Chair Tim Dennis said “We are looking forward to play starting 6

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come from a UN Refugee Camp near a conflict zone. They will not be illegal immigrants.

For more information please contact BWG committee member, Mark Hudson, on 07976 708088 or mjfhudson@gmail.com See https://blandfordwelcome.group

Blandford Welcome Group – Film Screenings In a coup for a Dorset charity, two of the UK’s leading filmmakers – who both live locally - are lining up to give talks after a screening of their films in Blandford.

In the first of three planned films, on March 9th Blandford School will host a screening of the famous romantic comedy, Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant (PG 12A; 1999; 124 mins).

Uniquely, the evening includes a short introduction and Q&A afterwards with the film’s producer, Duncan Kenworthy, OBE, one of the UK's most successful film-makers of the past 30 years, responsible also for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and The Children Act. He is currently the Vice President of BAFTA, having previously held the position of chairman.

The second film will be Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976; 74 minutes), a brilliantly funny series of famous sketches featuring Monty Python, the Goodies, Beyond the Fringe, Dame Edna Everage and other famous comedians. This will be on April 8th, also at Blandford School.

The evening includes a short introduction and Q&A afterwards with the film’s director, Roger Graef, one of Britain's leading television documentary-makers, who often used 'fly-on-the-wall' techniques to investigate issues of social justice. With this film of a live theatre performance of 17 classic sketches, Graef helped to pioneer comedy events to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes. Pleasure at Her Majesty's was instigated by John Cleese, who volunteered to "round up a few pals" to perform for Amnesty International's benefit, and was the first show in what came to be called the Secret Policeman's Ball series.

Details of later films in the BWG series have yet to be finalised.

Tickets from: https://blandfordwelcome.group/events The screenings are in aid of the Blandford Welcome Group (BWG) charity, a group of local residents who are working together to help a refugee family to settle in Blandford and rebuild their lives.

The family will be classified as highly vulnerable, and are likely to

News from Corfe Mullen Well hallo again from Corfe Mullen! Nothing much has happened since I last wrote, back in December. Des's son Luke got Covid just before Christmas, so couldn't come down from London - the second year running, since the year before we were all in Lockdown! This time around there have been more people within the family and close friends who have had Covid - more than the first time around.

Probably the same for everyone. Thank goodness we have managed to avoid getting it!

There are signs of spring everywhere - daffodils beginning to come up, and snowdrops and crocus everywhere - far more than ever before! It was such a delight that first spring we were here when we found both front and back gardens rich in golden daffodils!

Through various amendments to my heart tablets, I'm now able to walk the dogs without getting breathless, but I still get very tired if I try to do too - people say, ”Well - it's your age, my dear!" - thank you very much!

It was a delight to see the park bench placed on the village green in Remembrance of Irene and Tom Allen - both sadly missed and remembered for all they did in the Valley. Does anyone remember the wonderful cream teas Irene used to do for everyone up at their field on the Milton Abbas Road? And several churches have probably still got Tom's wonderful woodwork items within them. Wonderful days and I have some wonderful memories of occasions in the Valley.

Perhaps other people could write in with their special memories.

I do hope we can look forward to an Easter with lovely weather and a promise of a better year to come for all of us..

God bless you all.

Heather Sims

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Compiled by Nick Donnelly There are two sets of clues, Cryptic and Concise, but remember, you cannot mix the clues as the cryptic answers are different to the Concise ones.

Answers will be given in the next edition.

CRYPTIC Across 8. Blocks chimneys after before (8) 9. Place of serial criminal (6) 10. Put money on Shaft to blow the whistle (6) 12. One who takes away muscle (8) 13. Swat kisser (3) 14. Risk after unpleasant odour stays (6) 16. With article about a trick, this could put the squeeze on you (8) 17. Licked what bees produce then milked (7) 20. Poster belonging to us in vacuous Johnson delay (7) 23. HSE nightmare material when trash very large (8) 24. Man on radio helps prepare hot bath (6) 26. Senior manager often seen with Bill (3) 27. Worker circle, say, for catching crabs (4,4) 28. Small valleys holding the middle of awkward squats (6) 31. Mr Bean, say, before church spiritual meeting (6) 32. Novice cavorting with daughter I sent bill (8)

19. Tangled objective trousers identical European (8) 21. Also excluding chewing bone audibly (3) 22. Expert adopting first sackcloth, then spasm mortifying the flesh (7) 24. Brava, famous lady! (6) 25. Campbell, e.g. being the centre of most things around here (3) 29. Eat backwards for Mr Plod's creator (4) 30. Unedifying look of Uncle Eric's (4) CONCISE

Down 1. Part of great reed bunting family, for example (4) 2. More than six (4) 3. Space setter holding final two letters from the East provides a catalyst (6) 4. Idiot once more loses ultimate weapon (7) 5. Twist charge to be facing a blow (8) 6. Supportive of senior executive recording the end of booty for this discipline (10) 7. Supporter of criminal day held by clairvoyant (8) 11. A wee bit of great ad lib (3) 14. Not even beach goes well with humbug (3) 15. Home setter, say, fashionable general too closely coupled (10) 18. Elevated male journalist overshadowed (8)

Across 8. Charlatanism (8) 9. Three times (6) 10. Unsealed (6) 12. Expression of amusement (8) 13. Record (3) 14. Pointless (6) 16. Similarity (8) 17. Walked like a duck (7) 20. Filaments (7) 23. Teeth (informal) (8)

24. Freed from responsibility (6) 26. Type of machine gun (3) 27. Gas (8) 28. Material (6) 31. Massages (6) 32. Something to assist the memory (8) Down 1. Bound (4) 2. Image (4) 3. Parish officer, e.g. Mr Bumble (6) 4. Muscle pain (7) 5. Most plump (8) 6. Part of a door frame (10) 7. Agreed upon (8) 11. Newt (3) 14. Not many (3) 15. Related to manufacturing (10) 18. Causing irritation (8) 19. Stimulate (8) 21. Drunk (3) 22. Giant wave (7) 24. 19th century French engineer (6) 25. Spoil (3) 29. Stain (4) 30. Bird (4)

ANSWERS FOR THE LAST CROSSWORD CRYPTIC Across 6. Ephemera 7. Knot 9. Raindrop 11. Cement 12. Elba 13. Greatcoat 15. Twiddle 16. Babylon 18. Name-drops 21. Upon 22. Offend 24. Bulls-eye 25. Oral 26. Potently Down 1. Spaniard 2. Bedraggled 3. Weepie 4. Talc 5. Akimbo 8. Ornithology 10. Allowing for 14. Transplant 17. Yourself 19. Muesli 20. Orbits 23. Dupe CONCISE Across 6. Braeburn 7. News 9. Juncture 11. Wounds 12. Yogi 13. Ibuprofen 15. Staging 16. Ascribe 18. Unalloyed 21. Vary 22. Picnic 24. Canonise 25. Cell 26. Bitterns Down 1. Trucking 2. Delusional 3. Bureau 4. Anew 5. Engulf 8. Wading birds 10. Unobtrusive 14. Residences 17. Ravening 19. Annals 20. Yachts 23. Cuba 10

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Polly 'Bs' Local lady doing: Holistic Treatments, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Ear Candling.

Also Beauty Treatments Facials, Waxing, Eyebrow/Lash tinting.

Manicure and Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal.

Appointments available during the day and evenings.

Some treatments can be done in your home.

Ring Pauline on 01258 880084 / 07760 303332 Gift Vouchers available.

The Winterborne Stickland Solar Fund Committee would like to remind residents of Winterborne Stickland that funding is available for community projects.

Applications for funding should be emailed to sticklandsolarfund@yahoo.com Decisions are made every 2 months.

The basic criteria are that ideas should have benefit to the community. A committee of volunteers select successful projects.

With an expanding business, we are always on the lookout for extra help with our cottage ‘change-overs’.

We can offer variable and regular work especially on Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays, to suit.

All you need to bring along is a sense of humour and a ‘can do attitude’.

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Henry Cuff’s 80th Birthday One of Winterborne Whitechurch’s oldest residents, Henry Cuff, was treated to a birthday celebration in the Old School Room on 24th January.

Henry was born in the village on the 28th January 1942. Shortly afterwards, he narrowly escaped being hit by a tank that ploughed into cottages on Blandford Hill (where he was usually outside in his pram) but fortunately that day he had been taken out. He grew up in the village and remembers being taught in what is now the Old School Room when it had a vaulted ceiling and a large stove for heating. Several of his contemporaries were at the meeting and many memories were shared of those days and the shenanigans they got up to as they moved up to what is still the school now, and then on to big school in Blandford.

He started his working life as a mechanic but soon moved on to become a driver for the Whitechurch Laundry. He made driving his career. He joined the Blandford Lions a years after its formation and was a member for 41 years. He was also treasurer of the North Dorset Liberal Association where he met his wife Brenda to whom he was married for 50 years. Sadly Brenda died in 2018.

Henry was well known for being Father Christmas many times.

The Hall and Woodhouse carnival float would be taken round all the villages bringing festive fun to all the locals.

Henry has lived in the village his entire life and the birthday celebration was an opportunity for about 40 of his friends to get together and reminisce. It was held as part of the regular Cup and Cake coffee morning that is held every Wednesday in the Old School room (greatly refurbished as a village amenity since Henry’s school days).

It was a real pleasure to be able to get together to celebrate his birthday and talk about the old days, when the village was very different from today, with thriving businesses and the wonderful sense of community that they brought.

I thought you might like some photos for the Valley News of Tom Daley’s cycle through Winterborne Stickland and Milton Abbas.

My husband and I cycled with Tom up Dunbury Lane to his pit stop at the Hambro Arms. It was great to see so many villagers our supporting him in his epic challenge.

Jules Tebb

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