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Steve’s Scribbles June 2015

District Governor Stephen Lawes

District Governor Stephen Lawes

The wheels of time have revolved endlessly and here we are just a few days away from the end of this Rotary Year. I have been honoured and delighted to have served you as District Governor for D1220 this past year.

I would like to start this last newsletter by saying how delighted I have been to see an overall positive growth in membership over the year as at the beginning of the month, we are about 28 more than when we started the year, sadly with our age demographics we have said a sad goodbye to around 15 members over the months as they have moved to higher service. We are still, however loosing too many members for reasons such as disinterest, no stimulation, energies not matched by club, dissatisfaction with club, and a number who fail to give a reason. We must continue to ask ourselves are we actually doing enough to keep these people within our clubs, if not then we must ask ourselves what are we going to do to change, for if we cannot keep our membership how can we be expected to attract new younger members. I have during the past twelve month advocated that we must change, if we are to survive as an organisation. I continue to urge you all to look at how you could make your clubs a more attractive proposition. We can do all this, and still keep many of our traditions. On a more positive note I am delighted that we will end the year not only in positive growth, but also we are looking forward to being joined by four new clubs, Buxton, from the old 1050 District, and Abbeydale, Sheffield and Doncaster St Leger from 1270. I know that these clubs will bring new projects for us to share. Please welcome them into the fold of D1220 and show them they are joining a great District.

I have also been extremely impressed with all the hard work and projects that are being undertaken, throughout the District. Many of these projects have been augmented with district grants and this brings me onto Foundation. If there is any one area that has saddened me this year, it is the amount of foundation giving, I was delighted to hear that 15 clubs had given the full amount that I had suggested at the start of this year, however, many clubs have not given so much and our total giving is down considerably, both to the general fund and to polio plus. All I will say is that foundation is our own Charity and I believe in the old adage that charity begins at home. It may not be the most popular charity with membership but it is our own and it is through Foundation that we are able to accomplish many of our fine achievements. I also know that many have been disappointed to learn that we are now being charged a levy, but this is only 5% or 5p in the pound to administer the fund. This is still one of the smallest amounts for administration costs for any charity throughout the world. I will end talking about foundation by reminding you all that it is not spiting foundation or the trustees if we do not give, it is those less fortunate than ourselves who will suffer. Less money equals less grants, an inability to fund students, and an inability to fund vocational training teams. I urge you all to reconsider your giving. Rotary only asks that you contribute 100 dollars a year per Rotarian, or approximately £60 a year at current exchange rates, just over £1.15 a week, less than a pint or glass of wine.

Moving onto International I have been moved in recent week to the response by all clubs to the recent disaster in Nepal, clubs undertook the challenge rapidly and through our contacts within Nepal we have been able to send aid and assistance direct to where it is needed. A very big thank you for all your efforts in this area. I can inform you that through your donations to Shelterbox, Aquabox, street collections and club donations we have sent as a District over £40,000. Well done to you all. That aside I have also been amazed at the work you are carrying out overseas, please keep up this excellent job, you have all certainly shined a light in many communities throughout the world.

I would also like to thank the members of the District Team for all their hard work, guidance and advice they have given me over the year, it has been greatly received. To those of the team who are leaving their posts this year I extend a special thank you on behalf of myself and my predecessors, for all the hard work you have given to District over the years. I wish you well for the future. At this point I will mention one in particular and that is Pauline Johnston who is handing over the reins of District Secretary, Pauline has been District Secretary for 5 years and has come to the end of her tenure in post, she has also dedicated 18 years to District in one capacity or another and her knowledge and experience will be sadly missed. Finally,

I thank you all for being such wonderful hosts when I and Jan have visited your clubs and attended your events. The warmth of welcome that has been shown to us both has been truly outstanding. We hope we have represented you well, as we have followed the theme of Light Up Rotary. I know that through your work you have lit many a flame, and the light of Rotary now shines brighter in many communities both at home and abroad. Please keep up the excellent work and keep those flames alight as to light the path for the new year. I look forward to seeing many of you at District Handover on the 28th June when we will induct the incoming DG, my friend Dr Roger Summers.

Again I thank you for giving me the honour of being your District Governor these past 12 months.

Yours in Rotary

Steve

Steve Lawes, District Governor 2014-2015

Posted in: DGNews

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International Showcase Spring 2015

” Together we can make a Difference “

We were delighted that 30 of our District Clubs brought Displays of their International work to the Showcase held at The North Wingfield Miners Welfare.

We also had Displays from Mercy Ships, Aquabox, Shelterbox and Bridge2Aid. During the afternoon we had almost 200 Rotarians , families, friends and community enjoying the displays and the opportunity to find out more about projects and charities helping Communities throughout the World.

As a follow up many clubs have arranged speakers for their members and agreed to work together on fundraising.

Sue Leyden, daughter of Sir John Hunt 1953 Everest expedition leader, gave a superb talk about “Everest Re-Visited and the work of The Himalayan Trust”. Our District Governor Steve Lawes presented her a donation of £300 from our District to support the Charity.

We hope to repeat the Showcase in the coming Rotary year using Derby and Nottingham Universities as our venues.

 

Posted in: International

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Renishaw Hall to Host Charity Classic Car & Bike Show

Renishaw Hall to Host Charity Classic Car & Bike Show

Hundreds of classic cars and bikes from all eras will be converging on picturesque Renishaw Hall, Eckington, near Chesterfield (S21 3WB), on Wednesday 10 June 2015, for one of the region’s biggest Classic Car and Bike Shows.

Organised each year by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield, the event is set to raise thousands of pounds for three local charities, Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice.

The rally attended by enthusiasts from all over the area is open from 3.00pm until 8.00pm.

Main organiser, Stuart Bradley of Stuart Bradley Ltd Jewellers, said: “Renishaw Hall is the perfect venue for this charitable event which we have run successfully for several years now in support of these important local charities.”

There will be musical entertainment from Direction Theatre Arts, variety of stalls and amusements, plus refreshments and bar will also be available. Admission is £5 a vehicle. For more information please contact main organiser Stuart Bradley on 01246 222777.

The main sponsor of this charity event is Autoworld, one of the leading New and Used Car dealerships in Derbyshire and the Midlands. Other sponsors include:- CMC Motorcycles, PCS Motor Factors, Noble Motorsport, BRM Solicitors, Stuart Bradley Jewellers.

The date has also been released for this summer’s annual charity Ashover Classic Car and Bike Show which will be held at Rectory Fields, Ashover on Sunday 26 July from 10.00am.

Posted in: Chesterfield, Events

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Nepal Earthquake

My Fellow Rotarians in D1220

You will all have seen the dreadful news that his coming out of Nepal. I know that there are many clubs and individuals within D1220 that have strong links with the country. I am sure that many of you are also wondering about the safety of the GSE Team who visited a couple of years ago. David Hood who took our team out is in intermittent contact with Nugal their team leader and who is also the current District Secretary in D3292, and he will be our link for news. I can inform you that I have today been informed that all the GSE Team members and their families are safe.

Regarding relief support, as you may be aware RIBI have set up a Donations Trust which will be used to fund projects to help get the country back on its feet. However and more urgently there is an immediate need for shelter and clean water.

I am therefore asking all clubs in D1220 to support our own Aquabox, who have already sent boxes to Nepal and Shelter Box with funds. I also felt that there needed for a co-ordinated response from District and we have therefore, also decided to set up a Nepal Disaster Relief Fund within the District, which will be administered by the International Disaster Response Committee consisting of Myself as DG, Roger Summers as DGE, Cheryle Berry as District International Officer Rtn David Hood (AG Peak) as the Nepal GSE Team Leader who also has direct contact with Nepal and PDG Gordon in his capacity as RGBI coordinator. I therefore ask that any monies clubs may wish to donate be paid direct to the Treasurer of District 1220 with the cheques made out to Rotary D1220 and I would ask that you endorse them on the reverse with the words Nepal Disaster Fund, this will enable the Treasurer to easily identify any donation. Also attached is the leaflet from RIBI and a message from Nugal received by David.

The committee will us the monies generated as and where needed in Nepal via the district 3292 disaster relief fund that was set up two years ago just for events that they have just experienced. The committee will keep you all informed on a regular basis on our income and expenditure.

OUR FRIENDS IN NEPAL NEED YOUR HELP NOW

Yours in Rotary
District Governor Steve

Rotary in Action

News from Rotary District 3292 (Nepal) Secretary Nugal Vaidya.

Hours after the earthquake struck, District Governor Rabindra Piya called an Emergency Meeting of the “DISTRICT DISASTER RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE”.

The devastation in the Kathmandu Valley and around the country soon became clear. The Rotary Club of New Road City had a fellowship meeting in a hotel at the time of the quake, and the building collapsed trapping many of the members. Most were rescued but at this time others are still trapped. The Disaster Relief Committee is setting up an appeal to help with the immediate relief and to respond to a sustainable rebuilding of communities. With Government participation we plan to build 1000 low cost homes in the rural areas. In the short term there is an urgent need for Shelter, food and safe drinking water and we are asking for help from Rotary around the world.

Rotary Clubs in GB&I will have many friends and contacts in Nepal through both GSE team contacts and the many Club projects carried out all over Nepal. Clubs may wish to help their direct contacts, and I have already heard from some. However, Rotary GB&I have now set up the RIBI Donations Trust for the Nepal Earthquake appeal. This is for the long term, sustainable community projects we will support once the immediate emergency has been dealt with. Donations can be sent to Elisabeth Tritschler at Alcester or: online through our BTmydonate page https://mydonate.bt.com/events/rotarynepal/224458

In the mean time you are also asked to support our Box Schemes who report as follows:

Aquabox have boxes in District 3292 and they will be distributed immediately. 180 Aquabox Golds and 20 Community Filters have been released to the Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade who have close contacts with Nepal and are sending a team out to assist.. Aquabox also have contact with the Ghurkha regiment who have distributed boxes in the past. More boxes are available and more are being packed subject to funding.

Shelter Box have sent a team out immediately and Rotary in Nepal have already asked for Shelter Boxes to be supplied as shelter is a major concern.

Water Survival Box have released all their boxes ( approx 400) to Humanity First UK who they have worked with very successfully in previous disasters and more boxes have been offered when available.

There three schemes have responded immediately and will need financial support both to provide their boxes as well the cost of Distribution. Disaster Aid UK and Ireland are assessing the situation and will be giving support for the rebuilding of communities once the initial urgent needs are met.

Gordon McGlone on behalf of the Rotary GB&I International Committee

The Undermentioned is the text from an e-mail from Nugal to David Hood followed by an update from the D3292 Disaster Relief Fund committee:

Subject: RE: appeal to rotary clubs on recent devastating earthquake

Dear David, Thank you for your immediate mail and concerned appeal at your district.

Although we transport Aquaboxes through sea cargo and through British Gurkha for additional cost saving which cause the delivery quite considerable weeks, it still will be valid and most useful as the devastation here is so terrible throughout the country. The damage and causalities in Kathmandu valley itself is so huge and frantic. So any help you can gather and send in this relation would be highly welcome. I have mentioned about your immediate actions and concern in our Council of Governors meeting today. Very fortunately I have electricity at my home from today but still we all are outside at open camps and my internet has started to work from today. Other e-mails I sent was from a friend’s house in distance. I think Community Filters would be also very much needed in considerations of hundred thousands of houses destroyed.

We are also receiving tremendous solidarity and response from other international partners as well and we hope to contribute significantly together in this need of hour which is going to take a considerable span of time.

Regards. Nugal

 

Further to my text message to you yesterday regarding the devastating earthquake taking huge toll and damage in Kathmandu valley and around the country, the EMERGENCY MEETING of “District Disaster Relief Fund committee” met today in Bagaincha restaurant in presence of many PDG, Rotarians, Rotaracts/Interacts Officials despite a major earthquake went in the afternoon and another severe one was being talked about.

Background:

From April 25, 2015 a major earthquake of 7.9 rector took place 11:53am with many aftershocks claiming too many lives and causalities and damaging numerous houses and structures. Looking at the nature and calamity taking place District Secretary and Member Secretary Nugal Vaidya and the District Governor Rabindra Piya with other Governors and Rotarians were in touch taking the stock and nature of the incident Nugal sent SMS text message circular to Presidents, AG’s and Rotarians in late afternoon in response to the call of the hour urging them not to panic and focus in their respective residence area only to help the families and the neighborhood to make them safe; to take stock of the incidents in their area and inform District Administration so that required attentions could be given; to circulate this message to every Rotarians in their respective clubs.

Incidents reported were:

  1. RC of New Road City had a fellowship club meeting in Chisapani Hotel BBC and unfortunately the building collapsed and most of them were buried inside and later 7 of them rescued with 2 still trapped down in the debris. DG Rabindra and DS Nugal was following up this through Dr. Harsha, Chartered President and other members of the club but their dire effort to evacuate through helicopter airlift could materialized only today Monday early morning through Nepal Army and Private Airlines. 1 dead and 2 still missing with 6 injured were evacuated. Gopal Kakshapati, Yadav Kharel and K B Chettri assisted in the process.
  2. Gorkha was another severely hit area and AG Pawan Raman Khanal is in constant touch with the district.
  3. AG Ashok Shrestha was also in constant touch taking the stock of Dhulikhel-Banepa area with DS Nugal and contacting International aid agencies also.
  4. In the absence of electricity and internet, in late evening Gopal Kakshapati assisted Nugal to send his emergency call letter to Shelter Box for their SRT and aid. It was immediately responded by Sam Hewett and SRT volunteer Phil is arriving Kathmandu tonight.
  5. Today another incident of PE Purushottam Manandhar from RC Mount Everest was reported by PP Rajesh Thapa. His house was also severely damaged and his spouse injured.
  6. DG Rabindra Piya, DGE Keshav Kunwar, DGE Jaya Shah was in frequent communication with DS Nugal, regarding the situation updates and call from batch mates and RI Officials including RIPE Ravindaram to express their solidarity and willingness to help.
  7. RC Sainbu Bhaisepati has a dire need to help at least the desperate Women with new born baby and her family with their house totally demolished by the earthquake in their community, many houses are brought down there.
  8. DS Nugal was in constant touch with APF and DSP Jeevan KC in the Central National Disaster Relief Committee in Home Ministry. And today Ministry has sent their requirement list for relief distribution of a total of 2,250 Shelter Box around the country and significant dry food aid.
  9. Through Dr. Madan Piya, PP RC of Patan West, a team of Rotarians from Singapore with relief materials are arriving tonight.
  10. The death toll has reached 1700 + and is ever increasing with huge number of injured and houses damaged and collapsed.

Decisions:

  1. District Disaster Relief Fund Committee has decided to set Nrs. 30,00,000 as a special case in consideration to the magnitude of devastation and occurrence in reporting.
  2. It was decided to raise and contribute Nrs. 1,00,00,000 from Rotary to contribute towards this Earthquake incident.
  3. It was decided to request all the Rotarians in all the clubs in the district to contribute at least Nrs. 1,000 each within month of May as their solidarity in contributing towards this natural disaster.
  4. District Interact present promised to raise minimum Nrs. 50,000 from Interacts.
  5. District Rotaract present promised to raise minimum Nrs. 1,00,000.
  6. It was also decided to call through district or through respective rotary club networks for Rotary related International help in terms of money and in service.
  7. It was decided to focus on earthquake victim related relief about 80% and panic public relief about 20% in case to case basis.
  8. A target of building 1,000 low cost houses in the calamity hit rural areas in community and government participation, where Rotary will match Nrs. 1,000 each. District to start discussing the subject with the government.
  9. Rotary preference would be in Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk area but not restricted to in relation to the resource building and necessity in case to case basis.
  10. Few Focal Persons nominated in the Emergency Task Force beside the District Disaster Relief related committee are added:
    1. Food Aid Purchase and distribution – Ashok Shrestha
    2. Non food aid purchase and distribution – Chintamani Bhattarai
    3. Medical Team aid and assistance – Dr. Madan Piya, Gopal Kakshapati
    4. Shelter related aid and Nepal Government need assessment – Nugal Vaidya, Binod Koirala
    5. International Rotary networking – DG Rabindra Piya, DGE Keshav Kunwar, DGN Jaya Shah
    6. Volunteering: K. B. Chettri, Bishnu Bdr. Karki, DRR Amit Bajracharya, IRR Prakshayapan Prasai,
    7. Rescue – Yadav Kharel, M. K. Jha, Rajiv Pokharel
    8. Policy making – District Disaster Relief Fund Committee
  11. Request Clubs to work closely with District Disaster Relief Committee of Nepal Government for relief works
  12. Other relative decisions to follow in conjunction to the developments and crisis status
  13. Relief works on short term and long term basis

Thus, kindly discuss and circular this to your members and do the needful at the earliest. Your proactive contributions are very much sought and well appreciated. Thank you.

Nugal Vaidya
District Secretary
Member Secretary, District Disaster Relief Fund Committee

 

Posted in: Emergency

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Message from District Leadership and Development Team

District Assembly 2015

Last Saturday – 25th April – we held our 1220 District Assembly at Eastwood Hall with a record number of 360 Rotarians attending.

The purpose of the Assembly was for District Governor Elect Roger to convey the key message for his year, and through the breakout sessions, for the District Officers to provide information and facilitate discussions to generate ideas to help all Clubs prepare and plan for an exciting new Rotary year.

It was the first time we have used Eastwood for our Assembly, and we thought it would offer a more pleasant, and a distinctly more professional venue. We believe it worked really well and aided superbly by the Hotel staff.

Nevertheless it is the views of delegates that count and we are currently summarising all the evaluation forms submitted and as always we will use the key messages to help us improve in future years.

We are also collating all the output notes on the common question discussed in the breakout groups and we will share this with all Clubs when completed.

DGE Roger and the Leadership & Development Team really do hope all the Rotarians who attended did find the Assembly useful and a source of inspiration and enthusiasm to transfer into our Clubs through this next year.

May we take this opportunity to thank all attendees for making the effort to attend and for your cooperation and contributions to a successful Assembly.

Yours in Rotary John Barker
Retiring Chair of the District Leadership & Development Team

Situations Vacant

Looking to the new Rotary year there are two areas where the Leadership and Development Team need help please consider the requests below:

District Treasurer

When District Treasurer Phil Harris took on the role he agreed a four year term. The next Rotary year will therefore be his last. To create continuity in this key role we need someone who will work with him from July this year and be ready to take over in July 2016.

If you feel you could make this important contribution to your District please contact Phil Harris direct or speak with the 2015/16 Training Officer PDG Gordon McGlone

Contacts:
phil.c.harris@btinternet.com
gordonandlorraine@btinternet.com

Youth Services

The Youth Services Team need someone to organise the very successful YOUNG CHEF COMPETITION in the new Rotary Year. In addition to the District Competition, our District has been asked to organise the Regional Final. These events could be organised by an individual or a small sub-committee.

Could you help? Please contact 2015/16 Training Officer PDG Gordon McGlone.

Contact:
gordonandlorraine@btinternet.com

Original item:

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Aquabox update for Nepal Earthquake

Aquabox update for Nepal Earthquake

Aquabox has been working in Nepal for nearly two years and in that time has despatched over £100,000 of its humanitarian aid Gold boxes and Community Filters to already desperate communities and families there.

There is now a massive international aid effort to help meet the needs of those affected by the tragic earthquake and its aftermath that has devastated much of Nepal in the last few days. Aquabox has already set in hand it’s own response to this emergency situation.

Reports so far indicate that a minimum of 4000 people have lost their lives. Many more have been injured and have had their lives turned into turmoil. Regrettably, these numbers is likely to increase as emergency services and aid workers reach more remote areas.  In any emergency, it is the poor and the remote people and communities who are affected most.

Damage to infrastructure has been considerable. This makes the emergency services and aid responses all the more difficult. Ironically, the sheer scale of the international aid effort means that getting aid into the country is itself a problem. The earthquake is truly a natural disaster on a massive scale.

Aquabox has been sending its Gold boxes and Community Filters to Nepal over the past 18 months. Working with these Fire and Rescue Service of the South West of England and local Rotary in Nepal, Aquabox’s aid has already made significant contribution to promoting safe water and humanitarian aid supplies in remote areas in Nepal. Aquabox has established, reliable distribution partners in area already.

Aquabox now has ready 180 Gold boxes and 20 Community Filters ready and available for immediate air-freighting to Nepal when once flights are permitted.

 

http://www.aquabox.org/

Posted in: Aquabox, Emergency

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Music in the Gardens

Music in the Gardens

Music in the Gardens is a joint Rotary venture with 8 Clubs from Sheffield, Rotherham and North Derbyshire organising the 4-day musical festival in the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, from 2nd to 5th July.

This is the 10th Anniversary of the event and our programme of principal artists for this year is very exciting. below are details of the event in 2015.

In 2014, we handed out over £36,000 to charities, including Rotary Foundation.We are obviously aiming for more in 2015.

Some Clubs have already agreed to assist us on an evening either in stewarding or manning the Rotary Presence gazebo – basically marketing Rotary to the audiences. Regarding this, I have written to many of the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Clubs asking for photographs that we might display showing the variety of activities we Rotarians get up to.

We would hope that Members might be able to persuade family, friends, neighbours etc. to come along to enjoy Music in the Gardens. Rotarians can acquire tickets at their face value as opposed to acquiring them from the ticketing agent SIV, who add on a booking fee.

The price of the tickets for the first 3 nights is £25 for an adult and £1 for a child under 12; and for the Sunday the price drops to £15 for adults.

To obtain tickets please do so through Rotarian Ian Ward of the Rotary Club of Dronfield – e-mail i.ward768@btinternet.com

Download (PDF, 1.3MB)

Posted in: Abbeydale, Dronfield

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Matlock Rotary – Cromford Car and Bike Show 2015

The show is run by the Rotary Club of Matlock in conjunction with the Matlock Rugby Club.

Our aim is to raise funds both for the Rugby Club and also for local charities which the Rotary Club of Matlock supports.

It is being held in the grounds of the Matlock Rugby Club on the beautiful Cromford Meadows. There is ample free parking for visitors.

Sunday 31st May 2015 starting at 10:00 am and finishing at 4:00 pm

There will be Vintage and Classic cars on display and we will also be having auto jumble, craft and art stalls from a wide variety of sources. An announcer will be giving a running commentary on all the fantastic cars on display. We have an obstacle course for children enabling them to drive battery operated 4x4s around, and other fun events. Food in the form of a BBQ is being provided by the rugby club and their bar will be open during the show. There will also be many cake stalls and a speciality coffee stall.

Those wishing to book a stall should contact Eric McCarrison using the form on the Contact Us page on http://www.cromfordclassics.co.uk/

Payment for exhibiting cars will be taken on the gate from 10:00 am.

The costs are £5.00 per exhibiting car which includes the driver and 1 passenger and the non-exhibiting public price is £5.00 for adults and under 12s free.

Posted in: Matlock

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Dovedale Dipper Challenge and Ramble

Dovedale Dipper Challenge and Ramble

The 13th Annual

Dovedale Dipper Challenge &

Dovedale Dipper Ramble

Sunday 2nd August 2015

Challenge walkers start 9.00am

Challenge runners start 10.00am

Ramble walkers start 9.30am

Organised by THE ROTARY CLUB OF MATLOCK IN AID OF

aquabox logo

Dipper Challenge: 26mile challenging run or walk through the Peak District, passing either side of the beautiful Dovedale valley, starting and finishing at Hartington.

Dipper Ramble (for walkers only): 16 mile circular walk using part of the Challenge route.

On line Entry fee £16.00 via the club website (£18.00 on day)

http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1318

Optional sponsorship in aid of Aquabox

Rotary Club of Matlock

RCN 1041494

Aquabox – UK Registered Charity 1098409

Posted in: Matlock

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