Category: General Interest Articles

Articles of general interest on no particular subject

A Tale of Bravery and Ongoing Service at St Athan

ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST

A TALE OF BRAVERY AND ONGOING SERVICE AT ST ATHAN

As one of 10 HM Coastguard bases strategically located around the UK, St Athan provides vital life-saving support to fishing and other marine industries. The base also responds to a wide variety of land-based incidents including mountain rescue, missing persons and medical emergencies.

St Athan was one of the purpose-built sites created and operated by the Bristow company, which took responsibility for the UK SAR helicopter service in 2015. The value of the service has never been in doubt. It took less than two years to complete the first 500 missions! This was a significant achievement for St Athan’s team of pilots and specialist winchman paramedics, winch operators, engineers and support staff. The base uses a state of the art Augusta Westland 139 helicopter, equipped with the latest search and rescue technology including night vision, mission management and increasingly sophisticated onboard medical capabilities.

The team’s ‘patch’ is a 200 Nautical Mile circle around St Athan supporting sister bases around the country. Helicopters from the base have responded to emergency calls from Newcastle in the north-east to French coastal waters in the south and included missions at Worm’s Head on Gower, Fishguard in Pembrokeshire and Woolacombe Beach in Devon. The call-outs vary tremendously. Moving at speeds of roughly 160mph, enabled the crew to speedily get to Weston-Super-Mare (in seven minutes) to answer a call of a man stuck in mud, to a horse rider who fell in West Wales and someone who had fallen at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset.

Investiture of SGT Anthony Russell at Windsor Castle.

Some readers will know Tony Russell who lives in Wenvoe. His inspirational story provides an insight into the skill, bravery and professionalism required in helicopter search and rescue. There was no better illustration than the brilliant rescue carried out by Tony and the crew of ‘Rescue 193’ on 7th July 2011. In recognition of their bravery and achievement that night, the helicopter team were honoured with several awards, notably the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award and The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award. Tony’s extraordinary personal efforts were recognised with the award of the prestigious Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy. A particularly proud moment came when he was further honoured by Her Majesty Elizabeth II who presented him with the George Medal! The brief summary below shows how well deserved these accolades were.

SGT Anthony Russell’s role that night was as a winchman in a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter scrambled from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, Cornwall. Tony’s bravery was key in saving the lives of two yachtsmen from the ‘Andriette’ foundering in heavy seas and high winds, 80 miles offshore, south-east of the Isles of Scilly. With time of the essence, Tony volunteered to conduct a conventional and extremely hazardous rescue. Winched down in complete darkness, immediately engulfed in waves and losing communications, he hauled himself into the life raft and secured the first survivor with a strop to be lifted up to the safety of the helicopter. Briefly dragged back under the water, Tony was quickly winched up to the relative safety of the helicopter. The life raft then capsized and the remaining survivor was lost from sight. With little regard for his own safety, he winched back down despite the buffering waves, swam to the inverted life raft, diving under it and surfacing in an air pocket. Losing sight of him, the helicopter crew decided to attempt to winch him using the winch wire, which caused the life raft to flip over, fortuitously with the survivor alive inside. Tony, entangled in ropes, managed to cut himself free, swim back to the survivor, place him in a strop and complete the rescue.

Tony and the team were the last hope for the yachtsmen, but their courage and professionalism shone through, just as it does among the crews at St Athan and other bases today. When recounting his daredevil rescue, Tony said: ‘It was an extremely difficult and tense rescue. The whole crew onboard the helicopter worked well as a team in what was technically an extremely difficult rescue.’

 

 

The Cardiff Chain Ferry & Ely River Subway

ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST

SOME NOTES ON CROSSING THE LOWER REACHES OF RIVER ELY

The Cardiff chain ferry and the Ely River pedestrian subway were two remarkable transport innovations that shaped Cardiff’s docklands, reflecting both the industrial growth of the city and the ingenuity of engineers.

The Cardiff Chain Ferry which gave its name to the nearby Ferry Road, operated across the mouth of the River Ely, linking Penarth Dock with Grangetown. Its origins lay in the rapid expansion of Cardiff’s docks during the 19th century. Penarth Dock opened in 1865, As coal exports surged, thousands of dockworkers needed reliable access between the residential areas of Grangetown and the industrial facilities on the southern bank of the Ely.

The ferry was powered by a small steam engine that wound itself along a submerged chain stretched across the river. The ferry occasionally sank during storms, highlighting the limitations of such technology.

For dockworkers, the ferry was a lifeline. Without it, the nearest crossing was a road bridge at Llandough, nearly a mile upstream. However, despite its usefulness, the ferry was vulnerable to bad weather and mechanical issues. These shortcomings prompted the Taff Vale Railway Company to consider a more permanent solution by the 1890s.

The shortcomings of the chain ferry led directly to the construction of the Ely River Subway, a pedestrian tunnel beneath the river. This ambitious project was approved in 1896, with construction beginning in 1897 under the direction of George Sibbering, chief engineer of the Taff Vale Railway.

The tunnel is about 400 yards long with the 325 yards under the river excavated using a Greathead shield – the same technology employed in London’s underground railways. At its deepest point, the tunnel lay only 11 feet below the riverbed, making construction extremely challenging. Floods during 1897 and 1898 tested the resilience of workers.

The subway was officially opened in May 1900. It had a diameter of 10 feet 6 inches, with a 6-foot-wide footpath and 7 feet 6 inches of headroom. Painted with enamel and cork to reduce condensation, and lit by electric bulbs, it was a modern marvel for its time.

Pedestrians paid a penny toll, cyclists two pence, and prams four pence. Horses were even reported to use the tunnel. Beyond serving commuters, the subway also carried gas, water, and hydraulic lines essential for dock operations.

The subway was decommissioned in 1936 when Penarth Dock closed, but it remained open to pedestrians. During World War II, it was repurposed as an air raid shelter when the docks were requisitioned by the U.S. Navy. After the war, however, neglect and crime tarnished its reputation, leading to closure in 1963 and bricking up of entrances in 1965.

Although both the chain ferry and subway are long gone, their legacy remains embedded in Cardiff’s industrial heritage.

The Ely Subway stands out as a pioneering piece of engineering in Wales. Though closed, it was inspected in 1991 during the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage and found to be in surprisingly good condition. Instead of reopening it, planners opted to build Pont Y Werin which now serves as the pedestrian and cycle link across the Ely. This bascule bridge which contributes significantly to sustainable travel was opened in 2010 at a cost of some £4.5 million.

Tony Hodge

The Cat And The Kipper

ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST

THE CAT AND THE KIPPER

This story takes place in Barry’s West End during the early 1940s, when my family lived in a modest terraced house not far from the docks. My grandfather, Jim, was a Merchant Seaman who travelled the world from Barry Dock. My grandmother, Agnes, kept house and cared for my four-year-old Auntie Ruth and my father, Alf, who was only six months old in 1941.

Most of family life happened in the back room of that little house. The fireplace held a small range for cooking, and a large window looked out onto the yard, where a tin bath hung from a nail on the wall. More often than not, the local black cat, known to everyone as Mr. Tickles, could be found perched on top of it, surveying his kingdom. Inside, a wooden table stood ready for meals, and the steep staircase climbed to the only bedroom. Beneath those stairs was a cupboard that served as both pantry and, when needed, air-raid shelter.

On the day of this story, Grandma had taken the children down the High Street to the fishmonger. Grandad Jim had been away at sea for three long months, and she wanted to surprise him with his favourite tea: kippers with brown bread and proper butter.

Just after three o’clock, the front door opened and in walked Grandad, smelling faintly of salt and diesel and home.

The children rushed to him, and Grandma kissed his cheek before saying, “Jim, sit yourself down. I’ve got your favourite – kipper supper, with brown bread and real butter.” “Oh, that’s grand!” he said. “I’ve been thinking about that for months.”

As the fish sizzled on the range, the room filled with the rich, smoky smell of kippers. Grandma set the bread, butter, and a bottle of Welsh bitter on the table. Mr. Tickles wandered in just then, tail held high and was rewarded with a saucer of milk. Auntie Ruth giggled at the sight of him lapping noisily at the dish.

Grandad had just washed in the sink and was settling himself at the table, leaning over to kiss Grandma as he said, “That looks lovely, love.” But before he could take more than a few bites, the wail of an air-raid siren cut through the afternoon.

“Oh no,” he groaned. “Not now – not when I’m having my tea!” “Leave it, Jim,” said Grandma firmly. “It’ll still be there when the raid is over.” She was already gathering the children toward the cupboard under the stairs. Few houses in the West End had proper Anderson shelters; the cupboard was considered the strongest place in the house.

With a reluctant sigh, Grandad grabbed another mouthful of kipper, snatched a piece of buttered bread, and followed them inside. Grandma lit a small candle, its warm glow flickering over the cramped space. A minute later, the ominous drone of an aircraft passed overhead. Then came a terrifying silence – the kind soldiers called the quiet before the hit. Without warning, a tremendous explosion shook the house. Glass shattered throughout the back room. The candle trembled in Grandma’s hand. The children cried, but she held them tight, whispering assurances she wasn’t sure she believed.

When the all-clear finally sounded, Grandad told them to stay put while he went to inspect the damage. A German bomber returning from a raid in the Midlands had jettisoned a leftover bomb on its way home, likely aiming for Barry Docks. Instead, it fell into a nearby street in the West End. Miraculously, no one in Barry was killed.

Grandad stepped cautiously into the back room. The window facing the yard had been completely blown out. Shards of glass were embedded in the very chair where he’d been sitting minutes earlier. Had he stayed to finish his kippers, he would almost certainly have been killed.

But there was one casualty that day. Mr. Tickles, having seized his chance the moment the cupboard door closed, had jumped onto the table to finish Grandad’s abandoned supper. When the blast shattered the window, flying glass ended the poor cat’s war for him.

Grandad Jim never ate kippers again

 

Our village Repair Café

WENVOE REPAIR CAFÉ

Our village Repair Café has been up-and-running now for 7 months; how time flies! The uptake from locals has been amazing so we thought it was maybe opportune just to compile a little article to support what Repair Café is and what it does….

Repair Café is simply ‘people power’. It is a local initiative powered by local people who care about their locality. There is no external funding and definitely no government or local authority influence; all our money comes from donations. It is about trying to make a very small difference to a huge problem. That problem is excess consumerism and the so-called “use and throw” mentality that prevails nowadays and most of us contribute to.

Repair Café was started in Amsterdam in 2009 by a Dutch environmental journalist named Martine Postma. Its aim simply was to reduce waste, promote a repair culture and strengthen community ties. In 2010 Postma created the Repair Café Foundation, and the idea took off across Europe and then worldwide. As of today, there are more than 2,500 Repair Cafes across 40 countries and it’s growing weekly. There are local cafes in Barry; Sully; Penarth; Llantwit Major; Ely and Cowbridge.

So, its simple objectives are (a) extend the life of everyday objects (b) reduce landfill waste (c) share repair skills and knowledge (d) build social connections within communities (e) encourage sustainable consumption habits.

Our Repair Café here in Wenvoe has really started to make a difference with all 5 of those principles. So, what do we do and how do we do it? Good question!

Firstly, any Repair Café needs volunteers – volunteer fixers to mend the items; volunteer servers to help with refreshments and volunteer coordinators to manage the through-flow of ‘customers’. Who are our fixers? Well in simple terms, anyone and everyone! Most of our volunteer fixers are just folks from our community and further afield who are prepared to simply have a go. Few have relevant skills (although one or two do have expertise) but are prepared to roll up their sleeves, grab a screwdriver, Duck tape or a needle and thread and try their best; nothing more. Anyone and everyone is very welcome to volunteer. If a volunteer has a particular expertise, then of course that is wonderfully helpful with complex fixes like clocks, computers, pedal cycles, electronics and some electrical items but many fixes merely require tenacity and persistence.

Fixes come in all shapes and sizes; there is no common theme. We’ve had fine ornaments, children’s toys, complex gadgets, family heirlooms, garden electricals and historical clocks to name but a few. Our success rate is very good with most items being fixed, but not all; sometimes we do encounter an item which is unfortunately beyond its repairable life. We carry a few everyday consumables like electrical plugs, fuses, super glue, small nuts and bolts etc but we do not carry any spare parts. Due to insurance reasons, we also cannot accept anything which has petrol or gas as its fuel.

When you arrive at the village Community Centre on the morning of the last Saturday in the month you will be greeted by our coordinator who will assess the broken item you have. You will then have to fill in a simple form authorising us to ‘have a go’. You will then take a seat in our café area to enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit whilst you wait to be allocated to a volunteer fixer station. Then it’s down to us to get stuck in and work our magic. Some items are fixable in 10 minutes; others can take quite a bit longer. We’ll assess it and discuss with you what we think. If you then agree we’ll try our best to get the item repaired. Handing back a fixed item is a very satisfying outcome and is a job well done.
So, we will go from strength to strength, but we always need more volunteers. More fixers are especially welcome as we can then repair more things. If you have an interest, skill, hobby or background which could help or you’re just prepared to muck in (like me!) then please do join us.

You can contact me on 07581 192108 or call into the Repair Café and chat to us to find out more.
Martin Thomas

The Horse Was Absolutely Terrified

The Horse Was Absolutely Terrified

It seems that Bonfire night passed without any major incidents but 2 nights later a private party set off fireworks with a very loud bang less than 100m from a horse in his nearby field. The horse was absolutely terrified and went into flight mode. Of all the animals, horses are particularly sensitive, and their natural instinct is to flee. Not even the most desensitised and well-trained horse can always suppress that instinct. Herding the horse into his stable helped but he remained very distressed.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is working with a coalition of 18 organisations, to raise awareness of the impact of loud fireworks and is running a petition to the Government to reduce their maximum permitted noise level from 120db to 90db. The petition has reached well over the 100,000 signatures and will be considered for parliamentary debate. However the more signatures there are, the more likely it will be debated. Please add your signature to that petition at www.redwings.co.uk/fireworks and please consider animals whenever you choose to ignite fireworks.

New Wenvoe Author To Inspire Young Readers

NEW WENVOE AUTHOR TO INSPIRE YOUNG READERS

My name is Belinda Batey, I live in Wenvoe and I am a newly published author of children’s books, who is passionate about encouraging imagination and a love for reading among young learners.

I have recently gifted copies of my published children’s books, to Wenvoe Library and Gwenfo School, to support our children and local community.

These books are written to spark creativity, kindness, and curiosity in children, and I hope they will bring joy to your readers and our community alike.

The book titles are as follows:

The Tale of Charlie Corn Cob (age 3-10)

Ted and his Penny Farthing (age 3-10)

Mummy where’s my Dummy (age 3-5)

Scarlet the Snail and her Magic Home (age 3-10)

More detail about all of these books can been found on Amazon.

From The Silent To The Topless

FROM THE SILENT TO THE TOPLESS:
BOOK CLUBS ON THE MARCH!

It seems that Gen Z and Millennials are catching on to what we in Wenvoe have known for ages – there’s nothing quite like a good book club as an antidote to today’s increasingly digital world. Free online event platform ‘Eventbrite’ report that local book club events have increased by over 40% in the last year. Even young celebrities like singer song writer Dua Lipa and model and actress Kaia Gerber are now hosting their own book clubs.

‘The Page Turners’ and ‘Off the Shelf’ regularly provide What’s On readers with reviews and recommendations based on their recent reads. It all sounds like great fun. The reported reviews, though brief, show the wide range of responses to the various titles under discussion. One recently reviewed title was described as ‘slow, unhappy and dreadful’ by one member but ‘tragic, moving and well written’ by another.

The book club renaissance seems to have gathered steam online during the pandemic as a way of meeting safely and filling those lock down hours. The digital boom in the book club soon found a younger audience who stayed with the idea when restrictions were lifted and a passion for books found its way into the real world. As book clubs boomed, a host of bespoke groups sprang up with a focus on everything from football to feminism.

The concept of the book club began to take shape in the 18th century, particularly in Europe, during the Age of Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, knowledge, and education. In France, writers, philosophers, and thinkers gathered to exchange ideas and discuss the latest books, giving rise to a culture of literary salons that shared some of the hallmarks of modern book clubs. One of the earliest known book clubs was the Edinburgh Book Club, founded in 1768. This club was a forum for intellectuals to gather and discuss literature, politics, and society. London’s coffeehouses, like Garrick’s Coffeehouse, also became venues for book discussions. In the 19thcentury the rise of the middle class meant more people had access to books and education and so book clubs emerged that resembled those of today. Women, who had historically been excluded from intellectual discussions, began to form their own book club sharing and discussing books about everyday life. Another precursor to modern book clubs, were circulating libraries which allowed readers to borrow books for a fee. They often functioned as informal gathering places for book discussions. In the 20th century of course the expansion of public libraries and the rise of commercial publishing led to a further boom in book clubs.

The latest fad is the Silent Book Club! The original, started in San Francisco in 2012with two friends – Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich – reading together at a neighbourhood wine bar. There are now 1,600 of these clubs in 54countries, including over 100 in the UK. All readers are welcome- eBooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books etc. Friends and strangers gather at a set time and location, order food or drinks, share what they’re reading, and settle in for an hour or so of sustained silent reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialise- or not!

There are inevitably some very strange book clubs. The Peculiar Book Club focuses on strange history, medical marvels, and weird science. It has nothing it seems on the New York Topless Book Club! ‘Burn Bras, Not Books’ is the motto of this free-wheeling New York City book club. Members take advantage of little-known city laws that allow both male and female toplessness with alfresco reading sessions in public spaces. It’s apparently all done with safety and decorum. Somehow one doesn’t see this catching on in Wenvoe.

Could The Airport Be Flying High At Last?

COULD THE AIRPORT BE FLYING HIGH AT LAST?

Many of us love to use Cardiff Airport, especially with the time and cost implications of flying from other airports like Bristol or Heathrow. With a ten-year plan of major developments, we will hopefully see a positive transformation in the airport’s fortunes.

Major investment

A major factor in the plans is a significant government investment of over £200 million in the next decade. The aim is to improve infrastructure, expand airline services and upgrade passenger facilities. The strategy aims to increase passenger numbers and grow the airport’s role in the regional economy. The hope is to boost passenger numbers from 0.84 million in 2023 to 2.3 million over the next decade and create 2,000 jobs. We can also look forward to the development of new routes, including to key global hubs.

There have been several improvements already. A new security checkpoint with advanced technology has been installed, which has speeded up screening. The new technology allows passengers to leave liquids under 100ml in their hand luggage, meaning the screening process should be quicker. It also means passengers can leave laptops, tablets and mobile phones in their hand luggage as they pass through security screening. On the business side, a new base for European Cargo, launched in October 2024, has utilised the airport’s 24/7 operating status and grown its freight business. Huge cargo planes have been flying in from as far away as China.

New routes

Airlines have already responded to the airport’s revitalisation by significantly expanding their services. TUI is making a major investment by basing a fourth aircraft at the airport for the Summer of 2026, creating 48,000 additional holiday slots. The idea is to increase flight frequency on popular routes to destinations like Tenerife, Turkey and Majorca. Gran Canaria will also get more flights and the new flights will align with Marella Cruises’ winter programme in Gran Canaria onboard Marella Voyager, with its cruise packages available for the first time from Cardiff. They plan to add new services to Hurghada, Egypt, and Faro, Portugal next Summer. An exclusive route to Fuerteventura will launch from December. Other airlines are following suit. From this Summer, Ryanair is operating its largest-ever programme from Cardiff, with an 18% increase in departures and extra flights to Dublin and Malaga. Vueling have taken up the challenge and expanded its service to Malaga.

Ambitious long-term plans

The plans have not been without controversy. There may be environmental objections to some of the planned developments. Bristol Airport has launched an ongoing legal challenge in the Competition Appeal Tribunal to Welsh Government subsidies. In a statement they said, ‘Bristol Airport welcomes competition, but this must be on a level playing field to avoid market distortions.’ The Welsh Government have stated their intention to defend the new subsidies. Success is likely to prove vital in the longer term. The aim is that by 2040 a new airport terminal will be built along with a multi-storey car park and new cargo terminal. A key focus is improving access for passengers and businesses. The airport is planned to be integrated with the Metro network, including bus links from the train station and a new road link from the M4 at Junction 34.

Vale Foodbank Update

VALE FOODBANK UPDATE

Thank you to all those in Wenvoe who have donated to the Vale Foodbank, especially those who donate frequently. The boxes in St. Mary’s Church porch are emptied regularly and the contents taken to the Foodbank warehouse each week. There is usually a car boot full and in addition money to donate from those who find it difficult to carry food stuff. If you wish to donate money in cash or by cheque written out to the Vale Foodbank it can be posted in a sealed envelope in the Church porch letter box.

All of the local Foodbanks in the Vale continue to be accessed regularly. In June 292 referral vouchers for help included 399 adults and 201 children. Of these 73 households were referred for the first time. Regular donations ensure the Foodbank can continue to support individuals and families. Unfortunately, the number of donations has reduced; for example in June 18,265 kgs of food was distributed with only 17,216 kgs coming in. As the school holi-days now begin, we are reminded that the require-ments for the Foodbank continues at a pace.

Current items in short supply include; Tinned meat for hot meals and sandwiches, tinned vegetables, long life milk and fruit juice, tinned rice pudding, snacks and instant foods for people who do not have access to cookers.

Jude Billingham

Where To Rock This August

WHERE TO ROCK THIS AUGUST

…..and some interesting stuff about the artists hitting the capital this month.

We are fortunate to live near a city that frequently hosts the biggest names in rock and pop music. 2024 saw the likes of Taylor Swift and the mighty Bruce Springsteen. This year the city has among others, already welcomed Stevie Wonder, the Stereophonics, Sting and Oasis. However, the fun is far from over. Tom Jones can be seen twice at Cooper’s Field on 20th August and then at Cardiff Castle on 21st August. But who else is rocking the city?

Will Smith, the celebrated Hollywood star known for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Men in Black, is performing in his other guise of noted rapper Live at Bute Park on Monday 25th August. The show is supported by disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

Will is known for being able to solve Rubik’s Cube in less than one minute, a feat he performed in one of his movies. In 2005 he achieved a Guinness World Record for attending three red carpet events in Manchester, Birmingham and London in just 12 hours. The first hip-hop star to be nominated for an Oscar, he was then famously banned from them for 10 years, after slapping comic Chris Rock at the ceremony in 2022.

 Catfish and the Bottlemen, the Welsh indie rock band from Llandudno, announced their first big stadium show for 1st August at the Principality Stadium. Hugely successful since 2016, that year they won ‘British Break Through Act’ at the Brits and their 2nd album ‘Ride’ reached Number 1 in the UK album charts.

The band’s name originates from lead vocalist Van McCann’s earliest musical memory: an Australian street busker he encountered in Sydney, known as Catfish the Bottleman. The busker earned the nickname “Catfish” due to his distinctive, spiky beard and ‘Bottleman’ because he played beer bottles strung to a wire.

 Midge Ure’s ‘Live Under the Stars’ show is at the Tiger Yard, Cardiff Bay on 16th August. Ure is known for his success in 70s and 80s bands such as Thin Lizzy, Visage, and Ultravox. Most famously, in 1984 he co-wrote and produced the Band Aid charity single ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Selling 3.7 million copies, it became the second biggest selling single in UK chart history. Ure who co-organised the Band Aid and Live Aid events with Bob Geldof also serves as an ambassador for Save the Children.

Ure’s stage name, Midge, (real name James) is a phonetic reversal of Jim. When he was presented with the OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2005, Ure wore a black kilt with matching black shirt, jacket, socks and a silver tie, to pick up his honour. ‘The Queen said something about it. I can’t remember what, but I think it was a gracious comment rather than ‘What on earth are you wearing.’

 Basement Jaxx are Live at Cardiff Castle on Sunday, 24 August. The English electronic music duo, consisting of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, emerged in the underground house scene of the mid-1990s. They have had international chart success and won Best Dance Act at both the 2002 and 2004 BRIT Awards.

In the past, Buxton’s father did not let him watch Top of the Pops and played his children Austrian and Japanese music instead. ‘He was always very proud that we didn’t watch Top of the Pops. He thought that made me hungry and want it more’ he said.

 

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