2025-12-31-accounts - Brierley Hill Community Forum

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Company registration number: 04980480 Charity registration number: 11025550

BRIERLEY HILL COMMUNITY FORUM TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW

Brierley Hill Community Forum Contents

	Page
Trustees' Report	1—6
Independent Examiner's Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	8
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	9
Balance Sheet	10—11
Notes to the Financial Statements	12—17
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	18—19

Brierley Hill Community Forum Company No. 04980480 Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Public Benefit

To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities of Brierley Hill and neighbouring areas, in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs, and to participate more fully into society. To promote for the benefot of the public, the urban regeneration being undertaken in areas of social and economic deprivation in Brierley Hill and the neighbouring areas.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

It is my pleasure to present the Chairman’s Report for the Brierley Hill Community Forum for the year ending December 2025.

This has been a year of significant progress, with the Forum continuing to evolve from a coordinating body into a confident and effective delivery organisation. Across the year we have delivered a wide-ranging programme of heritage, cultural, environmental and community activity, alongside an increasingly active role in shaping the future of Brierley Hill.

Programme Delivery and Community Engagement

During the year, the Forum delivered an extensive programme of events and activities, engaging directly with over 3,500 people across the town.

Heritage and cultural activity has remained a cornerstone of our work. Heritage Open Days in September saw strong participation across multiple venues, supported by exhibitions, performances and community-led events. The continued development of heritage interpretation, including publications, educational resources and guided walks such as the Graves Walks, has helped deepen understanding of the town’s history and identity.

Our cultural programme has expanded significantly through the Cultural Consortium and Community Loom initiatives. These have enabled a diverse range of creative activity, from performances and film screenings to workshops and public art, helping to bring new audiences into the town and support local creative talent.

A particularly strong example of this integrated approach is the Marsh Park History and Volunteer Project, supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Building on the discovery of a Second World War Royal Observer Corps lookout post, the Forum worked in partnership with Dudley Council, Wolverhampton Archaeology Group and local volunteers to deliver a multi-layered programme of activity.

This included archaeological interpretation, public talks, community history collection, guided walks, volunteer days and a specialist detectorist survey. The project successfully combined heritage, wellbeing and community engagement, attracting over 3,000 people through publicity and delivering a series of well-attended events. It also introduced new volunteers to the park and laid the groundwork for future digital interpretation, including 3D modelling and potential augmented reality experiences. Importantly, the project has created a lasting body of local historical material that will inform future education and heritage work.

Alongside this, the Forum has continued to organise and support key civic events, including Remembrance Sunday and the Poppy Appeal, both of which were delivered successfully with strong volunteer support and community participation.

...CONTINUED

Page 1

Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Main Achievements - continued

Environmental and Public Realm Improvements

The Forum has maintained a strong focus on improving the town’s environment and public spaces.

Brierley Hill in Bloom once again delivered high-quality planting schemes across the High Street and town centre, attracting positive public feedback. Despite challenges such as vandalism and plant disease, the programme has continued to improve year on year, supported by volunteers and external funding.

Additional initiatives, including wildflower planting and local greening projects, have further contributed to enhancing biodiversity and the quality of the local environment.

Regeneration and Strategic Influence

A key development during the year has been the Forum’s growing role in regeneration and strategic advocacy.

We have been actively engaged in discussions relating to the future of the town, including proposals linked to the Levelling Up / Local Regeneration Fund, the future of the former Police Station, and improvements to the Moor Centre and wider town centre.

The Forum has also played a consistent role in advocating for the extension of the Metro to Brierley Hill and has contributed to consultations on the Dudley Local Plan, ensuring that the interests of the town are represented.

These activities demonstrate the Forum’s increasing influence as a recognised voice for Brierley Hill in discussions with local, regional and national stakeholders.

Funding and Resources

The Forum has continued to secure and manage a significant level of external funding, enabling the delivery of an ambitious programme of activity.

During the year, we have successfully secured funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other sources, supporting initiatives such as Community Loom, Digital Cornerstone and Empowering Brierley Hill. These programmes have allowed us to extend our work into business support, skills development and town centre promotion.

The Marsh Park project provides a clear example of how this funding is translated into tangible outcomes—leveraging relatively modest resources into high-impact, multi-partner delivery with lasting community benefit.

Business Engagement and Communications

This year has also seen progress in supporting the local business community.

Through the Business Sub-Group and related initiatives, work has begun on developing a stronger digital presence for the town, including branding, a business database and training opportunities for local traders.

The Community Newsletter has become an important communication tool, with a growing circulation and increasing engagement. Alongside social media and targeted outreach—such as that used successfully in the Marsh Park project—this has strengthened the Forum’s ability to communicate with residents, businesses and partners.

Governance and Organisation

The Forum has continued to strengthen its governance and organisational capacity.

...CONTINUED

Page 2

Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Main Achievements - continued

New directors have been appointed, bringing additional skills and experience to the organisation. A suite of key policies, including GDPR, Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding, has been formally adopted, ensuring that the Forum operates to appropriate standards.

We have also ensured compliance with statutory requirements, including the preparation and filing of annual accounts and updates to Companies House.

Partnerships

Partnership working remains central to our success.

We have continued to work closely with Dudley Council, Dudley College, Dudley CVS, WMCA, Arts Council England and a wide range of local organisations and volunteers. The Marsh Park project in particular demonstrates the strength of this approach, bringing together public bodies, specialist groups and the local community to deliver a shared outcome.

Looking Ahead

While much has been achieved, the year has also highlighted the scale of the opportunity ahead.

The Forum is now well positioned to play a leading role in the town’s future, particularly in relation to regeneration, cultural development and community engagement. Projects such as Marsh Park point towards a model of delivery that combines heritage, digital innovation, environmental improvement and community participation.

We will focus on building sustainable funding streams, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that the benefits of regeneration are felt across the whole community.

Thanks

Finally, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the Forum’s work over the past year.

This includes our directors, volunteers, partners and funders, whose commitment, expertise and generosity make everything we do possible. It continues to be a privilege to work with such a dedicated and passionate community in Brierley Hill.

Financial Review

Financial Position

The Directors continue to work to secure the long term financial future of the company. The Directors are working both with partners and through external funding bids to secure funding for future ongoing operations.

The company will contimue to work with its members and partners to ensure that its primary aims and objectives are met. This involves the development of a wide range of projects and activities which will build the capacity of local residents to improve the quality of life in their communities. In the delivery of these, the company will continue to build its partnerships with statutory agences and the private sector. These projects and activities will continue to be aligned to local, regional and national strategies which will ensure that funding is available to undertake them. In addition, the company is exploring the use of instruments such as community development trusts and social enterprises to ensure the long term sustainability of projects and activities.

Page 3

Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertanties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expendituure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The company which was incorporated on 1 December 2003 is a private company registered under the Companies Act 1985 (registration number 04980480), limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The company is goverened by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The liability of the members of the company on winding up is limited to a maximum of £10 each. The company is also a registred charity (registration number 1102550)

Trustee Selection Methods

Recruitment and Appointment of Directors

Directors are nominated by members and elected by a Directors' meeting subject to the usual checks that there are no reasons that would disqualify that individual from so serving.

Director Induction and Training

Directors are nominated by members from within their own membership because of their experience and skills. Generally they will have engaged previously in the work of the Forum at some level but any gaps in their knowledge are filled through a session with the Chairman.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Mr Timothy Sunter Mr Shane Birch-Bastock Mr Steven Bridgwater Mr Frank Chamberlain Mrs Justine Chamberlain-Page Mr Adam Davies Mrs Carol Davies (resigned 08/12/2025) Mr Kevin Gripton Dr Clive Skidmore Ms Zoe Skidmore Ms Zoe Renilson (resigned 08/12/2025) Mrs Rebecca Cottingham (appointed 27/04/2026) Mr Wayne Little (appointed 22/04/2026) Mr Matt Randle (appointed 27/04/2026)

Company Secretary

Mr Kevin Gripton

Page 4

Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Charity Number

11025550

Company Number

04980480

Principal Address

11 Crescent Avenue Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3QL

Independent Examiner

JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW

Page 5

Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Brierley Hill Community Forum for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statement unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Small Company Rules

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Mr Timothy Sunter

Trustee 11th June 2026

Page 6

Brierley Hill Community Forum Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Brierley Hill Community Forum For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

�. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd

12th June 2026 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW

Page 7

Brierley Hill Community Forum Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Unrestricted funds £ -	Restricted funds £ 25,182	2025 Total funds £ 25,182	2024 Total funds £ 61,487
(1,827) - - - - - - - -	(554) (768) - (572) - (6,287) (1,408) (313) (4,549)	(2,381) (768) - (572) - (6,287) (1,408) (313) (4,549)	(886) (7,569) (36,094) - (11,027) - - - -
(1,827)	(14,451)	(16,278)	(55,576)
(1,827)	10,731	8,904	5,911
(1,827) 5,563	10,731 8,241	8,904 13,804	5,911 7,893
3,736	18,972	22,708	13,804

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

Brierley Hill Community Forum Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Unrestricted funds £ -	Restricted funds £ 61,487	2024 Total funds £ 61,487
(885) - - -	(1) (7,569) (36,094) (11,027)	(886) (7,569) (36,094) (11,027)
(885)	(54,691)	(55,576)
(885)	6,796	5,911
(885) 6,448	6,796 1,445	5,911 7,893
5,563	8,241	13,804

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Brierley Hill Community Forum Balance Sheet As At 31 December 2025

Unrestricted funds £ -	Restricted funds £ 3,145	2025 Total funds £ 3,145	2024 Total funds £ 2,854
- 17 4,069	3,145 - 15,827	3,145 17 19,896	2,854 17 11,283
4,086 (350)	15,827 -	19,913 (350)	11,300 (350)
3,736	15,827	19,563	10,950
3,736	18,972	22,708	13,804
3,736	18,972	22,708	13,804
		18,972 3,736	8,241 5,563
		22,708	13,804

Page 10

Brierley Hill Community Forum Balance Sheet (continued) As At 31 December 2025

For the year ending 31 December 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

On behalf of the board

Mr Timothy Sunter

Trustee 11th June 2026

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

1. General Information

Brierley Hill Community Forum is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 04980480 and registered charity number 11025550. The registered office is .

The nature of the charities operations and principal activities are to develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities of Brierley Hill and neighbouring areas in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society. To promote for the benefit of the public, the urban regeneration being undertaken in areas of social and economic deprivation in Brierley Hill and the neighbouring areas.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.

The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2.3. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or it legally being received.

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entited to the grant.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer's time in line with SORP (FRS102).

Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

2.4. Resources Expended

Expendiiture is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability has been incurred and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

2.5. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Plant & Machinery

15% Reducing Balance Method

2.6. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

2.7. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

Donations and gifts 4. Net Income/(Expenditure) The net income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned	2025 Restricted funds £ 25,182	2024 Restricted funds £ 61,487
	2025 £ 555	2024 £ 503

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

5. Analysis of Expenditure

Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Fisher Trust UK Shared Prosperity Fund Cake Not Hate Eat the Street DCVS Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Phoenix Project Heritage Action Zone . Support Costs Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund £ £ General administration 1,826 383 Depreciation 555 - 2,381 383	Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Fisher Trust UK Shared Prosperity Fund Cake Not Hate Eat the Street DCVS Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Phoenix Project Heritage Action Zone . Support Costs Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund £ £ General administration 1,826 383 Depreciation 555 - 2,381 383	Fisher Trust £ 75 -	UK Shared Prosperity Fund £ 4,000 -	Activities undertaken directly £ - 385 497 2,287 1,383 200 4,549	Support costs (see note 6) £ 2,381 383 75 4,000 25 113 -	2025 Total £ 2,381 768 572 6,287 1,408 313 4,549
				9,301	6,977	16,278
				Activities undertaken directly £ - 7,066 36,094 11,027	Support costs (see note 6) £ 886 503 - -	2024 Total £ 886 7,569 36,094 11,027
				54,187	1,389	55,576
				Cake Not Hate £ 25 -	Eat the Street £ 113 -	2025 Total £ 6,422 555
2,381	383	75	4,000	25	113	6,977

6. Support Costs

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

Raising funds £ 886 -	Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund £ - 503	2024 Total £ 886 503
886	503	1,389
	2025 £ 420	2024 £ 350
		Plant & Machinery £ 3,357 846
		4,203
		503 555
		1,058
		3,145
		2,854

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

10. Debtors

As at 1 January 2025 £ 5,563 8,241	Income £ - 25,182	2025 £ 17 2025 £ 350 Expenditure £ (1,827) (14,451)	2024 £ 17
			2024 £ 350
			As at 31 December 2025 £ 3,736 18,972
13,804	25,182	(16,278)	22,708
As at 1 January 2024 £ 6,448 1,445	Income £ - 61,487	Expenditure £ (885) (54,691)	As at 31 December 2024 £ 5,563 8,241
7,893	61,487	(55,576)	13,804

13. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

14. Related Party Disclosures

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.

15. Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £10.

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations from organisations EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Independent examiner's fees Bank charges Sundry expenses Depreciation of plant and machinery Charitable Activities: Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Workshop consumables Temporary staff Printing, postage and stationery Depreciation of plant and machinery Phoenix Project Workshop consumables Temporary staff Fisher Trust Workshop consumables Printing, postage and stationery Heritage Action Zone Workshop consumables Temporary staff	2025 Total funds £ 25,182
	25,182
	25,182 (175) (811) (420) (40) (380) (555)
	(2,381) (85) (300) (383) -
	(768) - -
	- (497) (75)
	(572) - -

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Brierley Hill Community Forum Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025

UK Shared Prosperity Fund Workshop consumables Website costs Cake Not Hate Workshop consumables Temporary staff Printing, postage and stationery Eat the Street Workshop consumables Printing, postage and stationery DCVS Temporary staff NET INCOME	(2,287) (4,000)	- -
	(6,287) (1,183) (200) (25)	- - - -
	(1,408) (200) (113)	- - -
	(313) (4,549)	- -
	(4,549)	-
	(16,278)	(55,576)
	8,904	5,911

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