Scouts
6th Christchurch
(Bransgore)
Annual Report 2024

## **GROUP CONSTITUTION** 

The 6th Christchurch Scout Group (Bransgore) exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Group achieves this by following guidance found within the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). 

https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/ 

## **QUORUM** 

The quorum for meetings of the Bransgore Scout Group is as follows: 

- a) Group Scout Council – 20 (4 of whom must be Trustees) 

- b) Trustees – 4 (2 of whom must be the Lead Volunteer, Chair or Treasurer) 

- c) Sub-Committees of the Executive - A half of the membership of the sub-committee (no less than 3) 

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by those present at the meeting. 

Maximum of 11 elected Trustee board members. 

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## **BRANSGORE SCOUT GROUP PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT** 

We are part of The Scout Association, the UK's biggest coeducational  youth organisation.  We help children and young adults reach their full potential and gain skills for life. 

We actively engage and support our members in their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development and to achieve their full potential as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities. 

We operate within a framework of safety to enable young people to take part in adventurous activities safely.  Our charitable objectives help young people learn by doing, share in spiritual reflection and take responsibility.  Working together, they make choices, take part in new, challenging, and unique experiences, help others and live their Scout Promise. 

In partnership with adults, young people take part in fun indoor and outdoor activities. 

Our volunteers benefit from development and learning opportunities that we offer to support them in delivering safe and engaging programmes. 

_The charity’s classifications_ 

- The advancement of citizenship or community development 

Who the charity helps 

- Young people (4 to 25 year olds) 

_How the charity works_ 

- Volunteer development 

- Youth development 

## **INSURANCE DETAILS** 

Insurance of Site / Property is from: 

## _**Ansvar Insurance (through Unity Insurance Services)**_ 

## Insurance of Equipment is from: 

## _**Ansvar Insurance (through Unity Insurance Services)**_ 

_EXPIRY / RENEWAL DATE :20th December 2025_ 

Insurance of people is from: 

_**Scouters and Public Liability are covered as part of TSA, additional policy through Unity for non-member adults**_ 

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## **LEAD VOLUNTEER’S REPORT 2024 / SCOUTS SECTION REPORT** 

New for 2024 was our Bransgore Squirrels Drey, which thanks to Katie, one of our Cub Leaders, supported by Vicky our Beaver leader and some new parent helpers we started in January.  The squirrels are the 4- 6 years age group that feed into our Beaver Colony, boosting the group members and introducing these young people to Scouting even earlier in life.  The section has been very successful and has grown in numbers as well as leaders and it was fantastic to see the squirrels taking part in Group and District events including the Christchurch District St Georges Day Parade and the Scurry to Moors Valley. 

Beavers continued from strength to strength with a full programme of meetings as well as attending the St Georges and Remembrance parades and offering the new Squirrels a view of the exciting activities that they will move onto as they become Beavers.  Inventions, Secret Codes, pond dipping, cycling safety just a few of the activities completed toward badges during the terms. 

Cubs and Scouts delivered the full range of indoor and outdoor activities with the support of the Leaders and Young Leaders.  We said a big thank you to our Scout Leader, Phil as he took a step back from leading regular Scout meetings at the end of the summer term.  Phil has moved to support Neptune Explorers and our sections when needed. 

Several of our oldest Cubs and our Scouts have taken part in the District ‘getting to know you’ training events and camps in preparation for the Christchurch District International Camp to Germany in 2025.  This will offer all taking part a fantastic experience travelling abroad, meeting German Scouts and staying in two castles! 

The Cubs and Scouts took part in several camps, including the spring bank holiday camp, 6’ers and 2nd’ers camp and the Emlyn Competition camp which our Scout team won for the record breaking third year in a row, well done to the team! 

The group has raised significant funds from the Mayday Funday and the Bransgore Beer Festival and with a grant awarded by the Coop it has been possible to fund a new internet connection and wifi system across both huts.  Thanks go to the Trustees, support team, leaders and parents for helping to raise the funds and to Damian for designing and installing the wifi equipment. 

After some 7 years in the role, Marc our Group Chairman stepped down in the autumn.  Having delivered some huge improvements to the site and facilities, including masterminding the Anne’s Lodge refurbishment, he will be greatly missed.  All of us wish Marc well and thank him for this commitment and drive to support our young people and all who now benefit from the vastly improved facilities. 

With the legacy of Covid-19 and the increasing impact of social media on our young people’s lives, organisations such as the Scout movement are as important as ever in helping to provide learning and guidance through safe and exciting activities.  Our four sections continue to support these Scouting principles for our 70+ members, all delivered by our amazing volunteers.  Please help where you can to support the group into 2025 and beyond. 

Huge thanks to everyone involved in the group past and present.   The Leaders, the Assistants, group supporters, Young Leaders, parents, local charities and businesses and all who give their time to support the delivery of such fantastic activities for our young people. 

**Mark Linney, Group Lead Volunteer, Bransgore Scout Group** 

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## **SQUIRRELS REPORT 2024** 

We’ve had a great first year running the Squirrel Scouts. We started with around 8 Squirrels and are now averaging about 13 Squirrels each week.  We have also seen a good retention rate with most of the original Squirrels we started with having recently moved up to Beavers. 

The Squirrels enjoyed getting involved with the variety of games and activities we planned over the last year. Many of which have earned them sections of the Squirrel badges. We made paper mache models of the solar system and eaten many Jaffa cakes and Oreos to facilitate showing the phases of the moon for the space explorer badge. We read many books and coloured in large cardboard models of pirate ships and castles for the storytime badge and grown our own plants for the let it grow badge. 

We have completed visits to a local fire station, been to Sopley salads to see how plants are grown and pond dipping at Mill Lawn. We have also taken part in a district Squirrels Scurry at Moors Valley and a district Squirrel Christmas party. 

We enjoyed our first campfire where we roasted marshmallows and sang some campfire songs. 

We have had 4 Squirrels complete the Chief Scout Acorn which involves completing all 4 challenge badges. 

I’m very thankful to the generous amount of parent help regularly offered. As well as the leaders Ash (Bethany), Rowan (Tanya) and Puffin (who helped us when we were all clueless). 

## **Katie (Willow) Squirrels Leader** 

## **BEAVERS REPORT 2024** 

We have had another busy year of scouting with the Beavers.  We average about 15 children each week. We had a visit from a local paramedic to show us some basic first aid skills.  We enjoy our food too, and tried different things when learning about Burns Night, Chinese New Year, Pancake Day, Italy and much more! 

In the District, we took part in the Annual Painting competition which we won.  We have also taken our older Beavers up to Braggers Wood to try different adventurous activities before they leave us for Cubs. 

We have also been out and about. We went pond dipping at Mill Lawn, and most people got back dry! We helped the village Christmas vent by litter picking afterwards, and we have also been working on or recycling throughout the year. 

We held a sleepover in the summer and learnt how to put up tents and other camping skills.  We also completed some obstacle courses. 

At the end of the year, we had a Christmas party with the Squirrels, complete with a very special guest who bought his “Naughty or Nice” book with him.  Thankfully, they were all on the right list! 

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Thank you to our lovely Young Leaders who help each week – Kookaburra, Nightjar and Flamingo.  As always, Crane and all the parents for their invaluable help throughout the year. 

## **Vicky (Puffin), Beaver Leader** 



## **CUBS REPORT 2024** 

The Cubs ran a full programme of activities throughout the year with the support of the Leaders, Young Leaders, GSL and some parents.  The meetings covered a wide range of badge activities as well as a selection of off-site trips including a hike on Wilverley, a walk around Christchurch, litter picking round Bransgore, going to FONFA, and a visit to Highcliffe Castle.  We did lots of science and lots of cooking, including making tea, jam tarts, pancakes, and an evening meal.  We learnt about other countries and their celebrations. We had a visit from the RNLI to talk about water safety. The Science Dome taught us about the universe. The Cubs did lots of knots and lashings, culminating in eating our knots! 

The Cubs joined the Bransgore Scouts and the whole of the Christchurch District at the Spring Bank Holiday Camp at Braggers Wood in May which was a fantastic weekend with lots of fun activities. We also hiked with Christchurch Cubs around Hengistbury head and the New Forest. We also had a joint camp with the Scouts at our HQ in the Summer, which was a lot of fun and the Cubs were extremely jealous of the Scouts sleeping overnight in the hammocks that the Cubs created in the woods. 

The pack maintained around 20 Cubs on average.  Parents continued to provide much valued support to the section and our Young Leaders did a great job helping to keep the meetings in order and helping to plan the programme and organising and running games and bass. 

Thanks again to everyone involved in keeping this section going and driving all the exciting activities. 

## **Sarah Benwell, Cub Leader** 

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## **LEADERSHIP TEAM** 

## **GOVERNANCE** 

|**Leader Support**||
|---|---|
|Mark Linney|Lead Volunteer|
|Helen Williams|Membership Secretary|
|**Squirrels**||
|Katie Addison|Squirrel Leader|
|Tanya Axe|Assistant Squirrel|
||Leader|
|Beth Cohu|Assistant Squirrel|
||Leader|
|Maddie John|Young Leader|



## **Trustee Board Members** 

|Vacancy|Group Chair|
|---|---|
|Kevin Dawson|Group Treasurer and|
||archery and rife|
||permits|
|Jim Hanford|Secretary|
|Simon Williams|Trustee|
|Donna Reeves|Trustee|
|Suzi Troye|Trustee|
|Jo Donaldson|Trustee|



**V olunteer Support Team Members** 

**Beavers** Alun John Team member Vicky Stimpson Beaver Leader Damian Team member Gary Baxter Assistant Beaver Leader Wynn-Hughes Andrew Newey Team member Imogen Reeves Young Leader Katie Gyles Young Leader Amber Stimpson Young Leader **Committee support** Lord Willie Manners **Cubs** John Malins Auditor Sarah Benwell Cub Leader Ben Linford Assistant Cub Leader Amanda Linford Hall Bookings Monica Sanchez Assistant Cub Leader Secretary Ben Cohu Young Leader Matt Linford Young Leader 

**Committee support** Lord Willie Manners Honorary President John Malins Auditor Amanda Linford Hall Bookings Secretary 

**Scouts** Katherine Angel Assistant Leader Brett Troye Section Assistant James Baulch Section Assistant Shaun Parker Section Assistant 


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## **CHAIR’S REPORT** 

Everything behind the scenes in Scouting, seems to move slowly. Its only when you look back at the end of the year that you realise how much has happened and how much everything has creeped forwards.  I guess this is to contrast the sections that seem to rush around, cramming so much into a year. 

Behind the scenes this year was dominated by the changes from a Committee to a Board of Trustees.  It may seem that it was just a change in name, however, it involved bringing the structure of our group up to date and ensuring compliance to the rules of the Charity Commission.  It has meant that there is now more emphasis on governance and ensuring that the correct policies and procedures are in place. We obviously had the majority of these in place prior to transition, but there was still a lot of work to pull everything into one place and reflect necessary changes.  It has been difficult and unfortunately it still needs the finishing touches to be applied. 

I would like to thank all the volunteers that have made this such a great year. The trustees & support team have given so much time in the background to ensure that the young people can enjoy a varied and challenging program. The leaders have all been amazing in organising that great programme of events and giving up so much time to allow the young people to grow and develop in their care.  Finally, I must thank our landlord and Honorary President Lord Manners for his continued support to the group. 

## **Marc Stimpson, Group Chair (retired)** 

## **SUPPORT TEAM-LEADER’S REPORT** 

Well, as announced at last year's Annual review, we started 2023 by finally getting Building Regulation sign off following our renovation of Anns Lodge. The building has now become an amazing asset for the Group as well as an asset for the village as a whole. It is great to see so many other charities and groups using the building.  It has taken so many years and it seems such a long time ago, that I suggested the project and thought that we could just do a few repairs and splash some paint around.  Little did I know that we would end up stripping it down to a bare frame and starting again. But we did, and the results are outstanding.  It has involved so many people over the years and I would like to thank them all for their hard work. 

I must also thank the Co-Op for their generous grant that has enabled us to get a proper fixed phone line into the building and therefore reliable internet. Thank you to everyone that helped on that project. 

As usual we had some successful fundraising events this year, our policy of concentrating on only a few larger events paid off with the Group raising money at both the May Day Fun Day and the Beer festival, and I must thank the Rotary club for enabling us to be at these events. 

After the transition from a committee to a Trustee board and a Support team, the support team has not been as well supported as we would hope. Unfortunately, some meetings have been poorly attended. And though I am grateful to those that have got involved, I would really emphasise the importance of this team in the running of the Sections and ask everyone to consider getting involved.   The time commitment can be as much or as little as you can give. 

## **Marc Stimpson, Team Leader of the Support team** 

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group 

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## **PERSONAL MESSAGE** 

As the end of 2023 approached, I found myself not enjoying Scouting as much as used to and needing a break. Following discussion with the Trustees it was decided that I should step away with immediate effect, giving them several months prior to the busy spring months to fill the gap. I am sorry to have done this, but I had tried for a while to reduce my workload from Scouts and a clean break was the only way I could see to achieve this. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years on the committee and am so grateful to all the help and support from everyone.  I have made many friendships through Scouting that I know will last for years to come.  I like to think that, as a team, we have achieved a lot in that time and the Group is in a stronger position than when I joined. And though I have put in a lot of time over the years, it pales into insignificance when I think about what my children have gained during their time in the sections. 

I hope to be involved in the Group again in the future, but for now I need a rest, and the Group needs someone else to take the helm, maybe you?? 

**Marc Stimpson, Group Chair (retired)** 

6[th] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group 

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## **TREASURER’S REPORT** 

- From a financial perspective, 2024 was a pretty standard affair, so there isn’t much of note to report: 

   - Membership fees increased by 30% as, for the first time in a few years, Christchurch District passed on the County portion of the membership fee to the groups 

   - Hall bookings are still healthy, including another regular dog training session 

   - The Coop continue to provide good financial support 

   - The fundraising total was down slightly on the previously record years 

Unfortunately, 2024 saw the final donation from the Christchurch Runners as they no longer run their Christmas 10K race, where we provided gazebos and equipment for the soup kitchen and first aid tent. 

Once again, our level of fundraising and donations have allowed us to hold our subscriptions for young people in the Group at the same rate. 

The result of the above means that the financial position of the Group improved during 2024 with a surplus of £5,020 of receipts over payments leaving a closing balance of £19,874. 

The Trustee Board and I are grateful to John Malins for conducting the independent examination of the accounts and for his continued guidance and advice. 

## **Kevin Dawson, Group Treasurer** 

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## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT SUMMARY** 

## **For the year ended 31[st ] December 2024** 

|Total receipts for the year<br>Total payments for the year<br>**Net receipts / (payments) for the year**<br>Cash, Bank and similar funds brought forward<br>**Cash, Bank and similar funds carried forward**|**This Year**<br>**£**<br>28,731<br>(23,711)<br>**5,020**<br>14,855<br>**19,874**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>33,699<br>(37,567)|
|---|---|---|
|||**(3,869)**|
|||18,723|
|||**14,855**|



The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 12 May 2025, and signed on their behalf by 

J Hanford – Secretary 

K Dawson – Group Treasurer 

## **RESERVES POLICY** 

The Group’s policy on reserves is: 

- 1) To hold sufficient funds as contingencies to enable the Group to operate normally in the event of any unanticipated loss of income or increased expenditure, and 

- 2) To maintain a specific building fund to cover future liabilities associated with the premises of the group 

At the 31[st ] December 2024 the general reserves of the Group amounted to **£19,874** . This figure includes a security fund of £5,000. 

The Group is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Groups. 

Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. 

The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis, which is consistent with the previous year. 

Approved by the Trustees on 10[th] May 2025 and signed on their behalf by 

J Hanford – Group Chair 

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## **RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024** 

|**MEMBERS SUBSCRIPTIONS**<br>Less Membership Fees<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED**<br>Bank Interest<br>Building Society Interest<br>**DONATIONS / GRANTS**<br>Use of Halls<br>Other<br>**ACTIVITIES**<br>Camp Fees<br>Outings<br>**FUND RAISING (Gross)**<br>Bransgore Fun Day<br>Tent and Marquee Hire<br>Beer Festival<br>Sundries<br>**OTHER INCOME**<br>Badge Receipts<br>Gift Aid<br>Uniform<br>Miscellaneous<br>**ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES**<br>**TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR**|**This Year**<br>**£**<br>9,804<br>3,1741<br>6,630<br>0<br>75<br>75<br>10,591<br>1,954<br>12,545<br>1,820<br>1,156<br>2,976<br>784<br>150<br>3,329<br>95<br>4,358<br>0<br>2,139<br>8<br>0<br>2,147<br>0<br>**28,731**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>8,880<br>2,4502|
|---|---|---|
|||6,431|
|||0<br>0|
|||0|
|||9,896<br>5,7323|
|||15,628|
|||3,324<br>1,160|
|||4,484|
|||921<br>95<br>3,778<br>69|
|||4,862|
|||0<br>2,192<br>68<br>35|
|||2,294|
|||0|
|||**33,699**|



1 In 2024 TSA increased their rate by £2/YP, and Christchurch District passed on the County charge to the Groups 2 In 2023, Christchurch District did not make a charge to the Groups and also paid the County portion of the fee 3 This includes £4,500 from the Rotary Club 

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## **PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024** 

|**PREMISES**<br>Ground Rent<br>Water Rates<br>Light and Heat<br>Insurance<br>Internet<br>Maintenance<br>Caretaker Fees and cleaning<br>Improvements<br>**ACTIVITIES**<br>Camp Costs and Food<br>Outings, Entry Fees and Sundries<br>**FUND RAISING EXPENSES**<br>Bransgore Fun Day<br>Tent and Marquee Hire<br>Beer Festival<br>Sundries<br>**DONATIONS / GRANTS**<br>**ADMIN / ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES**<br>Admin charges<br>Stationery<br>**OTHER EXPENSES**<br>AGM<br>Badges / Neckers / Handbooks<br>Thankyou/Gifts<br>Training<br>Uniforms<br>Sundries|**This Year**<br>**£**<br>100<br>5434<br>2,640<br>2,940<br>120<br>2,222<br>1,555<br>1,932<br>12,052<br>2,385<br>3,877<br>6,262<br>41<br>0<br>1,323<br>212<br>1,576<br>0<br>599<br>0<br>599<br>272<br>1,374<br>25<br>0<br>182<br>1,171<br>3,024|**2023**<br>**£**<br>100<br>3925<br>2,466<br>2,881<br>120<br>735<br>1,493<br>0|
|---|---|---|
|||8,187|
|||4,366<br>2,174|
|||6,540|
|||62<br>0<br>1,476<br>50|
|||1,587|
|||0<br>508<br>29|
|||537|
|||244<br>1,012<br>169<br>0<br>0<br>2,0386|
|||3,463|



4 The 2024 figure is extremely high due to an undetected water leak 

5 This includes sewerage rates for 2022 

6 This includes £1,129 for the Defibrillator 

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|**SUB-TOTAL**<br>**CAPITAL EXPENDITURE:**<br>Equipment<br>HQ<br>Ann’s Lodge<br>General Site<br>Less insurance claim<br>**TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR**|23,513<br>78<br>120<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>198<br>**23,711**|20,314|
|---|---|---|
|||948<br>0<br>19,4977<br>6,4398<br>(9,630)9|
|||17,254|
||||
|||**37,567**|



> 7 This completes the majority of the work on refurbishing Ann’s Lodge 8 Resurfacing of the driveway from the main road and car park area in front of HQ 9 This was to repair the extensive damage caused to the front corner of Ann’s Lodge by the car park 

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## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024** 

|**MONETARY ASSETS**<br>Current Account<br>Savings account<br>Cash in Hand<br>**OTHER MONETARY ASSETS**<br>Tax Claim for Year Ending (Estimate)<br>Debts due to Group / District<br>**INVESTMENT ASSETS**<br>Government stocks at market value<br>Other quoted securities at market value<br>Other investments<br>Property held for investment purposes<br>**NON-MONETARY ASSETS (Assets for Charity’s own use)**<br>Badge Secretary’s Stock<br>Group / District Shop Stock<br>Land and Buildings<br>Scouting Equipment, Furniture, etc.<br>**LIABILITIES (Payable after more than one year)**<br>Loan<br>**CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FUTURE OBLIGATIONS**|**This Year**<br>**£**<br>14,726<br>5,105<br>44<br>19,874<br>2,000<br>0<br>2,000<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>200<br>0<br>380,000<br>35,000<br>415,200<br>0<br>0<br>0|**2023**<br>**£**<br>9,794<br>5,030<br>31|
|---|---|---|
|||14,855|
|||2,000<br>0|
|||2,000|
|||0<br>0<br>0<br>0|
|||0|
|||200<br>0<br>380,000<br>35,000|
|||415,200|
|||0|
|||0|
||||
|||0|



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## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT** 

To the Trustees of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group Scout Council: 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group for the year ended 31[st] December, 2024 which are set out on the previous pages. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

- As the charity trustees of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

- I report in respect of my examination of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent Examiner’s statement** 

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

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the 6[th ] Christchurch (Bransgore) Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records. 

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. 

Signed: Name: J Malins Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant (A.C.M.A.) Address: 205 Salisbury Road, Burton, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 7JT Date: 16[th] May 2025 

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