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On this day we remembered again those who have provided for us through their sacrifice. May we continue to thank God for them, for those who strive for our freedom and security today, and for future generations who will also get involved as peacemakers through our armed forces. Ultimately, may this day of Remembrance cause us to dwell on the greatest act of self-sacrifice, given by God Himself, as the Prince of Peace was rejected, killed, and then rose again victorious. Jesus, the Prince of Peace alone gives true peace of mind. All who trust in Him have the assurance of salvation, and the promise of an eternity of peace with Him in heaven. November 2009 |
Click to see full size collage Eric Godden laying the wreath of remembrance and through The Salvation Army's salute acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. |
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October 2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of our Parent & Toddler groups, and we're celebrating... Our 2 toddler groups have been partying The toddler groups have become famous for their friendly atmosphere, good quality toys, singing times, as well as the important social skills which get learnt in this environment. Over the years, of course, many parents and guardians have benefited from these groups too, as they have been able to learn and share different parenting skills too. The group started in Sept 1984, by the corps officers at the time,Captain Jaquces & Mrs Yvonne Rouffet and Carol Dowsett (who is still an active member of our church!) It was an instant success with a second day
added about 1 year later as first
group continued to be so busy. Carol continued to run the group for over 6
years, and it has always been known for its friendly, happy, family
atmosphere. On this time of celebration she commented;
"It's an amazing achievement to have been serving the community in this
way for
such a long time - and we intend to keep it going! Our group is a
lovely place to be, it's fun, friendly and happy, we love to
celebrate birthdays and we are well known for our chocolate biscuits at
snack
time!" The celebrations continue and we are going to celebrate our 25th Anniversary within a special church service, which (appropriately) will be on 25th October 10am, at The Salvation Army, Hythe. Anyone who has ever been to our group, whether Mum, Dad, Granny, Grandad, carer, child, or now a grown up child perhaps with kids of their own, are more than welcome to come along and share in the celebration service which will be light, with good singing, and refreshments afterward with plenty of cake and chocolate biscuits!! October 2009 |
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Marking the end of our Annual Appeal A
service filled with songs, music, tambourines, and the Shepway
Community Gospel Choir marked the close of our Annual Appeal - a
fortnight when we go collecting funds door to door to help The
Salvation Army continue its vital social work in the United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland. Joy
once again permeated throughout the evening, and the revamped Gospel
Choir, after just one rehearsal, began its new lease of life with two
toe-tapping numbers that have made some of the listeners enquire as to
joining! The
whole evening was led by Richard Caroll as one of celebration and
thanks to our small army of volunteers who helped to make the Appeal
such a success, whilst giving all the praise and glory to God for His
continuous provision. |
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After nearly 2 years of running a Salvation Army Football Club, which started with just one 13 year old boy, we have reached the stage where we are able to enter a full squad into the Kent Church League of Mens Football on Saturdays...quite an achievement. Consequently, we now have two football groups running, one for 10-15yrs and one for 15+yrs. (Would you like to join us?) In preparation for the start of the season our new team played a friendly match against Guildhall FC, a secular Sunday league team, which enabled us to learn valuable lessons as well as enjoy the occasion. Click here to read match reports and keep up to date with progress within our football groups from now on. September 2009 |
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(taken from a full report by Bandmaster Richard Carroll) Our annual music ministry on the Oakland’s bandstand is an event many look forward to, and as the crowds gathered they were
not to be disappointed. In
addition to some devotional pieces, triumphant marches, toe-tapping
numbers, and solo items, this year we brought even more variety as Wes
Carroll took to the piano to capture the audience and Wendy Margott and
Alyson Found mesmerised the crowd with their timbrel display. Among
the music was a Bible thought presented by Captain Phil Layton, which
introduced a beautiful arrangement of the tunes 'Deep Harmony' and
'Abide with me', entitled 'Reflections in Praise'. 'Peace, perfect peace God gives to me September 2009 |
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As per tradition, an afternoon of fun, friendship, and food followed a morning of worship together at our church, where each Sunday you always receive a warm welcome, good music, great singing, and a Bible message. (click on the play button in the middle of the screen to begin) This video provides a glimpse into the scenery as Richard Carroll takes charge of 'the kitchen' while others either help, chat, or play with the children. You'll also see a reminder of an incident toward the end of the day when a 5 year old's ball went into the canal, and was retrieved by a brave member of our football club. The Songs "It's just a Perfect Day" accompanies photos of our annual BBQ alongside the canal in Hythe. August 2009 |
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After several decades of selling The Salvation Army's weekly Christian newspaper, 'The War Cry', Roy and Patricia have decided that it is time to retire from their very effective ministry due to the demands of age. In a sincere moment of gratitude on behalf of our church, they were called to the front within our morning service in order to be publically thanked and presented with a certificate and card. Roy and Patricia are typical Salvationists. Lovable, very friendly, Christ-centred, and always willing to help, and they continue to worship with us and carry on various other avenues of ministry within our mission to this community. August 2009 |
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Every two years in Hythe there is a Venetian Fete wherein a carnival is held along the Royal Military Canal, and various clubs, businesses, societies and other groups may contribute a float to be led up and down the canal in front of several thousand onlookers. This year, the Churches Together in Hythe and Saltwood entered a float, designed with an illuminated cross in the centre, with models of each church beautifully painted around the sides. On board were some of our KidZone members (and parents) who were a great witness to the joy within our Christian faith, the growth within The Salvation Army, and the life within the Churches Together. August 2009 |
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3-Day Cycle Challenge (click on the play button in the middle of the screen to begin) Captain Phil Layton and Wes Carroll take on the 2009 challenge of cycling from London to Paris, via Calais, in just 3 days. It's an epic adventure, with terrible weather conditions, but plenty of humour along the way. This was a fundraising event for The Salvation Army, Hythe, made successful by the generous support of our church members and groups, local friends, family and businesses, and the company of Gemma Found (navigator/camera/brains) Eric Godden (transporter/fixer) and Richard Carroll (driver/entertainer) Our sincere thanks also goes to Gareth Huyton for the cycling advice and training tips he gave us in preparation. Click here to read our training blog. The above video is a playlist that will play through the slideshow and then each of the videos from the cycle challenge in chronological order. Use the arrow buttons on the sides of the video to forward onto the next video if required. Alternatively, follow this link to see the videos separately. July 2009 |
| The best way to record this fantastic weekend of music ministry would be to watch the videos (on the right) and to read the following two letters: Click here to read a letter of thanks from Captain Phil Layton to The Hague Salvation Army (Thank you.pdf) A letter of thanks from Bandmaster Richard Carroll (event organiser): The words "Thank you" seem so inadequate.
Before you came our Captain said it would be a significant and
important event in the history of Hythe Corps and he was absolutely
right, but not just for the corps but for the town of Hythe.
The Lord truly blessed us all and answered so many acts of faith, it is almost too much to comprehend.
The friendship, fellowship, musicality and spirituality, was
tremendous and I know that we will still be talking about and
remembering this weekend with fond memories for many many years.
Please let your folk know just how much we enjoyed hosting your visit.
I also need to thank you for your generosity which assisted greatly in making the weekend the success it was.
Last night after you had gone, we had to convert the hall into a
Parent & Toddler Group ready for this morning. Perhaps we should
have got all the toys out for your "YP" band members!!! Then when I got
home I put on my excellent new slippers and relaxed.
Once again, "Thank you" for being so flexible and accommodating, and for occasionally laughing at my jokes!
God bless you all,
and I hope we can arrange for Hythe to visit The Hague next year. Richard
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Click the play button above to watch all the videos consecutively, or use the arrows at the sides of the screen to switch to the next/previous video... Alternatively, click here to choose the videos individually |
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The latest member of our church to decide to become a salvationist is Brenda, who has been coming to our services for over 2 years but has been linked to The Salvation Army since 1972 when she lived in Leeds. Anyone can come to our church, and we have members of our spiritual family here who come from various Christian traditions and denominations. Some folk come who simply enjoy the worship here at Hythe, while others decide to formalise their membership by becoming Adherents. By becoming a salvationist, Brenda is agreeing to live her life according to Salvation Army principles and practices, and is required to sign 'A Soldier's Covenant' which is a confirmation of her Christian beliefs and a promise to God that she will try to live a life pleasing to Him. To read the full Covenant click here. During her enrolment and preparation classes Brenda shared her life story which has had many ups and downs, but she has firmly placed her trust in Jesus Christ as her Saviour, and loves being a part of the fellowship within our church. June 2009 |
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| Click to see full photo Watch some of the band videos: 1 - Onward Christian Soldiers - Stand Up for Jesus 2 - Teach Me How To Love Thee 3 - Reflections in Praise |
The fanfare opening of the march "Golden Jubilee" (Onward Christian Soldiers/Stand Up for Jesus) heralded the start of a God glorifying 'Songs of Praise' event at Lewisham Salvation Army, South London, featuring our own church Band & Songsters, and supported by many of our own church members... Further musical items of praise included the band medley "Scripture sing-along", and excellent singing from the songters with "Total Praise" and "If you would be strong" resounding around the hall. A beautiful arrangement of "Amazing grace" preceded a poignant message from Captain Phil Layton which identified the peace and praise we enjoy now and for eternity because of the gift of salvation through faith alone in Jesus Christ. This was followed by a perfectly apt arrangement of the hymn tunes 'Abide with me' and 'Deep Harmony', to which the following words were associated: 'Peace, perfect peace, God gives to me, Through faith in Christ at Calvary One day His face I'll gladly see Praise Him through all eternity' The arrangement, entitled 'Reflections in Praise', was met with prayerful silence encapsulating the peace and praise being testified to that evening. It was one of two pieces presented that evening which were written by Wesley Carroll, the other being "Teach Me" (how to love Thee) which was similarly effective. The congregation concluded their evening of Total Praise through hymns old and new with great enthusiasm as we sang "At the cross" and "Praise God I'm saved". Both churches received encouragement from this event, both enjoyed each other's fellowship, and the desire to be with our Lewisham friends was reciprocated by the hospitality given. But above all, the event was truly one of Total Praise to God! April 2009 |
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Good Friday & Resurrection Sunday The climax of the Easter season began with the Churches Together in Hythe joining for a procession along the High Street culminating in an outdoor worship service. The Salvation Army provided a lone drummer to beat out the steps along the procession, while our brass band played some hymn tunes at the Town Square to gather people in and to welcome the cross which had been carried and was then put up before us. The outdoor service was effective as an act of worship and it is hoped that it will serve as a witness too. Around 40 folk then came back to our own hall for refreshments before Captain Phil led an indoor service with the theme 'Murder He Wrote'...an Agatha Christie style 'who dunnit' in which we considered who was responsible for the murder of Jesus. This service reached its climax with a multimedia presentation entitled 'We are the reason', but in the benediction we encouraged each other to remember that it was only Friday, and we must always remember that Sunday's coming! **** On the Resurrection Sunday our focused switched from thanking Jesus for providing our salvation, to praising Him also for promising our future resurrection. The Rapture was examined briefly as our resurrection belief that Jesus could return imminently, and that we have a home being prepared in heaven right now! During the service the whole church left its building and crossed over to the Royal Military Canal bank where we sang 'Christ the Lord is risen today!', accompanied by the brass band in an act of public testimony. With fine weather encouraging us, we also left our main door swide open for the rest of the service, in the hope that our heart-felt singing might be heard by passers-by. April 2009 |
Click to see full size collage What is The Rapture? 1) Click here to watch an introductory video 2) Click here to visit a website 3)- The Rapture/Resurrection Song - I will Rise Click to see full size collage |
| Click to see full photo (Beatrice flanked by Corps/Church Secretary Anne Carroll and Captain Phil Layton) |
Our church is a very welcoming one, where a warm and friendly greeting awaits you. Mrs Beatrice Lawman has been a part of that vital ministry by being the church Welcome Sergeant for over 21 years, greeting folk as they came through the doors and passing out songbooks, Bibles, or newsletters too. As Beatrice has encountered long periods of ill health, she has decided to retire from this role, but her example has been spread as other members of the church happily carry on this friendship ministry. March 2009 |
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Every now and again we like to maintain certain traditions within our church, and Mothering Sunday is one of those occasions! Music followed while gifts of flowers were taken to Mums by their children, accompanied by hugs and kisses, and also a special few minutes of reflection as we remembered with gratitude those Mums who have either died or are too far away to be with on this day. Capt. Karen provided the gospel message including a challenge for each individual to discover their identity as a child of God, which also highlighted our togetherness as a spiritual family. March 2009 |
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also featuring our church singing group & guest soloist Fred Aberg "Praise" was very much in evidence when our brass band shared with
the Hythe Town Concert band in the 7th annual concert, organised by
Bandmaster Richard Carroll.
The guest soloist was Songster Leader Fred Aberg, from our
sister church in Folkestone, who thrilled the packed parish church with
his cornet, flugel horn and trumpet solos.
This year our own songsters were also invited to take part and they added a terrific new dimension through their vocal strength and evident passion for the words they sang. Following the song "Total Praise", Captain Phil Layton proclaimed a Gospel invitation linked to the theme which also introduced our band's principal piece of the evening, "Reflections in Praise" written by Songster leader Wesley Carroll. At the conclusion you could have heard a pin drop as the Holy Spirit took hold of the moment. The second half of the programme featured the Hythe Town Concert
Band in a programme of toe-tapping film scores and classical transcriptions. Even in this secular
half of the concert, Fred Aberg's choice of 'Blessed Assurance' was
particularly poignant.
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Hythe and Speaker for the Confederation of Cinque Ports, Councillor Alan Ewart-James, said, "The
2009 season of St. Leonard's Church concerts opened with a spectacular
band concert given by the Hythe Band of The Salvation Army and the
Hythe Town Concert Band. The Salvation Army Band along
with their Songsters really raised the roof and the big band sound of
the Hythe Town Concert Band filled the church with such wonderful
melodies that it made me realise how lucky we are to have such musical
talent in our town.
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Once again our church was in a celebration mode as we welcomed two new Adherents (members of our congregation who have decided to formalise their membership, professing their Christian faith as well as identifying with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement). Nancy Shaxted (pictured) and Maureen Smith are two of the many friendly people you'd meet if you came along to one of our services! February 2009 |
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At the first football tournament of the year, members of our own Salvation Army Football Club split to make two teams which performed very well indeed. As a result, the tournament final had the two teams facing each other and, after a tense draw, the game had to be decided on penalties! Once again we are very proud of our youngsters who represent us with pure football and fair play. Our Football Club consists of girls and boys aged 10-16 yrs. For more info., click here. February 2009 |
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for KidZone and Football Club 'Football Crazy' was the theme of this special annual service in which we celebrated the youngsters who are involved at our church through the KidZone (Sunday School) and Football Club. The youth presented items through song, dance, prayers, and instruments and in between times were presented Christian books, CDs and DVDs to encourage their development and remind them that they are valued as a part of our spiritual family. The main talk was divided into two halves as the basics of Christianity were compared to a football match, after which the footballers received certificate awards for consistent sportsmanship, fair play, and pure football. Following the service the KidZone members had more fun as they played games and decorated cakes, while the footballers did their thing in the local park, before we all joined together again for a meal. Want to join? KidZone: 3 - 12yrs Football Club: 10-16 yrs February 2009 |
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Once again members of the church and community gathered for a some fun, food, friendship and prayer in the hours leading up to the New Year. Wes Carroll organised the evening with quizzes, music, food and a short time of contemplation of God's faithfulness in the past and into future, before those able to face the cold breeze went for a stroll on the seafront and sang 'Auld Lang Syne' (or similar words) accompanied by Eric Godden on his accordian. December 2008 |
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Our worship hall was transfromed as the Christmas dinner preparations were finalised, ready for our guests from Hythe, Saltwood, Dymchurch, Cheriton, and Romney Marsh who would otherwise have spent this special day either on their own or else unable to provide for themselves. This day, generously supported financially by friends and supporters of The Salvation Army, provided food, comfort and good company, beginning with a short service of Christmas Praise, followed by a 4 course meal, and ending with wonderful entertainment. An 'army' of volunteers made the day possible, including transporters for those who needed it...and Captain Phil & Karen are immensely grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success. December 2008 |
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The season of carolling engagements came to a close on Christmas Eve. While the hall was being carefully cleaned and prepared for the following day, members of the band and singing group sang and played carols at The Hythe Imperial Hotel, marking the end of a season which has seen them take the Christmas message into residential care homes, nursing houses, the High Street, hotels, barns, public greens, town halls, and...of course...our very own church services. Together with the feedback received from our website's advent calendar we give God the glory in knowing that it has been a very effective time of the year which we sincerely hope and pray will produce further spiritual fruit. December 2008 |
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The barn may have been smelly and rather noisy with animals surrounding us, but it was also full of children and grown-ups who had come to sing carols and hear the Christmas message through word and music. Bandmaster Richard Carroll led the service with humour and interaction, providing the premise for the message that our enthusiasm is based on wanting to share the news of why Jesus came. December 2008 |
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| Click to see full size Click here to visit The Salvation Army's International Development Project Website |
This year's Traditional Town Carol Service at The Salvation Army was a capacity event, featuring the Shepway Gospel Choir, and attended by the Mayor of Hythe Alan Ewart-James, and long-time friend and supporter Michael Howard MP. But among the usual humour, carolling favourites, Christmas message from Captain Phil and presentation by Bandmaster Richard carroll, was an unusual appeal for funds to buy a cow! The Salvation Army's International Development Project aims to provide self-help farmers in Africa with livestock with which they can earn a living, and eventually repay The SA in order for other farmers to be helped in a similar way. It had previously been decided by our church council that this was an excellent way of asking the people of Hythe to look beyond their immediate district and to contribute to the help which is provided for those who are struggling to live. One cow costs £170....and so it is with glory to God, and with immense satisfaction and appreciation to the community of Hythe to announce that 3 cows were 'bought' as a result of this appeal. Furthermore, friends attending this service also donated generously to our local work too! December 2008 |
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Once again Captain Karen Layton led the church through the Gospel through the illustration of the Christingle, which she arranged for the children to make at suitable times within the service. The climax of the service was the lighting of the Christingles as Captain Karen led the carol 'Who is He?' and then announced that He is the Light of the world. December 2008 |
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What a fantastic morning as our Parent and Toddler groups featured in a carol service designed specifically to appeal to the litte ones! Captain Karen Layton provided the mixture of well known carols, children's nativity story, gifts, and a short thought for the grown-ups too, while the church thanked God for this excellent weekday ministry, and the joy we have of sharing with them in worship. December 2008 |
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Once more members and friends of our church put their efforts together to raise much needed funds by way of a Christmas coffee morning and sale. A surprisingly high number of folk attended on a rainy day, but once inside everyone enjoyed the warmth of friendship, good humour, good food and bargains galore! November 2008 |
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Students at Saltwood Church of England Primary School are given the opportunity to win a most prestigious Cup known as the Good Citizen Award. The Award, given for consistent courtesy, kindness, integrity, hard work and thoughtfulness, is fairly rare, with only a few winners each term out of a school of over 200 pupils. However, Harrison Carroll - a lifelong member of The Salvation Army and now aged 5, was given the honour of the Award, making his parents, and indeed his whole church here very proud of him. Furthermore, a member of our church has now won the much sought-after Award for the past 3 years, with Anastasia Layton in 2006, Mhiari MacArthur in 2007, and now Harrison in 2008. We're proud of them all, and hope they'll continue to witness as good adverts for kids who love Jesus! November 2008 |
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Once more our young footballers were exemplary in style and deportment as they reached the final of a local 5-a-side league tournament, and then overcame their opponents with a goal during the last few seconds of extra-time to win the trophy. Want to join us? October 2008 |
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| Click to see a complete and narrated photo album of the weekend, along with group photos and a report by Bandmaster Richard Carroll |
What a fantastic weekend! When the music sections (band and songsters) from our church were invited by The Salvation Army to lead a weekend of music ministry on the island of Jersey we knew from the start that we would turn this into an opportunity to minister with music, teaching, encouragement and friendship...to take a bit of Hythe to our sister church in St Helier. "Great music - great friendship - great ministry - great fun!" Captain Phil Layton October 2008 |
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Our Church Bandmaster had the privilege of playing the Hythe Moot Horn (made in
1582) on the occasion of Speakers Day, 4th October 2008. This
year the Mayor of Hythe is the Speaker for the Confederation of Cinque
Ports, and the occasion was marked by a church service with music by the
Princess of Wales regimental band, and a procession of all the Cinque Port Mayors,
the Lord Warden, Constable of Dover Castle, and various other dignatories.
The Mayor had asked Bandmaster Richard Carroll to compose and play
a fanfare for the event, which was performed at the start of the church
service, and then taken on procession.
The Moot Horn is only played on special occasions, the last time
being for the Millennium, and previous to that was back in 1975 to mark
the 400th anniversary of the
charter.
The pictures include the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral
The Lord Boyce, the bearer of the Silver Oar and the Speaker for the
confederation of the Cinque Ports the Mayor of Hythe,
Cllr Alan Ewart-James. October 2008 |
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In traditionally dodgy weather our church held its annual BBQ out in the open fields of a recreation park surrounded by beautiful Hythe scenery along with the company of friends, with food and drink, laughter and times of getting to know each other in this wonderfully informal setting. Since the first corps BBQ in 2003 this event has become increasingly popular, widespread, and useful as a means of encouraging friendships. August 2008 |
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Once again the Gospel Choir made friends and supporters proud as they were asked to perform a concert at St Paul's Church in Sandgate in aid of their renovation fund. However, the audience got more than the swinging numbers we have become accustomed to enjoying, as the choir boasts several soloists and so contributed vocal, cello, saxophone, and oboe items too! July 2008 |
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