• Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
  • Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
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  • 1 One of the luckier farmers in getting in the problem harvest

  • 2 Sixty-two year old Picarooner makes ready for season

  • 3 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 4 Centenary of Gazette

  • 5 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 6 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 7 New shipyard on schedule

  • 8 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 9 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 10 Waldon Triplets
  • 11 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 12 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 13 All for the love of a lady!

  • 14 First ship in 8 years

  • 15 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 16 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 17 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 18 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 19 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 20

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 21 Revenge in style

  • 22 Capers on the cobbles

  • 23 Devil sent packing

  • 24 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 25 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 26 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 27 No laughing matter

  • 28

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 29 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 30 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 31 Clovelly custom

  • 32 Last train from Torrington

  • 33 Hartland postman retires

  • 34 Over the bank together>
  • 35 So this is the mainland!

  • 36 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 37 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 38 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 39 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 40 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 41 Ships at Bideford

  • 42 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 43 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 44 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 45 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 46 No sale of Springfield House

  • 47 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 48 Reed threshing 'putting the clock back' at Weare Giffard

  • 49 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 50 School's link with cargo ship

  • 51 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 52 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 53 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 54 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 55 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 56 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 57 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 58 Hartland Dancers
  • 59 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 60

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 61 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 62 Braddicks furniture ad.>
  • 63 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 64 Happy Days!

  • 65 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 66 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 67 Blanchards ad.>
  • 68 Some mushroom!

  • 69 Traditions and skills still there

  • 70 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 71 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 72 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 73 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 74 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 75

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 76 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 77 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 78 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 79 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 80 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 81 A story to tell!

  • 82 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 83 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 84 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 85 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 86 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 87 113 years at Instow

  • 88 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 89 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 90 Jumble sale fever

  • 91 Sweets derationing

  • 92 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 93 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 94 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 95 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 96

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 97 To build racing cars in former blacksmith's shop

  • 98 Off on a great adventure

  • 99 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 100 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 101 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 102 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 103 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 104 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 105 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 106 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 107 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 108 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 109 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 110 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 111 Torrington children build igloo
  • 112 Bideford - as Rowlandson saw it about 1810-15

  • 113 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 114 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 115 A bird of their own!

  • 116 Not Bideford's answer to the moon rocket!

  • 117 Out of puff!

  • 118 Malibou boys are all-the-year-round surfers

  • 119 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 120 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 121 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 122 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 123 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 124 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 125 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 126 Burnard family reunion

  • 127 For crying out loud!

  • 128 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 129 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 130 Bridging the stream

  • 131 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 132 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 133 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 134 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 135 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 136 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 137 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 138 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 139 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 140 The young smith of Abbotsham>
  • 141 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 142 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 143 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 144 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 145 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 146 Ten year old scrambler

  • 147 Six footed lamb

  • 148 School crossing patrol begins

  • 149 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 150 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 151 Some 240 exhibits

  • 152 Private home for public pump

  • 153 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 154 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 155 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 156 Bideford regatta

  • 157

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 158 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 159 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 160 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 161 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 162 Decontrol of meat

  • 163

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 164 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 165 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 166 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 167

    Building works
  • 168 Littleham family's five generations

  • 169 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 170 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 171 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 172 Parkham plan realised

  • 173 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 174 When horses score over the tractor

  • 175 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 176 Torrington's new amenity

  • 177 They are parted pro-tem

  • 178 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 179 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 180 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 181

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 182 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 183 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 184 Pannier Market's future?

  • 185 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 186 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 187 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 188 The cab at the corner>
  • 189 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 190 Bideford computer stars

  • 191 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 192 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 193 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 194 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 195 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 196 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 197 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 198

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 199 Disastrous dock fire at Appledore>
  • 200 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 201 All aboard the ark

  • 202 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 203 A roof-top view - where?

  • 204 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 205 Dustmen of the days of yore>
  • 206 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 207 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 208 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 209 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 210 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 211 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 212 What's the time?

  • 213 New life for Hartland organ

  • 214

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 215 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 216 Police station view of Bideford

  • 217 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 218 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 219 Just over a year old

  • 220 Torrington in 1967

  • 221 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 222 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 223 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 224 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 225 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 226 Clovelly nightmare

  • 227 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 228 Twenty-one yachts

  • 229 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 230 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 231

    Was a missionary
  • 232 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 233 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 234 Emergency ferry services

  • 235

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 236 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 237 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 238 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 239 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 240

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 241 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 242 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 243 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 244 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 245 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 246

    Exhibition of school work
  • 247 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 248 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 249 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 250 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 251 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 252 Hartland's invitation

  • 253 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 254 North Devon Driving School

  • 255 Northam's almshouse

  • 256 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 257 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 258 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 259 A man and his wheel

  • 260 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 261 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 262 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 263 New addition to Quay front

  • 264 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 265 In their new robes and hats

  • 266 New civic medallions

  • 267 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 268 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 269 End of the line

  • 270 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 271 New art gallery opened

  • 272 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 273 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 274 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 275 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 276 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 277 Variety in summer weather

  • 278 New look in the hayfields

  • 279 The Geneva marionettes

  • 280 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 281 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 282 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 283 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 284 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 285 By pony and trap to market

  • 286 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 287 New Post Office

  • 288 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 289

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 290 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 291 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 292

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 293 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 294

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 295

    Relatives all over the world
  • 296 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 297 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 298 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 299 Service with a smile

  • 300 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 301 Recognise this resort?

  • 302 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 303 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 304 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 305 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 306 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 307 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 308 The art of the thatcher

  • 309 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 310 New choral society's growing response

  • 311

    New gateway
  • 312 Penny for the guy

  • 313 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 314 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 315 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 316 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 317 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 318 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 319 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 320 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 321 Weare Giffard potato

  • 322 New Lundy stamps

  • 323

    Bidefordians
  • 324 Bideford 'What's my line?' challenger

  • 325

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 326 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 327 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 328 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 329 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 330 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 331 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 332

    Married in 1908
  • 333 It really was the 'last time'

  • 334

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 335 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 336 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 337 Artisans' Club

  • 338

    First prize
  • 339 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 340 Loads of black and white

  • 341 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 342 Life begins at 80

  • 343

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 344 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 345 Simple Item 138
  • 346 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 347

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 348 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 349 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 350 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 351 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 352 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 353 Warmington's garage ad

  • 354 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 355 Meredith and Son ad.>
  • 356 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 357 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 358

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 359 Picking the pops

  • 360 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 361 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 362 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 363 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 364 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 365 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 366 Northam footballers of the future

  • 367 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 368 Sight of a lifetime

  • 369 East-the-Water's call for new school

  • 370

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 371 Picking the pops

  • 372 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 373 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 374 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 375 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 376 Cruising down the river

  • 377 Caught in the act>
  • 378

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 379 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 380 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 381 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 382 Peter poses for TV film

  • 383 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 384 From Bobby to Brian

  • 385

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 386 Puppet characters introduced

  • 387 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 388 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 389 Circus comes to town

  • 390 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 391 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 392 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 393 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 394 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 395 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 396 Gateways with rhymes>
  • 397 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 398 Appledore's largest

  • 399 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 400 Filming at Hartland

  • 401 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 402 Modern living at Bideford

  • 403

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 404 Riverside mystery

  • 405 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 406 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 407 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 408 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 409 Can spring be far away?

  • 410 Bideford loses training ship

  • 411 Finished in 1876

  • 412 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 413 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 414 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 415 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 416 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 417

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 418 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 419 He beat the floods

  • 420 Mobile missionary

  • 421 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 422 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

3.5.1957 Robins win Hansen Cup

Robins Win The Hansen Cup

May 3rd, 1957

Bideford AFC pictured with the Hansen Cup after they had defeated Bude 2-1 in the final

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and suddenly it's spring

Cadds Down Farm

1 March 1974

Joined by Trixie, the pony

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  • Torrington May Fair Queen and Her Attendants

    Names from left to right:Joan Ricketts; Joan Newcombe; Jean Wernhem; Margaret Sweet; Enid Ovenden; Rona Elsworthy; Doris Short; (back row);
    Eileen Short; Miss Margery Bennett (Queen); Joyce Downman; David Fiddian (Page); Peggie Sussex;

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  • Seafield House - the "Spooky House" of Westward Ho!

    The house on the cliff edge known locally as ‘Spooky House’ or even ‘Haunted House’ , was built about 1885.

    The road was especially built to enable access to the house and was initially known as Seafield Road; later it became Merley Road.

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  • Christmas Eve at the Front

    An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

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1911 Coronation Medal

Coronation Medal Presented on June 22nd 1911   Learn More

The Hoops Inn

The Hoops Inn close to Peppercombe Beach

The Quay at Appledore

Appledore Quay where Taw and Torridge Rivers meet 

 
Wynne Olley

Crowning Glory

12 October 1962

Their finest achievement to date...

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Shipyard goes into liquidation 1963

Liquidator appointed

4 January 1963

Difficulty in retaining labour...

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Reed Threshing

Reed Threshing - 1st December 1967

1.12.1967 reed threshing Weare Giffard3
 

Putting The Clock Back At Weare Giffard

The last time reed-threshing was seen in the village of Weare Giffard was about 30 years ago, and it could be another 30 years before it is seen again.
It so heard that Mr John Moore of Riversdale, Weare Giffard, heard of a sudden demand for thatch to re-roof some of the several remaining thatched buildings in the area. He hired a 'reed comber' from Messrs Murch of Little Torrington and set to work with a dozen or so helpers. The four men in the photograph are Messrs Bill Marshall of Frithelstock, Bill Dymond of Weare Giffard, Charlie Marshall of Monkleigh, and Lewis Cole of Weare Giffard.

Weare Giffard Man's Abbotsham Bride

Weare Giffard Man's Abbotsham Bride - 22nd April 1977

22.4.1977 Weare Giffard Abbotsham wedding
 

The bridgegroom, Mr Terry William Dymond, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W Dymond, 3 Church View, Weare Giffard, plays skittles for a village team. The bride, Miss Linda Susan Kitto, is the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs D F Kitto, 3 Glebe Houses, Abbotsham.
Bridesmaids were Julie, the bride's sister, Vanessa, the bridgegroom's sister and Beverly and Rebecca Williams, cousins of the bride. Mr Michael Randell was best man and the ushers were the bride's brother, Bryan, the bridegroom's brother Roger and the bridegroom's brother-in-law, Mr Ivor Dennis.
A reception was held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford. Flowers were by Francis, Mill Street, Bideford and the cake by Bromleys of Barnstaple

Weare Giffard Hall Sold For £11,300

Weare Giffard Hall Sold For £11,300 - 3rd March 1967

3.3.1967 Weare Giffard Hall
3.3.1967 Weare Giffard Hall1
 
 

Clovelly Family Joint Purchasers

The 15th century Manor House of Weare Giffard Hall, with 3 1/2 acres of land and half a mile of fishing in the River Torridge was sold by public auction on Friday £11,300.
Joint purchasers were Miss E Mullins of Ealing, London, and Mr and Mrs Maurice Dickinson, of the Post Office, High Street, Clovelly. Miss Mullins is Mrs Dickinson's aunt.
Weare Giffard Hall, scheduled at being of special historic interest, was built on the site of an old Saxon manor house in about the middle of the 15th century. It is typically Elizabethan in design and is linked principally with the Fortescue family. Other families who have known the Hall include the Courtenays and the Chichesters.
Weare Giffard Hall was one of eight properties and parcels of land offered for sale by public auction at Durrant House Hotel, Northam, by Messrs John Lewington and Company of Bideford. Another lot, three building sites at 'Nilgala', Raleigh, Bideford was sold prior to auction.
Sold for £2,050 was 3.47 acres of building land at Weare Giffard with about half a mile of fishing. Purchaser was Mr S J Davey of Leek, Staffs.
Other properties were unsolf at the auction. A corner shop property, No. 12 Meddon Street, Bideford, was withdrawn at £1,500; corner site property known at Court, The Square, Sheepwash, withdrawn at £1,000; shop and living accommodation at Nos. 2, 3 and 4 The Quay, Bideford, withdrawn at £6,000; commercial premises known as Farmer's Wharf, Barnstaple Street, Bideford, no bid; 4.30 acres of pasture land near Halfpenny Bridge, Weare Giffard, with some fishing rights withdrawn at £250.

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