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Nominate now in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

The town’s thriving food and drink sector will once again be celebrated by awards organiser, Destination Chesterfield. It is now urging people to nominate their favourite restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and tearooms across 10 categories.

And it’s not just businesses you can nominate in the 2018 awards. Apprentices and apprenticeships are also being recognised this year with the introduction of two brand new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Nominations across 10 categories can be made online until midnight on Monday 11th June 2018 at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to get nominating. He said: “Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. There are so many fantastic businesses and  people working within them in the town. For them to have a chance of taking home one of the prestigious awards, they have to be nominated – their future is in your hands.”

“I hope the people of Chesterfield get behind us once again and nominate to help make the 2018 Food and Drink Awards 2018 the best yet.”

Once again, The Chesterfield College Group is the headline sponsor of the prestigious awards and will also be hosting the glittering awards ceremony in its Heart Space building later this year.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is fantastic to be able to support this annual celebration of the best of our local food and drink industry once again this year. The event highlights local talent in the industry at the same time as giving our catering and hospitality students some amazing opportunities to showcase their talent. I look forward to welcoming the shortlisted nominees to Chesterfield College in October.”

Nominations can be made across 10 categories in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Cheer on England in the UEFA U17’s Euro Semi Final for just £1

England are through to the semi-finals of the U17 Euros and all tickets for the match at the home of the Spireites on Thursday evening are just £1.

England beat Norway 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Burton to reach the last four of the competition, where they will play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday evening (7pm).

Goals from Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi secured the win for the Young Lions, with over 5,000 England fans coming out to support the youngsters.

UEFA and The Football Association have made all tickets for the semi-final just £1 for all and have encouraged fans to come out and support the Young Lions as they aim to reach the final at Rotherham on Sunday.

With the tournament already being a major success, with combined attendances reaching over 40,000 so far, The FA has been working alongside local schools to engage children in the area.

England head coach Steve Cooper said: “I know the people who have been managing the tournament have wanted it to be affordable for families and children. That has definitely been reflected in the crowds we’ve got for England matches.

“We had a fantastic turnout at our opening group game at Chesterfield. It was a brilliant atmosphere and we’re really grateful for the support.

“Chesterfield is a great venue and we’re really looking forward to playing there again on Thursday. Hopefully we can get another strong attendance for the semi-final.”

See England play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday (7pm) in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final.

Tickets are on sale now for £1 via www.thefa.com or at the Chesterfield FC Club Superstore, including on the day of the game.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Get in the groove for new festival in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors are encouraged to head to Chesterfield’s market for a brand new food and music festival this month.

The Street Food and Grooves festival, organised by Edge Events and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, begins with a launch party on Friday 11 May from 6pm and continues over the weekend.

Edge Events organises the popular Chesterfield Food Festival held in Queen’s Park which returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August this year.

Taking place in New Square, the Street Food and Grooves Festival will feature some of the finest local produce including world street food including vegetarian and vegan dishes, sweet treats, ales, bespoke gin and vodka, prosecco and a selection of wines.

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May from 11am, some of the region’s talented musicians will give live performances to suit every musical taste playing live from the Sound Bites Stage’

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This festival is a really exciting opportunity for people to visit our historic market and try some of the world’s most popular street foods and hear talented local musicians.

“One of our top priorities is to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.As with the recent successful Chesterfield Wheel ride, this new festival is an example of how we are working in partnership with the private sector to add exciting new events to the calendar.

“We are sure it will prove a real draw and encourage more people to come into the town centre to support our fantastic local shops, market traders, bars and restaurants.”

Chesterfield residents can use their residents’ parking pass to park free all day on Sunday 13 May.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Join in the spring fun at Stand Road Park

Chesterfield residents are being invited to a free community fun day being held at Stand Road Park.

The Spring Community Fun Day will take place between noon and 4pm on Wednesday (4 April).

It has been organised by the Racecourse Rubbish Rangers, a local community litter pick group, with support from local residents, the Friends of Stand Road Park and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Attractions on the day will include:

  • Games and activities, including rounders, badminton, football, egg and spoon races, sack races and giant skittles
  • An arts and crafts area
  • The chance to play bowls on the bowling green
  • An appearance by Chester the Field Mouse, the mascot of Chesterfield Football Club.

The Friends of Stand Road Park group will also open the café and pavilion to serve sandwiches and other refreshments, costing 50p.

Organisers are looking for volunteers to help run activities on the day. Anyone who is interested should turn up at the park at 11am, where they will be allocated an activity to assist with.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:-

“This is a great community event and I hope local residents and others from across the borough will come to join in the fun.

“There are lots of free activities for the whole family so it is the perfect way for children to spend a day of their school holidays.

“To help the event run smoothly the organisers are keen for some more volunteers to help out on the day so if you have a spare few hours here is an opportunity to do something for the benefit of your local area.”

The fun day follows the success of a similar event in August last year.

Stand Road Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Overseas tourism boost for Peak District and Derbyshire

Around 50 travel industry buyers and journalists from the UK’s largest and most valuable overseas markets – including high spenders such as China and the Gulf countries – have been discovering the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Representatives from key tourism targets such as The Netherlands, Belgium and the USA have been touring highlights of the area as diverse as Buxton Opera House, Bolsover Castle, Chatsworth, The Heights of Abraham and Thornbridge Hall and Brewery as part of VisitBritain’s annual flagship travel trade event ExploreGB.

VisitBritain joined forces with official area tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to defy severe winter weather and bring four overseas parties to enjoy a taste of what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer both groups and individual visitors, comprising:

  • Dutch and Belgian travel industry buyers (March 4 and 5)
  • USA travel trade buyers (March 4)
  • Gulf countries travel trade buyers (March 5)
  • Chinese journalists, social media specialists and influencers (March 7)

All the visits were tailored to complement face-to-face business done by more than 280 international travel buyers from 29 countries with more than 330 tourism suppliers from across the UK, including Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, at ExploreGB, held in NewcastleGateshead on March 1 and 2.

As well as visiting key attractions, some of the groups stayed overnight to sample the area’s varied accommodation offer, including The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton and The New Bath Hotel & Spa in Matlock Bath.

The programme offered the tourist board a welcome opportunity to build on work it is already doing in close partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council to attract more Chinese visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire, including:

  • Training and support as part of VisitBritain’s GREAT China Welcome campaign
  • Building links with Hino Travel, a Chinese inbound travel agent, to create itineraries for everyone from businesspeople and VIPs to students and first-time group travellers
  • Working with Marketing Manchester and other partners to bring more staying Chinese visitors to northern England using Manchester Airport as a gateway for direct flights to and from Beijing
  • Hosting a fact-finding visit from the Anhui Tourism Bureau, scheduled for June 2018

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:-

“All these initiatives reflect our commitment to working closely with VisitBritain, local councils and a range of other partners to sell the Peak District and Derbyshire as a world-class destination on a global stage.

“By targeting high-spending markets such as China, we can bring in more staying visitors from overseas, bringing more money into the local and regional economy and helping a wide range of visitor-focused businesses to flourish.”

China is the world’s most valuable outbound tourism market, and council leaders in Derbyshire have been strengthening international links with Anhui Province.

They hosted a delegation from the region to explore how the two areas could work together in the future on trade, education, culture, tourism and skills.

In November last year tourism and business representatives from Derbyshire County Council visited China to showcase the county at the Huangshan International Tourism Festival and the China International Industry Fair.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said:-

“Culture and tourism is an essential part of the local economy, employing almost 28,000 people and worth more than £2 billion in visitor spend.

“We share Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s ambitions to promote Derbyshire and tourism to overseas markets to generate new growth, investment and trade opportunities for our businesses. This latest work as part of ExploreGB builds on the links we’ve been forging with China.

“China’s interest in the UK is clearly growing, and we want Derbyshire to be at the forefront of its thinking when it comes to overseas travel and investment in business and industry.”

Overseas tourism boost

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Tickets now on sale for Under-17 European Championship matches in Chesterfield

UEFA tournament ambassador Jack Butland is urging the nation to get behind the Young Lions as England prepares to host the Under-17 European Championship for the first time.

Tickets for the eagerly-awaited tournament, which will be staged across ten match days at six venues in the Midlands and South Yorkshire from Friday 4 May to Sunday 20 May, are now on public sale.

England’s group fixtures will be held at Chesterfield FC on Friday 4 May (KO 1900), Walsall FC on Monday 7 May (KO 1500) and Rotherham United on Thursday 10 May (KO 1900)*. Burton Albion, Loughborough University and St. George’s Park will also stage matches.

Stoke City goalkeeper Butland, a key member of the England side which won the tournament in 2010, believes home support could be key to propelling Steve Cooper’s current crop all the way to the final in Rotherham on Sunday 20 May.

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Gotze are just some of the famous names to have appeared at previous editions of the Under-17 European Championship.

And with tickets starting from just £2 for children and £4 for adults, fans of all ages can watch Europe’s future stars on their doorstep at affordable prices.

Butland, who was named in the 22-man team of the tournament in 2010, said: “The UEFA Under-17 European Championship is a great chance to go and see the stars of tomorrow.

“I have not been lucky enough to play in a home tournament for England so for these young England players to do that, it will be a massive experience and they can really show what they are about.

“With England playing at Walsall, Chesterfield and Rotherham, it is a great chance for fans to go out and support the Young Lions. We have a bright future in this country and these players are at the heart of that.

“There is also going to be plenty of European talent on show in the matches at Loughborough University, St. George’s Park and Burton.”

After the unprecedented success of England’s development teams in 2017 and interest in youth football at an all-time high, these are exciting times for the Young Lions.

England, who also won the title in 2014 and finished runners-up to Spain last year, have qualified automatically as hosts.

The Young Lions will discover their group opponents when the draw for the 16-nation tournament takes place at St. George’s Park on 5 April.

Butland, who was confirmed in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad yesterday for the forthcoming friendlies against Holland and Italy, added: “Winning the Under-17 European Championship eight years ago has been a massive part of my career. It is one of my favourite moments in football.

“We had a great set of talent that year – and we do this year too. For anyone to get to play in this major tournament will be very special.

“From a senior point of view, we want to follow that and show that we are leading the way. It is a great time for English football and it is great to see the young sides doing so well.”

See the stars of tomorrow in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 4-20 May 2018. Visit www.TheFA.com/U17Euro for tickets and further information.

*NOTE – kick-off times are subject to change

Under 17 Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Poppy Cascade Planned for Chesterfield

Knitters and crocheters in Chesterfield are being asked to help mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is planning a poppy cascade from the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall in the week of Armistice Day this November, which will require thousands of knitted, crocheted or felt poppies.

Patterns to create the poppies are available here: Poppy patterns

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Town Hall is an iconic building in Chesterfield and a focal point of the remembrance services held each November so it is only appropriate that we use the building as a backdrop for the poppy cascade to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“All handmade poppies are welcome whether they’re from schools, community groups, arts and crafts groups or individuals. Every poppy will be individual and will join together to create an amazing visual effect which will show our full respect for those who died in the war.”

Poppies can be dropped off at the Town Hall, Rose Hill, or at various points in the town centre.

For more information or collections, contact Rob Nash (01246) 550516 or email mayors.office@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Be part of the Chesterfield community poppy cascade

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

More events coming to town after success of Chesterfield Wheel

Further high-profile events are being planned by Chesterfield Borough Council following the success of the Chesterfield Wheel.

The popular 60-metre ride, which will be open until Mother’s Day on Sunday March 11, has attracted thousands of people to the town and a number of businesses have reported a welcomed increase in footfall and trade.

Chesterfield Observation WheelCouncillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council said:

“The Chesterfield Wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town’s shops and market traders. This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the Medieval Fun Day, which attract large crowds throughout the year. We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.”

“One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.”

“Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance.”

Dom Stevens, manager of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The big wheel has proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months.  We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel is no exception.”

“There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there.

The Chesterfield Observation Wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily until Sunday 11 March.  For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is organised by Chesterfield-based Edge Events and takes place in New Square from Friday May 11 until Sunday May 13.

A range of events are planned between October 11 and November 11 to mark the anniversary of the First World War.

The Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge up and running

An inaugural challenge which will give businesses and families the chance to get involved with the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been officially launched.

Details for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ were revealed at a special Champions Breakfast held by new event partner, Destination Chesterfield – a leading regional place marketing partnership which has pledged its support for the Half Marathon.

Entry into the challenge, which is the best-value way of entering the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Events at £80 in total, includes two entries into each of the event’s three individual elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 5-Mile Run and the one-kilometre Fun Run. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses and families to get involved with what is set to become the region’s biggest mass participation event.

Destination Chesterfield kicked off its partnership with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon by launching a competition to win free entry into one of the 2018 Half Marathon events – with more prizes and competitions in the pipeline.

John Timms, events director at MLS Contracts Ltd, organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted to have Destination Chesterfield on board as sponsor for this year’s Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“As a Chesterfield business, they share countless values with ourselves, headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agency and of course our charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“After the success of last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year’s Half Marathon, and we’re excited about what this new partnership will bring to the 2018 event.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon. It has become an important event in the town’s calendar, helping raise the profile of Chesterfield, bringing people into the town to discover our offering and, crucially, spend money with our retailers and food and drink businesses here.

“It’s also a great example of Chesterfield Champions – Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, Peak FM, Crush Design & Creative and Ashgate Hospicecare – working together for the benefit of not only the town’s profile but for the people who will benefit from the charitable proceeds raised from the event.

“The addition of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get even more people involved in this fantastic event. I speak from experience, having competed every year since the event was launched, and this year will be no different. I am very much looking forward to it.”

This year’s Half Marathon, which is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9:30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Leading estate agency Redbrik will return as headline sponsor for the second year of its five-year sponsorship deal.

New for 2018 is a 5-Mile Run and a Wellbeing Challenge for businesses, community groups and family groups to get involved in. The event schedule will also be bolstered by the return of the one-kilometre Fun Run, which is open to all ages and abilities and takes place within Queen’s Park. Entry is £5.

Entries for the marathon is open, it is simple and easy to sign up. For more information visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Nominate your favourite store in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

The search is on to find Chesterfield’s top shops and traders in the annual 2018 Retail Awards.

Shoppers are invited to vote for their favourite retailers and market stall holders in Chesterfield town centre, on Whittington Moor, Chatsworth Road, Staveley and across the borough until midnight on Sunday 25 March 2018.

Everyone who nominates will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to the black-tie Chesterfield Retail Awards in the heart of Chesterfield on 13 June.

Now in its fifth year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, celebrate the town’s flourishing retail scene.

Chesterfield has a fantastic selection of both independent and major high street stores and its historic market attracts thousands of visitors every year.

In 2016 Chesterfield was identified as one of the UK’s top retail hotspots, highlighting it as an area of potential for investors. Hot on the heels of the report, in 2017 the town welcomed several new businesses including TJ Hughes, Patisserie Valerie and Trespass.

With so many developments underway, including the transformation of the former Co-op store and the creation of Northern Gateway, there’s no better time to recognise and honour the retailers who make the town so special.

Shoppers can nominate across 12 categories in the awards and a panel of professionals will select the winners with the ultimate accolade Retailer of the Year, being selected from the winners of the categories.

Nominations can be for any kind of retailer. It might be a shop, a bakers, a butchers, a market stall, beauty salon or crafter, as long as they trade within the borough of Chesterfield.

Members of the public can place their votes online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate until midnight on Sunday 25 March 2018.

The categories open for nominations in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

  • Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
  • Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
  • Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year
  • Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
  • Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
  • Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
  • Market Trader of the Year
  • Independent Retailer of the Year
  • National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year
  • Market Hall Business of the Year
  • Excellence in Customer Service

New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories.  Applications for these two new awards will open over the next few weeks. The winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards will be announced at the black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 13 June.

In 2018 The Pavements Shopping Centre will also present a trophy to recognise the Best Retailer in the Pavements Shopping Centre voted by shoppers.  All eligible businesses nominated for the Chesterfield Retail Awards will automatically be put forward for this accolade.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards is an excellent opportunity for people to recognise outstanding retailers based in and around Chesterfield; both big and small as well as people and businesses within the sector that are going the extra mile in the realms of customer service and innovation.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Peak FM, Temple Safety, The Pavements Shopping Centre and the University of Derby.

For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

New format for the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has stepped up a gear.

For the first time, the popular awards will be hosted as a glittering black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel.  In previous years the awards have been presented at an afternoon tea.

Up to 200 store owners, retail workers and key figures from the business community are expected to attend the ceremony which is now in its fifth year.

Businesses can also take part in the prestigious event by sponsoring one of the 15 categories. New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories.

Commenting on the change of format, Dom Stevens Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Becoming a sponsor is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the town’s developing retail scene.

“The awards have grown more popular year on year and the clear message is that local businesses are keen for Destination Chesterfield to further promote the quality and diversity of retailers across the town to attract further inward investment.

“With so many developments underway and so many new retailers arriving in Chesterfield, now is an excellent time to raise the profile of the Chesterfield Retail Awards further and we are pleased to be able to host the fifth event as a black tie ceremony.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards so far include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Peak FM, Temple Safety and The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Information about the various sponsorship packages are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Northern Tea - Winner of Chesterfield Retail Awards 2017

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

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