Poetry, prose & birdsong at Petersfield

Karen Neville

Surrey

A world of discovery awaits at the Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024 focussing on the themes of nature and birdsong

Petersfield Museum is celebrating the life and work of Edward Thomas at the Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024 from October 3rd to 12th.

This year’s festival promises to immerse participants in the beauty and power of poetry, with a special focus on the themes of nature and birdsong. Whether a long-term lover of poetry and Edward Thomas, or new to the wonderful world of words, there is something for everyone.

Attracted by the landscape and the South Downs, Thomas and his family lived in Steep, near Petersfield for 10 years, from 1906.

Known during his lifetime as a critic, essayist and writer of books about the countryside, Thomas moved towards writing his own poetry in late 1914, initially publishing under the name Edward Eastaway. Before he saw his poetry in print under his own name, he was killed at the Battle of Arras on Easter Monday 1917. Since then, Thomas’s reputation as a poet has increased greatly and his posthumous influence on the development of English verse has been widely recognised.

Edward Thomas Literary Festival Highlights:

Family Creative Workshops: Fun and engaging activities designed to inspire young poets and their families including on Saturday 5th when you can create your own artwork ‘inspired by the word’.

Poetry Readings and Performances: Enjoy live readings and performances by renowned poets.

Open Mic Night: Share your own poetry or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere.

Adult Workshops: Deepen your understanding and craft with expert-led sessions. Join poet Isobel Dixon and artist Douglas Robertson for a lively poetry-art workshop inspired by nature and nature-loving creators over the centuries on Friday 4th.

Talks and Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations about poetry, nature, and Edward Thomas’s influence. Enjoy The Spirit of the Song, a talk by Sean Street on 4th, The Notes that Did So Haunt Me – Birdsong, Song and Sound in Edward Thomas’s Poetry with Edna Longley on 5th and Andrew Motion and Alice Oswald in conversation on 12th.

You can also join a walk on 6th of around five miles through the landscape of Edward Thomas, culminating at his memorial The Poets Stone.

For tickets please see the full list of events to book, visit Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024: Poetry, Prose and Birdsong | Petersfield Museum


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Early bird rates for Santa run

Karen Neville

Surrey

Image by: Paul Fitchett Images

Join the Santa Fun Run in Farnborough on Sunday, 1st December and raise vital funds for Phyllis Tuckwell

Sign up now at the Early Bird rate for Phyllis Tuckwell’s Santa Fun Run and get sponsored to walk, run, jog, hop, skip and support local hospice care.

This festive fun run will take place at 11am, at The Wavell School, Farnborough. It’s a great way to get the whole family or a group of friends together over the festive season, and you can even bring along your four-legged friend – dogs are welcome on a lead. If you sign up now, you’ll take advantage of the Early Bird registration fees (until October 31st) of ÂŁ12 for adults and ÂŁ5 for children (age 14 and under). Registration includes a Santa suit for adults or reindeer antlers for children.

All the money you raise in sponsorship will go towards helping local charity Phyllis Tuckwell provides its vital care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer – so please do try to raise as much as you can!

The route covers two laps of Queen’s Avenue playing fields, a total of approx 5k, but you can do just one – everyone who takes part will receive a medal and you can complete it at your own pace – running, jogging, walking or even hop, skip and jumping your way round!

“Our Santa Fun Run is always a really enjoyable event, and it raises such important funds to help support our case,” said Fiona Chapman, events fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell. “We would like to say a big thank you to The Wavell School for hosting it once again and to Vale Furnishers for kindly sponsoring the event.”

Sign up now at Santa Fun Run | Phyllis Tuckwell (pth.org.uk) and pop this fun festive date in your diary!


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Half-term horrors

Karen Neville

Surrey

There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

From glorious autumn colour to Halloween fun, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy at a National Trust place near you this autumn. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours at Winkworth Arboretum. soak up the far-reaching views at Leith Hill and Hindhead Commons and bring the little ones for spooky fun at Hatchlands Park and Claremont Landscape Garden.

There’s spine tingling spooky fun to be had at Hatchlands Park with a pumpkin hunt in the garden for younger ones and spooky fun in the house. You can also follow a Halloween themed trail at Hindhead Common.

Join a spooktacular fun run at Dapdune Wharf on Saturday 26th and test your fitness as darkness falls in a 2k run around the haunted wharf and island. Dressing up encouraged. £5 per runner. Booking essential. Visit River Wey & Godalming Navigations │ Surrey | National Trust. You can also explore the stars and space at the wharf, make a mini rocket and create your own constellation.

Help Sarah the Spider find her boots the mischievous mice have hidden at Winkworth Arboretum, Oct 19th-Nov 3rd. Based on the Sarah the Spider children’s books by Hilary Robinson. Find eight activity stations themed around friendship and a very friendly spider who loves to dance.

Conjure up some spooks and spells and get those cauldrons bubbling at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday 29th at a Halloween themed workshop for 5-7 year olds. Book at Spooks and Spells 5-7yrs | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (yvonne-arnaud.co.uk)

Celebrate pumpkin week at Secretts Farm, Milford, October 19th & 20th and 25th to 30th. Dress to impress in the Halloween costume competition and try the pumpkin-themed menu.

Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at the festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham’s October Craft Month, the event, October 12th & 13th, champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With hand-picked exhibitors, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and bookable workshops. More at festival of crafts | Farnham Maltings

October is a wonderful time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens; perfect for autumnal walks, fascinating exhibitions and the cafĂ© is open to all, with a great array of hot drinks and gorgeous cakes. Plus this October Gilbert White’s House has a packed half term schedule with a pumpkin trail around the garden, owl themed twilight tales for the little ones, craft and story telling. To see everything that is on offer visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Take your ghouls and goblins to The Otter Nursery, Murray Road, Ottershaw from October 21st to November 1st and join the thrilling word hunt. It’s free and everyone gets to take home a prize. There’ll also be pumpkins available!


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Surrey Artist of the Year

Karen Neville

Surrey

The New Ashgate Gallery is celebrating the rich tapestry of Surrey’s artistic talent at the Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 – vote and be part of the journey to crowning the winner

Surrey Artist of the Year is a celebration of the wealth of talent and creativity that exists in the county and you can have your say in bestowing the titular honour.

Presented in collaboration between the New Ashgate Gallery and Surrey Artists Open Studios, this annual event has been showcasing the exceptional talent of local artists since 2009. From intricate designs to bold expressions, discover a rich array of artwork spanning mediums such as painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, glass, and paper art.

The exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery runs until November 9th but you have the chance to get involved, see the artwork firsthand and cast your vote in person at the gallery until October 25th when Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 will be revealed.

The 17 artists competing for this year’s prize of a bursary of £1,000 and a solo exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery are:

v             Simran Ahira, Woking: Day and Night, mixed media painting
v             Tracey Jane Cooper, Reigate: Ocean Jewels, mixed media painting
v             Sarah Cox, Guildford: Swoop and Swirl, painting
v             Diana Croft, Dorking: Monet’s Garden, printmaking
v             Liz Hauck, Horley: Blue Velvet, painting
v             Alison Hunt, Hindhead: Copper Mist, painting
v             Richard Jack, Farnham: Mixed Emotions, sculpture
v             Jennifer Jokhoo, Redhill: Midsummer, printmaking
v             Rosalinda Kightley, Guildford: Orange Nasturtium, painting/printmaking
v             Claire Kent, Dorking: Precipice View, textiles
v             Colette Moscati, Farnham: The Flashes, painting
v             Peg Morris, Gomshall: Sassuolo Enfilade, printmaking
v             Julie Patton, Horley: In Coming Tide, enamel/ceramics
v             Philip Ryland, Farnham: Glitterball, painting
v             Sarah Rawlins, East Horsley: Positive Energy Scarf, textiles/painting
v             Julia Stockwell-Hamid, Ockley: Silver Rain I, painting/jewellery/sculpture
v             Chantelle Watson, Shamley Green: The Journey – Pitch Hill, Surrey, painting

As part of the commitment to fostering creativity within the community, they’re offering free family workshops during the October half-term on the 29th and 30th. Join the paper crafts and cardmaking led by Lucy Dorothy Nichols, the 2023 winner, alongside artist Kate Kennington Steer from the DAiSY network.

This year’s exhibition coincides with October Craft Month in Farnham, a celebration of craft and making that brings together artists, makers, and enthusiasts from all over the region. October Craft Month will feature a series of events, workshops, and exhibitions designed to inspire and engage the community in the joy of handmade crafts.

Lucy Dorothy Nichols, Surrey’s Artist of the Year 2023, returns for a simultaneous One Year On exhibition in the New Ashgate Gallery. The collection of works by the paper artist celebrates the joy of storytelling. But it isn’t a collection celebrating your average story… This is a world where stories that seem impossible to believe are perfectly plausible, a world where dreams and reality are delicately intertwined.

Taking titles from the Observer Pocket Book series as her starting point, Lucy has disregarded the wealth of interesting facts and figures contained within the pages of those well-loved, little reference books and instead conjured up a series of intricate paper sculptures which turn those facts and figures upside down. Stories, created from treasured papers, old envelopes, discarded wrapping paper and even the odd chocolate bar wrapper, now spill out from between the pages of these colourful little books. There are tales of shops selling musical notes by the jar, of marvellously magical rainbow-making machines, and if you look up, you’ll be able to wonder at skies full of birds laden down with bags, all flying off on their latest adventure. Pictured top right is Mozart and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

New Ashgate Gallery director, Dr Outi Remes says: “The Surrey Artist of the Year competition is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that thrives within our community. We are proud to support and showcase these artists, providing them with a platform to share their work and inspire others.”

Sadly Richard Jack, shortlisted for the Surrey Artist of the Year 2024, has recently passed away. At the request of his family, his artwork, Mixed Emotions, will still be part of the exhibition as a tribute to his talent and contribution to the arts community. The New Ashgate Gallery extends its condolences to his family and honours his enduring legacy.


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Take off on Twilight Runway Challenge

Karen Neville

Surrey

The 2024 Twilight Runway Challenge is cleared for take off, book your place and help boost local charities with the Community Matters Partnership

Run, walk, cycle, scoot or skateboard along the strip at Blackbushe Airport and help raise funds for a local charity or school in the Twilight Runway Challenge.

The fun, family-friendly event which is the flagship event of the year for the Community Matters Partnership takes place on Saturday, 21st September and is open for entries.

It attracts a wide variety of participants, from people looking to get fit, beating a personal best, taking part in fancy dress or having fun with friends, family or colleagues and it’s up to you how you get round the course with the choice of taking on a 3km, 5km or 10km route.

You also have the option to take part and raise vital funds for a local charity or school of CMP’s choice. Simply choose the cause, set up an online fundraising page and share it with friends, family and colleagues. There are already a variety to support including Aerobility which offers disabled adults the opportunity to fly a plane, The Zone which supports families living with autism and arts for wellbeing charity Creative Response among many more. For the full list of those you can support visit Twilight Runway Challenge.

CMP works to connect businesses with community enabling them to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility and commitment to social good.

Simon Jarvis, CEO of CMPP, said: “CMPP is all about community and collaboration, and our Twilight Runway Challenge embodies this. We are proud that this flagship fundraising event helps to raise vital funds for charities across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Last year the event helped to raise over ÂŁ39,000 for local charitable causes and we are hoping to raise even more this year.”

The Twilight Runway Challenge is a unique opportunity for the community to get together, have fun and raise funds for local causes.

CMP would like to thank Blackbushe Airport for their support in hosting the annual Twilight Runway Challenge for the third time.

Gates open at 4pm, with the start at 5.15pm. All Challengers receive a finisher’s medal (wooden). To find out more and enter visit Twilight Run Challenge 2024 | Home (twilightchallenge.co.uk)


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Food, glorious Haslemere Food Festival

Karen Neville

Surrey

Mouthwatering morsels and delicious drinks will surround you at Haslemere Food Festival. Taste and sip on a variety of treats as Adaleigh Buckrell tells us

Haslemere’s annual Food Festival, a delicious celebration of locally made delicacies will tempt foodies to Lion Green on September 21st.

With free entry to enjoy the mouth-watering food and drink of producers and providers from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, there’s plenty to enjoy and tuck into from 10am to 4pm. From cured meat, to shortbread and baked goods, to cheese, pies and gourmet condiments, the variety of culinary treats available in the local area is impressive. This is showcased by the diverse choice of stalls on offer at the festival.

Take the opportunity to sample the tasty bites before you buy, and purchase a glass of your favourite beer, gin or wine as a prelude to the bottle you take home. Whether you are in the mood for sumptuous burgers and tacos, moreish Thai or Sicilian street food, or a burrito (of which there are vegan and veggie friendly options), you won’t have to look far for a lunch to devour on the grassy green.

A drop from the pop-up Prosecco bar or a scoop of ice cream would be the perfect refreshment to accompany the live music played by bands from Haslemere and the surrounding towns. As you recline on your rugs around the stage, the kids will be entertained by the blow up obstacle courses, slide and other fun activities, or distracted by the pick ‘n’ mix stand. Not only will you be supporting local businesses by coming along to the festival, but it is a great day out that brings the community together.

Even your dog will be excited by the special pet biscuits stall. The Surrey Wildlife Trust will also be in attendance to provide yummy snacks to leave out for the hungry creatures in our gardens – hopefully they have not eaten the tomato plants being grown by school children in the area. The fruits of their labour will be judged by the town mayor at the festival and prizes given out.

The festivities are organised by a committee of volunteers who give up their time to ensure everyone can appreciate the delectable, high-quality products that are created by award-winning suppliers in and around Haslemere.

Make sure to pop by before they are sold out!

There are plenty of car parks nearby and the festival really caters for all! Email enquiries to [email protected] and follow @haslemerefoodfestival on Facebook for updates.


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Become a nature sleuth with SWT

Karen Neville

Surrey

Image by: Danny Green

Get a free Wildlife Recording Kit and monitor local green spaces

Want to know what wildlife might be making its home on ground you own, manage or work on with a community group?

Help is at hand thanks to Surrey Wildlife Trust’s new Wildlife Recording Kits – boxes filled with surveying equipment to help community groups undertake species monitoring on sites from gardens and recreation grounds to local woodland.

The kits are available free of charge from Guildford and Godalming Libraries and directly from the Trust’s head office in Pirbright, and can be reserved for one or two weeks at a time.

Image by: Jon Hawkins

With one-third of local species in trouble, Surrey Wildlife Trust is on a mission to encourage more people to take action to protect and provide homes for native plants and animals – and these kits will help people identify what wildlife, from minibeasts to moths to small mammals, is present, enabling them to make better informed land management decisions to benefit nature. Actions could include putting up signage to encourage people not to walk on wildflowers, installing bird feeders filled with suitable food for a particular species, installing bat boxes, planting hedgerows to support butterflies and moths or creating ponds for newts.

The Trust currently has the following equipment available:

• Bat kit including high-viz jackets for working at night, a bat detector and call frequency guide.

• Pond kit including nets, trays for specimens and identification guides for a range of species.

• Minibeasts kit including magnifying pots, equipment for handling specimens and ID guides.

• Small mammals kit including footprint tunnels and plates, feeding kit and ‘tracks and signs’ ID guide.

• Soil kit with a corer and tester kit to establish soil chemistry.

• Plant kit including quadrats, magnifiers and ID guides for a huge range of local native flora.

• For those with a cinematic bent, a trail camera kit is also available. This can be set up to record badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, birds, mice and other creatures that might visit when you are not present.

Once people have completed their surveys, the Trust is encouraging users to report their findings to the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) to help it gain important information on the distribution and abundance of species and habitats across the county.

SWT’s Community Engagement Manager Claire Harris says: “You don’t have to be a professional to contribute to science and conversation. SWT is proud to work with a broad range of community organisations across the county, but we want even more people to get involved in mapping, understanding and restoring the natural world. It’s great the local Libraries of Things are working with us to help people find out more about what lives on their doorsteps. If we all play our part, we can open minds, transform local areas and ultimately create a much wilder environment for everyone to enjoy.”

More information about how to book kit, and the equipment hire agreement is at Wildlife Recording Kits | Surrey Wildlife Trust

SWT also runs courses that enable people to learn more about species and habitats in Surrey. Any adult can register to attend here. The Trust also offers a limited number of FREE places to Surrey-based community groups, who are signed up to its Wilder Communities programme.


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Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts

Karen Neville

Surrey

Be inspired by the talented members of Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts and vote for your favourite at the annual exhibition on September 13th & 14th at High Cross Church

Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts is getting ready for its annual exhibition, the main event of the society which was formed in 1961.

FCSA are a friendly group of amateur and professional artists of all abilities and interests who meet to paint together every second Friday of the year.

Members enjoy a varied programme of events including workshops and demonstrations from visiting professional artists as well as meeting regularly to paint together every second Friday of the year.

Members enjoy a varied programme of events including workshops and demonstrations from visiting professional artists as well as meeting regularly to paint and enjoy each other’s company. Members are given several opportunities to exhibit their paintings during the year culminating with the annual exhibition.

This year’s event will be opened at a reception by the Mayor of Surrey Heath on Thursday, 12th September who will present prizes to winning artists (entry by invitation only). Invitations are available from a member of the committee at Contacts (fcsaonline.org.uk) or from the office at High Cross Church. The reception will include a glass of Pimm’s and the chance to view the paintings displayed in several rooms at the exhibition.

There are several prizes to be won under different categories. The prize for the best watercolour/mixed media painting is called the Winsland Prize which has been generously donated by Leonie McGuigan for many years. The best oil/acrylic painting will be awarded the Graham Scandrett Memorial Prize in memory of the past President of the Society. The Valerie Brooks Pastel Trophy is awarded for the best pastel painting in the exhibition. There is also the ever-popular themed competition which this year is entitled Action. Last year the subject was Old & New and the winning painting was Lesley Kilner’s St Paul’s from New Change Street.

Everyone who visits the exhibition is invited to vote for their favourite painting. At the end of the exhibition all the votes are counted and the winning artist will receive The Seward Memorial Trophy which has also come to be known as The People’s Prize. This is presented at the AGM in February by the President and well-known local professional artist Liz Seward. Lesley Kilner’s painting won this trophy too.

For more information about future events and if you are interested in membership please see the website fcsaonline.org.uk


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Surrey Hills Wood Fair

Karen Neville

Surrey

Discover traditional woodcrafts, be inspired by master craftspeople and enjoy an immersive day out in the woods at Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 in Cranleigh this month

The much-anticipated 14th annual Surrey Hills Wood Fair promises to be the biggest and best celebration yet where you can discover traditional woodcrafts and new attractions.

Renowned for its unique blend of nature, activities, culture, and community, it is gearing up to offer an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike on September 7th and 8th.

Marvel at the traditional craftsmanship in the new woodworkers’ village with a group of highly skilled wood workers from the Surrey Sussex coppice workers. Step back in time with the authentic medieval village enactment, and be captivated by thrilling displays and demonstrations in the new action-packed arena including jaw dropping displays from The Adams Axemen.

The fair at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, is the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect with nature and each other. With 90+ stalls featuring local wood, artisans, crafts, delicious food and drink, and a host of free activities, there is something for everyone.

Children can enjoy hands-on experiences such as willow weaving, driving a digger, axe throwing, tree climbing, and exploring the forest school’s mud kitchen. Parents can relax and take in the lively music and entertainment throughout the day or have a go at rock climbing, mountain biking or more relaxing mindfulness walks in the woods.

This event is not just about fun; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Support local artisans and learn about traditional woodcraft techniques, sustainable forestry, and the importance of environment conservation. Witness the majestic Shire horses in action pulling carts and logs and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Enjoy live music and entertainment from local musicians and savour a delicious selection of Surrey Hills’ food and drink, including sustainably made beer, local rum or gin, freshly ground coffee, tempting ice cream, and handmade chocolate or fudge. Culinary delights range from African stews to Scandinavian dishes and freshly made pizza.

Tickets are excellent value, with advance tickets priced at ÂŁ12.50 and ÂŁ15 on the day. Best of all, children under 16 can attend for free, making it an affordable and memorable family outing. Free parking is available on-site, and friendly dogs on leads are welcome.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the celebration of nature, community and craftsmanship, visit Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 – Surrey Hills National Landscape


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A real quacker in Godalming

Round & About

Surrey

The great Godalming duck race and fair takes place along the river Wey on Saturday, 7th September, one of the traditional ways the Rotary clubs in Godalming raise funds for Rotary causes

Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t deceiving you if you see 300 yellow plastic ducks floating along the Wey, it’s just the annual Rotary duck race down the river.

Each ticket sold buys a duck for one race, provides entertainment for the ticket folder, money for charity and may even win you some money!

Rotary members are selling tickets in local pubs now and they will also be available at the Richmond Arms and the Sun Inn in Godalming town centre and at Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station.

There will be a fun fair, a bar and stalls and food outlets from 11am until 3.30pm and the first duck race will start at noon, with heats every 20 minutes from then until the Grand Final for all the heat winners. Heat winners will win ÂŁ20 with prizes of ÂŁ250, ÂŁ100 and ÂŁ50 for the first three places in the Grand Final.

Following the Duck Races, there is a musical evening of Proms In The Park between 5pm and 7pm. The fun fair together with the bar and many of the stalls and food outlets will remain onsite until the end of the Proms In The Park.

We are very grateful to the directors of Seymours estate agents for their continued support of Rotary’s events this year.

Rotary has flourished in Godalming for more than 80 years and the community work of the Rotary Clubs is an integral part of life in the town. Rotary in Godalming welcome men and women who share the same common desire to do something worthwhile in the community, with a priority being community service and the support of local charities.

During the past few years Rotary in Godalming have raised and donated over ÂŁ125,000 / ÂŁ150,000 most notable locally to Godalming foodbank; the Godalming Community store; Phyllis Tuckwell; Skillway; ShelterBox and Broadwater Youth Centre’s wellbeing garden project.

More recently, Rotary clubs across Surrey and Sussex have partnered with Royal Surrey hospital to transform cancer care across Surrey, Sussex and beyond. The Cut Out Cancer campaign aims to raise funds for crucial high-tech equipment to allow more accurate surgeries to take place and improve recovery times for patients.

Rotary in Godalming also supports vital humanitarian work including Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Thanks to Rotary’s eradication work there are only 34 new cases of Polio reported this year, and we are ‘this close’ to total eradication.

For more information on the above and other Rotary activities, please visit their website Rotary Club of Godalming – welcome. (rotary-ribi.org)


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