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W.H. 'BILL' CLEMENT O.B.E., M.C., T.D., J.P
Llanelli, Wales & the British Lions, Welsh Rugby Union secretary 1956 - 1981
BILL CLEMENT 1915-2007 A tribute by Alan Hughes L. K. OBRIEN, Chief Cashier at the bank of It was that of W. H Clement, whose written name was printed on every international ticket for over a quarter of a century, in his capacity as Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union.
But what of the man? Bill Clement was born in Llanelli in 1915 during the years of the
first World War, and was educated at the local
county
The outbreak of the second World War saw him Commissioned into the
4th Battalion of the WELCH regiment, with whom he took part
in the D-Day landings in June 1944.
One month later, Clement (Now major) was involved in hand to hand
fighting near
Caen
in
Northern France
, in which all but two of the men in his leading platoon
were either killed or wounded. The action became known as the
‘’battle of the bulge’’. Though wounded himself Clement, with
his men, continued to their objective before inflicting considerable
damage to the enemy positions. For his outstanding qualities of
leadership Clement was awarded the military cross.
Bill Clement was demobilised in 1946 and settled into post war
life as an accountant with Brecon County Council. It ‘’ Twas Autumn and
Sunshine arose on the way to the home of my fathers that welcomed me
back’’ The year 1956 saw him take up the post in
which he became almost without parallel one of rugby's great
administrators.
Under his stewardship Wales were to win nine Championships, three
grand slams, and seven triple crowns, and he played a prominent part in
the re-building of
He was awarded an O.B.E in the new years honours list in 1981. Bill Clement died, aged 91, as
the oldest Welsh International in February 2007. His wife pre-deceased
him and he is survived by his daughter. He had become what after all, is
far more important than being a great rugby player, he was a great rugby
man. The game, its spirit and camaraderie were dear to him and he knew
and cherished the fraternity that exists in rugby as perhaps in no other
sport.
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MEMORABILIA, TIES & PRESENTATION ITEMS
FROM THE BILL CLEMENT COLLECTION
Please find below items of personal memorabilia that belonged to Bill Clement. The majority of items are for sale on the Rugby Relics website. Please CLICK HERE to view the remaining items in the collection. |
QUICK LINKS - BADGES - BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS - CUFFLINKS - KEYRINGS - MEMORABILIA - PERSONAL PRESENTATION ITEMS - PROGRAMMES - TIES - MISC OTHER ITEMS
Bennett's Mighty Men sung by David Alexander, a 7" gramaphone record in pictorial sleeve, signed to the reverse by Welsh international Derek Quinnell, the b side is a version of Myfanwy. |
Rugby Football Union Centenary 1871-1971 limited edition (one of 250) Spode plate in presentation case. The plate is 11" (28cm) in diameter. |
Rugby Football Union Centenary 1871-1971 limited edition (one of 50) Spode bowl in presentation case. The bowl is 10" (25cm) in diameter. |
Argentina Rugby union decorative knife with an Argentina RU badge on the sheaf, size 10.5 inches (26cm) long, in presentation box. |
Tycroes RFC 75th Jubilee 1911 - 1986 plate, 8" (21cm) diameter, the plate is designed and manufactured by M Griffith, Felingwm, Dyfed. |
A limited edition (no 240 of 1000) pair of Welsh Rugby Union Centenary whisky tumblers in a presentation box. |
Swansea RFC Centenary 1873 - 1973 ornamental dragon 5" (12cm) across in, produced for the Swansea v WRU President's XV match with inscription to base. |
Neath Athletic RFC presentation plaque believed to have been awarded to WHC on a visit to the Neath Athletic clubhouse. |
Autographed programmes
CLICK HERE FOR UNSIGNED PROGRAMMES
QUICK LINKS - ARGENTINA - AUSTRALIA - BARBARIANS - ENGLAND - IRELAND - JAPAN - NEW ZEALAND - SOUTH AFRICA - WALES - MISC - UNKNOWN TIES |
INTERNATIONAL TIES AS WORN BY PLAYERS & OFFICIALS
Australian Referee - 6 cm
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A.C.T - 5 cm
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New South Wales - 5.5 cm
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New South Wales - 9 cm |
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Sydney JRU - 12 cm
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Sydney Junior R.U - 11.5 cm
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Australia v Scotland & New Zealand, probably 1992 |
Barbarians - players tie - 8cm | Barbarians Centenary 1990, 8.5cm, excellent condition, | |||
Barbarians v Australia - date unknown - 8 cm
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London Irish? - 7 cm
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Harlequins - 6 cm
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England v Scotland - 7.5 cm
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London Welsh + NDSRFC - possibly a Tour Tie - 10 cm
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Rugby FC - 7 cm |
Ireland R.F.U Centenary 1874-1974 - 10.5 cm
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Leinster Centenary 1879-1979 - 8 cm |
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Leinster R.U - 6.5 cm |
Ulster - 11 cm |
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Irish Wolfhounds - 7cm |
WELSH ACADEMICALS
The Welsh Academicals Rugby Club was established in 1927 in the mining community of Mountain Ash, deep in the Cynon Valley of South Wales. Despite the severe economic depression of the time, great sacrifices were made to allow students to reach their full potential, both academically and also on the rugby field. Aware of the difficulties often faced by university students in playing a high standard of rugby, a school caretaker by the name of Jimmy Austin formed a team of his former pupils and other students, which was christened the 'Welsh Academicals'. At the time, the local Mountain Ash team was a major force in rugby, with Welsh internationals in its line up and a five year unbeaten ground record. But Austin's belief in the ability of the students gave him the courage to challenge the local team to a match that attracted tremendous interest in the area, and to the amazement of all and sundry the students emerged victorious and began a famous tradition in student rugby. For the subsequent 80 seasons the 'Accies', as they have become known, have continued this ethos of providing experiences to Wales' top student rugby players which has assisted their development towards greater honours. information courtesy of Welsh Academicals website www.welshacademicalsrugby.net |
UNKNOWN OR UNSURE
Ireland tie pin by Stratton, boxed, | IRB tie pin, boxed, detached - please see illustration. | |||
Llanelli RFC tie pin, boxed. |
Please click on the above thumbnails to view an article about Bill Clement in the October 1965 edition issue of Rugby World. |
KEYRINGS & MISC MEMORABILIA
Bill Clement (handling paper, neat as rugby balls) |
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Came he whence from Bennettstown, some call it Felinfoel A very fine player long left the field, behind a desk to toil Llanelli, Wales South African Lion, then came an injured knee Fortunately perhaps, for the Welsh RU, the path of Secret'ry A winger most unusual with his manual dexterity Playing on left or right, a splendid sight to see A soldier of distinction, this Major with MC Twice wounded in the conflict, the untold gallantry Now handling all the paperwork, as neat as Rugby balls Always polite and courteous, despite the many calls Thank you Mr Clement, for your application to the task And as for my OWN application - one Ticket all I ask! |
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The above poem appeared in the book 'And The Tanker Spent A Comfortable Night' by Tom Bellion. A book of poems relating to Welsh rugby in the 1970s, illustrated by the legendary Gren. (not part of the Bill Clement collection)
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PERSONAL PRESENTATION ITEMS
Sterling Silver miniature plate inscribed 'Radyr Golf Club Captain's Prize 1962 - presumably awarded to Bill Clement, 5" (12cm) diameter. |
A rugby figurine on a marble base with inscribed plaque "presented to Mr WH Clement O.B.E, T.D., J.P. - secretary Welsh Rugby Union 1956-1981 - by WSRU Junior Group 1981", 13cm high. |
English pewter 'Jefferson cup' inscribed "Welsh Rugby Union Centenary 1980 from Ed Lee, some light scratching throughout. |
One English pewter pint tankard inscribed "WH Clement in appreciation Rugby Writers Club 12th Feb 1981". Some light tarnishing throughout. |
One English pewter pint tankard inscribed "Phoenix Hotels - Runner Up 1988". small dent to the front. |
South African Rugby Board 1981 presentation to Bill Clement. A group of 5 elephants on plith with plaque attached reading 'Bill Clement - thanks for everything - SA Rugby Board 30.4.81. |
8" (20cm) diameter 'hard soldered' salver with 3 feet presented 'To Bill from his friends at Cardiff HSOB 1.5.81. |
A 12" (30cm) presentation salver incsribed "To Bill Clement - To commemorate 25 years secretary W.R.U presented by Alex Stuart, Gower Sports. |
Glamorgan Wanderers presentation salver to Mr WH Clement O.B.E May 1981. A very nice salver of unknown metal , 12" (30cm) in diameter. |
A sterling silver cigarette case inscribed "Presented to Mr WH Clement - Welsh international 1937 by the Llanelly Rugby Supporters Club . |
"The Barbarians" by Nigel Starmer-Smith | ||
A comprehensive history of the Barbarian club from it's origins to 1977. A second hand hardback in very good condition | ||
1st edition 1977 | 240 pages |
"I Was There" by Max Boyce | ||
Poems, stories & songs from the Welsh
Maestro, includes the words to Max Boyce's classics "The Outside half
Factory", Asso Asso Yogoshi", "Hymns & Arias",
"The Incredible Plan", "9 3". Lavishly illustrated
with cartoons by Gren, this book is a classic. If you are Welsh and
this book is not in your library you do not want to spend another minute
without it. A secondhand hardback with illustrated boards in good condition.
SIGNED COPY - "To Bill with all best wishes from Max" |
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1st Edition: 1979 | Pages: 92 |
"Rugby Football" by DR Gent | ||
The second book by Gloucester & England scrum half Dai Gent, although also called "Rugby Football" as is his 1922 book this is a not an updated version or a reprint, it is a completely different book. It's still mostly coaching, but it also draws on the reminiscences of Gent's playing career in more detail, a second-hand hardback without dust wrapper. | ||
This edition: 1933 | Pages: 224 |
"Rugby" - a Hamlet Sports Special | ||
A look at rugby history, the players and the teams, an informative read, a second-hand paperback in good condition | ||
1st Edition: 1982 | Pages: 96 |
"Rugby - A Way of Life" by Smith-Starmer | ||
large format - illustrated history of rugby, a second-hand paperback with dust wrapper in good condition | ||
1st Edition: 1987 | Pages: 112 |
"Best Rugby Stories" by Wallace Reyburn | ||
a second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good condition | ||
1st Edition: 1968 | Pages: 173 |
"Lions At Bay" by JBG Thomas - very rare post tour book of the 1966 Lions tour. some light wear to the dust wrapper. SIGNED COPY - "To WHC - best wishes - sincerely - JBG - Cardiff Dec 1966" |
"Lions Down Under" published immediately after the tour, this is the account of the tour by John Reason, the rugby correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. |
Phil BENNETT Wales & British Lions |
"Everywhere for Wales" - An Autobiography with Martyn Williams |
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Great Welsh fly half, captain of the
1977 Lions. A second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good
condition.
SIGNED COPY "Best Wishes - Phil Bennett" |
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1st Edition 1981 | Pages 176 |
Gerald DAVIES Wales & British Lions |
"An Autobiography" Wales & Lions winger |
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Legendary Welsh wing who scored a
record number of tries. A second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good
condition -
WH Clement signature and address on inside page |
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1st Edition 1979 | Pages 160 |
Willie John McBRIDE Ireland & British Lions |
"Willie John" by Edmund Van Esbek |
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Ireland and British Lions (1974)
captain. One of the greatest players of all time, a second-hand hardback without
a dust wrapper.
SIGNED COPY "To Welsh RFU - Best Wishes Willie John McBride" |
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1st Edition 1976 | Pages 160 |
JBG THOMAS Journalist |
"Rugger in the Blood" - autobiography of JBG Thomas |
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memoirs of leading
Welsh journalist, a second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good
condition.
SIGNED COPY "To Bill and Madge - in appreciation of 30 years of friendship on and off the field - sincerely Bryn - Cardiff 1986" also signed to title page "JBG Thomas" |
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1st Edition 1985 | Pages 256 |
"Heard in the Scrum" edited by Robert Anderson |
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second-hand hardback with light damage to edges of the dust wrapper | ||
1st edition 1964 | pages 120 |
"Even Courser Rugby" by Michael Green |
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Follow up to the popular "Art of Course Rugby" by the same author, a second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good condition | ||
1st Edition: 1963 | Pages: 120 |
"Boots Balls and Banter" edited by David Parry-Jones |
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A collection of amusing rugby stories. Illustrated by Gren. A secondhand hardback . | ||
published in 1982 | Pages: 88 |
"The Wit of Rugby" by LHW Paine |
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Humorous quotes and stories from rugby history, a second-hand hardback with dust wrapper in good condition, includes 5 small cards containing handwritten notes for speeches. | ||
1st Edition: 1972 | Pages: 95 |
Western Mail / WOS & SW Echo - 1999 rugby World Cup pre tournament guide, a large format 80 page publication, |
Wales 2000 - a Western Mail publication looking into the new millennium, an interesting look at the state of the nation, 34 pages. |
WRU Centenary - Max Boyce concert | |
Held at the New Theatre in Cardiff on the 6th December 1980 the proceeds of this concert were in aid of the 'WRU Charitable Trust Centenary Appeal'. The trust was first constituted in 1972, it's aims are wide ranging but the priorities are to give benefit to players who have been injured and to develop the game amongst the young people of Wales. The concert itself, compered by the great Cliff Morgan, described as 'outside-half mecurial, included the St Alban's band, made famous by Max, 'Tuxedo Bay' a group of BBC TV and radio personalities, CliffJones the clog dancer and of course Max Boyce himself, described as 'outside half - failed' Part of the World Rugby Museum collection is Bill Clement's programme for this concert signed to the front cover 'I Was There' - Max Boyce. The 32 page brochure is a celebration of the work of Max and includes some great stories, biographical information and photos. it is contained within a WRU Charitable Trust folder overprinted with concert and trust information. (WRM-0741) CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WORLD RUGBY MUSEUM HOMEPAGE
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Lampeter Olde Campaigners 170th Anniversary Banquet, a Charles Glassware printed glass with illustration and info on the front plus banquet speaker information and menu on reverse. with makers label. |
1991 Rugby World Cup Bordeaux wine bottle (empty) includes the badges of competing nations (2 available). |
Welsh Rugby Union Centenary tea towel featuring a scene from Wales v NZ 1905 and dates of Triple Crown and Grand Slam years, , as new, unused. |
England - Rugby Football Union Centenary tea towel featuring badges of counties and the fouding clubs , as new, unused. |
Welsh Rugby Union centenary scarf 1981 designed and made for the Welsh Rugby Union by isla Gladstone prints, as new, in original packaging. |
A miniature ball produced for the Llanelli v NZ 1972 victory 25th anniversary banquet, printed on 4 panels, . |
Size 3 leather football, hand sewn, made in Pakistan, origin unknown, it is not known if the ball inflates. |
Football Association of Wales centenary giftware by Weatherby, 5" (13cm) in diameter, in original presentation box, . |
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES
1991 RWC
Australia v Argentina
excellent condition |
Wales v Argentina
excellent condition |
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Wales v Australia
excellent condition |
Wales v Samoa
excellent condition |
1999 RWC
Wales v
Argentina
excellent condition |
Wales v Japan
excellent condition |
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Wales v Samoa
excellent condition |
Wales v Australia - quarter final
excellent condition |
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Australia v France, Final
excellent |
TOUR PROGRAMMES
CUP FINAL PROGRAMMES
MISC PROGRAMMES
MIDDLESEX SEVENS
Llanelli are the Greatest - by W.H Clement
It is perhaps appropriate that in this period of count-down to the day when I shall ultimately withdraw from active official association with Rugby Union Football, I should turn my thoughts to how it all started and inevitably Stradey Park and Llanelli R.F.C will loom large in those thoughts. Living as I did within hearing distance of Stradey Park, and having attended Old Road School and then Llanelli County School, as it then was, it was inevitable that an intense interest in Rugby Football would follow. Fed by tales of the stirring exploits of such great ones as Albert Jenkins, Ivor Jones, Ernie Finch, Dai John, Watcyn Thomas, and a host of others, my appetite for the Scarlets became insatiable, and my wish to one day wear the colours of Llanelli R.F.C became a burning ambition - one could almost call it an obsession. Following a highly satisfactory apprenticeship at school and subsequently with Felinfoel R.F.C, who at that time fielded an entire half-back and threequarter line made up of ex-Llanelli County Schoolboys, the magic moment arrived with an invitation to play for Llanelli R.F.C in a missionary game at Penclawdd in early October, 1934. Thus started for me an unforgettable period of five years as a ''Scarlet'', a period which ended abruptly in September, 1939, with the outbreak of the 1939-45 war. The five years playing association with Llanelli were five happy years, packed with incidents of fun, humour, emotion, frustration, triumph and, sometimes dejection. To recount even a small fraction of such incidents would take far more space than this article would allow. I will be content to recount two, both involving games against Swansea R.F.C, ''the All Whites'', and both played at St. Helens. My first experience of top-class club rugby came with selection for the Scarlets to play against Swansea at St. Helens on a Thursday evening in late October. Only those who have experienced it can really describe the thrill of seeing my name on the team sheet displayed in the window of the Salutation Hotel on the day following team selection. I was thrilled, yet apprehensive, fully conscious that I would be opposite a flier in Harold Powell, a serious contender for international honours. I was also very much aware that at that time Swansea had a 100 per cent success record. The result, now a matter of history, was a triumph for the Scarlets and the personal satisfaction of two tries made possible by some immaculate timing passes by Bill (W.J) Thomas. Another occasion involving a game against Swansea at St. Helens was far from pleasant. It was a game which, to say the least, was over-vigorous, in which there were some ugly incidents and which culminated in the cancellation of fixtures between Llanelli and Swansea. During the game, my immediate opponent, again Harold Powell, was injured and withdrew from the game. No replacements were permitted in those days and Joe White was withdrawn from the Swansea pack to fill the gap. I was terrified. Joe was one of the famous or notorious - depending on whether you were a Swansea or another club member - trio of White brothers, not renowned for their gentle approach. A little touch-line fracas erupted in which Joe played a prominent part and was laid out in the process. The referee, Mr. Fred Phillips of Pontarddulais, I believe, ordered Joe from the field, but he was unconscious and so was carried off by his colleagues. That is the first and only time I can remember when a sent-off player left the field in a horizontal position! To return to Stradey Park. What a transformation from the pre-war period. What a monument to the far-sightedness of the administrators who acquired the freehold of a vast acreage of the Stradey estate for the everlasting benefit of Llanelli R.F.C. Contrast the present facilities with those of the 1930's - a communal bath plus one small shower point. It was a race to get into the bath early as late-comers emerged dirtier than they went in! Reception and refreshment facilities par excellence compared with none pre-war. Tours to such places as South Africa, Canada, America, etc. are the rule rather than the exception. Pre-war, a fixture which required an over-night stay was regarded as a tour! For all the improvements, however, I venture to warrant that no-one could possibly enjoy more fun than I enjoyed playing for Llanelli R.F.C. in those far off days of the 1930's. And what of those whose company I shared as contemporaries? To name them all would be impossible, but one cannot omit Elvet Jones, a life-long friend and now President of the Club, with whom I spent many a training session plodding around Stradey in the darkness or, when limited lighting was introduced for training purposes, in semi-darkness, and with whom I toured South Africa as a member of the Lions in 1938. Bryn Evans, the ace of hookers now sadly passed on, an erudite conversationalist who emitted a grunt or two to prove his point. Ivor Jones, still going strong and still regarded with awe in New Zealand following his outstanding displays as a member of the 1930 Lions team. W.R.J (Reg) Jones, immaculately groomed, with his slick, well-brushed and brylcreamed black hair. D.L Thomas, a five-foot-nothing youngster from LLandovery College with quick-silver feet and the heart of a lion. Gwyn Treharne, J.R Thomas, Fred Rees, Will Williams, Gibbs Davies, Emlyn Hughews (Uncle of Emlyn Hughes of Liverpool and England soccer frame), Emrys Evans, Fred Morgan, Jim and Will Lang, and on and on, a never-ending list. Special mention must be made of Glyn Elias, a product of Pontyberem with whom I struck up a highly successful left flank partnership and who, I was convinced, was destined for higher honours had he not taken the plunge and sought his fortune up North. And so the reminiscing could go on indefinitely. Time and space decree otherwise, however, and it only remains for me now to repeat the obvious. Llanelli R.F.C and Stradey Park occupy a very special place in my life and for me rank as the greatest Rugby Club and club ground anywhere in the world. As an ex-Scarlet, what else can I say? reproduced from the Llanelli RFC booklet 'Into the Eighties'
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Bill Clement toured South Africa with the
1938 British Lions.
to view information on this tour and the photos and memorabilia of Jim Unwin, one of Bill's fellow wings. |
Thank you for visiting this page. If you are able to contribute any
other stories, photos or
information to this page, please CLICK
HERE
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Acknowledgements Alan Hughes www.sport-wales.com Dai Richards (World Rugby Museum), Dale Thomas, Martin Naughton, Katie Lester, Simon Thomas, |
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