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Tag Archives: Brownhills local history
Unexpected development in bagging area – Aldi buy Ravens Court
Well, this is the news I though I’d never share: 12 years after my first article here about Ravens Court and the then promise of Tesco’s new gold dream that crumbled to dust, it turns out bargain supermarket chain Aldi … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 215 Notice, Blofeld, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Compulsory purchase, Derelict, Events, Facebook, John Bird, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, sympathy, Tesco, Tesco Development, teve Wade, Vandalism, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Music without peer…
What seems like an age ago, but in fact was only in 2019, I featured an article here about the Brownhills Co-Operative Society Orchestra. It was a surprisingly popular post for what I, at the time, foolishly considered a slightly … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, Local History, Master, Staffordshire, Things to do
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May I make a correction?
An interesting mail winged its way in here a couple of weeks ago from longstanding reader Keith Jemison-Mills who was a pupil at Ogley Hay School and featured in a couple of the wonderful May Day celebration photos we’ve featured … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
2 Comments
90 years ago today: The Grove Pit Disaster
Ninety years ago today, the 1st October 1930, an underground blast killed 14 men working in a coal mine, The Grove Colliery, underneath Brownhills Common. Ten of those lost souls are buried in the Churchyard of St James, Brownhills, in … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Alan Paul, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills mining disater, Chasewaterstuff, colliers, Grove Colliery, Grove pit, local blogs, Local History, Mine disaster, miners, Staffordshire, The men below, Wyrley common, Wyrley Grove
4 Comments
Brownhills Central School: A 1930s mix?
A real treat here today for folks interested in Brownhills Central School and the history of education and schools in Brownhills, and a great addition to the tranche of photos from the same school some decades later sent in by Margaret … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Central, Class photo, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, School, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
All aboard – for the reopening of a local treasure!
I’m pleased to be able to gradually announce the reopening of local attractions and facilities as they happen, following closures for the pandemic response – and how strange it is to type that even still! One of the most welcome … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, open day, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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A coin of some value
A great spot on eBay here for folks into local church history. Most of you will know that Walsall Wood Church of St John is older than Brownhills, which was ex-parochial until St James’ was constructed in 1850. Walsall Wood … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged A short History. Jenny Langford, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, history, Local History, St James, St John, Staffordshire, The parish church of Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Some very sad news, yet another fine man has left us – but he left us a puzzle to be going on with
Today, after a week of chaos and bad health, I have finally picked up the reigns of the blog again to catch up. Now nearing full speed again, I’m actually rested and recovering, so welcome back folks – let’s try … Continue reading
Buses by Night 2020 – a great local event on this Saturday!
This Saturday afternoon and evening (7th March 2020) there’s a great, innovative event taking place at Aldridge Transport Museum just off Northgate – Buses by Night, which is your chance to ride on some great old vehicles and see the local sights … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, Buses by night, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, Mick Stackhouse, open day, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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New Years Day Mince Pie Special at Chasewater Railway right now!
Bit late here but there’s an ongoing event right now at Chasewater Railway today (1st January 2020) who have their Mince Pie Special for New Years Day with a mixture of diesel and steam runnings plus all the usual favourites. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1 January, 2020, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, Local History, Mince Pie Special, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Instrumental in our heritage
Something very interesting popped up in the week that I think will engage the older readers particularly, and is a lovely one for the pre-Christmas period: A photo of the Brownhills Co-Operative Society Orchestra. I had no idea it existed … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, Local History, Master, Staffordshire, Things to do
11 Comments
Buses and Brass – a great Christmas event this Sunday afternoon!
I notice that this coming Sunday afternoon (8th December 2018) Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge will be hosting ‘Buses and Brass’ – a great Christmas music and fun event to really get you in the spirit of the season. It runs from … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2019, 8 December, AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, Buses and brass, carols, Christmas, concert, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, Shenstone Drive, singing, song, Transport Museum, vintage
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More on Ogley Hay 4A!
Here’;s a great donation I had in in the last week from long time reader and contributor Robert Sault – a couple more photos of Ogley Hay Class 4A from some point in the mid to late 1960s. Rob said: … Continue reading
To stand, and to remember
Today, Sunday 10th November 2019, is Remembrance Sunday when the people of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth come together to remember those who served, and those serving our country. Not only the ones who paid the ultimate, awful price of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bill Caddick, Brownhills local history, Jack Judge, June Tabor, Local History, Remembrance, Royal British Legion, Sunday, Tipperary
3 Comments
When Amy Turtle silenced the skinheads at Chasewater
You all know I’m fascinated by Chasewater and it’s history – but there’s a period of history that’s not too well documented or understood, and is full of myth and foggy reality: The Amusement Park era from the 60s. At … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged aerial photo, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Events, Gareth Thomas, June 9 1963, LDC, Lichfield District Council, Local History, New Photos, Norton Pool, Reservoir, Staffordshire
12 Comments
Can we solve the mystery of an old Ogley Hay influencer from the 60s?
A quick enquiry here from reader Ray who yesterday sent me in this headscratcher of a question which seems ideal for a Sunday. He wrote: Hi Bob I was hoping you may have information that can help me out. Whilst … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
21 Comments
2019 Autumn Leaves Running Day at Aldridge Transport Museum this Sunday
This Sunday 20th October 2019 it’s the annual ‘Autumn Leaves’ running day at Aldridge Transport Museum, when you can ride vintage and classic busses for free, browse stalls, admire classic and vintage cars, explore the museum – and visit … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, open day, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Get set for Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge 2019 Canal Heritage Gathering next weekend!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at Huddlesford, near Lichfield. There will be boats, vintage and classic … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Gerald Reece’s Chasewater in the 1960s
I thought I’d continue sharing the hugely popular recent run of archive images today and the real treat from the immense Gerald Reece collection this weekend consists of some rather special, but austere-looking shots of Chasewater, I’d say in it’s … Continue reading
Chapel and church, a gallery…
I’m continuing to share the Gerald Reece photos (and it’s really hard to spin them out but there’s some astounding stuff in the queue, let me assure you!) and today there’s a small gallery of images of local places of … Continue reading
Just a fortnight to go until Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge 2019 Canal Heritage Gathering!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield. There will be boats, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
2 Comments
Gerald Reece’s world of lost pubs and watering holes…
Here’s yet another photo treat for folk who remember the 70s, 80s and 90s in Brownhills – David Evans met up with the wonderful Gerald Reece on his 80th birthday walk a couple of weeks ago and Gerald shared some … Continue reading
Changing times and changing places
Here’s yet another photo treat for folk who remember the 70s, 80s and 90s in Brownhills – David Evans met up with the wonderful Gerald Reece on his 80th birthday walk a couple of weeks ago and Gerald shared some … Continue reading
Something wonderful for princesses and pirates alike this Summer Bank Holiday Monday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Bank Holiday Monday (26th August 2019) staging a Princesses and Pirates Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains and there will be fun, games, competitions, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2019, 26 August, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Don’t forget: Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge 2019 Canal Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield. There will be boats, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Lost and found local businesses: Which do you recall?
Here’s a treat for folk who remember the 80s and 90s in Brownhills – David Evans met up with the wonderful Gerald Reece on his 80th birthday walk last week and Gerald shared some rather wonderful photos for us to … Continue reading
Gerald Reece and friends took another walk into history!
David Evans yesterday sent me this lovely gallery from Gerald Reece’s walk from Chasewater Railway yesterday morning (10th August 2019) – sadly the weather was atrocious and although I hoped to make it, I was unable to go and meet … Continue reading
Chasewater Railway – 2019 Annual Charities Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (11th August 2019) staging it’s Annual Charities Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains, and there will be charity stalls and activities at Brownhills West … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 11 August, 2019, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Tubs of blood and lost palaces
There has been a great response to the recent series of articles on local cinemas from an old, long out of print Ned Williams book David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection. However, a comment made by honorary … Continue reading
Fancy joining Gerald Reece for a walk into history?
Hello folks – great news reaches me from David Evans. It seems that he’s been in communication with the greatest historian ever to have written about Brownhills, Gerald Reece, who will be returning to Brownhills on the 10th August 2019 … Continue reading
It was in the Blood…
This is the last of thee articles that David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection that have really interested me and are very much worth a share – they are from a very much lost local history book by … Continue reading
Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge 2019 Canal Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield. There will be boats, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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In the Regent see period
There are a selection of articles that David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection that have really interested me and are very much worth a share – they are from a very much lost local history book by noted … Continue reading
When there was a Palace in Brownhills!
There are a selection of articles that David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection that have really interested me and are very much worth a share – they are from a very much lost local history book by noted … Continue reading
Chasewater Railway 60th Anniversary Gala this weekend!
I note Chasewater Railway have their 60th Anniversary Gala this spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May 2019), with loads of steam and diesel heritage traction and a busier running timetable than normal. This event will be well … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 26, 27, 28, anniversary, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Made in STaffordshire, May, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Something wonderful for witches and wizards this coming Holiday Monday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this coming Bank Holiday Monday (27th May 2019) staging a Witches and Wizards Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains and there will be fun, games, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2019, 27 May, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Brownhills Carnival event and funfair, 1988
As part of the Gerald Reece archive material from the great local historian’s collection, I last weekend featured a large gallery of photos of the 1988 Brownhills Carnival Parade, actually taken by Gerald’s son Gary for a local authority project. … Continue reading
Brownhills Carnival procession, 1988: A huge gallery
I thought I’d continue sharing the hugely popular 80s archive images today and the real treat from the immense Gerald Reece collection this weekend consists of this set from Gerald’s collection but actually taken by his son, Gary for a … Continue reading
Lots to do at the Chase Sailing Club 2019 open day this bank holiday Monday
An interesting event is taking place this Bank Holiday weekend, Monday 6th May 2019 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be holding their annual open day for people to come and check … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2019, 6th May, Boats, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, chasewater-country-park, Events, Express & Star, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, open day, regatta, Reservoir, Sailing, sailing club, Staffordshire, Things to do, watersport
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It’s Ogley, ay? The demolition of a local school: Please help with my confusion!
Some more pictures here for a Saturday of a bit of a mystery perhaps readers can help with: Exactly when the Ogley School at the top left of Church Road was demolished. There’s a small but very interesting set from … Continue reading
Chasewater and the trotting track – back to the 80s
I thought I’d continue sharing the hugely popular 80s archive images today and the real treat from the immense Gerald Reece collection this weekend consists of the two related sets below. Here we have two sides of Chasewater in the … Continue reading
A lost local landmark and a snowy market day
Saturday means it’s time for yet more images from the huge Gerald Reece collection – so kindly donated for use on the blog by the great man himself. Today, I have a selection of random images not big enough to … Continue reading
Chasewater Railway Littleton Coal Train event all this weekend
One for the train buffs out there – Chasewater Railway have their Coal Train event this weekend (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2019) with a mixture of diesel and steam runnings, demo trains and working plant. The organisers said: With … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2019, 6, 7, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Coal Train WWeekend, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, October, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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