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Another party to have a good week were Paul & co. As you can see from the pictures they landed a 41.5lb mirror as well as grassies and this absolutely stunning double. Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future! Sorry it’s taken a while to get you on here guys but better late than never!!
MAY 2008
Many of you will have noticed that our regular news updates have not been so regular lately! We’ve had major Techno Grief which has culminated in an extra 80 GB added to the desktop, and in the same week the laptop died and needed a new hard drive! Both are back, and after ironing out the niggles, we are back on track with updates.
Talking of which …
May and June 08
Mark, Sam, Dean & Ronnie - you guys are a bit nuts! What a week though; Dean did 3 PBs on the first night and they were all 30’s. Show off!! Don’t forget to send us your pictures guys.
The ‘Black Country Carp Crew’ had over 500lb in their week including 4 PBs. They “can’t wait to get back next year”. See you in June ‘09 chaps!
Chris and Craig both smashed their PBs. Chris started with a PB of 28lb. On the first night he landed a 36lb common and a 42lb mirror! Craig only had one fish smaller than his previous PB of 28lb and that was 25lb. All the rest were 30’s up to 36lb and a catfish at 48lb. Well done fellas!!
40lb fish are now a regular sight with more on the bank in May than ever before. Roll on the first 50!!
April 08
The first week of the season has already come and gone. Only half the party turned up which meant that Mark & Simon had the lake to themselves. They both decided to fish from the far end of the lake, in Crumblie Corner and Marsh End. Within 24 hours Simon had beaten his PB with a cracking 34lb Common - a happy chappy! Several 20's followed including a 28lb stalked on a piece of corn! Not bad considering 2 inches of snow fell a few days earlier!
During the week the weather was varied and at times pretty chilly, however, Spring is in the air and we’re expecting the fish to really switch on in the next week or two. As they say ….’Watch this space!’
March 08
As planned the lads turned up late on the Thursday night ready for a weekend of hard graft. A full fry up was served early on the Friday and shortly after we were faced with 20 tonnes of gravel to shift. Within hours, the path between Badgers and Paddy’s started to take shape and by lunchtime it was complete! With the path down, the next job was to take advantage of the low water level (12 inches down for the Saturday netting) and get into the water on the far margins and remove what turned out to be an underwater forest of roots and branches along the entire length of the lake. This as you can imagine took us into Saturday morning. If anyone would like last year's rig back please call me!
The phone call came from Andy, he was in the lorry with the fish for delivery and just 20 minutes away. Those of us that had taken our waders off, climbed back into them. The lorry arrived and before the new stock was introduced to the lake we had to lay the net and start the pull on the existing stock. Several hours later the 200 metre net had been swept across the lake and we were ready for the final pull. Now was the time to get the new stock off the lorry and behind the net. The smallest fished stocked was 28lbs and most were over 30 with several between 38 & 44lbs! 25 fish were stocked in all, a 50 is very likely this season! WOW!
  Back to the netting - with so many fish in such a confined area it was important to keep the lead line as low in the margin as possible, a few fish cleared the net and at least one large common of 30lbs + also evaded capture between Karl’s legs (the first gorgeous girl to do so??!). The sorting began in earnest. By this time it was well and truly dark. The 500w site light was running and, along with the car headlights, illuminated our work. Fish after fish came from the pocket of the net. 14 singles were relocated to the stock ponds and the plan was to remove the roach, but few were netted as the Cormorants had had their fill whilst on their annual winter visit. We left 35 doubles in the main lake to grow on. 110 fish of 20lbs or more were recorded – up to 47lbs.
The big cat evaded capture, the probability is that the lead line swept over its head, so we still don’t know how big its grown as it was last caught in September 2006, and it was just under the 50lb mark then. 60lbs? 70lbs? Catch it and get a case of beer from me!
We hope you’re all dusting off your gear and looking forward to a new season – we certainly know we are!
February 08
At last we have a date for the latest delivery of carp and the netting of the lake. It's all happening on Friday 29th February so make sure you visit the website for the March update. Joining The Gaffer in the working party will be Merv le Swerve, Karly Boy, Steve and Leon. Sheridan will be recording the weights of all the fish, Pops will be taking pics and Muzz will be supplying the tea and bacon butties. Terry - if you're reading this get in touch mate!
Due to a cancellation the LAST AVAILABLE holiday this summer is week commencing 19th July, just to remind you the DVD was recorded in July - and the lake fished really well in glorious weather. The only other weeks we have this season are in October. Don't forget we're taking bookings for 2009.
January 08
Some sad news this month I'm afraid. Our long time friend Henrietta, Queen of Lac de Paix, has not been seen for several weeks. Although previous excursions have taken her away for a few days at a time, we feel that 4 weeks is too long to expect any good news. Inevitably a fox has got into the complex occasionally and if that's the case we hope he choked on her!!
Henrietta: Unknown to 25/12/2007. RIP.
Now for the good news. It was mentioned by more than one of you that Ronnie Row needed a platform closer to the water for the landing and returning of the fish. As always, we took your views on board and you lucky anglers have been provided with just that! Also, just to make sure that fewer anglers, (including me) go ar*e over t*t in 2008 we have put a wire mesh on all the boarding to provide some grip when its wet.
Looks tempting - especially as the fish started crashing out as soon as the ice melted!
Winter 07/08
Happy New Year! Here we are, another year gone -it went a bit quickly, didn't it? Or is it just us?! Christmas in France was a bit on the chilly side. Temperatures dipped to -6C, still not as cold as the 05/06 winter but cold enough to put 4" of ice on the lake overnight! Take a look at this picture taken a few days before Christmas - can you see on the left of the picture a small glacier running into the water? This is produced by the natural springs that freeze on contact with the air - another strange phenomenon at Lac de Paix!
The white on the ground is 'just' a ground frost, no snow as yet. As soon as the lake thaws out, and it does fairly quickly once the wind changes direction, the fish delivery and netting will take place. This imminent stocking will take stock levels to over 3 tons - not bad for a 5 acre lake! Most of the fish ordered are over 30lbs and several will top 40lbs. Watch this space over the next month or so to see exactly what additional stock we put in. During the netting we will remove a quantity of roach to ensure that existing and newly stocked carp continue to grow.
We only have a handful of weeks left for 2008 so get in quick if you haven't booked yet.
2009 bookings are also now being taken. If you book your 2009 holiday before 1st April 2008 we will guarantee the 2006, 2007 & 2008 price of just £1000 per week.
Call Peter on 077 88 55 2045 for availbility.
September 2007
Another Lac de Paix first this month. Jamie was fishing from Home Run and bagged 3 fish within 20 minutes - one rod screaming after another, and as if that were not amazing enough his haul consisted of a Mirror, a Common AND a Grassy. We’ve never seen it before - 3 fish in 20 minutes, and 3 different carp species to boot! Check out the pictures. This fabulous result followed Jamie smashing his PB by 20lbs on his first night - not a bad week I’m sure you’ll agree!! Well done Jamie. Hope you enjoyed the bubbly.
This month has also seen Steve smash his PB within 24 hours of arriving with this 36.5lb mirror
For those of you still deciding when to book for next year - you’d best get in quick! We have just 3 weeks available until mid July and have sold over a third of the available weeks already. And we’ve taken a booking for 2009!!
August 2007
Here's a lake 1st - during the first week in August the anglers lit the fire in the lodge to keep warm! I'm not kidding either, the winter thermals came out and the wind chill made it genuinely cold for the time of year. Those of you that have seen our DVD will be aware that temperatures are normally around 30*c + in July & August.
What else has happened? Well, last year we ran a competition in Crafty Carper and the winner, Alan, decided to have the lake to himself for the week, well - almost, he decided to bring some company along! We've sneaked in a 'bonus' shot for you! Again a mixed week weather wise, but Alan still managed to tickle some fish out including his first ever grass carp.
  Send us your pics Alan - we'll put them here!
Arthur earned himself a bottle of prize bubbly for his 42lb 12oz mirror shown below. By all accounts he was lucky not to get thown in by his party members - his 'Big Fish Thursday' lump topped off a very successful week for Arthur - he couldn't stop catching!
June/July 2007
First off we would like to apologise for not updating the website for several weeks. In our defence we would like to say that a) it s a VERY busy time of year, as we re sure you will appreciate, b) we ve just bought a house in France which has all been a bit mad and c) we ve had major technogrief with the laptop! Ruddy eck!! If you have forgiven us then please read on and find out what has been going on at the lake.
The weather in France has been as wet as in England, however, thanks to the hard work put in over the winter the gravel swims have held out and we no longer have any mud problems! Water levels remain high with a good ph level - the condition of the fish remains as stunning as ever.
The fish in the main lake have spawned three times the first time in March/April - almost 8 weeks of unbroken sunshine! The fish in one of the stock ponds were spawning as recently as two weeks ago. The fish seem to have been as confused with the weather as we all have been!
Tims party are there this week and got off to a great start. Within 48 hours of arriving they had landed a few doubles, a load of twenties and 2 thirties to 38lbs. Keith smashed his PB by 10lbs! By all accounts they are still catching well so watch this space! Thanks to new computer bolt-ons, we've got these pics on the web site only 72 hours after they started fishing - they've got the rest of the week yet!
  
Here s a picture of Keith with his 38lb 6oz Mirror on his first night! This is what happens when you use the MAD 4 Lake specials! Tims party had 4 bait packs waiting for them on arrival (64kg) then on day 3 they purchased another 20kg of the hemp pellet and fatal attraction! Check out our bait offers here http://www.scarper-carper.co.uk/news2.htm
We've had a promise from Scott (he fished with Dave a few weeks ago) to send us the vidio clip of Dave getting slapped about by a 26lb Grass carp. I am sure all of you would like to see it! COME ON SCOTT - send it to me and we'll put it on the web site!!!
If you're thinking about coming in 2008 call us for an info pack and FREE DVD. We are delighted that 5 parties that have fished this year are returning next year - book now whilst we still have availability for 2008. 077 88 55 2045.
May 2007
What about this then! Despite the fish spawning on and off over the the week or so Martin managed a 17 fish haul topped by this 39lb 12oz mirror. Martin is a top angler and field tester for SBS baits. The weather was not kind, it rained every day, sometimes torrentially but we reckon this adds to the fun - after all, it is warm rain! Thanks for for your compliments Martin - we too think Merv 'Le Swerv' is a top bailiff - and pretty good with the barbecue as well!
May has been an odd month with a mixed bag regarding both the weather and the fishing. The fish have spawned twice already and daytime temperatures have ranged from 10 to 25 degrees! Check out the gallery to see some of the fine specimens that have been out so far this season. This is just a sample as we're still waiting for photos to be sent to us - COME ON CHAPS!!
Ian's party banged out a few including this cracking 39lb mirror!
The other main news this month is that we have another new bailiff! Merv 'Le Swerv' has joined the team. It means we now have an English bailiff onsite all the time. He'll certainly look after you and is happy to give any advice and tips. This guy knows the water almost as well as The Gaffer! (Hhmm, Peter says that may be so but he's yet to be outfished by Le Swerv!!)
Left, Peter 'The Gaffer' & right, Merv 'Le Swerv'
Sheridan
April 2007
What a flying start to the season that was! Over 3000lbs of fish caught in 4 weeks. Numerous 20's, 30's by the dozen and some 40's thrown in for good measure. The biggest surprise has been the number of 30+ Commons coming out with one party adding 5 hard fighting Grass Carp to their weekly catch, one of which jumped the net - clearing the water by about 3 feet!
Well done to Matt who despite breaking down en route managed to bank 3 PB's in 36 hours including this cracking Common (left). Josh was the first to get wet for a photo shoot - but with the fantastic weather, who can blame him?!
March 2007
30th March. We got back from the lake last night after getting the complex ready for the
start of the season - and fishing! Although the weather was against us I managed to
bank 6 x 20s and 3 x 30s, the other lads are still there. Terry 'The Boots' christened his swim in true style - well done Terry! Since our return we've heard that Le Swerve has had a brace of 20s and Karly Boy has netted a 29lb stunner. Keep at it chaps - we want news of a 40 before Saturday!! Here's a picture of the ugly mugs who have helped get the venue ready for this year and have enjoyed a week's fishing as their reward. From left to right Peter 'The Gaffer', Merv 'Le Swerve', Karly 'Boy' and in the front 'The Robster' and Terry 'The Boots' ... next to that motley crew are a couple of bonus pics to whet your appetite! Me with 'Dotty' and 'Pug Face'.
Peter
March 2007
MAD4 - BIG BAG BAITS
Q. 4 complimentary baits . Why?
2. Sinking carp pellet - high value feed developed for the fish farmer, with a high protein & vitamin content.
3. Fizzy Hemp Pellet - a natural attraction method.
4. Fatal Attraction - a blended red mist attractor.
Q. Why use all the products at the same time?
A. When using boilies, ensure the quality - MAD4 do. The combination of pellets provides both natural and manufactured attractors in addition to the high food value content of the sinking carp pellet.
Q. Why have you had the baits endorsed by your veterinary consultant?
A. This is an assurance to our customers that only the best available ingredients are used in the bait manufacturing process.
Q. Why has scarper carper launched its own bait range?
A. As lake owners and fishery managers the health and well being of our fish is paramount. This way we can ensure that top quality baits and feed are being introduced to our water, as well as to venues throughout the UK.
Q. Where can we purchase MAD4 products from in the UK?
January 2007
A number of our 2006 anglers are coming back in 2007, we look forward to seeing you all! Here are a few of them with their catches from 2006. We can't show all of you, or all of your fish - we don't have enough room!
OOPS! Sheridan has just pointed out that Matt is coming back in 2008! Good luck with the cycling in 2007 Matt, it might stop you from fishing this year but look on the bright side - you can come back with another world record!
The latest stocking of fish, we reported on in December - around 1000lbs in total, were all upper 20's and 30's. This on top of existing stock. Don't expect to get much sleep chaps - we want you to go home exhausted! Unless of course, like Horace (who is also coming back in 2007) you reel in at night and still manage to out fish most of the others. Horace was keen to point out that he did this without use of a bait boat. Nice one, H!
Some of you pointed out that a few of the swims got 'a bit damp' when it rained. You will be glad to know that we have resolved this problem with several tons of gravel. The worst offender was 'Badgers Bottom'; here we have built a proper swim to match the others - no more wet feet! Check this out, don't fight over it lads!
  Looks tempting, doesn't it? See the tree on the right next to the decking? Try a bait just 20 feet beyond it on the gravel bar............... Not to mention the lillies, the margins, the reeds and the deep hole - for those of you that can find it!
If you haven't already booked for 2007 be quick - weeks are going rapidly!
December 2006
You know how good the fishing was in 2006, well - WE HAVE JUST PUT ANOTHER 1000lbs OF FISH IN THE LAKE!! Fancy a crack at some virgin fish in 2007?!!!
Christmas is coming and Henrietta's getting fat - must be all those boilies you fed her during the season! (She's our resident goose for those who don't know.) Don't worry lads, Sheridan said we're having duck for Christmas!
What's new? You've got a real treat in store with our 2007 baits. The highly acclaimed protein packed Platinum Claw will be available on site and as part of the MAD4 scarper carper bait pack - simply order with your final balance payment. To see the results this bait has already achieved, click on the link below. http://www.brundallangling.com/platinum_claw/index.html
The new MAD4 Shellfish boilie has been designed with France in mind where high nutrition is of paramount importance The growth rates for the carp at Lac de Paix in 2007 are likely to exceed even those seen in 2006. For those who have watched the DVD, Jason Payne proudly presents a 36lb Mirror - this fish was caught again 6 weeks after filming and weighed in at 39lbs 3oz. Well done Leighton!
Take a look at our bait deals for 2007 via our home page
OCTOBER 2006
GAV JONES gets his first French 40, and what a stunning fish she is! (over 45 minutes to land!!!) Gav also features in the scarper carper DVD that is out now! Fill in the contact us page, and write 'DVD' in the comments box to get your FREE COPY
Don't miss it - you'll carp yourself laughing!
Now check this out................!!!
Gav hit Lac de Paix for the second time in 2006 and caught one of the stunning 40lb + fish in the lake. The lake record stands at 47lbs and Gav reckons that he will be the first to get a 50lb specimen in 2007. (He's already provisionally booked for next year - so we think he has a chance! Confirm your date quickly mate!) Gav uses the lake special pellets that have accounted for well over 85% of the fish caught this season. Make sure you use them on your trip!
September 2006
WORLD RECORD HOLDER LANDS NEW PB AT LAC DE PAIX
Matt Plested, national and world champion paralympic cyclist, (Picture on left) smashed his personal best on a recent trip to scarper carper s Lac de Paix. The 32 year old from
Reading
, Berkshire enjoyed a relaxing week with friends before his grueling training continues in
Cyprus
and
Australia
. His biggest lump was a mid 30 mirror.
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Crafty Carper competition winner ....... congratulations to
Alan Mottershead from
Bolton
, he s won a week at
Lac de Paix worth £1000!!
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July 2006
The First Lac de Paix 'Fish Off' was won by 'The Gaffer' with almost 200lb of fish on the bank by the end of the week. 2nd prize went to 'Le Swerve' with Drew following close behind.
THE GAFFER GETS IT!
Malc, the Lac de Paix bailiff presents 'The Gaffer' with the £150 prize money. 'Le Swerve' gets the 2 cases of beer and the bubbly for the largest grass carp. Drew's content with his 1 case of beer - for now!
In July we recorded the Lac de Paix DVD. Nearly 700lb of fish were caught, 9 x 30's, 3 Braces, bags of 20's, a 30lb Grass carp, & a 40! What a week that was! The Full length DVD will be available to order via the web site later this year. Great interview Gary - we just love your screaming run!
Karly Boy and Gary were not the only ones to get wet during filming - with water temperatures at 28C we all wanted to be thrown in!
May 2006
Told ya we'd put on the news page Terry! - and the lads, from left to right -
Terry 'The boots', John Paul, Rippling Rossiter, Drew 'Hammer' & Terry Two.
This is how Lee 'Rippling Rossiter' got his name. I've heard of pumping iron - but fish!?
Oh - and we had to show your brace Terry - nice one mate!
Fish Off Special - Are you hard enough to take on 'The boots' 'The Hammer' and the Gaffer? 2 places are left for week commencing 8th July - Entry is just £150, First Prize for the best weight is £150!!! If your up for it, call Peter on 077 88 55 2045 for more details.
(Posted 5/6/06)
Reg's Week
4 lads, 4 PB's, 1 week, 573lbs of fish! Reg, Trevor, Cliff and Allen have done the rounds in the UK and went to town at Lac de Paix. Cliff beat his Pb by 20lbs, Reg had 2 good thirties, Trevor had Smudge (see the gallery) and Al had 4 fish in 24 hours! 3 PB's were achieved on the first night! Over 1500lbs of fish have been caught in just 3 weeks and half the fish in the lake have yet to make an appearance!
This is one of Reg's at 34lbs called 'Vandal' as she took Reg's other 2 lines and one of Cliffs before her visit to the bankside! - see more in the gallery.
April 2006
What a start to the season, Andy & Karl pulled out some stonkers on a 3 day bash, Merve le Swerve pulled out 10 fish in his first week's session totalling over 300lbs (an average of over 30lb per fish!) See his catch in the fish gallery. Here is le Swerve with 'Smudge' at 30lbs.
If you havn't booked your 2006 holiday yet be quick - we have a few summer weeks left - call me for available dates on 077 88 55 2045.
Regards
Peter
March 2006
This is the news you've all been waiting for - the ice has gone, night time temperatures have reached 10* C and the water temp. is not far behind. Best of all, we have now added 22 more fish - all over 30lbs including 4 grass carp to 31.5lbs, 6 mirrors over 37.5lbs including two lovley 40's. To top this off we have also added a catfish that weighed 48.5 lbs (plan your day around it if you hook this one!)
This is me with one of the 40's stocked 2 weeks ago - see the gallery for more fish pics!
Regards,
Peter.
Feburary 2006
Ok - here we are, just 6 weeks from opening - what can I tell you? The showers and toilets are now complete. The fosse septique (septic tank to you and me!) is in. Just one last major job to be done: the car park. 4 blokes, 4 barrows, 4 shovels, 4 days, 4 bottles of wine each night (see a patten forming?!) and the job will be done.
What else? Well ..... France has had the coldest winter for 22 years. 3 weeks ago we had such a hard frost that over 1" of ice formed on the lake in one night and has only just started to thaw. Having said that, the buds are starting to show on the trees and the reeds have started to appear above the water line - the whole complex is starting to come to life! We've had several enquiries about winter fishing - it would have been eskimo style if we had taken the bookings! This photo was taken in the 1st week of Feburary....
A major thaw is now underway - heavy rain is clearing the ice quickly and the storm drains are working overtime. This view looks towards Badgers Bottom from the Ronnie Row bank, the lake was still frozen - and solid enough to walk on - this was just 2 weeks ago!
The water level is perfect and as the ice clears we will introduce the high protien pellet again and we expect the fish to put on a few more pounds as the water starts to warm up. I can't wait to see your catch reports!
The swims are all but complete with just a few finishing touches - see the pics in the gallery soon! The latest stocking of fish is due to take place over the next few weeks - over £6,000 of additional stock! This time, carp and cats to 44lbs and a few grassies for good measure!
WARNING........ Our fish supplier - Simon Horton - recently had a member of his team admitted to hospital after a grass carp broke his jaw! ... Come on then if you think you're hard enough!
See you soon,
Peter
15/2/2006
January 2006
Happy New Year! "What's the latest news?" I hear you cry! Well, it's like this...............
Freaky French Friday's Frost Finally Froze Lake.
This picture taken from Crumblie Corner shows just how cold it's been over the Christmas and New Year period. The big freeze does mean that the latest planned stocking of large carp has been postponed until the last week in January. But don't fear! The fish will be featured here as soon as possible.
A big plus point is that this weather has given us a unique oportunity to see where the natural springs are located in the lake. Can you see the circles in the snow that has settled on the ice? This is where the warmer water filtering up from the lake bed has literally melted the snow on the surface. To make this phenomenon even more exciting I can reveal that I have seen several large carp in the margins where natural springs feed the lake, creating a semi circle of water that has not frozen. If I had the time I would drop a bait on their noses!
Don't forget - the carp will love these springs in the summer as much as the winter - even though you won't be able to see where the springs are. Open water here can really produce the goods!
Regards
Peter.
17/1/06
BIG ONES!
45 commons & mirrors from 24 lb to 44 lb will be added to existing stock for delivery in December this year. The fish are being supplied by a local fish farmer, and retain a strong regional heritage. In addition to this, a 24 lb catfish will be introduced and an (as yet) unconfirmed number of grass carp.
FATTEN THEM UP!
Half a ton of high protein, low oil pellet will be thrown into the lake over the winter whilst the temperature is above 5 degrees and the fish are still feeding. The low oil protects the liver function of the fish, whilst the high protein ensures continued growth. Our first 50 is likely to come out in 2006! The pellets used will be available to you next year and can be ordered with your balance payment.
WEBSITE
The scarper carper web site, launched just 4 weeks ago has generated numerous enquiries from all over the
UK
, as well as several from
France
and
Germany
. We are delighted with this fantastic response and look forward to meeting some of you next year at Lac de Paix.
Sheridan
September 2005
Netting is planned for this Autumn, I'll be heading over with a working party in October.... well I say working.....Tesco Tel will be enjoying the break from work: Every little helps! (Ex forces If he told you his life story he would have to kill you so it s best not to ask!) We keep telling him not to hide in the trees and dig trenches (although he s very good at it) as the war is over!
Also on board will be Dr Scott - always handy in an emergency. (He s got one of those multi tool penknives and biro (makes you feel safe eh!?) AND he knows how to swim; possess survival techniques (he trained with The Norfolk Broads Mountain Rescue Team) and makes a good bacon butty!
For good measure Merv the Swerve will be there; a very experienced angler in the UK and France .. Many of you will have met him on French trips before - if not, don t worry, you didn t miss much! He s hard working and reliable (at least one of us is!)
Young Robster adds youth and muscle to the team .. And will be making the tea. And if any of you have ever lit a Coleman multi fuel stove topped up with unleaded then you ll know it s best to get somebody else to light it! (As Rob s young there s plenty of time for his eyebrows to grow back!)
Oh yeah, I ll be there too. And my talent? None according to my wife but I play guitar .. Not sure what that s got to do with netting but perhaps I can boost morale!
I m guessing that several tons of fish will be netted with the largest specimens being returned to the main lake. Watch this space we ll let you know what comes out as soon as we can. Our biggest concern is that Merv will find the neoprene waders a little too sensual ..
We will also be building new swims for the 2006 season - make sure you visit the site regularly to check our progress.
Peter |
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