Hello, it’s Chrissy Boy here. Send me a question and I'll do my best to answer it.

Unless it contains any of the following:

  1. When/where is the next gig? - Please see the gig section above.
  2. Can I get your autographs?- This service is not available via the website, all applications must be made in person.
  3. Can I get backstage passes? - No.
  4. Will there ever be another 2Tone tour? - This is not very likely, is it?
  5. Where does Suggs get his sunglasses? – Persol.
  6. Where do you get your suits/hats/shoes? Gresham Blake, The Saturday Club, Hackett, Christies, Loake, Lock and Co, The British Boot Company.
  7. When is the “The Madness” album being re released? – I have still not got a clue.

[The questions above will be rinsed, filtered, processed and finally deleted by our new “Timewaster (tm)” interface, leaving me more time to answer the really important ones].

Thanks CB x

To see posts from the old version of Chris's Cupboard visit the archive Here

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DESPERATELY SEEKING SUGGS!

Hi Chris,

Forgive that shoddy, barely literate Take 1. Here’s Take 2.

The following is a TRADE SECRET, so I would appreciate Mum (or Mummy) being the word.

I am launching a magazine called The New Londoner, devoted to the cultural diversity of the world’s capital. I would love to run the, lyrics to This Is London on Page 1, but clearly need official permission.

If it helps, I have met Suggs twice: at Stamford Bridge in the 1985 Milk Cup semi-final, second leg, v Sunderland, wherein “our” longhaired maverick of an old boy, Clive Walker, scored the decisive goal, the crowd nobly tried to get the game abandoned by chucking iron-clad seats on the pitch (cue mounted police). I gave up Chelsea on the spot and, as related in my book The Mavericks: English Football When Flair Wore Flares (revised edition Bloomsbury 2020), Suggs was almost as peed off and embarrassed.

The second time was in the bar of the sleeper train from Truro to Paddington about 20 years later, when I was more than a little woozy but Suggs treated me with the tolerance, kindness and respect he usually reserves for small children and dumb animals. What a sweetie, eh?

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dear Philippe
It’s in my diary, so yes we are coming to lovely Switzerland as long as the you know what restrictions are gone by then.
best, CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply

Hi Chris,
Nice to see Madness again in the AFAS live. I’m working for AFAS software so this is very special for me.
Is there a possibility to arrange something like a meet and greet with some die hard fans?

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Hello! My name is Charles Jenkins. I’m in the process of creating a music journalism project where I interview interesting artists and musicians.

Would your group be interested in sitting in on a virtual interview with me?

All the best,

Charles

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Dear Charles
I can do this but I can’t get the rest of them to do it, that’s for sure.
CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply

Hi Chris – Firstly, thanks for the music – been a fan for as long as I can remember, so love your work! But this isn’t about me – Firstly, I don’t know if you can do this, and I’m sorry if you get a ton of these messages – but I’m just asking something on behalf of a young man called John. He lives in Cardiff, and would love to see you perform at the castle – BUT, he has a life limiting condition and is on a ventilator to help him breathe, which is no good for a packed audience. His dad Paul, has enquired whether it would be possible to see you perform at your rehearsal session in Cardiff, which is a million times safer for him – he’s not asking for anything else, just the opportunity to see you all play. Oh, by the way, my name is Dan, and I’m a Family Support Worker for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, based in Sully. If it’s not possible to do, I’ll fully understand, but it would be wonderful if you could – thanks!

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Dear Dan
I’m sorry to hear about John, we won’t be doing a soundcheck or anything at Cardiff, so that won’t be possible. I’ll forward your details to one of our “team” maybe we can send him something.
best, CB

hi, my father n law is getting married on 2nd April, him and all his friends are massive fans. they have booked a ska band for the reception. is there any chance he could have a personal video recording done to wish them a great day? this would mean the world to him. the wedding cake even has a madness topper

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Dear Craig
A Madness topper? Hat? That’s crazy, I hope it went well and sorry for the delay in replying please send my fondest regards
best, CB

Hi CB 😁
I know “covid and all that” but is there any talk or even a chance of Madness get back to Australia?
Soon?
Ever?

P.S. Here’s a funny thing, frustrating for me but funny…
My wife went to school with comedian Adam Hills.
Recently they had a zoom school re-union and Adam was at Wembley stadium for the Paralympian Celebration and you guys were warming up on stage (sound-check) in the background.
So frustrating, two things I love together and I totally missed the whole thing because it was her re-union 🙂

Take care and thanks for taking the time to talk to your fans.
David

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Dear David
Once you drop all those crazy restictions we would love to come back to good ol’ Aussie. That’s funny your mate Adam haha sorry
best, CB

Hi Chris,

I just wanted to show the following reaction / answer from the Rock’n’Roll HOF when I wrote them….
Hope to see u soon on stage – all the best to you and the rest of the band / cheers from Austria . Stephan aka el Finni’.
Lost and Found

Earlier this week we were contacted by subscriber Stephan Wöss, who dug out an email conversation he’d had with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from back in 2020.

Stephan had contacted the organisation suggesting that as the band had been going for 40 years that they should be invited to be part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A response was received and was as follows…

“Hello, [Stephan] – thank you for your email.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the induction of Madness into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Like you, rock & roll is part of our being, so we understand your passion about who gets inducted into the Rock Hall. And as a huge Madness fan myself, I get it – it’s frustrating when you feel like your favorite, deserving artists are getting overlooked by the nominating committee. But it might help you to know that out of the millions of recording artists in history, we’ve inducted less than 400 so far. We have a long way to go, so just because Madness has yet to be inducted, doesn’t mean they won’t be!

Rock & roll is all about bringing people together, finding common threads that unite us. We’re lucky to have experienced and shared this great music together. Thanks for keeping the spirit of rock & roll alive. We are honored to be entrusted with preserving it!

Amanda Pecsenye | Curator
http://www.rockhall.com“

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Dear El Finni
Thanks for lobbying on our part but the Rock ‘n Roll hall of Fame ha too corporate for me I’m a man of the people. Do you get a fee if you get inducted though? I would consider it then.
best, CB

Hi! My Dad was one of the nuttiest guys going, the biggest madness fan I knew. He always told myself and my brother about when he saw you at madstock in 1992, it truly was one of his best memories. He died unexpectedly last July aged 54 and his coffin was carried in to wings of a dove, we kept it a secret and it was lovely to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they heard what song we had chosen because everyone knew Dad for madness (we won’t talk about all the madness references I made in the eulogy). My brother and I got tickets for the jubilation show and we’re unbelievably excited but we were wondering if there was any way we could honour our Dad in the show at all? I know he’s one of millions of madness fans, but to us, he truly was one in a million.

Thank you,

Sorcha

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Dear Sorcha
Firstly I’m sorry to hear about your Dad, it sounds like he was quite a character and parts of his funereal had people smiling, that’s lovely. Secondly I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to reply, there is no excuse well…I’ve been to Newcastle [family], The Peak District [family] Italy [brief visit] but that’s no excuse for slacking on here. I can’t think of anything I can do to honour your Dad I could do a shout but no one listens to me . I hope he’s watching from above X
best, CB

Hi I want to book tickets for Brockwell Park but can’t find any disabled tickets. There are 2 disabled and 2 carers. We require an area to sit because of mobility issues.
Please let me know how to do this
Many thanks Sharon

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Hi,
i was just wondering if the band does any meet and greets at all? it is my dad’s 50th birthday coming up and he has been a fan since he was a kid so was just curious if you guys do any meet ups at all. thanks so much. Eden Anderson

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Dear Eden
Sorry we don’t do this. Sometimes at shows we do it but not by request, if that makes sense.
CB

Hi Chris, , I first saw you in1980 when I was 10, my sons first gig was when he was ten, and now my daughter is 10 it must be her turn. Hoping to get tickets for thetford forest, how do you feel about kids being charged the same price as adults, or even the fact there’s no family ticket available. I know its not down to the band, just a general query

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Dear Wayne
I’m sorry and as you say it’s not up to us. I was just checking and it’s sold out. How about I put you and your daughter on my guest list?
for your many years of service and her first show. Plus a couple more..stay in touch on here and I’ll sort that out ok? I’ve got your email to stop anybody getting any naughty ideas haha
best, CB

Hi! My Dad died from covid unexpectedly at the end of July last year, the last time I saw him he gave me his first edition ‘absolutely’ record and it is now one of my most prized possessions. He was the nuttiness fan you can imagine, so much so his coffin was carried in to wings of a dove and there were many madness references made in his eulogy (you can read the order of service if you don’t believe me!). My brother and I have got tickets to the Jubilation festival (and I’m seeing you a couple of weeks after that in Norfolk!) and we were wondering if it was possible to spread some of his ashes at the show or have him honoured in some way. He was truly a huge fan and it would be the most perfect final gig for such a nutty fella. Anything you’re able to do would be incredible (because let’s be honest my brother and I will sneak the ashes in even if you aren’t able to do anything-ha!)

Thank you very much,
Sorcha (age 21, incase that helps at all!)

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dear Sorcha
I think that’s a great idea, how lovely. I answered your other message on here, too
best, CB
Sorry for the late but double replies

Chrissy Boy – I’ve been a big Madness fan since the start like many others I know! Anyway I am one of the organisers of a beer festival in Somerset (we get a few thousand coming over the wkd – all money raised goes to local worthy causes) I’d love to order some of your casks for our festival this year and will be in contact. Here’s the thing, would it be possible for you / some of the guys to do a recorded (visual or audio) shout out that we could play at the start of the festival? It would go down a treat.
I do see an old mate of yours – John Hasler when he visits his sister Rosie who I live next door to. If I am being cheeky the tell me. Would love to hear back from you. Cheers Chaz

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Hi, you have 2 upcoming concerts, one at Brockwell Park SE24 in June and a second on 26th August at Windsor Race course. Are there any plans to gift any free tickets to NHS/ Emergency services workers for either of these concerts as you have kindly done before?

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dear Virginia
I’m sorry but that isn’t happening as far as I know.
best, CB
Sorry for the delay in replying

Dear Chrissy Boy
It’s great to be able to communicate with you directly and in the words of ABBA I would like to say to the band..thank you for the music! Madness was the first band I was into as a kid and the first album I bought was Complete Madness back in 1982. My brother also got into Madness listening to that cassette. He bought The Rise and Fall later that year which is still one of my favourite albums.
I saw the Jubilation skit on Youtube which made me laugh and sparked an idea. I developed this into something which might result in knighthoods for the band. Should I reach out to your management about it?
Best
Quentin

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Dear Quentin
“Reach out” oh dear what term that is. It should only be used by the 4 Tops and a knighthood? If it’s good enough for David Bowie to turn down, it’s good enough for me.
best, Sir CB

Dear Keilly
There are still “*quite a few” left over..
best,CB
Sorry for the delay in replying

*sh*tloads

Hi Madness. a long time ago Madness appeared in Kung Fu Monthly Magazine describing their love of Bruce Lee and Martial arts. So have things changed or are you all still fans of Bruce and Kung fu . All the best, Mike Clayden

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Hello, I was looking through the tour dates and was wondering if there was any chance you’ll be at Coachella 2022? The 2012 performance was one of my all time favorites.

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Chris,
My apologies for my comments I didn’t see dominiques second message. I’m sorry if I’m being annoying commenting a whole lot I just love madness and don’t like them being criticised!! I’m very sorry…
Nutty vibes,
Fred

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Dear Damion
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. We have the songs, we just need to get the ball rolling recording wise..
best, CB

Hi Chris!

How are you? Just wanted to pass on a story my dad told me. When my dad was in the Falklands, he told me that after a day at war, he and all of his mates would dance to Madness to cheer themselves up down at the mess. He also told me that whilst traveling with the Navy, he and his mate were in America and had brought a Madness tape with them to an American, (Virginia) nightclub in 1980. He asked the DJ to play it and no one in the club had heard it before! I think it was One Step Beyond. Apparently everyone got up and started copying my dad and his mate doing that funny line dance you all do. Everyone loved it. Thanks for making those memories possible for my dad! My dad has now passed his love for you guys on to me and as a 20 year old, I’m constantly playing and introducing your music onto my mates at uni. No band compares to you guys. Cheers, Jazz:)

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“A day at war”! What crazy times they were! We were not in favour of the Falklands – but that’s not a slight on our fantastic armed forces. Actually as soon as they set off, I thought “oops you’re in for it now Mr Galtieri”.I’m glad he got back ok and send him my regards. If he ever wants to come and see us, drop me a line and I’ll out him on the guest list.
best, CB

Dear Chrissy boy,
This might be a random question. But I know Mike Barson used to use vox organ gear as I’ve seen so many times in 79/80/81 gigs, does anyone know where I can get a cheap ,super vox continental dual Organ because I’m a teenager keyboard player and I cover the majority of madness songs on the organ/keyboard . It’ll be amazing if you could ask Mike or if you know your self .
Kind regards,
Fred.
P.S amazing gig at the 02!!!

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Dear Fred
You could try ebay or a second hand website for and original Vox Continental. They have done a new version but hmm 🤔 never quite the same as the original is it?
Good luck hope you find something 🤞
CB

Why bother having an email address to contact the band, when nobody can be bothered to reply, not even with a “f*ck off” Talk about feeling let down! But then, after seeing your concert, if after all these years the band still haven’t mastered playing their instruments (sounded like 2 different songs being played at the same time,) the sound technicians haven’t worked out how to use the sound desk (just listen to the clear quality of squeeze, using the same sound system and speakers) and I get it, they probably can’t do anything more than press delete on the keyboard! Feeling robbed emotionally, and financially through idleness, last comment from David Jones is right, Madness do put money first!

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Dear Dom
You’re quite a charmer. I’ve been a bit busy and not had time to respond to messages. Sorry about the sound what venue was this? We had a few technical issues at a couple of shows but not many complaints. I can assure you that all instruments were played correctly on this tour. Actually, yours was the only complaint but a lot of people I suppose don’t know where to complain to. If you send me your bank details (I won’t post them on here!) I’ll arrange a refund.
Best, CB

Thanks Fred
I would never state anything like that and if Dom wants a refund I feel obliged to send him one.
CB
*PS it’s Dominique

Hi Chrissy Boy
Thank you for a reply, I’d expected my message to just be deleted, so utmost respect to you for responding to me. I agree the band were playing the instruments correctly, just Lee on sax, sounded like he’d been possessed by Charlie Parker at times, and sometimes sounded out, compared with the rest of the band. Suggs had joked about a pub crawl pre-gig, thus I did wonder… lol! I thank you for your gracious offer of a refund, in my email before your concert to your info email address, I’d said that the costs weren’t an issue.In it I’d asked if my bloke’s ticket to your Newcastle gig could be signed because he couldn’t go himself. I know you say autographs are to be requested in person, but unless you can think of how someone living in the North East of England, who is undergoing chemo for stage 4 cancer, who’s been told not to leave the house, or even how me, his carer, can go Madness hunting during the crazy covid times that we are living in? then that was my only hope to give him something good, to make up for him missing your concert, HE was the reason I’d bought the tickets. I’d even offered to include a stamped return envelope for the ticket to get back to me, this was all explained in my email, but when no reply came, I guess my appreciation of the night itself may have become clouded by my feelings of disappointment brought by this. I didn’t want to send another email to the same address to not know if it had even been seen, only assuming it has been deleted, which is why you got the short straw! I’m sorry for this, and truly I am grateful for your reply to me, it has restored my faith that the band do care, I thank you for this, and I hope that all the band keep bringing the joy and happiness that they do to all their fans around the world, and will be heard at Partys for years to come.
Stay Safe, but most of all Stay Nutty!
Many Thanks, Dom.
(ps he’s a she)
Dom. is short for Dominique lol

DearDom
Apologies on your gender. I’m very sorry to hear about your partner, I hope the treatment works, I really do. If you send your address I’ll see what I can do. Regarding Mr Thompson, he was in a terrible state pre the Newcastle show, I hope that’s the show you meant. It was a miracle he made it onstage – but who am I to judge, I’ve been the same way. Mind you, that was in 1981. My offer of a refund is still available and I will get him to pay me back.
best, CB

Sound checks: Should a fan or 2 be milling about the exterior venue on gig day, during sound check, have you guys ever let some of these fine folk in to observe?

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Dear Brent
Most if the time we don’t do them. I saw a guy outside the hotel in Manchester. I told him the band were mostly driving home and not to wait in the rain. He’d been there all day. Same applies to venues. The band all arrive at different times.
CB

Hello Chris,
Congratulations on a top notch show in Birmingham last Saturday. Squeeze were an excellent choice for support band. Madness were on top form, nice mix of songs, backdrop and sets were visually stunning ,new tracks were excellent, you all seemed to be really enjoying it, as were we. Seen the band many times over 40 odd years and that could be the best gig i’ve been too. Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s much appreciated. Hope for some new recorded stuff in the coming year, Best wishes and a Merry Xmas to the band
Andy

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Dear Chrisy

Did you not take out cancellation insurance, why did you sign the contract with such a clause in middle of the pandemic?
Why do you think Boris bought hundred of millions of doses if they did not expect this?
Do you think all descions should be based on public opinion. Is is safety second money first with Madness?

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Dear David
Covid has been around for two years. It is impossible to insure against cancelling a show due to Covid. Or anything else really. We planned this tour 2 years ago and were just about to announce it and bang! lockdown one. We were so relieved to finally get this show on the road and well blow me down a new variant and all that entails. A lot of people have not come which is understandable but far many more have been coming. I had an idea last night to hopefully put on a show or two specifically for the people that couldn’t come..We will try to do something for them. Keep those tickets!
best, CB

Hi CB,

Do you have any approximate timings for the show at Wembley tomorrow night? I can see that doors open at 6pm but I was wondering when Squeeze and yourselves are planning to be on stage?

Thanks for your help.

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Madness – you have been my number 1 favourite for 35 years. Tonight we were going to come to see you, but London is in a state of emergency, the tube isn’t working and I feel unsafe. It is sad you do not acknowledge your true fans are now going to lose their tickets price plus not get to see you. Sad.

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Dear Hilary
I understand and this is a terrible situation. We care about the fans but last night we had a massive audience to entertain. A lot of people didn’t come but a whole lot more did. Today I traveled here from Birmingham by train then rammed in a tube train. I’m at risk but I want to play and entertain those that turn up. If the government shut us down, then everyone gets a refund. We can’t choose to do that.
CB

Hello,

I bought two tickets for my parents to see Madness this evening at the O2, who are huge fans.

Because of the COVID Omicron cases and my parents age, they are not attending, as it’s a huge risk to be surrounded by crowds of people. Also the tube strike would not have helped!

We spent £176 for these two tickets tonight, and to not get a refund or anything else instead is absolutely appalling, given that the COVID cases are increasing day by day, and many other events are being postponed / cancelled.

My parents are huge fans and they are disappointed that nothing has been done by Madness.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Luke

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Dear Luke
This is very sad and I don’t know what I can do about it. We can’t cancel the shows as the majority of the audience come. I appreciate your parents worries and I will see what I can do for you but a refund won’t be possible. I got here on the tube but it was slow…
best, CB

Hi there. I attended the gig in Birmingham last night (December 17th) I purchased a black polo shirt. Unfortunately in a rush I asked for my actual size (A Large) but it turns out a large is a bit snug. Am I able to exchange it for an Xtra Large. if Its possible please let me know and I can send pictures of it. Massive Fan Chris

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Can you not postpone a concert instead of cancelling?
C’mon play safe like other bands are with their fans. We all love to see Madness but let us do it in a few months when hopefully safer and more enjoyable. Do it for your fans. Look on the resale website over 1/4 of the o2 tickets are on sale due to the worry and also the tube strike making it difficult to get to.

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Dear Baz
We can’t just cancel or indeed postpone a show at the drop of a hat. One reason is we will be in breach of our contract. If the promoter decides the show can’t go on, then it won’t. That would be the only reason for a cancellation. Second reason is this tour has survived Delta and so far none of our crew or band have caught Covid. Mike Barson had it and missed Butlins. I know it’s scary times out there but the show must go on.
CB

Dear Kim
We will be playing this show. You can enter with a negative test result or proof of vaccination.
Best, CB

Dear Amanda
We will be playing this show. You can enter with a negative test result or proof of vaccination. If you’re worried please don’t come. We can’t just cancel a concert.
Best, CB

I live in Iowa USA and have always enjoyed Madness. A large grocery chain Hy-Vee is using your song “Our House” in its commercials. Did you give them permission?

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Dear Kate
We will be playing this show. You can enter with a negative test result or proof of vaccination. We can’t just cancel shows..
Best, CB

Dear Helen
We will be playing this show. You can enter with a negative test result or proof of vaccination. We cannot cancel it.
Best, CB

I’m sure I bought tickets early for the Manchester gig on 11/12/2021 but can find my email confirmation. I bought them on an early bird site on 19/05/2021. Any idea what site I bought them off. I bought with my Barclaycard receipt ********.

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Dear Jeff
I hope you track this down but I am no way affiliated with selling our tickets. Other than getting the proceeds – eventually. Do you know what site you bought them from? I hope you find them before we play..let me know how it goes.
best, CB

Dear Chris
well the way you’re going that’ll be in about 20 years time cobber X
best, CB
sorry for the late reply

Hi We are getting Married on 4th June 2022 at Stamford Bridge Chelsea Football Club. We would love to hire for evening entertainment from 8pm. Our first dance is going to be It must be love and we would love you to play this live for us. The venue being Stamford Bridge has swallowed up most of our budget so wondering what is the best price you charge? (I no this is cheeky asking) but please help our day fullfill our dream. We will be truly thankful if you would get back to us.
Thank you so much from Jenna Maher

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