Page 25 - SAFFER Magazine 01

Canal Root Surgery

from Dublin town in the east… all the way to
the River Shannon in the west. Today, both the
Royal and Grand Canals have been reopened
after going into disrepair for a long time. The
Royal was worst hit. In places it was said to
have turned into a smelly dumpsite. Nature was
trying hard to reclaim the ditch and man was
trying even harder to forget the great history
and heritage that had gone before.

The canals often cut through the centres of
small towns and villages. This had a positive
spinoff, as local Tidy Town committees took it
upon themselves to begin the clean-up of their
local stretches. Little by little the canals were
restored until the Royal was reopened officially in late 2010. It was not much later that I felt the need… to go
see where the towpath led. So, my love for the canals began. I can say I have met great people along the way
but those are stories for another day.

Yes… your eyes deceive you not… those are South African flags. I took the photos during a walk along the
Grand Canal. It seems I’m not the only Saffer who’s interested in the canals… learning the history and getting
outside… rooting out the pain of cabin fever!

WE NEEd yOU! Here at SAFFER Radio, we cannot do it all alone –

we need YOU… yes, visualise the picture of the Lord
Kitchener poster… WE NEED YOU! (Now… I know
he wasn’t quite as popular as he would’ve believed he
was… but I’m only after that image…)

And, you may ask… just why we need you? Simple…
without you listening and interacting on the chat
line, we’re only speaking to the wind. There’s nothing
wrong with that either… but I’m sure you’ll under-
stand that it’s the camaraderie we’re also after.

Internet radio? Why? Why bother? Well, the way I So… I’ve put my case for internet radio… now I’m
see it, it serves a number of niche functions – espe- throwing it over to you. We need participation but
cially useful when veterans get a hold of the platform: we also need DJ’s – likeminded folk who believe the
adage…
Reaching out directly to specific groups or clubs
Spreading camaraderie among veterans and friends For veterans… by veterans – by Saffers for Saffers!
Reaching out to folk who just need to hear that
“voice in the wilderness” We understand each other, that’s why we need to talk
Promoting upcoming events and gatherings with each other! Contact us at safferww@gmail.com
Stirring memories… and stimulating interaction or tap on the contact page just below the banner and
Playing good music – mostly ad free – for veterans, drop us a line! We’re looking forward to your inter-
their families and friends action, so… get cracking – on the double, WE NEED
Discussing the bad old days… or NOT! YOU!

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