A picture being worth 1000 words, we
present below some images that will replace a text of 7K words. Even if
the images were resized and compressed, this page takes some time to
download. If you have a really slow connection, better skip it by choosing
another page from the menu.
Embarkment of SNA colonial troops during the b/w years.
A
mall in the SNA desert, during about the same period as above.
Dromedrome
parking lot in the 50th.
The Postal Museum in Ciudad de
Leon, the capital of SNA.
SNA, the paradise of sand and
water.
A typical landscape of sand
and palms, the preferred resting place of fennecs during the siesta time.
Some strict regulations of the
traffic in the sna-nian desert.
Credits:
Many thanks to Mr. Blair Stannard for having conserved all these images
for the posterity.
In Memoriam — My Friend Blair David Stannard
September 27, 1946 – May 23, 2026
Blair David Stannard (1946–2026)
In loving memory of my friend Blair David Stannard, of Ottawa, Canada, whose friendship I shall always cherish.
Born in Montreal, Blair devoted much of his professional life to Canada's federal public service and served as Vice-President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).
A man of wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity, Blair was a devoted supporter of the arts, particularly ballet, and a long-time patron of Ottawa's National Arts Centre. He was a member of Mensa and of the Monarchist League of Canada.
A lifelong philatelist, he had a passion for stamp collecting that began in childhood and remained with him throughout his life. In recognition of his dedication to the field, he was also an honorary member of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada.
His interests also embraced local history and a special affection for cats.
Blair also helped preserve the images featured on this page for posterity. His contribution remains a cherished part of the history of this website.
I dedicate these lines to his memory, with gratitude for his friendship and with deep sadness at his passing.
Thank you so much for your beautiful tribute to my father. It was especially touching to read your kind words and to know that your friendship, built on a shared passion for philately, endured for so many decades.
I'm so grateful that we were able to reconnect, and I know my father would have been delighted to see your tribute. Your kindness and the lasting friendship you shared with him mean a great deal to me.
For anyone wishing to read Victor's lovely tribute to my father, here is the corrected link:
