the radio played an important part in life on the barricades. it was used to organize eating and sleeping arrangements, calling people together (e.g. students from the same university), for the various meetings. artists were invited to entertain people. foresters were asked to provide firewood for the bonfires that were widely used by the people manning the barricades. food and drink were provided by a number of public institutions. many well-wishers provided knit socks and gloves as well as refreshments. places to sleep were often hard to find - schools were used where possible. many people either slept at the barricades or went home. some people experienced an exacerbation of their health problems which was not helped by the winter climate, exhaustion and stress.