Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Eleven years ago today former football manager Brian Clough passed away. Undemonstrative, modest, ambassadorial, understated and quiet are none of the words that have ever used to describe the outspoken Middlesbrough born Clough. A prolific goalscorer for his hometown club Middlesbrough (Boro) and Sunderland during his playing days, his career was prematurely ended in 1962,... Continue Reading →
In 1879 on this day the Blackpool Illuminations were turned on for the first time. This display was nowhere near the grand scale of the modern day, as the electric light bulb hadn’t been patented yet. This resulted in an understated inaugural display consisting of eight arc lamps on the promenade. After Thomas Edison’s patent... Continue Reading →
It was November 2010 and we’d just been well and truly blindsided by the diagnosis of my wife’s incurable cancer. Everything was a blur then and, at times, remains so now. Amongst the few things I remember, after we left the consultants office, was being informed by the MacMillan nurse we had just embarked on... Continue Reading →
I’ve just been watching the lunchtime news on BBC. It was delivered as usual with professionalism, clarity and a very good use of the word juxtaposition at around 13:17. One of the stories related to the new Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn, who became Labour Party leader at the weekend. It was strange, but... Continue Reading →
A Fictional Tale Thirty seven years ago today Muhammed Ali outpointed Leon Spinks to become the first boxer to win the world heavyweight title three times, at the Superdome in New Orleans. A crowd of over 60,000 and an estimated worldwide TV audience of 90 million, watched Ali's historic achievement. It was to be the... Continue Reading →
It was on this day in 1752 the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar. They were delighted with the news, as they’d had a long wait whilst Social Services mulled over reservations about their suitability to adopt. However, Social Services eventually relented and their fears proved unfounded as the adoption was a great success. The... Continue Reading →
Ordinarily, I always endeavour to write a blog a day to get the old grey matter working. However, I’ve lapsed in the last few days as I’ve not been in a good place. However, it has to be said Hull always has that effect on me, so I should have known better! The other evening... Continue Reading →