Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
On several occasions I've penned about my teenage/early 20's cricketing days while playing at Gateshead Fell cricket club (GFCC). Examples of which can be read in the narratives GFCC Juniors – Class of ’80, Unreliable Tales From The Pavilion, The Crowd Went Wild! Among these literary recollections I wrote fondly of the treble-winning GFCC under-18 team of 1980,... Continue Reading →
I learned many useful life lessons as a child growing up in Low Fell, Gateshead. Amongst them was when it came to playing table football games my brother Ian was a flaming cheat. Our kid will have his own version of these events, but will never convince me he flicked the small plastic player to... Continue Reading →
A 1970's trip to the Low Fell Classic cinema always produced a few childhood hours to savour. Situated about 50 yards from Cranstons jewellery shop and Reeds confectioners on the western side of Durham Road, this small three screened movie theatre wasn't as sartorially impressive as, say, the Newcastle Odeon or the Newcastle Theatre Royal.... Continue Reading →
I'm sat with the missus in one of the oncology unit waiting rooms of a Leeds Teaching Hospital. A four weekly jaunt we undertake so the 'trouble and strife' can undergo her monthly treatment. As the moment there's only the two of us residing in the 'linger lounge'. A couple of seats to my left... Continue Reading →
In the 1970's, the shops halfway along Low Fell's Dartmouth Avenue were an almost daily destination of the young Gary Strachan. This mini retail outlet for Chowdenians***, consisting of a group of four convenience stores which over the years included a Spar supermarket, an Off-licence, a hairdressers and a newsagent. *** - I've absolutely no idea... Continue Reading →
As I write, my wife Karen is watching the QVC channel. With no sign of a phone within her close vicinity I'm hoping it's merely for research purposes, not with a view to impulse buy a product we really don't need. Something, we're been guilty of when under the hypnotic influence of cable shopping channels.... Continue Reading →
I have often walked down the street before But the pavement always Stayed beneath my feet before. All at once am I Several stories high Knowing I'm on the street where you live. Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics from the song 'On The Street Where You Live' from the 1956 musical stage production of My Fair... Continue Reading →
Yesterday my wife Karen and me took an early evening saunter into Leeds city centre. Our mission, should we choose to accept it (which we did), a cheeky little drink accompanied with an even more brazen meal. Our late afternoon eatery of choice the Harvey Nichols Brassiere, where we sampled a touch of the elegance... Continue Reading →
In the last couple of weeks I've posted a number of my narratives onto two Facebook groups whose members have links to my childhood home, Low Fell in Gateshead. These pieces of prose a selection of newly penned and previously written recollections from childhood. Partly factually/partly fictional, their publication was driven by my desire to... Continue Reading →