Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Earlier in the week, while mingling with attendees at a friend’s funeral in Gateshead, an old mate commented he'd noticed I'd not been as prolific with my blog writing lately. I responded the situation a consequence of taking up of a part-time job role; meaning opportunities to pen my unreliable prose had diminished markedly. The... Continue Reading →
‘League One Leeds – A Journey Through The Abyss’ by author Rocco Dean; Reviewed by Gary Strachan I first visited Leeds United’s Elland Road home on 19th September 1970. A rite of passage allowing me to witness the most successful Leeds side to grace the LS11 turf. An overcast autumn Saturday seeing a John Giles penalty... Continue Reading →
Yesterday witnessed the celebration of All Hallows' Evening in numerous countries across the globe. A time of fancy dress, imaginatively sculptured pumpkins and hyper kids not sleeping after eating six bags of Haribo gummy bears, four lollipops and eighteen sherbet dips. Blimey, I’m showing my age there. I'm not even sure you can still purchase sherbet dips.... Continue Reading →
I am back in Wakefield after a two-night sabbatical aboard Victor the Volkswagen campervan. Despite their best efforts to sully our odyssey, the weather gods were unable to break our spirit. It takes more than sporadic rainstorms and diminishing temperatures to crush the verve of my partner Sarah and me. While Knaresborough campsite in situ,... Continue Reading →
After a month or so hiatus, yours truly is once again sampling the ambrosia borne from living a campervan life. My beau Sarah and me, along with her adorable dog Zella currently ‘moored’ on a site in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Upon arriving at our domain for the next two days, the Ossett lass and I... Continue Reading →
As I sit journaling insights into last weekend’s campervan adventure, a constant pinging emanates from the kitchen area. The distracting sound venturing through the office door ‘ole, joining Barnsley Road traffic noise as an accompanying audioscape to my penmanship. I have narrowed down the source of this audible alert to receipt of a stream of... Continue Reading →
It has been an expensive week motor vehicle wise. Insuring and paying road tax for Victor the campervan, along with purchasing two new front tyres for my car has seen the best part of 1,000 English pounds haemorrhage from my savings account. Bearing in mind Victor spends 99% of his existence off road, either on... Continue Reading →
This weekend will see a return to campervan life for my rebellious beau Sarah and me. After a couple of weeks where my mental health has gone through the floor, a much-needed fillip for yours truly. I’ve written on many occasions about the low mood waves which engulf me at times. However, although tough plotlines... Continue Reading →
“There's a sad sort of clangingFrom the clock in the hallAnd the bells in the steeple, tooAnd up in the nurseryAn absurd little birdIs popping out to say ca-coo(ca-coo ca-coo)” The opening gambit to a refrain from The Sound of Music movie. An aria performed as a fond adieu by the Von Trapp family to... Continue Reading →