Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
In his 1965 refrain Summer Wind, Frank Sinatra sang of a seemingly season long breeze which blew in from the sea - Presumably, the Pacific Ocean on the US's west coast. These gentle gusts a welcome cooling accompaniment to beach walks with his sweetheart. As you'd expect from Francis Albert, it's a lament delivered with... Continue Reading →
Nations who've achieved final success in the FIFA World Cup traditionally adorn a gold star above their shirt crest, advertising to all and sundry the number of occasions they've been football world champions. For instance, England have won the world cup once meaning their badge adorns one star; whereas four-times winners Italy's shirt emblem dons... Continue Reading →
Blenheim Palace - Winston Churchill's birthplace and for centuries the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. Not to mention the only British palace whose moniker nearly rhymes with the name of TV chef Ken Hom. Built in the early 18th century (that's the Oxfordshire Palace not Ken Hom), I was in situ of this imposing... Continue Reading →
As I commence this offering, I'm sitting in what's classed as the Popular Enclosure at Emerald Headingley cricket stadium. In the absence of my laptop, I'm typing this narrative on my mobile phone - An onerous task but not as difficult as, say, writing this with a leadless pencil, or Cheesestrings***. *** - Other processed cheese... Continue Reading →
I feel the earth move under my feet I feel the sky tumbling down I feel my heart start trembling Whenever you're around A poetic verse from the pen of American song/writer Carole King. A divulgent proclamation starting her 1971 hit named after the first pentad of the lyric. Lexilogical meanderings overtly expressing to her... Continue Reading →
Sunday 13th May - This morning, I was part of a team of marshals supporting the Leeds Half Marathon. A cathartic experience where, in our world of seemingly constant negativity, the determination, stoicism and tenacity of it's participants went towards restoring some faith in humanity. My marshalling station was located on Kirkstall Road, around 2... Continue Reading →
Monday 7th May - Sunday afternoon I spent an hour or so as part of a team of volunteers fundraising for Wakefield Hospice - The Mobile Rocket Stadium, home of local rugby league club Wakefield Trinity, our collection point. A benevolent gesture afforded to the fund-raising arm of the end of life facility under a... Continue Reading →
Friday 4th May - At school in 1970's Gateshead we were taught a song about the legend of the Lambton Worm - A tale surrounding the antics of a giant worm that folklore tells terrorised a Wearside village a few miles south of my parents Tyneside residence at that time. Yesterday, sitting in the Leeds... Continue Reading →
Sunday 29th April - Spent yesterday evening watching a Freddie Mercury tribute act at the local cricket club. The likeness to the late Queen front man was incredible, especially the facial hair, strutting gait and protruding proboscis - And that was just my wife Karen!...... The guy onstage also had a look of Mercury. When... Continue Reading →