Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Last week I wrote a narrative containing untrustworthy recollections from my senior high schooldays in Low Fell, Gateshead. Within those memories I touched upon a sandwich shop called The Griddle - During my schooldays a 'go to' source for midday refreshment. In the 1970s/80s, this Durham Road deli was heavily patronised by Heathfield Senior High... Continue Reading →
Earlier today I published a narrative bequeathing it's discerning reader unreliable anecdotes from my junior high schooldays. These notions manifesting from the depths of my capricious mind; embellished by fictional addendums sourced from a neurological chamber with a door titled 'Random'. Breckenbeds Junior High on Saltwell Road in south Gateshead the subject of that ramble.... Continue Reading →
Within the past few days I've shared a trilogy of narratives (Lunchtime Lounging At The Griddle, …. And The Teachers Get The Money! & Duck!!) regarding whimsical, partly fictional, recollections of the Gateshead senior high school I attended between 1977-79. This education establishment, which became victim to the wrecking ball a couple of decades ago, going by... Continue Reading →
The Gateshead senior high school where I was educated was demolished a couple of decades ago. I'm assured it's nothing to do with my attendance there and the hate mail's abated, but the self-doubt still lingers. The school's penchant for turning out top level professional footballers, a world renowned orchestra leader and an international rugby... Continue Reading →
Ordinarily, these days I don't normally over-indulge with the New Years Eve celebrations. A situation very different to my parents during my formative years, when my family welcomed the dawn of a new year with gusto. Gusto was a German guy who lived on Cromer Avenue. As I recall, he was affable of nature; however his... Continue Reading →
For the first time since childhood, this morning I'd cause to utilise Germolene antiseptic cream. I'll openly admit it not the most interesting minutiae you'll hear today. However, I felt moved to mention undertaking the act as, with it's distinctive aroma, exposure to this germ battling lotion evoked memories of my fledgling years. On suffering... Continue Reading →
With autumnal temperatures starting to drop in West Yorkshire, it appears the season has shaken off it's apparent indifference to conclude 2018's warm spell. The death knell is ringing for deciduous flora and fauna that over the last eight months have graced the front and back gardens of casa Strachan. Soon it'll be time for... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I became embroiled in a discussion with my wife Karen and her sister Sue about nicknames. During this cordial conversation my spouse raised the origins of my brother Ian's longstanding nom d'plume of Cheese. My spouse referring to a moniker I coined for our kid in the mid 1970's, after concluding his early nickname... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 2nd May - Yesterday afternoon was spent undertaking garden maintenance at casa Strachan senior. This involved a few hours hard graft manicuring lawns, along with pampering soil borders with a much needed weed/hoeing treatment. Consequently, at around 5pm thanks to assistance from lawnmower, grass clippers, a hoe and my family's horticultural secret (passed down... Continue Reading →