Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Last week I wrote about my daughter Rachel naming a star after her mum as a Christmas gift. It was a loving gesture that touched our hearts, bringing a tear to the green eyes of her courageous, resilient and selfless mother. Despite a naming error during the administration set up, we were deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I was talking to an acquaintance who told me that their new years resolution was to stop smoking. It was a bit of a surprise as I hadn’t realised my 10 year old nephew was a smoker, but credit to the kid for trying to break the habit! That was only a joke by... Continue Reading →
Well here we are on the last day of 2015. Very shortly, Julian Calendar's latest offspring, who shall be nameth 2016, will make an appearance. It is anticipated, the announcement of the arrival will be made live on TV by Jools Holland, around midnight. I plan to toast the appearance of the offspring with a... Continue Reading →
Today is Panic Saturday! Apparently, it is the name that has been bestowed upon the last Saturday before Christmas Day. I'm not sure why we in the UK have started titling certain days of the year in this way. Up until a year or two back, I'd never heard of 'Black Friday', 'Panic Saturday', 'Cyber... Continue Reading →
Today marks the 85th birthday of Scottish actor/comedian Ronnie Corbett. The diminutive half (or perhaps more accurate quarter) of The Two Ronnies plans to celebrate it somehow, in some place, with a bunch of people. I’ve no idea what as I don’t know the guy! If you really want to become acquainted with Mr Corbett’s... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I wrote of a memory from my schooldays, from which I received some very encouraging feedback. In fact one friend went as far as saying "I've just read your blog, Gary. Any chance I can borrow a tin of soup?" With this positive critique in mind, I thought I'd try recollect further memories from... Continue Reading →
An old geography teacher of mine once taught me “All roads lead to Rome!” Who am I to disagree with Mr Hanson, but that’s not what my GPS (Sat Nav) is currently telling me. That is clearly highlighting the road I’m currently on (B1237 York Ring Road) will lead me to the Monks Cross Shopping... Continue Reading →
The first episode of Monty Pythons Flying Circus aired on this day in 1969. The groundbreaking sketch based comedy, written and performed by Oxbridge graduates John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam, went onto gain worldwide popularity and cult status. Unable to categorise the zany sketches, sight gags and... Continue Reading →
Ten years ago today writer and comedy actor Ronnie Barker passed away. The Bedford born funny man died of heart failure in an Oxfordshire Hospice, at the age of 76. He met his diminutive long term comedy partner Ronnie Corbett when they played in an amateur production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarves at... Continue Reading →