Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As a part of cricket playing recollections in my teens/early twenties at Gateshead Fell, today I'm moved to pen vague memories from club cricket tearooms. A domain that for generations has been predominantly the domicile of cricketer's wives, mums and girlfriends. Warm-hearted volunteers giving up their summer Saturday afternoons, ensuring the teams/crowd are provided with sustenance, a warm smile and the occasional rollocking for the unhygienic... Continue Reading →
During the last few months, I've occasionally penned about times as a fledgling cricketer in my teens/early 20's, playing at Gateshead Fell Cricket Club. These unreliable memories started with Tales From The Scoreboard - Part One and Tales from ‘The Fell’ Scorebox – Part 2 : closely followed by a whimsical tribute to my 1980 junior teammates with tongue in cheek biographies in GFCC - Class... Continue Reading →
The Australian national anthem is blasting out in the corner of the living room as I commence this literary portrayal. To clarify, the playing of Advance Australia Fair isn't a precondition of me writing a blog, it resonates around my living room as a proviso to the England v Australia rugby international that is playing out on my TV.... Continue Reading →
The 'On This Day' app on Facebook has just kindly reminded me that this time last year I was stuck in Derbyshire awaiting a recovery vehicle. My car rendered undriveable by a wheel bearing fault. In the car was my father of 50+ years, an overnight case of two years and 5kg of wine gums purchased... Continue Reading →
In stadium white rose, rendezvous unexpected Pater and his boy, a chance encounter Offspring’s trademark smile greets old man Joint remit witnessing of Roses War skirmish Willow belabouring leather sphere contest Superior tally victor; Lewis/Duckworth welcome not Will the House of York or Lancaster prevail? A battle to win, though not victory of war. ... Continue Reading →
My week of exercise and healthy eating unceremoniously came off the rails yesterday evening. The willpower of yours truly, stoic foe of temptation over the previous seven days or so, conspicuous by it's absence during a visit to Headingley cricket ground. An evening sojourn with a pal to witness the Yorkshire v Lancashire T20 Blast game. All the ingredients were there to... Continue Reading →
Two years ago today the ‘voice of horse racing’ Sir Peter O’Sullevan passed away at the age of 97. Born in County Down, O'Sullevan was from a generation of legendary sports broadcasters whose distinctive tones guided millions of viewers through the BBC's weekly sports show Grandstand. It was a time when sport provided me with a wealth of special childhood memories. Those were the pre-Sky Sports days... Continue Reading →
Yesterday afternoon my wife and I ventured to the Leeds General Infirmary, visiting a family member (for anonymity I'll call Arthur) who is currently awaiting a surgical procedure. During our visit, the surgeon advised the work he's undertaking is a major operation, one requiring a steady hand and meticulous care. That being said, though, he... Continue Reading →
Over the previous two days, I’ve written of unreliable boyhood memories from the Gateshead Fell cricket club scorebox. Tongue in cheek yarns of my rite of passage from scoreboard operative to the 'prestigious' role of scorer for the 1st team. Within those narratives I didn’t touch on playing the game either within the junior team or... Continue Reading →