Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I concluded yesterdays yarns from the scorebox at the point I’d been promoted within the scoreboard operatives hierarchy. I was thirteen summers old and due to the promise shown at updating the wickets and overs, I’d been given the extra responsibility of ensuring that the teams and the crowd (including legendary old players) were kept... Continue Reading →
During yesterdays nostalgic musings which broached the subject of cricket scoreboards, recollections of working in a local club's scorebox in my early teens manifested themselves in my random mind. Joining Gateshead Fell cricket club as a junior player in 1976 took my life on a much needed new path. My recently acquired joys of puberty, along with the end of a... Continue Reading →
I was reminded earlier that it's two years since 'that' journey. An ordeal that lives long in my son and my memory; a time where we witnessed hitherto unseen traits of malevolence from an ordinarily unassuming family member. A hair raising ten mile white knuckle ride, courtesy of uncharacteristic arbitrary driving by my pater (Mally), exacerbated by his even rarer display of road rage. Not that Mally... Continue Reading →
Throwback to this time last year and a trip north to the cricket Test Match...... This is my first blog for a few days as I’ve been away in the north east of England. To clarify, it’s not the case you’re not allowed to write blogs in the area; so I'd hang fire with any plans to send... Continue Reading →
My erratic sleep pattern was today responsible for a first slumber past 11 am since I was a 16 year old. That was a time of lazing in the late 1970's, after I'd completing my GCE exams. This while waiting to start my first full-time job and for my moustache to grow thick enough to survive a slight breeze. This... Continue Reading →
During a wardrobe de-clutter this afternoon, I stumbled upon an old cable knit cricket sweater I used to adorn in the late 1970’s, when playing for Gateshead Fell junior cricket team. The item of clothing in question is a woollen jumper skilfully produced from a cable and twist pattern by my mater (Maggie). I realise... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I spent time sat in the recovery vehicle after car troubles meant aborting a journey to the t20 Blast finals. During this undistinguished hour of my life, I reflected on the decimation of my plans for some ‘father and son’ time watching cricket with my old man. In addition to reflecting, I pondered, followed by a period of mulling things... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow I’m taking my dad down to Birmingham for the t20 Blast cricket finals day. As a big Yorkshire cricket fan, Mally is chuffed that he will get to see his beloved county play on a finals day for the first time. Generally an undemonstrative man, I find it heartening to sample the joy he... Continue Reading →
This is my first blog for a few days as I've been away in the north east of England. To clarify, it's not the case you're not allowed to write blogs in the area; so there's no need to try send me up there permanently. I'm alluding to the fact I have been otherwise engaged, so I've... Continue Reading →