Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
It was a dark unforgiving Lancastrian afternoon. In a scene not too dissimilar to Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson's farewell in the 1945 movie Brief Encounter, an enamoured couple stood on the platform at Manchester Piccadilly railway station. In a matter of minutes the train would leave to distant parts. Tears welled in their ever... Continue Reading →
This morning I was sad to read of the death of the Ray Tomlinson, the man credited with inventing email, at the age of 74. It isn’t known if the New York engineer left an ‘out of office’ message, but it is thought he will be cremated in a deleted mail bin at a quiet... Continue Reading →
I’ve just spent two hours dressed in a yellow tabard, wearing a huge daffodil on my head and with a box around my neck containing daffodil lapel pins. To clarify, when I say I had a huge daff on my head I mean a hat in that design, not that I have a yellow flower... Continue Reading →
Tingley Tribune Friday 4th March 2016 There was a collective sigh the length and breadth of the village of East Ardsley yesterday, when police finally caught up with fugitive from justice Malcolm Strachan, who'd been on the run for non-payment of his £2 Conservative Club subs. Before the arrest, police had... Continue Reading →
It’s actor Sir Tom Courtney’s 78th birthday today. Born in Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the knight of the realm’s critically acclaimed first appearance on that day won him the following rave reviews:-. “A superb entrance! ****” – Reighton Gap Courier. “A rousing first appearance. His strong projection bodes well for his future... Continue Reading →
Recently, I visited York to see my son Jonny on his off day. It's always a fillip to catch up with the lad who calls me dad. He calls me some less flattering things as well, but it's best they remain within the family. We took in lunch in one of York’s many fine eateries.... Continue Reading →
“Right, then, it's Manchester United versus Spurs in this cup tie here at Old Trafford. And it's the fair-haired, slightly balding Charlton to kick off.” Words of commentary delivered with gusto by sports teacher Mr Sugden (played by the late Brian Glover) in a scene from 1970 British movie Kes. His descriptive words not only... Continue Reading →
This morning my wee wife and I went for a stroll at Roundhay Park. The chilling wind was so bracing that my little spouses jaw froze, meaning she became temporarily unable to say the word bracing. As a result, for a short time this morning, Karen described the strong breeze that was battering that scenic... Continue Reading →
In 1982 the British punk rock band The Clash released a single that included the lyrics:- Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble And if I stay it will be double So you gotta let me know Should I cool it or should I blow? Should I... Continue Reading →