On Saturday, just over 46 years after my first ever venture into its hollowed stands, I had a trip down to Elland Road stadium to watch Leeds United play local rivals Barnsley. To clarify, I’ve been to the ground hundreds of times since that visit as a young boy, fair of hair and euphoric of…
Tag: leeds
Waiting For Chemo
Hospital visits a plenty this week for my significant other. Yesterday saw her undergo a blood test; while today we shall spend an hour or so, on the hottest September day in the UK for 50 years, bathing in the strip lighting glow of an oncology unit waiting room. The strip lights are far less of a skin…
Friends, Romans & Yorkshiremen….
I count myself lucky that during my half century or so on this planet (and the others I sometimes wander off to) I’ve had the opportunity to visit many awe inspiring, historical and iconic buildings. Included amongst these majestic structures are the Cathedral at Notre Dame in Paris, St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Burj al Arab…
Motoring Misery With Mally!
With an early departure to Birmingham scheduled this morning for the Mally (my dad) and me, I decided an earlier start would be gained by kipping at my mum and dads last night. During the 16 hours or so at chez Strachan senior, something quite profound dawned on yours truly regarding elderly peoples hearing. After a series of recent…
Roots Dictate Rooting for Root
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…
Patience of a Saint
As a middle aged man addled with cynicism and with bitterness to spare, it is heartening to know my erratic mind still occasionally revisits the immature double entrendre destinations of my youth. I’m not overly proud of the jokes themselves, however it is comforting to know I still have one foot in the portal of my…
On Temple Newsam Pond
I started writing this narrative sat in the Oncology Institute at St James’ Hospital, while awaiting Karen’s oncologist appointment. It’s the first of two visits this week as she has her monthly treatment on Tuesday to supplement her daily medication. When I commenced writing this, I was heartened to see the sun shining outside and…
Like An Old Pair of Slippers
11:50 am on Sunday 7th August – Traffic congestion on the A64 meant I was rushing home to catch kick off of the first Leeds United game of the season. As I sat impatiently at numerous sets of Crossgates traffic lights with the radio trying its best to drown out my impatient cursing, Radio Leeds…
Farnley’s Nicest Hands 1957
Recently, I had a bit of wake up call. An epiphany where it dawned on me just how hard my parents had worked to provide my siblings and me with a comfortable, warm and secure upbringing. Were they the thoughts of a man coming to terms with his own mortality, following a many recent stories…