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 don't recollect much of biblical studies in Religious Education lessons from my schooldays. That being said, I can vaguely recall the part of the Gospel of Matthew in which he describes Jesus fasting in the desert. During Christ's abstinence from food, Matthew conveys the devil endeavoured to tempt him to turn stone into bread... Continue Reading →
The changeability of the great British weather was perfectly highlighted today, when at 11am in Leeds heavy snow started falling; only for three hours later there to be sunshine and predominantly clear paths and roads. As I write, throughout our metropolis there will be thousands of fed up kids currently on their trek home from... Continue Reading →
Karen has endured another week of hospital visits. She had her consultation with her oncologist on Monday, undertakes her four weekly treatment today and undergoes a physio session tomorrow. Sat in the waiting room, my fatigue levels are heightened following another inadequate nights sleep. I'd woken early from a dream and couldn't get back to... Continue Reading →
“How did that gobshite get on the TV?” is probably a question most people have uttered about someone or other while getting their daily fix of the goggle box. On the occasion it was uttered by a normally incomprehensible whisky soaked priest from his well-worn armchair, the target of the addled old man’s barbed question was... Continue Reading →
On a couple of occasions recently I've had very pleasant lunches out, courtesy of two different Christmas gifts. On Friday, my wife Karen and I had a two course lunch with drinks at a Country House hotel in the Vale of York, courtesy of my sister Helen. While yesterday Karen, my parents and I had... 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 →