Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Within the next seven days I'm hoping to receive keys to the Wakefield centre flat which'll shortly become my nouvelle demeure. A rental residence which'll hopefully become base for the new start yours truly seeks following sale of his parent's home. A completion date of 2nd September for our (my siblings and GJ Strachan's) former... Continue Reading →
It's day one of England's second lockdown. I'm pleased to report the initial hours of life under more stringent government edicts have proved fruitful for GJ Strachan. It's just gone 11am and already I've pencil drawn a caricature, completed the re-arranging of the dining room furniture, along with emptying a cabinet containing many old curios,... Continue Reading →
I've recently returned from watching an under-16 football match between my new locale Tingley and former manor Colton. A spontaneous decision resulting in a couple of hours where I got to meet up with my Colton based buddy Mike. He in attendance to watch son Sam, who plays as a midfielder for the away side.... Continue Reading →
This afternoon, I was desperately sad to hear of the passing of ex-Leeds United centre back Norman Hunter's from COVID-19, at the age of 76. Even when you're not personally acquainted with the deceased, it's a sombre time when the lost contributed towards numerous existential high points. Throw into the mix this childhood idol passed... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, on reading 40 year old TV presenter Caroline Flack had taken her own life I felt moved to broach the subject of depression in essay. My words not laid down in pontification, or indeed from a misguided position of self-righteousness which'd be rank hypocrisy on my part. Moreover, observations taken from my own experiences... Continue Reading →
Almost exactly a week after attending the funeral of a Gateshead Fell cricket club (GFCC) legend***, a club I represented for a decade between 1977-1987, this morning I was further saddened to hear of a former junior & senior team colleague Brian Gray's passing. *** - Last week's melancholic events more extensively detailed in my... Continue Reading →
Sitting in an armchair in my mother's lounge, there's an audio accompaniment of clattering crockery emanating from the kitchen as I commence today's journal. This distracting sound courtesy of her returning freshly washed breakfast bowls, plates and cutlery to their allotted sections of the chamber's cupboards and drawers. A task I ordinarily assist with when... Continue Reading →
This morning, as we drove back from the White Rose Shopping Centre to my mater's abode, we passed the Big Top marque of a travelling circus. Witnessing this huge canvas structure, on the periphery of her village, led to an exchange of views between Mrs Strachan senior and myself about the merits, or otherwise of a circuses entertainment value. The discussion was instigated by my... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening the Strachan brood dined out at a local Italian restaurant. We'd congregated to partake in a Bon Voyage meal for my daughter Rachel, who next week flies to Canada for an as yet unknown duration. It was an emotional evening where wife Karen, my son Jonny, his fiancée Jenny, Rachel and me shared nostalgic... Continue Reading →