Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
In recent times notions relating to my late father have been amongst the numerous visitors to my mercurial mind. My cerebrum in receipt of thoughts relating to the old fella who four years ago passed away, depriving my brood of his inherent warmth, kindness, wisdom and love of family. Amongst memories appertaining to the patriarch... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I partook in the latest bi-weekly online quiz night with buddies. A few hours where seven guys, parted by miles and coronavirus, tested each others general knowledge to within an inch of its life. In the process, creating an inquisitorial fun fest which'd make even the most curmudgeonly soul grin. Our motley crew... Continue Reading →
Yours truly's itinerary for today incorporates the 'verve infusing' chore of ironing laundry - Clothing and bedsheets amassed after yesterday's sojourn through washing machine and dryer...... Incidentally, that was the laundry, not GJ Strachan, navigating the washer/dryer. Footnote - Yeah, I agree I probably didn't need to suffix the word ironing with the word laundry.... Continue Reading →
During recent days holed up in COVID-19 isolation, I've chosen a selection of Beatles refrains as my daily aural companions. These tunes transporting me back to young childhood - An era seemingly shot in monochrome, where I was introduced to the Fab Four's hits on the familial wireless. The 1960's locales for these episodes my parents... Continue Reading →
It was an arching run up with trailing bowling arm and slightly unorthodox delivery action I mimicked on numerous occasions during my 1970's childhood. This then homage to Warwickshire and England cricketer Bob Willis ordinarily undertaken during 'Test Matches' my brother Ian and/or friends participated on the tarmac wicket of Dorchester Gardens, or dog dirt... Continue Reading →
A few days back I relayed recollections from my young childhood. While I mulled over a topic for today's prose my mother (whose house I'm currently residing in suggested I journal further memories from the same era........... Only funny ones this time. To be honest, what she really said “Was it you who ate that last... Continue Reading →
A couple of days back a mate in Gateshead announced on social media he'd become a grandad. Witnessing this posting led me to post a tribute YouTube video on my buddy's timeline showing a recording of Dad's Army actor Clive Dunn's 1970's novelty single 'Grandad'. A misguided action on my part which've meant for the... Continue Reading →
After my brief overnight stay in Gateshead, I'd an incident free odyssey south on the A1(M); arriving back in Leeds yesterday afternoon. My journey predominantly spent with the late morning/midday solar rays positioned just to the left of the driving seat sun visor. Consequently, my singing along to the refrains on Sting's '10 Summoners Tales'... Continue Reading →
Alec Thompson's banty eggs were frequent visitors to the 1970s/80's Strachan kitchen table in Dorchester Gardens, Low Fell. Not just physically, in the shape of an omelette or cake ingredient, but also as a catalyst to meal time banter surrounding the culinary splendour of truly fresh produce. I didn't know Gateshead man Alec personally but... Continue Reading →