Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
On Saturday afternoon, as one of the acts performing at Garforth's G-Fest music event, I was part of an ensemble singing choral versions of popular contemporary refrains Headlining the community stage, we (Garforth Community Choir) played a 15 minute set incorporating the songs You Gotta Be, Happy, Shackles, Is This Love, Lovely Day. Our audience... Continue Reading →
Today's blog topic was inspired by this morning's telephone conversation with my son Jonathon. Although he's my offspring, the relationship between Jonny and I bears a familiarity and candour of siblings. So much so I think of him as a younger brother. As a consequence of this father/son bond our discussions ordinarily take place with... Continue Reading →
This is my second attempt at commencing today's narrative. The hundred or so words I originally penned disappearing into an e-ether after, while hindered by having to wax lyrical on my mobile phone instead of laptop, inadvertently deleted the draft. They say a bad workman blames his tools. However, in my case earlier, it was... Continue Reading →
Recently I was asked by a younger acquaintance to describe life residing on the sometimes fraught pastures of middle age. They didn't ask in exactly that manner, their enquiry delivered more along the lines of "It must be s**t being middle aged, you fat b*****d!" However, I thought my version more poetic. Ordinarily, when questioned... Continue Reading →
It was the Eurovision Song Contest last Saturday evening. A smorgasbord of sing-song which in recent decades has allowed European nations (and recently our Australian cousins) their annual opportunity to humiliate the less creative end of the UK's song writing industry. I'd like to think our continental cousin's motives are deeply ingrained envy, born from... Continue Reading →
This morning I spent a couple of hours with a fellow volunteer collecting for Marie Curie Cancer Support (MCCS). Our partner in fundraising, arranged as part of ongoing Tour de Yorkshire celebrations, the Garforth Community Choir (GCC) - A melodious band of brothers and sisters whose upbeat harmonising attracted MCCS benefactors like nectar lures a... Continue Reading →
Today sees the Gregorian calendar baton passing seamlessly from April to May. A change taking followers of Pope Gregory XIII's 16th century almanac into its fifth monthly epoch of 2019. What will May bring its attending guests and more importantly what's the dress code? Hopefully not raincoats, wind cheaters and kaleidoscopically coloured leg warmers like... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow sees my long-awaited post cardiac arrest health assessment. This a pre-requisite so cardio rehab staff can formulate a bespoke rehab plan for me to utilise at my local gym. This fitness strategy being drawn up to strengthen my heart muscle after it sustained moderate damage during the life-threatening incident. A plan that, although not mandatory,... Continue Reading →
I have often walked down the street before But the pavement always Stayed beneath my feet before. All at once am I Several stories high Knowing I'm on the street where you live. Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics from the song 'On The Street Where You Live' from the 1956 musical stage production of My Fair... Continue Reading →