Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
The first train robbery in America happened on this day in 1866. The incident took place near Seymour, Indiana and was undertaken by the notorious Reno Brothers Gang. It was a dark time to live in the Mid West. Gun laws meant that firearms were easily acquired by reckless, unstable idiots who caused mayhem. Thankfully... Continue Reading →
The first episode of Monty Pythons Flying Circus aired on this day in 1969. The groundbreaking sketch based comedy, written and performed by Oxbridge graduates John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam, went onto gain worldwide popularity and cult status. Unable to categorise the zany sketches, sight gags and... Continue Reading →
Much loved English comedian Norman Wisdom died on this day five years ago, aged 95. Blimey, I’ve written two really cheerful blogs this weekend! Yesterday I referred to the anniversary of Ronnie Barker's death; todays is about the passing of another British comedian with a special place in the nations hearts. Wisdom’s career in show... Continue Reading →
Ten years ago today writer and comedy actor Ronnie Barker passed away. The Bedford born funny man died of heart failure in an Oxfordshire Hospice, at the age of 76. He met his diminutive long term comedy partner Ronnie Corbett when they played in an amateur production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarves at... Continue Reading →
The singer/songwriter of the seminal ballad American Pie, Don McLean is 70 years old today. According to friends the man who drove the Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry, plans to celebrate his birthday with good ole boys drinking whiskey 'n rye. When McLean wrote American Pie, in particular his references to... Continue Reading →
On this day 1971 Walt Disney World was opened in Orlando, Florida. It was a day of excitable kids, colourful characters, mixing with goofy, a rollercoaster ride of emotions and constantly dipping into dad’s wallet. That’s how my mum remembers that day at our Low Fell home anyway! …….. I’ve no idea what Disney World... Continue Reading →
Forty years ago yesterday, Dougal Haston and Doug Scott became the first Britons to reach the summit of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. It was a remarkable achievement, especially when you take into account that the duo had only gone out for a night out in Kathmandu. They came out of The Fleece pub just... Continue Reading →
On this day 60 years ago, the channel now known as ITV became the first channel to challenge the BBC’s television monopoly. On its inception it was known as ITA (Independent Television Authority) and, unlike the BBC, was not licence funded but financed through advertising revenue. The channel was launched following a ceremony at the... Continue Reading →
Eleven years ago today former football manager Brian Clough passed away. Undemonstrative, modest, ambassadorial, understated and quiet are none of the words that have ever used to describe the outspoken Middlesbrough born Clough. A prolific goalscorer for his hometown club Middlesbrough (Boro) and Sunderland during his playing days, his career was prematurely ended in 1962,... Continue Reading →