Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
We have another visit to St James’ Hospital tomorrow, for Karen’s third appointment of the week. There is a saying that “Good things come in threes.” To plagiarize the irascible waster Jim Royle (in the comedy The Royle Family), I would add the suffix of “My arse!” to that sentence. They also say that “Good... Continue Reading →
I wrote yesterday of the first part of a trip I undertook with friends in the Yorkshire Dales at the weekend. It was a tale of inclement weather, trekking, camaraderie, wine gums and the skillful use of the word juxtaposition in paragraph eleven. Today I intend to try paint a picture of the remainder of... Continue Reading →
Today marks the 85th birthday of Scottish actor/comedian Ronnie Corbett. The diminutive half (or perhaps more accurate quarter) of The Two Ronnies plans to celebrate it somehow, in some place, with a bunch of people. I’ve no idea what as I don’t know the guy! If you really want to become acquainted with Mr Corbett’s... Continue Reading →
Well we’re into December, we can start opening our advent calendars, put our Christmas trees up without repercussions from the Christmas tree police and people will soon be caroling (hopefully not, though, bringing their cacophonous din to my door!). I've nothing against carol singers per se! Listening to carols sung by a melodic choir can... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I went to see singer/songwriter Paul Weller and his band in a gig at the fd Arena, in Leeds. Being sat behind a lanky bloke whose head was ‘Above the Clouds’ could have meant an evening of ‘Ever Changing Moods’ for yours truly. Thankfully, the modern design of the venue, which enhances the... Continue Reading →
28th November is a notable day for women’s rights. On this day in 1893, New Zealand created history when it became the first nation to allow women to vote. Also on this date in 1919, Lady Astor became the first woman to sit in the House of Commons ........ Although, apparently she required a further... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, Karen excitedly advised me that she'd received an email, from Ticketmaster, advising tickets for singer Adele’s 2016 tour go on sale next week. I haven't seen her so giddy since I told her last week I'd read her hometown of Birtley, in County Durham, had been nominated in the 'Town Baths With Best Chlorine... Continue Reading →
Fifty two years ago yesterday Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged sole killer of the US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was himself murdered in the basement area of a Dallas police station. Oswald was murdered live on TV by Dallas night club owner Jack Ruby. NBC viewers watched on as the New Orleanian was shot, whilst... Continue Reading →
I’m endeavouring to catch the recently released movie The Lady In The Van at some point this week. Based on a memoir of Leeds born writer/performer Alan Bennett, it tells the story of a transient woman who lives in her van on the writers drive in London for 15 years. I was told by an... Continue Reading →