Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As I walked out of Elland Road with my son yesterday, after another awful Leeds United performance, my mind drifted back to a mild evening at the same venue on 2nd May 2001. On that night, unbeknown to me at the time, I uttered perhaps the most prophetic words I’ve said in the half century... Continue Reading →
On this day in 1877 Thomas Edison announced his invention that has since brought so joy to many peoples lives in large parts of the world, a quarterpounder with cheese burger! Seriously, though, 138 years ago today, the Ohio born inventor informed the world that he had invented the phonograph; a machine that can... Continue Reading →
I’ve stopping in quite a few hotels in the UK over the past year or so. They range from four/five star establishments to ones at the budget end of the market. One thing I’ve noticed in these lodgings, regardless of where they sit in the quality range, is that there is always one light switch... Continue Reading →
I spent last weekend in Dunstable meeting up in the company of some old friends and workmates. Around 20 years ago, I lived on the outskirts of the Bedfordshire town with the affluence of Buckinghamshire to the west and the effluence of Luton to the east (only kidding Lutonians, its great really!). I lived there during... Continue Reading →
Recently it was the 30th anniversary of the death of American comedian Phil Silvers. The man who famously portrayed Sgt Bilko, in the iconic Phil Silvers Show in the late 1950’s, passed away following a heart attack at the age of 74. Silvers was born on the exact same day as my paternal grandmother in... Continue Reading →
In the 1995 track What’s The Story (Morning Glory), Noel Gallagher’s lyric included the lines:- All your dreams are made When you're chained to (your) mirror with (your) razor blade After an incident this morning, I wouldn’t advocate you dream at your mirror with a razor blade. I learnt this harsh lesson shaving whilst day... Continue Reading →
John Maxwell Edmonds will not be too familiar a name to most people. However, some of the English classicist’s compositions will be instantly recognisable to millions around the world. In particular around this time of year, when we remember our fallen in worldwide services of Remembrance. The Stroud born poet is celebrated for his moving... Continue Reading →
I started my Christmas shopping yesterday. As you’d expect on the run up to the festive season, there were hundreds of people packed into the various retail outlets. Like me they feverishly sought a bargain and a shop that gave away free bottles of wine! I’m not sure what the collective noun for a congregated... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I wrote of a memory from my schooldays, from which I received some very encouraging feedback. In fact one friend went as far as saying "I've just read your blog, Gary. Any chance I can borrow a tin of soup?" With this positive critique in mind, I thought I'd try recollect further memories from... Continue Reading →