Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
It's got to be said, unearthing fresh topics for these daily journals of life under COVID's oppressive grip can be exacting. With events echoing the previous days episodes, even groundhogs must be fed up at these endless dawn to dusk reprisals as they lockdown in their burrows. Seeking today's subject for imparting unreliable copy, my... Continue Reading →
In October 1983 a brand spanking new snooker centre opened adjacent to the Springfield Hotel on Durham Road, Gateshead. Being a big fan of the game back then, along with a few mates, I signed the dotted line to become a club member. With the exception of a dimwit called Nadger***, who'd regularly chalk the... Continue Reading →
Recently, I was saddened to hear an old friend of mine had been diagnosed with a serious illness. I’ve known Alan (the friend in question) since 1983 when, as a wet behind the ears kid, he showed me the ropes in my new role at British Coal in Gateshead. He was supposed to teach me... Continue Reading →
I’ve just been watching a local news report about Barnsley’s Brian Dawson beating Bradford’s John Walton in the ongoing British Darts Organisations World Championships. Despite being a fan of the sport in my teens and early 20’s, I’ve not watched darts for years. Watching the report, I struck me how the 'go to' liquid refreshment of contemporary chucker's has evolved.... Continue Reading →