Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As I flounder in search of inspiration for today's literary topic, my eyes are drawn to the globe perched among the shelves of my dining room bookcase. The area of the sphere in my immediate vision the multitude South Pacific islands east of Australia. Tuvulu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Tokelau just four of the hundreds of... Continue Reading →
I'm penning this literary offering in the English Lake District. An area of aesthetic charm bequeathed to the eye from it's amalgam of rolling hills, quaint towns and some of our islands largest lakes south of Caledonia. A domain of slate roofed properties, Kendal Mint Cake and the only area in England where cuisine on... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 20th June - Travelling back by train to Leeds from London last Sunday I commenced penning a narrative from the comfort of my perch in coach H. A piece of work I didn't finish, it was an unashamedly ridiculous tale of the strategy I employ when selecting crisp flavours. With a packed coach on... Continue Reading →
On this day in mid-1960's Kirskstall, Leeds my younger brother Ian made his appearance into the world. Born at home, our kid arrived shortly after the conclusion of the second Cassius Clay vs Sonny Liston fight. With Clay (latterly Muhammed Ali) winning by first round KO, Ian didn't turn up on time to witness Liston... Continue Reading →
Thursday 17th May - I'm sat writing this monologue at the salon of my mum's hairdresser. My attendance here that of dutiful son patiently awaiting to drive his mater home post-haircut. Despite me being firmly entrenched in middle-age, mum feel moved to promise me a bag of M&S Peppa Pig candies if I'm a good... Continue Reading →
Friday 6th April (Part Two) - I've arrived in Newcastle. With two hours to kill before I meet my brother Ian, I'm yet again Starbucks in situ, Americano with milk nestling in front of me. Opposite from the café is the imposing stone building which, amongst other functions, is the entrance to Newcastle Central train... Continue Reading →
It's Monday 19th March 2018. The snow has melted and the oft suffering shrubs are enjoying respite from the ferocity of the now departed easterly gusts. Consequently, a rare serenity engulfs the back garden as the spring daffs, tulips and tete-a-tete's tentatively peer above soil as if to ask "Is it safe to come out... Continue Reading →
After a serene Saturday afternoon train ride north from Leeds, I spent the evening with a group of mates in a haunt of my youth, The Gold Medal pub on Low Fell, Gateshead. This the Inn that witnessed the acquisition of my inaugural restraining order (that's fictional incidentally); also an establishment where a mate was... Continue Reading →
A quarter of a century ago today my second and youngest offspring made her surprise appearance in a Bedfordshire hospital. To clarify, when I say surprise I'm referring to the fact my daughter Rachel was born a week early - Not that my wife Karen hadn't realised she was pregnant. I can relay that observation... Continue Reading →