Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Today, while collecting for MacMillan Cancer Support in the Mark & Spencer store on Briggate, Leeds, I was momentarily blindsided by an unexpected instance of paranoia. This incident occurring while undertaking my voluntary role close to the stores Briggate entrance doors. The scene played out a few short yards from the women's clothing department, during... Continue Reading →
Yesterday lunchtime I undertook three hours collecting for MacMillan Cancer Support, at the Marks & Spencer (M&S) store in Briggate, Leeds. Although, I'd done numerous bits of voluntary work for various cancer charities over the past few years, it's the first time recently I've ventured down this philanthropic route. My absence from this undertaking the... Continue Reading →
Sunday 13th May - This morning, I was part of a team of marshals supporting the Leeds Half Marathon. A cathartic experience where, in our world of seemingly constant negativity, the determination, stoicism and tenacity of it's participants went towards restoring some faith in humanity. My marshalling station was located on Kirkstall Road, around 2... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 18th April - After a night kipping over at mater's abode, it was an early reveille for yours truly today to undertake my usual Wednesday morning voluntary work at Wakefield Hospice warehouse. This gratis labour my small gesture towards thanking the people who so splendidly cared, supported and comforted my family during his final... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow morning I'll be partaking in a voluntary collection for Marie Curie cancer care. My presence a small contribution towards the raising of funds during the organisation's March Daffodil Appeal campaign. I experience a great deal of satisfaction being a foot soldier in the battalions fundraising the fight on numerous fronts against cancer. An odious,... Continue Reading →
Inspiration alludes me as I embark on today's literary journey. Sitting ready to initiate my lexilogical voyage, at the moment the postcode of a topic destination eludes me. This absence of these metaphoric SatNav's (GPS) instructions currently delaying me from getting this show on the road. As it's not uncommon for me to start this creative process bereft of a subject,... Continue Reading →
I've just got back from collecting for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Leeds city centre. The location for this charitable work was the atrium at the Bridgewater Place office complex; which the morning was officially recorded as 9 on the Carol Kirkwood Effing Freezing Scale...... Bearing in mind the scale only goes up to 5, it gives an indication into how chuffing... Continue Reading →
Well this time next week the fat bloke dressed in red will have distributed his presents and now be troughing on a hearty five course Christmas dinner........ But enough already about the profligate Christmas Day goings on in footballer Wayne Rooney’s family home! I spent a couple of hours at lunchtime today in a store at... Continue Reading →
In times of seemingly endless negative and disturbing news stories, escalating worldwide political/religious tensions, enduring personal family issues and my en suite light fitting breaking, seeking a pastime to raise the spirits becomes one of life's necessities. With this in mind, not to mention a desire to ‘give something back’ for the treatment and support... Continue Reading →