Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
There's few things that rankle with a Yorkshireman more than defeat by sports teams representing the House of Lancaster. Witnessing Lancastrian 'troops' returning west over the Pennine Hills with a battle victory lodges in their trachea like a carelessly swallowed wish bone. Yesterday evening was a perfect example of this disenchantment by players and supporters... Continue Reading →
I was amongst the crowd at Emerald Headingley Stadium yesterday evening. Along with the other spectators, my mission, should I choose to accept it (which I did), was to witness the safe return of two T20 blast points by the Yorkshire Vikings cricket team. Barring the Tykes path a dangerous nemesis who'd ventured north to... Continue Reading →
Saturday 9th June - Yesterday, during a shopping sojourn in town avec ma femme, we took a spontaneous pit stop for liquid refreshment at the Alchemist bar. From it's lofty perch located on the upper floor of the Trinity shopping centre, this agreeable eatery/cocktail bar bequeaths striking views of Boar Lane's splendid Georgian architecture. Aesthetics... Continue Reading →
As I commence this offering, I'm sitting in what's classed as the Popular Enclosure at Emerald Headingley cricket stadium. In the absence of my laptop, I'm typing this narrative on my mobile phone - An onerous task but not as difficult as, say, writing this with a leadless pencil, or Cheesestrings***. *** - Other processed cheese... Continue Reading →
Tuesday 22nd May- Today's itinerary includes a visit to a Leeds oncology unit for my wife's monthly treatment, along with an out of town shopping centre sojourn for mater's weekly comestibles. From my perspective, this roughly translates to me spending an hour writing in a hospital waiting room. Followed by attempts to further bolster my... 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 →
Perched on my sofa, I'm penning this offering with one eye on the TV screen where the Castleford v St Helens RL Challenge Cup match is being broadcast live. My other eye drawing the short straw - Consequently, it's Saturday afternoon will be spent witnessing a narrative being crafted on a laptop screen. It has... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 9th May - Yesterday I received an unexpected comment in response to a picture I recently shared on Instagram. The photo in question containing three Strachan males (my son Jonny, brother Ian and me) donning flat caps on a recent visit to the memorial garden at Headingley cricket ground. Appearing like an amalgam of... Continue Reading →
Monday 7th May - Sunday afternoon I spent an hour or so as part of a team of volunteers fundraising for Wakefield Hospice - The Mobile Rocket Stadium, home of local rugby league club Wakefield Trinity, our collection point. A benevolent gesture afforded to the fund-raising arm of the end of life facility under a... Continue Reading →