majorsporty community - Frank Gargan Interview

Frank Gargan Interview

Written by Mark

Monday, 12 March 2007

Last Updated ( Monday, 26 March 2007 )

Frank Gargan Interview

majorsporty - sponsored Ocean Rower Frank Gargan who recently completed an Atlantic Crossing. Here's what he had to tell us.

majorsporty: What 3 things would you change if you were prime minister?

Frank Gargan: Wipe out compensation culture - Lawyers to be set as 1p above minimum wage
Encourage the family unit - destruction of family unit is one of the root causes of problems
Fund the Armed forces better so that the right equipment is available for all soldiers.

Name 3 things you would put into room 101?

Football goal celebrations - pathetic activity after scoring a goal, it's your job get on with it!!
European commission/constitution - I am very proud to be British and I don't believe we want that to be diluted or should lose power over our country.
Boy bands - get your hair cut!!

(Frank wanted to put 4 things in and as he is built like the proverbial brick outhouse who are we to argue!!)

Political Correctness - People should be able to speak their mind without worrying about every possible person they may upset.

Favourite Joke

(Basil Fawlty) "Manuel, fetch me a hammer"
(Manuel) "Hammer? Hammer sandwich?"

Courtesy of Fawlty Towers!!!

Who do you most admire?

Brigadier James Hill - Brigadier Hill commanded the 3rd Parachute Brigade on June 6, 1944 when 2,500 men jumped into enemy territory in Normandy with the vital task of holding the eastern flank of the Allied forces against the German counter-attack while the troops on the beaches secured a foothold in Europe.
Brigadier Hill was wounded early on in the fighting, but continued in command to make sure his troops were successful in repelling the German attacks. Only 700 of the 2,500 that parachuted in survived the battle. Brigadier Hill was awarded a Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross with bar in recognition of his efforts.
HRH Prince Charles unveiled a statue of Brigadier Hill in honour of the men that lost their lives in the D-Day assault 60 years to the day of the assault.

Favourite Food?

Anything that isn't boil in the bag or freeze dried. To be honest I really like seafood, which is lucky considering I am about to be seabound for 40 days!

Likes:

Honesty, dedication, professionalism, integrity, team players.

Dislikes:

Greed, lying lazy bar stewards, lack of national pride

What would you have done if you had not joined the army?

Professional sports person, I represented my country at the 1980 commonwealth games in Judo and won a silver medal. I was also the Army and Combined Services champion.

Favourite Book?

The last book I read was 'A Fighting Chance' by Chay Blyth and John Ridgeway. Obviously this is extremely appropriate and highly motivational. It has made me very aware of the problems and difficulties that these guys endured on their crossing. Things like no EPIRB (Emergency Personal Indicator Radio Beacon), no radio's, no GPS and having to do bearings by sextant.

Favourite Music?

Radiohead Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Bob Dylan
Vera Lynn (he didn't say that Captain Realy told us!! Don't tell him we told you)

Favourite Film:

Shawshank Redemption

What thing are you most proud of?

Being an officer the Parachute Regiment.
Completing the Devizes to Westminster marathon canoeing race in 22hrs 35mins 5secs with Pte Craig McKewan (1 Para) 2001.

Most challenging thing that you have ever done?

Devizes to Westminster marathon canoeing race.

Favourite sport(s)?

Judo, canoeing and rowing obviously.

I also play Golf a bit. At it's lowest I play off a handicap of 8, I am currently a 12 handicap and was the Army champion in 1996. I have been the Waterboy for battalion rugby team and enjoy cricket during the summer months.