The story behind the name...
Why I called my business Wild Geese
As promised, this edition of Wild Geese Mail will give some context and history into the meaning of the name of my business (and this newsletter): Wild Geese.
Before we delve into this, I’d like to say that I have been delighted with the response to the first newsletter. My work since the sale of Alexander Faulkner Partnership is very much geared to part-time consultancy and semi-retirement. While my newsletter will include industry commentary it will also be covering my interests such as gardening, cooking and traveling.
For those of you who know me personally, this is very much a departure from my previous lives, and you may wonder what I’m planning next. It has certainly been an adjustment moving away from businesses which managed tens of thousands of units to just focusing on my own portfolio and consultancy. However, I now have a better balance in my life and I’m keen to share the journey.
So, why Wild Geese?
The term "Wild Geese" refers to Irish soldiers who served in continental European armies from the 1600s onwards and played significant roles in various European conflicts over the next two centuries. They became known as the Wild Geese, a term probably derived from the flight of birds in winter.
Moving forward a few centuries, the term Wild Geese was adopted by Michael "Mad Mike" Hoare, a British mercenary and military officer. He was born in India to Irish parents, joined the British military in his 20s, and then moved to South Africa, working as an accountant. Keen to return to military life, in the 1960s he led a mercenary unit known as "Five Commando", which was involved in various conflicts across Africa. Inspired by his Irish heritage, Hoare adopted a flying goose as the symbol of Five Commando and called the men in his unit the Wild Geese. However, it must be said that the Five Commando, like many historical and military figures, are not without controversy, especially through a modern lens.
“Mad Mike” and the Five Commando were the basis of the 1978 film The Wild Geese, starring Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Hardy Krüger. In the film, a group of mercenary soldiers are hired to rescue a deposed African president. Mike Hoare was a technical advisor to the film, and the Richard Burton character was modelled on him.
I read a lot about military history; the bravery, sacrifice and accounts of how people rise to the occasion when they have to. The Wild Geese happens to be my favourite film. The poster below hangs in my study:
I very much enjoy the “against all odds” nature of the story as the “Wild Geese” carry out their rescue. They don’t give up easily! The film has an anti-apartheid message, which was a bold choice in the 1970s political climate in Africa.
Another theme in the film is making difficult decisions. In business we have to make tough choices, and so, the name seemed fitting for the next step in my journey.
Looking towards 2024
I am delighted to report that the garlic I planted earlier in the year has started to shoot in the vegetable beds. It will be ready in June for picking and using in the kitchen.
In property news, 2023 has been a tumultuous year for the Fire Safety (England) Regulations and the implications for leasehold management. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is currently being discussed in parliament and I’ll have more to say on these subjects in our newsletter in the new year.