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VIBErations Episode 14 - Les Bird
Manage episode 295668282 series 2942637
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VIBErations podcast Episode 14. Les Bird - Author of 'A Small Band of Men' interviewed at VIBE Book & Music Shop in Mui Wo, Lantau Island, HK on 13th Jan 2021.
Les joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976, and worked in the Marine Police for more than 20 years until June 1997. Originating from Staffordshire in the UK, Bird’s work was diverse – in the late 1970s he was a rural inspector of West Lantau, in the early 80s he returned to launch-going duties, overseeing the influx of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the years that followed. Among other duties, he also headed the SBU, the Marine Fast Pursuit Unit combating cross-border smuggling of people, arms, drugs and luxury cars.
Born in 1951, Les was the second from his family to serve Hong Kong. His father was part of the British Royal Navy force that came to Hong Kong in August 1945 at the end of the Japanese military occupation and subsequently helped in the policing of the territory throughout 1946. After leaving the police in 1997, Les worked in private security throughout Southeast Asia, spending 10 years in Thailand.
He is an endurance athlete, and has taken part in Ironman events and long-distance triathlons worldwide. He represented Great Britain at the 2009 Ironman World Championship. In 2011 he swam the English Channel and in 2012 summited Mont Blanc. Les is also a founding member and chairman of Asia's Rhinos Rugby Football Club. He is married with two daughters.
10 Questions….
1. Favourite book or author? - 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas
2. Favourite musical artist? - Towa Bird - daughter
3. Preferred drink? - Bird's Bitter - Bird's Brewery
4. Life motto? - Have the courage of your convictions
5. Favourite hk walk? - The West Dog's Teeth on Lantau Island
6. Favourite hk restaurant? - Madame Fu - Central Police station
7. Faced with a python whilst walking up to the Peak – what would you do? - Take a photo and contact Will Sargent
8. Best advice you were given? - Never piss into the wind
9. Finish this sentence… I live in Hong Kong because…Its home, been here 45 yrs
10. Favourite area of Hong Kong? Tai O
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