Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 21st July 2021) below:
Culture Bid
I am delighted Exeter and Torbay have agreed to submit a joint bid to be the 2025 city of culture.
Further details of the bid and the plans it contains will be published shortly, but it is great to see this ambitious bid being put forward. When it comes to modern culture our bay has international fame thanks to Dame Agatha Christie, plus a bit of infamy as well thanks to our most famous hotelier appearing on television screens around the world!!
There are good reasons to have a go at securing the city of culture crown. The range of theatre, musical and choral groups in our community is wide and varied: Toads SMC perform West End Musicals, the Babbacombe Theatre offers traditional seaside cabaret, whilst Unleashed Theatre Company provides more challenging pieces featuring struggles with homelessness and addiction. There are the groups of local artists who exhibit at galleries like Artizan in Lucius Street or at local art shows, plus the historic Paignton Picture House which, tantalisingly, could be fully restored just in time to be a unique film venue at the heart of a cultural festival. I could list many more groups, but sadly don’t have the space!
This bid will enjoy my enthusiastic support. Even if not successful it will help put South Devon’s sometimes overlooked cultural offer on the map.
Unlocked
On Monday many of the legal restrictions which have been in place since the start of the pandemic were lifted, with our bay’s nightclubs able to open for the first time since late March 2020.
Whilst this meant the end of the Police being able to fine people for forgetting to wear a face covering in a shop, or meeting up indoors with more than 6 people they don’t live with, it did not mean everything is back to normal. Many businesses are still asking customers to socially distance and wear face coverings, with the Police able to get involved if someone becomes abusive or refuses to leave when asked to follow these requests.
The legal regulations were necessary for the last 18 months when the risks of others falling seriously ill were very high if individuals did not follow the rules. Yet with vaccination rates now reaching 87.5% of the UK’s adult population for at least one dose of vaccine and 67.1% of all adults now having the maximum level of protection against the virus by having two jabs, the situation has changed.
I appreciate there will be mixed views about Monday, some will be delighted, others very anxious. No date would be perfect, no date would be risk free. Yet as the summer heat arrives now is a far better time to make this move than to attempt it only when colder weather arrives and schools return.
Surgery Times
I hold regular face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can be arranged if preferred. Sadly, my surgeries must remain by appointment only at this stage.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time.
