Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Torbay VC Hero Remembered
I joined the Royal Naval Association (Torbay) for a Memorial Service to mark the centenary of Lt Cdr Harrison's death during the Zeebrugge Raid on 23rd April 1918.
Despite being badly wounded already Lt Cdr Harrison led his men in attacking a key German position, during which he was exposed to heavy fire and killed. He is the only former England Rugby Player to have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
Lt Cdr Harrison was born in Torquay and his bravery is commemorated with a Memorial Plaque at Roundham Head, plus a new memorial slab was unveiled in Princess Gardens, Torquay last week.
Fitting tributes to a man from our community who showed such immense courage on that fateful day.
Protect The Protectors,
Those who assault our Emergency Services will soon be facing tougher sentences after the House of Commons gave final approval to a Private Member’s Bill described as “protecting the protectors”.
Too often those who assault the Police or other Emergency Service workers have ended up with derisory sentences when prosecuted. The new law provides for a sentence of up to 12 months imprisonment for a Common Assault committed against those working in the emergency services. Serious incidents, such as attacks causing Actual or Grevious Bodily Harm, will continue to be prosecuted under those offences.
The need for this new law was highlighted by a tweet sent by Devon & Cornwall’s Assistant Chief Constable whilst it was being debated. 10 of his officers had been assaulted overnight and he commented how he was getting “sick of this”. So is parliament, hence the courts will soon have extra powers to deal with those responsible.
Trump
News President Trump will visit the UK in July has produced a predictable wave of comments on Social Media.
I disagree with several of President Trump’s views, not least his belief America returning to protectionist trade policies would be a success and his view those in the military should be judged on their gender, not skills and commitment. Those who wish to protest will be able to do so, yet individual disagreements should not stop the visit taking place,
A state visit is not an endorsement of all the policies a nation’s leader may believe in or implement. Those with long memories will recall the controversial state visit of Emperor Hirohito in 1971, 26 years after the end of World War II. His visit was not an endorsement of him personally, but an invite to the Head of State of a modern, democratic, Japan which we enjoy friendly diplomatic relations with.
President Trump is unlikely to be asked to address Parliament, something President Xi Jinping of China did during his state visit three years ago. President Xi’s speech gave parliamentarians an insight into the thinking of the man leading the world’s most populous nation, despite (unsurprisingly) including nothing about improving human rights or political freedoms in China.
China is a totalitarian state where in 1989 the Army was used to crush pro-democracy protests, with the implied threat this could happen again. It will be odd if its leader was invited to address Parliament, but the leader of a democracy is not.
Double Down for Torquay
Saturday 21st April was a depressing day for Torquay’s sports fans as both Torquay United Football Club (TUFC) and Torquay Athletic RFC were relegated from their respective leagues.
Next season will hopefully be one of rebuilding, yet one key aspect for TUFC must be reconnecting with the fans who have followed it through thin and thinner over recent years.
Few, including myself, are inclined to believe grand plans for the club’s future exist until the situation we see each week is addressed.
Korea
The Presidents of North and South Korea freely crossing their border hand in hand with the world watching would have been unthinkable even a few months ago.
Let’s hope it is a sign the people of North Korea, who for decades have suffered under brutal dictatorship and disastrous communist economic policies, may be able to look forward to more prosperous times. Many flickers of hope have been extinguished in the past, we all hope this time is different.
Torbay Holiday Helpers Network
I was delighted to open the new THHN holiday lodge in Paignton.
THHN sees our bay’s Tourism industry come together to provide a unique experience for families facing grief or terminal illness. The memories made during these visits are cherished for decades afterwards.
It was good to see first hand the results of so much effort for the benefit of others.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 5th May from 11am till 1pm at St Peter’s Centre, Queensway, Torquay TQ2 6BP and Saturday 12th May from 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.