Every fortnight Kevin write a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the column submitted for this week's edition (Wednesday 19th September) below:
Kev’s Column:
Great British Beach Clean
On Saturday I joined a team of volunteers at Fairy Cove to take part in the Great British Beach Clean.
The event saw volunteers descend on beaches across the country to not only pick up litter, but document waste which had been washed in on the tide. Whilst the beach overall was clean on arrival we quickly found the remains of a fire from the night before, which had left dozens of nails (from burnt pallets) in the sand.
After much sifting of sand they were removed, yet it highlighted the impact a small number of selfish individuals can have on our coastal beauty spots.
Scaffolding Up in Torwood Street
The best sight to greet me when returning from Parliament last week was of scaffolding going up in Torwood Street.
Already some of the derelict eyesores which have stood there for too long have disappeared behind protective screens as demolition work gets underway. The next two years will see large amounts of activity on site as the long-awaited regeneration takes place, with completion expected in May 2020.
This development cannot come a moment too soon and now the priority must be to get work started on other derelict sites including the Shedden Hall Hotel, Park Hotel (Paignton) and the Palace Hotel (Torquay).
“A 123m Spire”
Listening to the two Russian Intelligence Agents giving their excuses for being in Salisbury was remarkable.
The claim they travelled 1,900 miles purely to see Salisbury Cathedral with its “123m Spire” tests credibility enough, without the excuse these two fit men had to cut short their visit when they finally arrived in the town due to “snow” despite the much harsher winters they would experience at home every year. The same weather not preventing them getting to a petrol station near their target’s home or travelling to Salisbury from London twice in the two days they were in the UK.
It would be funny, if the reality not so serious. The lies these two men put forward are purely about creating a smoke screen for Vladimir Putin’s Regime to justify not handing them over for trial. He will also rely on these stories to object to any action taken against Russia in response to the attack, the intention of which was to terrorise dissidents living abroad.
Putin is taking his country down a worrying path previous European Despots and Dictators headed down, with disastrous results.
Organ Donation
A new law intended to increase the number of Organs available for transplant has passed its key committee stage.
The proposal is being sponsored by Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, who asked me to serve on the Committee considering it in detail. Its main purpose is to switch the position in England and Northern Ireland to one of “deemed consent”, which means organs can be used for transplant unless the person has opted out or there is clear evidence they would have done if they knew of the legal provision to do so.
Currently Doctors approach relatives of those who have very recently died or whose life support system is about to be switched off to obtain consent for Organ Donation. This can be distressing for all involved, with occasions where the wishes of the deceased can be overridden. The new law is expected to make many more organs available for transplant, helping save lives here in the bay, whilst preserving the ability to choose.
The most important part of this issue is advising your closest relatives of your wish to make the gift of life if the worst happens. No-one wants to think of this happening to them, but it does and knowing could make a difficult moment much easier.
Growing The Cherries
I recently visited Paignton Rugby Club (The Cherries) for a family day and to hear about further expansion plans for their youth provision.
My tour included a visit to the Home Changing Room and seeing what work the club is doing to bring more local children into the game. Last year they expanded to two new pitches in Torbay Park and are now looking to provide for extra youth games in Victoria Park.
At a time when there is so much talk about needing to get more children exercising it is great to see the Cherries expanding like this. Subject to sensible restrictions, which are in place at other pitches, I see no reason why further expansion should not be welcomed.
In addition to growing the next Paignton Cherries, these youth teams and facilities could breed a future British Lion.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 21st September from 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Friday 28th September from 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Baptist Church, 43 Winner St, Paignton TQ3 3BJ.
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.