Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 2nd January 2019) below:
Happy New Year
I hope all Herald Express readers had a Merry Christmas and will have a very happy and prosperous 2019.
The lead up to Christmas can be hectic with the pressure to make plans, buy presents and get cards delivered. Yet once the big day is over what stays with us are the memories of sharing it with those we care about.
I spent much of last Christmas and the New Year visiting Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital where a loved one was seriously ill. This year they were able to join Hazel and I to spend the Festive Season here in the bay thanks to the care of our NHS, a reminder amidst the tinsel of what the festive season should be about.
Torquay Magistrates Court
The former Torquay Magistrates Court has stood empty since its closure in 2017, but it could be given a new lease of life as a centre for the community.
Few potential purchasers have come forward for the site due to the difficulties with converting it to another use. Whilst it may not suit private developers it would be an ideal location for an expansion of the community work undertaken by St Mary Magdalene Church. I therefore raised its future in Parliament last week with the Courts Minister.
I highlighted the great work undertaken by groups like the Living Room and emphasised how the Church’s work could be enhanced if they were able to expand into the neighbouring building and replace their current church hall. The Minister agreed to meet with representatives from the Church to discuss how, if they acquired the site, they could use it to make a real difference for vulnerable people and the local community.
Movie Magic
I welcome the announcement by Merlin it will convert the former BHS Store in Union St, Torquay into a modern multi-screen cinema.
This investment is a great boost for Torquay Town Centre, yet most Herald Express readers will (like me) have fond memories of the current cinema in Abbey Road. These will include seeing a classic film for the first time, heading to Saturday Morning Pictures or even a memorable date sat in its back row!!
Having been an Opera House and Theatre prior to becoming a Cinema it has been an entertainment hub for our bay since the 19th Century. Yet in recent years it has become tired, whilst the division of its magnificent auditorium into multiple screens was far from ideal in terms of access or visitor experience, making the future of Cinema in Torquay seem uncertain.
It will be sad to see the last credits roll at Central Cinema, yet its successor will ensure another generation in Torquay will get to make the memories many of us have.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 4th January from 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 12th January from 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton, TQ3 2RB.
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.
