Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 8th June 2022) below:
Jubilee
Two years ago, as the first national lockdown began, The Queen addressed the nation and recalled the famous wartime song when she stated: “We’ll Meet Again”.
Over the last week our whole nation did just that to mark her Platinum Jubilee, with thousands of visitors heading to our bay to celebrate this remarkable milestone event. It was great to see so many events here in our bay, from the Airshow attracting large crowds, to the street parties and gatherings which brought neighbours together.
Many, including me, were born after The Queen came to the throne, so have only known one head of state. Throughout the last 70 years Her Majesty has fulfilled the pledge she made back in the late 1940s to devote her whole life to public service. Her reign has included many changes and achievements for our nation, with technology developed which would have been beyond the dreams of sci-fi writers back in 1952. It has also seen periods of great trial and political disruption, including the Northern Ireland Troubles and the terror attacks on 9/11, with The Queen providing a rock of stability and in many cases inspiration, even in the face of personal challenges. The absence of Prince Philip will have been particularly felt over the last week.
The celebrations also saw the future of the Monarchy step forward, with Princes Charles and William playing major roles, a reminder of our constitutional separation of Government and State. Yet the focus was rightly on The Queen and a remarkable reign which is unlikely to be matched in any of our lifetimes.
The Clink
The Justice Secretary was in Devon last week to visit the latest training kitchen to be run by The Clink Charity at HMP Exeter.
The Clink has for many years offered prisoners a second chance via training for a role in the hospitality sector. It does this by providing prisoners with an opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications in catering and horticulture, then supporting their successful graduates to secure accommodation upon release. This offers them a real chance to return to the community with the ability to turn their lives around which helps cut crime and improve public safety. The excellent outcomes of this programme are underlined by the Justice Data Lab audit, prisoners are 49.6% less likely to reoffend by entering this programme, meaning less victims of crime.
It is great to see this scheme here in Devon, with plenty of roles in the hospitality sector available for those who take up this opportunity for a second chance in life.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 11th June from 12noon till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB and Friday 17th June 10am till 12pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
