Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 13th April 2022) below:
Kyiv
In normal times a walkabout by two leaders would be a run of the mill photo opportunity, yet the sight of Boris Johnson and Volodymyr Zelenskyy walking through the streets of Kyiv last week was remarkable in what it symbolised.
First, these are the streets Russian forces had been advancing towards, confident of victory, only a few weeks ago. Now having faced fierce resistance and suffered heavy losses they have retreated, being harried by Ukrainian forces as they fell back.
Second, the presence of the Prime Minister symbolised the resolute support provided by our whole nation for Ukraine’s fight, with more weaponry on its way, including crucial anti-ship missiles to help push back the Russian Fleet blockading Odesa and firing on Ukrainian forces.
The victory around Kyiv was delivered by Ukrainian bravery and determination, combined with access to western armaments able to defeat Russian armour and aircraft. Yet whilst this battle has been won, the war is far from over. Putin is now turning his greedy eyes to Eastern Ukraine, especially the city of Mariupol whose defenders have held out despite the savagery thrown at its citizens by the Russian Forces laying siege to it, with comparisons to the Battle for Stalingrad being grimly accurate.
Putin must fail in Ukraine. We, along with our allies, must supply the weapons needed for Ukraine to emerge victorious. Yet once victory is secured there will be a need for a similarly massive effort to help the people of Ukraine rebuild their cities and economy.
Back To The Future
It is great to hear the Unleashed Theatre Company has acquired the former Central Cinema in Abbey Road.
A venue which once screened “Back To The Future” films will, after 90 years as a Cinema, now have its very own experience of this as it reverts to its historic role of providing a space for Theatre and other performances. It will become a Community Arts Centre under the branding “Unleashed @ The Royal Lyceum”, a revival of the name it had as Torquay’s first theatre back in 1871.
It is great to see this building retained for not only an entertainment use, but one with a real community purpose. Unleashed does amazing work supporting many who have overcome, or are overcoming, challenges in their life to do things they never thought they could do, like star on the stage and be in a film, whilst also not shying away from showing the sharper side of life many of the performers have experienced themselves.
It will be great to see the curtain go up on this latest venture.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 23rd April 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG, UK and Friday 29th April 10am till 12pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave
