Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 14th April 2021) below:
Prince Philip
Friday was a sad day for our nation as it was announced HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had passed away aged 99.
South Devon played a pivotal role in the Duke’s life as it was during a visit with her parents to Britannia Royal Naval College in 1939 the then Princess Elizabeth first met the man she would go on to marry. Having seen action in World War 2, he went on to dedicate over 70 years of his life to public service, being one of very few men in 1950’s Britain to give up his own career to support his wife.
Saturday afternoon will see the nation pause for reflection in memory of him as his funeral takes place at Windsor.
His biggest legacy in our bay will be the many inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to their own achievements, with this continuing to this day. Whilst his death is the end of a remarkable life of service, his legacy in the form of inspiring the next generation will live on.
Unlocking
Whilst I did not join those having a haircut at midnight, it was great to stop into some local businesses re-opening on Monday morning.
Great progress has been made bringing down the number of new Covid cases and in the vaccination programme, with thousands of the most vulnerable across our bay having now received their second jab. Yet the next challenge is restarting our economy, especially as we welcome the first tourists back to our bay this week.
We can all make a difference to this by making a point to use a small business when getting out and about this week. Similarly, attractions such as Paignton Zoo and the Model Village are well worth a visit if you have not been in a while.
It will be great to finally enjoy a pint at the pub this weekend, albeit out in the fresh air at this stage!
Jabbed
Easter Weekend brought a significant moment for me as I headed to the Riviera Centre to receive my first jab, having been invited to do so by my GP.
The process at the Riviera Centre was excellent and very well organised. It took less than 10 minutes from walking in the front door to the jab going in my arm. I would like to thank all working at the vaccination centre, including many volunteers, who have done a fantastic job. The work they have done has not only saved lives, but put our bay firmly on the path to re-opening fully as a tourism resort.
Surgery Times
Following the latest easing of lockdown rules, I have restarted face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can still be arranged if preferred. Sadly, my surgeries must remain by appointment only at this stage.
Surgeries are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, housing, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time.
