Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 12th May 2021) below:
Cheers!
Like many across the bay I am looking forward to Monday when our hotels, theatres, pubs, indoor attractions and restaurants can welcome customers inside after the announcements this week.
Falling Covid-19 case numbers, alongside 1 in 3 adults having now received both their vaccination jabs, means the time is right to take this step. There will also be no 10pm curfew or “substantial meal” requirement if you just want a pint at your local with up to 5 friends.
This is a major moment in our move out of lockdown, one made possible by the way our whole community has worked to deal with the threat Covid-19, especially the new variant which emerged late last year, posed to our bay.
I will join many others in popping for a pint on Monday, but my first stop will be Paignton Zoo where all its animals will be welcoming visitors back.
ERBID 2
Over the last year our tourism industry has faced challenges and shutdowns of a nature not seen since the end of World War 2.
Now the challenge of re-opening our bay as a resort is upon us we must make the most of what could be the biggest boom in staycations for many years. Part of drawing people here will be marketing our bay as a resort and ensuring they are encouraged to visit again next year.
A crucial part of this will be the work of the English Riviera Bid Company, with tourism and leisure businesses due to start voting later this month on whether it should be extended for a further 5 years. Whilst it will be their decision, as we are looking to rebuild after the pandemic would not be a wise time to vote for a shutdown of the organisation which leads on promoting our bay.
Marriage Certificates
Major changes to the way marriages in England and Wales are registered were introduced last week.
As part of the biggest changes to marriage registration system since 1837, a single electronic marriage register was created to make the system simpler and more efficient. The new system now allows for the names of both parents of the couple to be included in the marriage entry and on marriage certificates, instead of only their fathers’ names.
When Hazel and I got married in 2017, my dad and Hazel’s mum shared the day with us, but sadly my mum and Hazel’s dad could not be with us, both having passed away beforehand. Whilst Hazel’s dad could still be part of the day by being listed on our marriage certificate, one was missing - my mum.
These changes bring the registration process into the 21st century and means no parent will now be missing on their child’s wedding day.
Surgery Times
Following the 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.
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.
