Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 13th October 2021) below:
Conference
In the past Conference Season was one of the few times you could watch live speeches from key political figures (The House of Commons was not televised until the late 1980s) and news media would report on emerging trends of debate at the conference, with keynote speeches timed to catch the late editions of regional newspapers and the evening TV news bulletins.
Now with 24/7 rolling TV news cycles, few evening papers, plus the mass of information available on the internet, including social media, some have wondered if the party conferences will continue in their traditional format. Yet they are a unique time each year when political leaders, party members, a range of interest groups and the media get together in one location to reflect on not only the party’s position, but the wider issues which face the nation.
MPs will receive many invites from lobby groups, charities and various organisations to events during Conference Week. My recycling bin quickly dealing with invites from paid lobbyists with no links to our bay.
Two of the groups I did meet were Cancer Research and Macmillan. It was good to reflect on the progress being made in finding new treatments and whilst not every diagnosis can be treated currently, the developments of recent years give hope for the future.
Another meeting at conference was with Royal Mail, which was a lot shorter than it might have been thanks to the news a few days before they had finally withdrawn their objection to the Compulsory Purchase Order for Crossways Shopping Centre.
Culture Capital
Torbay and Exeter have not been successful in the race to become the UK’s next City of Culture.
A joint bid had been drawn up by Torbay Council and Exeter City Council to take on the role of the nation’s cultural capital in 2025. Whilst our bid has not been chosen to go through, Cornwall is one of the areas included in the long list of 8.
It is disappointing to not be shortlisted, but this imaginative bid has already shown we can think differently about our cultural offer here in our bay and work with our neighbours to take it to a new level. Projects like the revitalisation of Paignton Picture House reflect a cultural ambition for our bay, alongside the many art and drama groups who flourish here all show what we have to offer, alongside the legacy of Agatha Christie. The near global recognition of Basil Fawlty might not be the best image for tourism, but it confirms we have an active sense of humour!
Whilst we have not at first succeeded, we should try again.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are: Saturday 16th October, 11am till 1pm (Cancelled due to being in self-isolation) and Saturday 30th October, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Road, TQ4 5AG. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
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.
