Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 18th April 2024) below:
TUFC
Last week brought highs and lows for Torquay United fans.
The highs were a great away win against Truro (Played in Gloucestershire), plus reports a new owner could soon be in place as the club indicated it had selected a preferred bidder (Although sadly reports suggest this is not the fan-led consortium). The lows, a further point deduction and defeat against Bath.
The single point deduction for fielding an ineligible player comes on the back of the ten-point deduction handed to the Gulls for entering administration. Whilst this is not the news anyone wanted as the team works to get the points needed to ensure survival, there is still plenty to play for and securing the club’s place in the National League South is very much in our own hands.
I look forward to hearing the club is out of administration and has a new owner. Yet the priority for now is getting up to Plainmoor on Saturday and cheering the team on to a winning end to the season. Then the focus can switch to next season where we all hope on-pitch performance, not off-pitch events, will be the deciding factor.
Post Office
Recordings confirming what senior Post Office executives knew about the flaws in the Horizon system have been shocking.
The revelations come as senior Post Office executives begin to appear before the public inquiry into a scandal which saw hundreds of innocent people convicted of crimes they did not commit, with some committing suicide due to the pressure they were put under. Former Postal Services Ministers, including Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey, will also be called to account for what they knew.
A bill to grant a block exoneration to Sub-Postmasters has already received its second reading in the House of Commons and is expected to be law by summer. This follows an Act being passed which sought to speed up compensation payments.
Whilst it is a matter for the Police and Crown Prosecution Service to judge independently, the latest information suggests it will soon be those who mercilessly hounded innocent Sub Postmasters finding themselves in the dock.
Cllr Patrick Joyce
I was very sorry to hear the news Cllr Patrick Joyce had passed away.
I last saw Patrick at an event held only last month to install a commemorative bench at Beacon Cove, when he spoke about the work done by Graham Stephenson, another much missed community champion. It is hard to think Patrick, someone relatively young and who appeared full of energy and passion for the community, would pass away so soon after speaking at this event.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and cared for Patrick.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 19th April 09:30am till 10:30am at 5-7 East, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Friday 26th April 10am till 12Noon at Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. 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.
