News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
Be Alert Not Alarmed
“Be alert, not alarmed” is the key message from Devon & Cornwall Police to local residents following the attack in Manchester this week.
They are advising that there is no intelligence suggesting a specific threat to our region, yet they are advising the public to be alert and to report anything suspicious, that is terrorism related, to the national Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789321.
The most visible aspect of the raising of the threat level to “Critical” in our region is the deployment, on foot patrol, of armed police officers carrying a long-armed firearm. This will be the first time this has been done in our region, although has been common at UK Airports for some years. British Transport Police will also be deploying armed officers on trains, potentially including some heading into and out of our region.
The key message is that these deployments are being done to provide reassurance and to ensure armed officers can be quickly deployed if needed. You can find out more, plus watch a video of Armed Police Officers talking about their work, on the Devon & Cornwall Police website by clicking here.
Finally, whilst they may be carrying some very visible additional equipment, the Police are encouraging people to speak with armed officers as you would any other officer if you have a concern or even just need to ask for directions.
Going Away on 8th June?
If you are going to be away on Thursday 8th June there is still time to arrange a proxy vote to ensure your voice is heard in the General Election.
A proxy vote is where you nominate someone else, who must be eligible to vote in the election themselves, to vote on your behalf. It is easy to do, but the relevant form must be received by Torbay Council before 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2017.
You can find all the information needed on the Electoral Commission’s website by clicking here .
Torbay Air Show
Next weekend thousands of people will descend on the bay for the second Torbay Airshow.
You can find all the details, including the flying program, on the Airshow’s dedicated website by clicking here.
Radio Exe Reaches The Bay,
Devon broadcaster Radio Exe has gone on DAB digital radio to reach a wider audience across the county.
It means the station, which until now has only been heard on 107.3FM in Exeter, Mid and East Devon, can now be received in South and North Devon too.
The Radio Station is hosting a series of election specials and on Tuesday night (29th May) it will be my turn to be on the airwaves. You can tune in on your DAB radio to hear Kevin Foster at 8pm discussing a range of issues and picking a favourite song.
Tributes To St Marychurch Jeweller
Tributes have been paid to Peter Davies who died recently following a fire at his home, above his former Jewellers Shop, in St Marychurch.
The shop was a favourite of many for decades and Peter also played a large role in the local community. You can read more about his life on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Torbay’s Beaches Some of The Best
Torbay’s beaches have once again been recognised as amongst the best in the UK and England, and have received the second highest number of Seaside and Blue Flag awards nationally.
Following the announcement from Keep Britain Tidy, of the 117 beaches in England to have been awarded Seaside Awards, ten are in Torbay. The 10 beaches which have won Seaside Awards are: Ansteys Cove, Breakwater Beach, Broadsands Beach, Goodrington Beach, Maidencombe Beach, Meadfoot Beach, Oddicombe Beach, Paignton Beach, Preston Sands and Torre Abbey Sands
Three of these beaches – Meadfoot, Oddicombe and Breakwater, have also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Awards.
This year, the international Blue Flag Award Scheme marks its 30th anniversary. In 1987 12 English beaches achieved their Blue Flag, in the 30 years since, this has soared to 68 beaches.
Torbay Lottery 1st Draw
Today (Saturday 27 May) the first draw for the online Torbay Lottery will take place at 8 p.m.
There is still time to get a ticket, help your chosen cause and be in with a chance of winning the £25,000 jackpot! Those who sign up to the lottery before 27 May will also be entered into a special prize draw to win a pair of annual tickets to Torre Abbey. Just visit the Lottery’s dedicated website by clicking here.
The results will be available on the website just after 9.00 p.m. on 27 May 2017 on the web. You can find them by clicking here.
Rough Sleeper Number
If you see a rough sleeper in the bay there is an easy way to help ensure they are not missed by those who can provide the support they might need.
The number to tell the End Torbay Street Homelessness Campaign about a rough sleeper is 01803 217890 or you can email roughsleeper_torbay@outlook.com.
Do share these details widely as this number and email will be picked up by the outreach team who will be able to make contact with the person.
Trainspotters’ Paradise
If there is a train buff in your family then their dream holiday home is up for sale.
It is safe to say some significant improvements are required to make it fully habitable, but its top floor boasts not only a good view of the railway running through Torquay, but you can literally step out the front door onto the platform at Torre Station.
The old Signal Box at Torre Station has been boarded up for some years, but now has permission for conversion into holiday accommodation. It is being auctioned with a guide price of £85,000 to £115,000 and you can read more on the Devon Live site by clicking here.
Events
Geopark Festival
The 10th Geopark Festival will be held between Saturday 27 May and Sunday 4 June at a number of venues across the bay. You can find more details by clicking here.
The Vicar’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday 31st May – St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay
Time – 7pm
Fr Gorran Chapman has been the Vicar of St Martin’s for 25 years and a special celebration mass is being held, followed by a Buffet Supper in the Church Hall afterwards. All are invited to join the congregation to mark this special occasion.
‘Dig In Day’
The next “Dig in Day” for Tessier Gardens is on Thursday 1st June from 2pm until 4pm.
If you can spare a couple of hours to help maintain this special garden that you can access from Lindridge Rd ( Torquay TQ1 3SD ) the Friends Group would greatly appreciate it.
