UPDATE: Vernon Kay has just praised Cornwall’s vibrant community spirit during his latest broadcast on BBC Radio 2, sharing a heartfelt family tradition with wife Tess Daly that highlights the importance of giving and connection.
In a recent segment, the 51-year-old broadcaster discussed a touching habit he and Tess have adopted while on holiday, emphasizing the emotional significance of passing along books. “When we go on holiday, we always leave our books behind. Just leave it, pass it on,” he explained, illustrating their commitment to sharing joy with others.
Vernon shared an inspiring message from a listener named Denise from Bedford, who described a unique book club tradition. “In our book club, we gift each other a copy of our own favorite book with notes on why it’s our favorite and why we think the new owner will enjoy it!” he read aloud, underscoring the deep connections forged through literature.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of gifting books, Vernon humorously remarked that it should never feel like a last-minute solution, joking about the awkwardness of hasty presents: “Not last minute, though, is it? ‘Dad’s in hospital, forgot his Christmas present. Just wrap a book quick!’” His light-hearted tone effectively conveyed the importance of thoughtful gestures.
Amidst the laughter, Vernon’s admiration for Cornwall shone through as he highlighted its unique shared reading spaces, particularly the quaint old phone box libraries. “I love it when you’re in Cornwall or Devon, it always seems to be a hotspot for old phone box libraries. You know, where it’s take a book, leave a book,” he said, expressing his joy in community-driven initiatives.
Vernon hopes that the books he and Tess leave behind are not discarded but instead find new homes through hotel libraries or other families. “You would hope that the people who do the rooms afterwards don’t just launch them in the bin,” he urged, praising establishments that foster communal reading. “It’s good. Pass it on. Why not?”
The couple, who first met in 2001 and married on September 12, 2003, share two daughters, Phoebe (born in 2004) and Amber (born in 2009). They frequently emphasize the importance of family time, especially during school holidays, which has allowed them to develop strong ties to Cornwall.
As Vernon’s heartfelt message resonates, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and the simple yet meaningful actions that can strengthen connections among families and friends. This uplifting story encourages others to embrace the spirit of giving and sharing, especially in a world where connection is more vital than ever.
