Self-important pair of twerps

Oct 25 2009 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

THERE’S never a shortage of folk with an inflated sense of their own importance. And last week was no exception with a pair of twerps proving there’s no bigger fool than a fool who huffs and puffs.

First we had vicar Ed Tomlinson who said his presence at funerals was pointless. He waffled on about conducting funerals for families who didn’t want Christian content.

Then he said he felt like a lemon because mourners wanted Tina Turner songs. He even doubted the point of officiating when his presence was spiritually unwanted.

Bless me, what’s he talking about? The Church I was brought up in welcomed one and all at funerals, weddings, and christenings. It didn’t matter if the families were not regular church-goers.

Ed, who seems to have a martyr complex, needs to be reminded that the Church he is supposed to represent should be there when it’s needed. No wonder the pews are empty when even the vicar looks down his nose at his parishioners.

Then we had headmaster Kevin Harrison who banned kids who did not stand up when he entered the room. He insisted children should get on their feet in his presence . . . or go home.

Parents, quite rightly, said he was heavy-handed and ridiculous.

I hope you’re bowing and tugging your forelock as you read this but Kevin claims it is part of a drive to give students pride in their work.

Respect needs to be earned. Enforced respect is no respect at all.

Between them the vicar and the headmaster have disappeared up their own egos.