Laugh at Life a Little

Having spent the last few of my blogs generally having a go at Gordon Brown, Ed Balls, the government, education policies, Ofsted and the like I thought it was time to redress the balance a little bit before my blog readers decide that I have become a grumpy old man!

I have spent part of the day listening to a recording of Gervase Phinn’s live entertainment – “In a Class of His Own.” Gervase Phinn, as you may, or may not know is a retired School Inspector, and he has, over the years, collected together many amusing and true anecdotes of things that have happened to him during his career with teachers and children. I suppose you could categorise him as the teaching equivalent of James Herriot (who was in real life the Thirsk Vet Alfred Wight.)

I also attended one of his performances at the Royal Hall Harrogate, and found him to be just as funny in real life as he was when recorded. The delightful thing about him is that he appears to have no airs or graces, and seems to be a genuinely likable and pleasant person. His humour contains no swearing or tasteless jokes, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages from many walks of life.

Gervase was born in Rotherham into a very ordinary household, where he was encouraged by his parents to “do his best”. This he certainly did when you read that he taught in a range of schools for fourteen years before becoming an education adviser and school inspector. He is now:
a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer
President of the School Library Association for 2006-2009
a consultant for the Open University
Honorary Fellow of York St John University
Doctor of Letters of the University of Leicester
Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.

Just to give you a sample of his humour:-

In an infants school in the Dales, he approaches a little boy and asks him to come with him to the window. Once there he asks the little boy “How many sheep can you see?” The boys response is “All of them!” He then explains he needs to know exactly how many there are. The immediate reply is “Twenty four”, to which Gervase asks “how did you work that out so quickly?” “Oh”, replies the lad, “they’re all ours!”

There are liberal helpings of humour in his performances, but he also gives you an insight into his philosophy of life. He often ends his concerts with a short poem he calls “Fathers Advice.”

Always smile at those you meet and they will do the same,

Look for good in others, son, and don‘t waste time on blame,

Never be ashamed of crying, it’s not a sign you’re weak,

And don’t be quick to criticize, and think before you speak,

Give more than you take my son, do no one hurt nor harm .,

And don’t be afraid of being wrong, and always chance your arm.

Stick firmly to your principles, don’t follow fads and trends ,

And always answer to your heart and value all your friends,

And keep that sense of humour – it will help you to survive,

And don’t take life too seriously son – for none come out alive.

If you have the opportunity to go hear Gervase Phinn do not miss him. You will be well entertained and have a pleasant evening into the bargain!