Mayor of Nuneaton turned down judging "evil" pumpkin contest

When I was child my parents used the excuse of not bothering with Halloween festivities on the grounds that it was "an American thing" - as if they had invented it. I make some effort for my own children but Cllr Tom Wilson and Cllr Sonja Wilson, Conservative councillors on Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and currently the Mayor of Mayoress, would not approve. 

They have refused to judge a pumpkin contest on the grounds the whole thing glamourises evil. Cllr Sonja Wilson said:

"We feel strongly about the potential dangers of letting youngsters become involved in it. We never encouraged our own children to join any Halloween activities because it's unhealthy. The Bible says not to believe in other idols and Halloween is all about promoting Satan. There is a risk that it could lead to other things like an interest in the occult and witchcraft – it's like encouraging young people to drink beer."

The deputy mayor, Councillor Clive Stringer, also a Consrevative councillor, stepped in to perform the civic duty. He said:

"As far as I'm concerned it's just a bit of fun for the kids. I was brought up as a Christian but I don't see anything wrong with children dressing up as witches and wizards and making faces out of pumpkins."

Although I'm with Cllr Stringer it is entirely admirable that Cllrs Tom and Sonja Wilson have stuck to their principles.