From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Knopp, Germany

- if you are a GPC Site Rep this is not a title you where on your sleeve, it is a responsibility you carry on your back towards thousands of growers worldwide, respect this.

- if you are a grower going to a GPC event, you have the responsibility to have read and understand the GPC rules, if you have questions ask them before the weigh off, not during it.

- growers love to party at weigh offs, the Jury, Lifting Team and Judges are at work at the weigh off, respect this also.

I have been ostracized in Germany for carrying out my responsibilities meticulously and had my integrity questioned from stateside growers. Before carrying out these responsibilities since 2007 I was just another 5th year rookie having fun and enjoying our hobby. Now I am an 8th year grower tired of dealing with all of the criticism and questioning. I hope to see you all again at some weigh off but will be retiring from any position of responsibility at future events.

The GPC is a great organization giving everyone worldwide a fair and level playing field, I am proud to have done my part in this goal.

10/8/2009 1:45:31 AM

Austria

Owen

I am one of many growers in Europe who truely consider you as their mentor and to me you have always been a good friend.

We all can only applaud your efforts to have made sure rules have been met and fairness has been guaranteed.

Of course as a judge or when representing a system of rules you cannot always please everyone. As long as the majority of growers is happy, all is good. Possible issues can always be discussed in a democratic way.

Thank you for all what you are doing for the growers, for the people organizing weigh offs and for the GPC. Don`t retire from any of your responsibilities. It would be impossible to fill your shoes.

Heino

10/8/2009 12:13:52 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Owen, I applaud you for your efforts. You have grown the hobby well in your years in the face of many difficulties.

Some folks have a hard time understanding what a fair and level playing field is. We too are dealing with some issues of unfairness and very questionable judging decisions here in North America.

I will continue with my peers to work hard in the education of all growers and judges everywhere. With so many sites out there is going to be a few issues.

I understand the frustration. It is certainly a challenging position being the judge and jury. What ever course you choose I thank you for your work and wish you well as a grower.

We are working to assist you and all growers.

Sincerely

Russ Landry
Vice President
Great Pumpkin Commonwealth

10/8/2009 5:26:11 PM

Germany

Owen, I dont understand all of your post, my english is not good enough. I met you at the Ludwigsburg Weigh offs the last two years and it was always a pleasure how you managed your responsibilities as GPC Representative. I cannot imagine that anybody of the Weighoff participiants is criticising you. And the opinion of others is not relevant, you are right, they should first read and understand the regulations.
Heino´s statement : ´Its impossible to fill your shoes´ is absolutly right.

Benny

10/8/2009 6:58:11 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Owen, I can only speak for the few of us I spoke with tonight but you have the full support of us. You have been a tremendous asset to the GPC in Europe. I hope that you will reconsider.

10/8/2009 8:58:18 PM

Buren Ameland,West Frisian Islands, Netherlands

Hello Owen, I agree very much which what Heino says.

Though, I must say her on Ameland things go well and the Dutch championship went very nice too.
It is a lovely game, and I am very happy meeting motivated new growers.
Rules are rules and all have to play the game fair, as simple as that.
Take care and thanks for all you have done to make the giant pumpkin growing that big.
Germany is doing wel, and the comming years we will be astonished what wil be reached in Europe for sure!

10/9/2009 3:04:32 AM