In a small village in West Sussex, there is a man with a passion for pumpkins. His name is Ralph Upton and he is fondly known as the Pumpkin Man. He and his wife Barbara moved to their picturesque cottage in Slindon 50 years ago and have been growing pumpkins and squashes for the last 30 years.
Every autumn, hundreds of people visit the Pumpkin Man to buy his produce and to see the amazing displays he creates with them. The pumpkins, squash and gourds adorn the roof, walls and windows of their home, in the most colourful patterns.
For the last 20 years, it has been a tradition in my family to visit the Pumpkin Man. We always buy a pumpkin for Halloween and then pick a couple of old favourites such as butternut squash and maybe a Turks Cap. Finally, we’ll choose a couple we’ve never tried before, some of which become new favourites.
As a kid, the most exciting bit was trying to guess what picture would be on the roof this year? Different scenes were created every year using the multi coloured pumpkins, squashes and gourds in a mosaic fashion. From bright yellows, through glowing orange & reds, deep greens to pale blues, creating sunsets, dragons, boats and so much more. Those scenes delighted me back then and they still do today.
In honour of the season, pumpkins and Halloween, we are running a Pumpkin Carving Competition! You can win a fabulous Hand Blender from the James Martin Collection. See HERE for more details. Have fun carving those pumpkins, I can’t wait to see the results!
So, from the memories I have shared with you, it is easy to see that the Pumpkin Man has delighted the community with his displays and produce for over three decades. Do you perhaps have someone as significant within your community? Or are we lucky and unique to have someone so passionate about his produce as the Pumpkin Man.
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