From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Lymington

I spoke to Ian yesterday and he told me that it was right and proper that all issues brought up about our fantastic hobby and organisation should be discussed and where possible improvements should be made he also said it wouldn't be right for him to answer important questions himself.
These are my thoughts. We have a committee of extremely passionate hard working people giving up their free time for us. I was speaking to Ian's wife Sarah last week, she told me just how much time the GPC takes from there family life. Ian and I have been brought up to be honest, generous and above all always to put back in more than we take out. The GPC isent a money laden corrupt organisation. The Big Show didn't come to Europe on its own, it came because Ian and I wanted the European growers to have a better chance to go and we along with people like Eddie and members of the committee were prepared to put a lot of time and our own money in to make it happen.
Ian's diary is always the same we tell the good and the bad from start to finish we have been helped along the way by other growers and wish to share any and all of our knowledge to try to help others.
It might not be appropriate for Ian to post here but I can. I don't believe he deserves to be knocked and I think what has been said is disappointing especially Owens post in his diary.

8/29/2017 4:56:08 AM

3430 Tulln/Austria/Europe

Damn right Stuart!
Years ago I decided to apply to the GPC as a member for European stuff. One of my intentions were and are to push GPC in Europe forward. So I am doing right know in EU and in Austria! Fortunately we learned to deal and heal soft spots!

8/29/2017 5:58:24 AM

Walhalla, ND.

Well said. I've got your back.

8/29/2017 8:41:29 AM

Central NY

I'm 100% with hobbit.,.thanks for all you've done.,.and all the work you continue to do...it's top notch in my book...

8/29/2017 8:46:50 AM

Bethlehem CT

Stu, I have never met you and Ian but I can tell that you are good honest guys. No matter what, it is impossible to keep everybody happy. It is very hard to be in a leadership role. You become a lightning rod for everybody's complaints.

8/29/2017 8:49:03 AM

Bethlehem CT

Thank you, and keep up the good work.

8/29/2017 8:49:54 AM

New Berlin, PA

Seems to me issues and questions concerning the GPC and its rules should be brought up directly with the GPC. Message boards probably aren't the most effective way to get direct, clear answers. Unless, you want 57 different opinions. I keep my thoughts to myself on airing dirty laundry on the message boards, but I say if it starts on the boards, you have a right to defend yourself on the boards. Thank you Stuart for speaking on your brother's behalf. I appreciate him and anyone else who volunteers their time!

8/29/2017 9:02:08 AM

Germany (Kirchheim / Bavaria)

It's "not only" a hobby for me to grow AG´s and to know people like Ian and Stuart and all the other growers, it`s a part of my life. Thanks to all those people who support this hobby and share their knowledge about growing AG´s.
Good luck Peter

8/29/2017 9:05:17 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I strongly support the GPC and all of the people on its board. Good job stu and Ian...

8/29/2017 9:26:35 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Stu/Ian you both have the dreaded affliction of putting the hobby above everything else, I understand how that works.
It seems that people think you are running a fortune 500 company (the GPC) and you draw a 7 million dollar salary, as with all the other board members present, past and future. Hang in there as you are doing a fantastic job and you are even better people. It's unfortunate that of late the words of a few linger to leave a sour taste, but they are the few and will always be just that.
Your brother from another Mother
Eddy

8/29/2017 9:50:38 AM

Knopp, Germany

StuP,

I was wrong with my diary post. I apologize.

I should not have done it but I did. It was the wrong way to solicit a response from Ian on this matter and I want to let all growers know it was not the proper thing to do.

I hope that the matter of having a GPC event recognize already weighed pumpkins is not lost due to my bad judgement.

8/29/2017 10:06:43 AM

Lymington

Owen thank you I'm not on the board but I'm sure they will discuss the mater and take any appropriate action. It's time that we all work together to promote our hobby to even dizzier heights
Stewie

8/29/2017 10:46:44 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Well said Owen...you make a mistake and you own it. I think other people could take some notes on how to react when their poor judgement gets the best of them.

I love following grower diaries especially the heavy hitters. Over the years I've seen some just stop because of issues with people. Lets hope Ian and Stewart continue to post for years to come.

8/29/2017 11:15:51 AM

Mn

I would prefer if Ian would stop posting to his diary because it makes me feel awful about how tiny my pumpkins are :) Thanks for the work everyone does. ...and keep posting everyone!

8/29/2017 11:41:55 AM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

I'm with Qtip on that one lol. Always look forward to the Paton's posts.Big pumpkins and big fish! Keep up the good work guys.

8/29/2017 3:21:21 PM

worked with ian on the gpc committee for 4 years one of the nicest-fairest guys you will ever meet- his twin a good guy also

8/29/2017 3:22:57 PM

Lymington UK

Thank you Owen that means a lot to me. Hopefully you can find the enthusiasm to start growing next year and if you do your welcome to have any of our seeds.
Ian

8/29/2017 5:05:53 PM

Ireland

Ian & Stewart = Top notch growers, top notch teachers and top notch friends. If they arent an inspiration to all of us on how to grow and share their pumpkin journey every year, i dont know who is.
Micheál

8/29/2017 5:52:39 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Ian is tops in my mind. I am a little grower but he has always responded to my emails in a positive manner. I was very happy when I found out he was president of the GPC. Owen, give Ian a chance..I think we have a top grower + a great individual as president of the GPC.

8/29/2017 6:23:16 PM

Grittyville, WA

Good work guys. I'll throw in my apology too if I have offended or provoked anyone, my bad.

8/29/2017 7:02:16 PM

Anchorage Alaska

Ian is a ok in my book...

8/30/2017 1:50:29 AM

Central Illinois

I think all growers would be devastated if we lost the GPC, thank you to all that have given time to keep it going

8/30/2017 10:01:34 AM

Rhode Island

alls well that ends well.

ian and stewy are top shelf people .spent time with them in nyc last year.
everything you read about them and their family is true.
im proud to call them friends.

big o ----- glad you came around. you were also a valuable help in building the gpc years back.

pap

8/30/2017 10:35:33 AM

Cologne Brescia Italy

I can confirm Ian is a great man..!!!!
Everytime hi answer answer any e mail
And help for everything gpc and not..!
And not less important thing,ian and stuart also,
have a impressive patch
Cross my fingers for this brothers!

8/31/2017 6:53:31 AM

Colorado

Ian your a real asset to our Hobby.Thanks for the great diary and putting your neck out a little as president of the GPC.Your gonna take criticism for heading a organization. Anybody that's met you knows what a class act you are and at the end of the day were all just trying to have fun in a amazing hobby. That's right folk hobby-were not solving world peace here.Please continue to have fun and don't take any political crap personally.

8/31/2017 4:03:54 PM