Matthew Thomas taking on the annual tradition of painting the trophy (he was the only one in this shop)
Every great rivalry needs its stage — and at Compass Environmental, that stage just happens to be a pumpkin patch.
Now in its fourth glorious year, the Compass Environmental Annual Pumpkin Competition has grown from a bit of workplace fun into a full-blown saga of pride, rivalry, and horticultural heroics. And this year’s contest had it all: fierce competition, impossible odds, and one of the greatest comebacks since Liverpool in Istanbul.
A Year of Wild Weather
Matthew Thomas with pumpkin in-situ
Growing conditions in 2025 were anything but easy. A record-dry spring left soil parched and growers scrambling for water. Summer brought unrelenting heat — the warmest on record — testing the patience (and irrigation systems) of even the most dedicated gardeners. By autumn, Storm Amy swept across the UK, threatening to flatten anything left standing.
It was a year that separated the casual growers from the true pumpkin pros — a battle of consistency, creativity, and climate resilience.
The Rivalry: Matt vs. Harry
At the heart of this year’s drama were two familiar names: Matt Thomas and Harry Ower. They’ve become the stuff of Compass legend — Ronaldo vs Messi, Federer vs Nadal, Muhammad Ali Vs. Joe Frazier.
Matt and the Telford villagers helping to safely secure the prize pumpkin ready for transport.
Matt took home the inaugural title, but since then, Harry has been untouchable — reigning two-time champion and on the verge of a historic three-peat.
But 2025 had a twist. Harry’s year was already unforgettable for another reason — his wedding — and between table plans and perfecting vows, there was a sense that perhaps the throne might just be up for grabs.
Matt saw his chance.
The Great Pumpkin Comeback
Matt approached the season like a man possessed. He battled through the heatwaves, shielded his vines from scorching winds, and doubled down on watering during the driest spring in a century. The result? A pumpkin of truly mythic proportions.
When harvest day came, witnesses say it took four people to lift the monster into his car — and even then, fence panels had to be removed just to get it out of the garden. By the time it reached the weigh-in, jaws were already dropping.
A trip over the weigh bridge confirmed it: the heaviest pumpkin ever recorded in the history of the competition. A comeback for the ages.
The Result
In one of the most hotly contested finals yet, Matt Thomas reclaimed the crown, ending Harry’s two-year streak and etching his name back into Compass folklore. From first champion to fallen rival and back again — a story worthy of the sporting greats.
“Four years ago, I set out with just a seed and an ambition to become the greatest pumpkin cultivator in Compass Environmental history.
Today, not only have I achieved that ambition for the second time, a new all-time record has been set.
Thanks to Mike, Ben and Corbin for assisting with the heavy lifting and a special thanks to Ben for allowing me to take down the garden fence to get this thing out of the garden!”
Matthew Thomas reunited with the trophy he had painted for himself…
“It’s clear to see that pumpkin growing conditions in Newbury this year were poor; mistakes were made along the way, from the late planting of a single seed to getting caught up with wedding planning. Distractions have devastated this year’s yield, giving my arch pumpkin nemesis Matt Thomas the chance to steal the pumpkin crown and prevent a third victory.
We will have to do some serious growth analysis and learn from these mistakes; we will be back stronger next year.
”
Legacy of the Patch
Matthew Thomas receiving the coveted Compass Pumpkin Trophy from founder of the competition, Stewart Ower
So, as the soil settles on another year of fierce (and friendly) rivalry, one thing’s certain: the Compass Environmental Pumpkin Competition has outgrown its roots. What started as a bit of fun has become a tradition — a celebration of persistence, teamwork and a little bit of pumpkin madness.
Here’s to next year — when Harry will no doubt be out for revenge and Matt will be defending his hard-won title under whatever wild weather 2026 brings.
Could newcomer Simon Ward make a bigger impression next year? Will Oisin finally be interested in vegetables? Will Tom shock everyone and actually plant a seed?
Stay tuned.