Late farmer David Bowman of David Bowman Pumpkins in Spalding ‘synonymous’ with pumpkin farming

Family members have paid tribute to a farmer whose name is ‘synonymous’ with pumpkin farming.

David Bowman, of David Bowman Pumpkins in Spalding, died recently, leaving behind his wife Janet and children Alan and Natalie — who have reflected on the leading role he played in his industry and his proud legacy.

The Spalding Pumpkin Festival started in 2002 and Mr Bowman donated around 10,000 pumpkins each year to primary schools for children to carve and use in the parade.

Alan Bowman, David’s son, said: “In its heyday, the parade was featured in national media, with a piece being run on The One Show.

“He was immensely proud to support the event and thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks at the end of the parade.

“He had also featured on Countryfile and even grew Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins for Disney.”

Mr Bowman was ‘saddened’ when South Holland District Council changed the format of the event and no longer required his pumpkin donations.

From a young age, David helped his own father on the family farm, before attending Caythorpe and Riseholme agricultural colleges while working at Proctor's farm on Spalding Marsh.

He then returned to his father's farm to work where at the time the family business grew a variety of produce - including runner beans, marrows, ornamental squash, wallflowers, daffodils and tulips.

The farm was originally situated where the Jelson estate now resides at the end of Green Lane.

It consisted of polytunnels and a couple of sheds along with several fields.

This was the original site of the bonfire and firework parties David held annually, an event ‘thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.’

The business began when along with his father, Ted, David planted marrows on a three-acre piece of land, with the odd pumpkin seed scattered in between.

Alan said: “At one auction he (David) was told to get the tractor and pick them by hand, as an offer had been made by a man to pay £1 for each with the promise of a repeat order.

“The man never did pick them up the following year, which left David to call Tesco and ask to speak to their vegetable buyer, Roger, who bought the lot.

“From here the business grew and in the late 80s, David took over the farm, with Janet helping run the admin side of the business.”

David married his wife Janet in 1980 and the couple ran the farm business together. David died in late November and his funeral was held in December.

Alan, now aged 42 and Natalie, 38, both trained as forklift drivers, working there over the summer throughout their time at university.

The pumpkin business will continue normal operations, overseen by farm manager Mickey.

It continues to supply pumpkins to major supermarkets, farm shops and pick your own pumpkin patches, making them one of the biggest pumpkin producers in the country.

Alan added: “He has always been an active part of farm operations, and was known and respected by others in the industry far and wide.

“His name has become synonymous with pumpkin growing in the Spalding area, and will continue to be known into the future.”

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