He wins every year

[TPeers]

I don't believe what I am hearing here!!

What you are saying is, unless I'm mistaken, you have a guy who is an excellent gardener, keeps a tidy allotment, doesn't do it for monetary gain or enter any competitions, keeps himself to himself, is not big headed, is very knowledeable and because he is streets ahead of the rest of you, you want him to be excluded from a best kept allotment competition because he always wins outright!!!!

You have got to be joking!!

What in cripes sakes is the world coming to???

Snadger, while I see you point of view, try and look at it from the other side - from what has been said this gardener is *so* good and I would guess retired. He spends so much time working his plot, more that other people can. I would guess that everyone knows he is the best but the point here, if I have understood correctly is to find out who else has tried to make a good, tidy and productive plot.

Squash63 didn't say, but it may be that there is no second place, a winner and that is all.

If you had tried hard for years but this bloke was always there first wouldn't you just give up knowing you could never win while he was there?

The incentive of winning an accolade is only there if the fight is fair, agreed, but a 'fair fight' implies a level playing field. Just as no horse race is run without a handicapping system to 'even the field', so it has been suggested for this competition.

Also, bear in mind that squash63 only asked for thoughts and ideas. None of which may be workable in the long run. If you happen to be the type of gardener whos patch is always as perfect as you can manage then I congradulate you - you are better than me.

[WiZeR]

forget the politics, I want to see pictures of his plot!!!

[TEB]

Another victory for PC, welcome to the world of mediocrity

[Matt.]

I think he should be allowed in the competition. You have many other competitions for individual crops so everyone can pick and choose what to focus on given the time and effort they put into it. Those who have little time can concentrate on growing a huge pumpkin for instance whereas this chap has time to concentrate on his entire plot. I think its good that you recognise his efforts and the example he sets to everyone else.

[SarzWix]

Why not try adding another category to competition? For 'Most Improved' plot, or something similar? The old boy prob won't win that, as his is already top notch, but gives everyone else something to aim for. Then if they win that, may give confidence to challenge for best plot the next time. Eventually 'old lad' will re-retire(?!), but in meantime everyone else can be in training by going for 'Most Improved'.

[pigletwillie]

On our site we have "best plot" which is part of the best plot in Leicester competition. The winners of each site are also judged to get the best site in Leicester. As you can imagine, the best plot on one site probably wouldnt be even entered on another site for judging the standards vary so much.

We also have the "most improved plot" awarded every year to give additional interest.

The winners on our site last year would have to raise the bar somewhat if they wanted to keep hold of it as other plots are coming on very well indeed.

[muckdiva]

You could ask him to judge or help judge the contest - that way he would be excluded from entering but would still feel he was a part of the process and his feelings wouldn't be hurt.

I think Shirl's idea is a good one.

At work we run a points based competition for horse riders over a year, and if someone wins a category they can't enter for it the next year, but they are asked to come and present the prize to the following year's winner.... also seems to work pretty well.

[Birdie Wife]

I think SarsWix's idea is really good - diverisfying the categories to give people a chance at winning something gives more people something to aim for. It doesn't exclude the guy from entering but gives other people at chance to win something too.

[Alice]

I was going to suggest something similar Sarzwix - most improved, or best new plot or similar. But if there is a category for best plot then this fellow should be allowed to enter no matter how many times he wins. If he is best - then he is best until someone else does better.

[rustylady]

Just found this thread. I really don't think anyone should be excluded just because they keep winning. Surely there are second and third prizes?

[Raised Beds]

Another victory for PC, welcome to the world of mediocrity

Like they are taught at school. It's OK not to win as long as you compete. Good example would be cricket.

[TEB]

Yep I quite agree

[Snadger]

Like they are taught at school. It's OK not to win as long as you compete. Good example would be cricket.

Shame Newcastle United don't win or compete!

[SarzWix]

Shame Newcastle United don't win or compete!

D'you want the loan of Roy Keane...?!

[Snadger]

D'you want the loan of Roy Keane...?!

Fraid he's already spoken for as an eventual Alex Ferguson replacement!