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# Farmer Christmas brings festive cheer to Suffolk schools
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/farmer-christmas-brings-festive-cheer-to-suffolk-schools/
- Published: 2025-12-17T14:40:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T14:55:14.000Z
- Description: A Suffolk New College lecturer dressed as Santa Claus visited two local primary schools on a tinsel-decorated tractor this week, continuing a 20-year tradition of bringing festive cheer to the community.
- Author: Matt Stott
- Tags: News, Good News, Primary Education, Further Education, #article, Suffolk New College, #Import 2026-03-16 14:43

**The details:** John Attridge, a lecturer from Suffolk New College's Suffolk Rural campus, took on the role of Farmer Christmas, accompanied by two elf helpers – Penny Rudland and Luke Penning from the college's marketing department.

The trio visited Witnesham and Otley primary schools, where they high-fived children from seven class groups and handed out gifts.

![Santa and schoolchildren](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1765970730-6-a-class-from-otley-pose-with-farmer-christmas-and-his-elves.jpg)

Children meet Farmer Christmas during annual visit from Suffolk New College's festive tractor (Suffolk New College)

![Santa and schoolchildren](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1765970730-3-isaac-from-witnesham-with-farmer-christmas-isaac-hopes-to-be-a-farmer-of-the-future.jpg)

Children meet Farmer Christmas during annual visit from Suffolk New College's festive tractor (Suffolk New College)

![Santa and schoolchildren](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1765970730-4-a-youngster-from-witnesham-says-hi-to-farmer-christmas-and-his-elves.jpg)

Children meet Farmer Christmas during annual visit from Suffolk New College's festive tractor (Suffolk New College)

**For context:** The college first started the tradition in 2005 when they visited the nursery in Otley. The original member of staff departed for a new job before Attridge took on Santa duties in 2016.

**What they're saying:** Attridge said: "It is a joy and pleasure to try and bring a bit of festive fun to the local community. From my point of view, as a passionate agriculturalist, if we encourage one of the children to think about a career in farming, then even better."

One student from Witnesham, Issac, said: "I want to be a farmer. It was great to meet Farmer Christmas."

Penny Rudland, school liaison officer in the college's marketing department, who played the naughty elf character, said: "This, without doubt, is the highlight of my year. The children are a joy."

Hannah Evans, the executive headteacher at Witnesham and Otley Primary Schools, said: "The children always look forward to this visit. It really helps kickstart Christmas for us all. Thanks to the college for all their support."

**What's next:** The college hopes to invite youngsters to visit their revamped animal studies centre, which houses alpacas, capybaras and meerkats.

**The bottom line:** A 20-year tradition continues to bring festive cheer to Suffolk schools while inspiring the next generation of farmers.

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