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For ten years, Suffolk Rural College lecturer John Attridge has been bringing festive cheer to Witnesham Primary School as Farmer Christmas, creating lasting memories for generations of pupils.
The big picture: Even during lockdown, when in-person visits weren't possible, Attridge found ways to keep the magic alive by sending video messages to ensure the tradition continued unbroken.
Behind the scenes:
Attridge, an agricultural lecturer, transforms into "Farmer Christmas" each year
He shuns his sleigh and arrives at the school by tractor
His "naughty elf helper" Penny Rudland, a fellow college staff member, accompanies him
The pair spend time with each class, distributing gifts, chatting with pupils and meeting with teachers to finalise the naughty list
In their words: "It's always a joy to come along and hand out gifts," Attridge said. "It's important that we reach out to the community as much as we can and this is one of the highlights of the year for me."
The impact: The annual visit has become a cherished event for the entire school community. Executive headteacher Hannah Evans noted: "The children (and the staff) look forward to it every year and we are very grateful to Suffolk Rural College."
Between the lines: Beyond spreading Christmas cheer, Attridge hopes his visits might inspire children to consider farming in their future, combining festive fun with subtle career inspiration.
The bottom line: What started as a simple school visit has evolved into a beloved tradition, proving that modern twists on Christmas customs can create just as much magic as traditional ones.
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