Suffolk families get ‘a taste of farming’ during free spring event

The occasion saw visitors meet newborn lambs. They also had a chance to look around new animal studies facilities, watch some showjumping, play sports on the college quadrangle and buy locally sourced food from organisations, including Yum Tum Tree Fudge. 

Charlotte Rossiter, who oversaw the organisation of the day, said that it was one of the best yet. She added: “We are always delighted to welcome guests to our Suffolk Rural campus.  

“This year, we are celebrating 55 years of farming, and that will be one of our big themes at the upcoming Suffolk Show. It was definitely one of our best.

“The whole idea of today is to welcome people to the college to get a flavour of some of the land-based work that we do – and we would like to thank everyone who came along to support us.” 

‘It’s been baarilliant’

Suffolk Rural agriculture students, including 18-year-old Vakaris Pocius from Ipswich, helped during the event.

Vakaris said: “It’s been rewarding, and it’s important that the college hosts events like today, so that children can experience different careers that they might want to pursue when they are older.” 

Samantha Mann from Colchester who attended as a visitor, added: “My daughter Beth goes along to a therapy farm once a week, and she absolutely adores the animals – so we had to come up so she could see the sheep.  

“I think what the college is doing is brilliant, and because it is free, it has given everyone a chance to come.” 

A young visitor, six-year-old Emily Wilkins from Needham Market, said: “It’s been baarilliant.” 

David and Karen from Really Awesome Coffee attended as a business. Karen said: “This was our first time at Suffolk Rural, and the first impressions are very good. It’s nice to do something local. I think it’s a great idea to host a free event like this.” 

For those who missed out on tickets for this event, the college will be hosting their annual Big Day Out on Saturday 10th May 2025. 

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