John Goodfellow (72) of Otterburn, farmed at the Riding in Bellingham for many years, and was former chairman of Northumberland’s branch of the National Farmers’ Union.
Not only was he known and loved among farming circles, he was a well-respected member of the community from the days when he owned Otterburn Tower Hotel, which he sold in 2011 after 13 years, as a magistrate, and as a long-serving member of the North Tyne and Redewater Twisty Roads Preservation Society.
Mr Goodfellow suffered serious injuries after an incident with a digger at Bonas Hill farm in Ogle, Whalton, last Thursday night. He later died in hospital.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Emergency services were called to Bonas Hill farm, in Ogle in Northumberland at 8pm on Thursday, December 1, following reports of a man injured following an incident with a digger.
“He was taken to the RVI with serious injuries and sadly died.”
The death of this highly-respected and popular character has shocked the North Tyne and Redesdale communities, and all those who knew him well.
Not only was he popular among adults but with local children too, through his important role as Santa for over 20 years.
He played the central role of Father Christmas in the Twisty Roads Santa’s sleigh tour round the valley every Christmas Eve, where he would kick-off Christmas by throwing sweets to local children.
Police say Health and Safety Executive is currently carrying out inquiries in relation to the incident.
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