We celebrated International Housekeepers Week, which runs between 13th-19th September 2020.

It was a chance to recognise and reward the important work done by the housekeeping team. They often go above and beyond, particularly during the recent pandemic.

For this special week, the activities team organized a 'Back to the 70s'-themed summer party. Residents had the opportunity to participate in different hilarious activities to win prizes, and so much more.

The housekeeping team members received a bag of goodies with a message from all of the Woodland View family telling them how much they are appreciated in the home and how hard they work.

Residents and staff at Woodland View in Colchester, laced up their trainers and warmed-up for their annual sports day.

Staff and residents took to their marks in the giant bowling, balloon tennis, crazy football, `hit the tin` and colourful races. The residents battled it out to be crowned sporting champions by the activities team before being treated to a winner’s buffet of homemade cake and ice cream.

We always encourage our residents to keep active. With summer on the way we had a great opportunity to move our activities outside to make the most of the weather. Our residents really enjoyed today and it was lovely to see so many of them getting involved. It reminded all of us of when we were kids at school!

Residents at Woodland View virtually travelled to Hawaii on the 23rd July. Residents enjoyed touring and learning about Hawaii.

The garden at Woodland View was decorated by staff with bunting and summer decorations.

Residents and staff got together for a fruity afternoon with exotic fruits and fresh cocktails prepared by the home's talented chef. He served Mojito, Ice Tea and Pink Lemonade.

The fun didn’t stop there: residents enjoyed entertainment from Hawaii and staff participated in playing music, fancy dress up, and dances.

Residents at Woodland View took part in National Allotments Week during 10th – 16th August.

National Allotment Week started in 2002 as a way of raising awareness of allotments and the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their own food, develop friendships and bolster communities.

Allotments have many benefits. They bring people together and unite them through their shared love of home-grown, healthy fresh fruit and vegetables, physical exercise and social interaction.

This week residents at Woodland View got involved in planting new fruit and vegetables, a quiz to identify allotment vegetables, fruits and berries, place different herbs in pots and play a guessing game with residents to guess what they are from the smell in each pot, had a tasting session of grown vegetables and berries.

Staff at Woodland View helped residents dig into some fun activities during National Allotments Week, and reflected of the many benefits of growing, cooking and eating your own fruit and vegetables. Residents particularly enjoyed the tasting session of grown vegetables and berries.

Congratulations to Anumol Thomas, who has been named as a Divisional Winner in the 2020 Barchester Care Awards. Anumol is a finalist in the Registered Nurse of the Year category and has been invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony on 8th October, where she will find out if she has won overall.

Woodland View held a day of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care.

Staff were treated to biscuits and chocolates from the staff fund and got small personal gifts from residents.

Residents also gave thanks by sending letters and cards to volunteers. Staff also send postcards to family members, who have been unable to visit due to lockdown, but whom also give so much support to their loved ones, and carers in the home.