Two Woodland View residents were recipients of a very special surprise in the run up to Christmas.

Swan Staff contacted Activities Coordinator, Kevin Riley, to nominate a couple of residents to each receive a special 'Bundles of Joy' festive goodies hamper. Sylvia Davies and Pauline White were delighted at the surprise presentations they were given.

Well, they wish it could be Christmas.... every day at Woodland View. Residents jingled their bells, shook, rattled and rolled to enjoy two high class entertainment performances from firm favourites: Tania Honey and Tessa Collitt.

Both events were very well-attended; the joy and energy in the room was almost tangible, with some residents joining staff members for a dance. Other, less mobile residents, were happy to join in singing, clapping and laughing.

Well done to Kevin Riley, who was named as November's Employee of the Month here at Woodland View.

Kevin is always smiling and helpful; he always goes that extra mile for both colleagues and residents alike. He is an absolute asset to Woodland View.

Kevin is a much-valued member of the team. When asked to help or do something, nothing is too much trouble. He has organised Christmas presents for all residents and has always delivered all of the events at Woodland View without a single moan or groan. Thank you for your continued commitment to Woodland View.

The annual Christmas carol service, hosted by Mother's Union, in Colchester was an afternoon that residents of Woodland View thoroughly enjoyed. Residents enjoyed a full service, delivered by the Reverend Ray Gibbs at St. Michael's Church. After the service, everyone moved on to the lovely Parish Hall to enjoy an afternoon tea and to reconnect with old friends.

As part of Woodland View supporting pupils and the curriculum at Queen Boudica Primary School, pupils visited residents to learn of their experiences during World War 2, when they were the same age as the pupils.

Two groups of thirty pupils asked questions and learned all about Anderson and Morrison shelters, what children did to pass the time during the air raids and how they earned pocket money back in the day. Rationing, being evacuated, doodlebugs and the air raids were all recalled, much to the fascination of the pupils.

It wasn't all one-sided, however, as residents got to ask questions too and the pupils impressed with the knowledge they had already gained. They knew what both Armistice Day and Remembrance Day were and their importance. One pupil recited from memory the poem 'In Flanders Fields', winning a round of applause from everyone present.

In total, sixty pupils sat with residents over the two sessions and you'd think that might have been it for the day, but you'd be wrong! We then had our regular weekly team of fourteen pupils join residents for parlour games. That made a grand total of seventy-four pupils in one afternoon – and the residents loved every minute!

Local company, 'Secret Hamper', returned to Woodland View following their original visit in 2016.

Woodland View is one of the company's favourite care homes because of the initial relationship struck up when the company had just started. The company donated one of its hampers back then, which was raffled and won by resident, Anne. The win at the time really lifted Anne's spirits, as it was during a period when she was really struggling. Anne went on to share the contents of the hamper with fellow residents and staff. One Carer had never tasted a Jaffa Cake – imagine that! Well, that soon changed, thanks to Anne.

At the end of the visit, the company's CEO took a picture with residents, including Anne, and donated another hamper.

Secret Hamper is a wonderful reinvention of a great British tradition. The company have a range of products, such as pet hampers and even an Essex-themed box, containing Essex-sourced products, including the Wilkinson’s Tiptree Jam.

If you'd like to gift a special hamper to someone you know living alone or in a care home, more information can be found on the Secret Hamper, which you can visit by clicking here.