Ladies and gentlemen at Woodland View were thrilled to have the chance to visit the local 10 Pin Bowling Alley in Colchester.

The idea had been discussed for some time, but it finally happened! Phillipa Bryan surprised everyone, including herself, by starting off with two successive strikes! Another resident, Gary, used to bowl regularly with his wife, but hadn't had the chance to for years, so he really enjoyed the opportunity for a return to the alley.

At the end of the afternoon, residents returned to Woodland View buzzing from the experience, and it will now feature at least once on month on the activities schedule.

Earlier this year, residents, relatives and staff at Woodland View set about knitting a range of items to support the work done in Namibia by the Colchester-based Catherine Bullen Foundation.

Roger Bullen returned to Woodland View recently to deliver a video presentation update of the continuing work the foundation has been doing in its support for the communities they work with in Namibia.

Residents then presented Roger with a huge collection of blankets and tops everyone had knitted since his last visit. Roger was genuinely impressed with the amount of work that had been done and was very grateful for the support shown to the Catherine Bullen Foundation and, in turn, the communities in Namibia.

For further information on the amazing work The Catherine Bullen Foundation has done and continues to do, please visit their website: www.namibia-aid.org.uk.

Woodland View representatives, Jacquey Thurlow and Kevin Riley, visited The Gilberd School in Colchester to deliver a lesson in support of the school's Health & Social Care course.

Senior Staff Nurse, Jacquey, and Activities Coordinator, Kevin, prepared and delivered an interactive lesson, which is due to be repeated for another class of pupils at a later date, to support how they would approach the complexities of planning care for ageing adults.

Overall, pupils were provided with clear examples and a message that the care sector is an extremely positive and rewarding industry to work in. The lesson concluded with encouragement that the valuable contribution everyone can make to ensure the quality of life for all adults can be maintained as their journey continues, should never be underestimated.

Memory Lane residents at Woodland View had the chance to try out an amazing piece of equipment – and the impact and response from residents was simply incredible!

The Tovertafel Magic Table projects moving images onto a surface, allowing interaction, which changes 'what happens next'. As audio visual stimulation goes, the table clearly demonstrated its effectiveness, as residents who previously rarely demonstrated any capability for interaction, suddenly followed the projected images with their hands and eyes, attempting to grasp the shapes.

Woodland View is looking to invite sponsors or local companies who want to partner with us to raise funds to acquire this amazing piece of equipment.

If you would be interested in discussing sponsorship or partnering with Woodland View to support the sourcing of this equipment, please contact Kevin Riley at Woodland View on 01206 855390.

Woodland View residents were very pleased with the arrival of International Cupcake Week... We wonder why?!

The catering department provided a wide range of tasty, decorated cupcakes. Residents were then spoiled rotten as each received a special personal delivery to their room.

Every single resident received the VIP treatment to mark the occasion and enthusiastically consumed the little fancy delights. I think it's fair to say that Jelly Babies are as popular now as they have ever been, especially when atop a buttercream iced sponge!

Although this is a date on the international culinary calendar, Woodland View residents get these little treats possibly more often than is generally considered good for the waistline... but nobody's telling!

Woodland View resident, John, was beaming with joy after a local mobility company answered an SOS call and helped him attend his son's wedding.

Staff at Woodland View contacted Easy Mobility Services with a desperate plea for the loan of a specialist chair so John could attend his son's wedding at Colchester Town Hall. John's condition means he is unable to leave the comfort of the care home using his current specialist chair, so another specific type of chair was needed for John to attend the big day. John is only able to leave the care home for hospital appointments on a stretcher; the chair loaned to John was a huge contribution towards a very special day in his life.

Woodland View have received various quotes in the region of £2,000 for the chair as part of their quest for a more permanent solution.

If you would potentially be interested in helping raise funds for a new chair, please contact Kevin Riley at Woodland View on 01206 855390.