Despite dreadful weather, especially heavy rain and water spouts being in the news all over the world, mother nature was smiling on Woodland View for its second 'End of Summer Fête' – the sun was out!

Residents, relatives, friends and staff spent time in the gardens with the usual staff members, all helping to raise money for two very good causes. There was also an appearance from Twilight the Barn Owl, a regular visitor to Woodland View, as well as a performance by singer, Tania Honey, to round things off in the afternoon.

The Barchester Charitable Foundation and Nurse, Soma Page, combined their efforts to raise money for the St. Helena Hospice. Soma is trying very hard, with the support of everyone at Woodland View, to reach her fundraising target. If you'd like to help her, please take a look at her Just Giving page here.

The 'Drench the Drip' stall was a hit with visitors this year, literally. People had the chance to select a member of staff as a target and they were then cast into the stocks for a jolly good drenching via cold, water-soaked sponges. The main targets were good sports – John McNally and Kevin Riley.

Residents from Woodland View recalled memories of waterside trips as they enjoyed a cup of tea at the Abberton Reservoir Wildlife Centre.

Conversation covered the local wildlife, the reservoir itself and its history, with personal recollections of previous trips both to that reservoir and other waterside attractions.

Friday 1st September saw a spectacle like no other at Woodland View.

Thanks to the summer holidays, Niki Taylor's weekly dancing chairs session went up a notch. Niki brought some of her dance school pupils along and residents danced, sang and shook their glittery pom-poms enthusiastically, led by the cutest group of little girls.

As usual, the question is already asked... whatever next? Whatever it is, keep bringing on the fun.

Woodland View residents were thrilled to attend the 2017 Clacton Airshow.

Those who attended last year's event were very surprised it had come around again so quickly; time really does fly by, not just the aircraft!

The Woodland View minibus arrived and found a good vantage point away from the crowds so residents had space to breath, relax and take in the spectacle whilst enjoying the brilliant sunshine, cooled down by a lovely breeze coming in from the north sea. 

Display team after display team demonstrated their skills, as well as individual pilots in their own aircraft – some lovingly restored from their former World War 2 service. Residents looked up whilst enjoying a refreshing ice lolly – mostly glad that their own feet were firmly on the ground, and conversation drifted between the aircraft and their own experiences of flight and travel.

It was a perfect summer Friday afternoon.

Woodland View Care Home opened its doors for the first time to welcome singer/song writer, Robert Jerome, to entertain residents.

Chelmsford-based Robert, a former contestant on ITV's 'The X Factor', sang song after song for residents, with every single one of them hitting their mark and being very well received. Following his performance, Robert took time to chat with each and every resident who watched his performance. Residents continued to buzz about the entertainer, long after he left the building, making it clear to Activities Coordinator, Kevin Riley, that they hoped he could make a return visit.

Due to the overwhelming seal of approval and requests from many residents, dates are now being discussed with Robert, so watch this space!

So, Robert.... It's a 'yes' from everyone at Woodland View!

A weekend of rest? Not at Woodland View!

Residents at Woodland View enjoy a varied schedule of activities throughout the week – and weekends are not always meant for resting! Activities Assistant, Tansie Fitch, led everyone through a series of exercises in tune with music to keep the cobwebs away.

A real energetic effort was made by those attending the session and it all helped work a little of their breakfasts off, as well as build an appetite for lunch!