A while back, Woodland View announced on this very website that residents were working together to form a rock group.

Well, the time is right and we can now proudly unleash the results of the combined creative contributions, thanks to the team who worked so hard in the knowledge that it could be done!

The group has been christened 'The Strolling Stones' and are now a resident attraction at Woodland View. They are a colourful bunch, having been around for many years, only to be brought together for this very special gig!

We doubt anyone will ever get an autograph from the group, but suspect there will be those who want a 'selfie' with them.

Back in early July, residents at Woodland View were invited to attend the local Mother's Union Strawberry Cream Tea. It was very well-attended and enjoyed by almost everyone. 

Unfortunately, there were a number of ladies at Woodland View who weren't feeling up to it on the day and were really very disappointed not to be able to attend. So, there was only one thing to do! Arrangements were made to reciprocate the invitation and invite members of the Mother's Union to Woodland View at a later date.

On Wednesday 26th July, we welcomed the Mother's Union ladies and residents attending really enjoyed this second opportunity for socialising, scones, strawberries and cream!

Sunday 30th July is International Friendship Day, so residents at Woodland View have been marking a date in the international calendar in their own way.

As part of the weekly Ladies Lounge session, a small team of ladies are making colourful tapestry thread friendship bands. These will be given out to fellow residents and visitors (whilst stocks last!) over the 3 days prior to the Friendship Day and on the day itself.

It's nice for residents of Woodland View to go out on regular minibus trips every now and then. We often visit a range of areas, such as reservoirs, beauty spots, tea rooms and, of course, garden centres.

Flatford Mill, on the borders of Essex and Suffolk, is owned and run by the National Trust and is an idyllic location for such a trip. Sitting on the River Stour, it features a lock and dry dock and tea room.

Residents enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat before going to feed some of the many ducks (and chicks).

West Bergholt Cricket Club invited residents of Woodland View to one of its 2017 festival days to watch the team play.

A group of cricket-keen gentlemen were transported to the ground in the home's minibus. They were greeted by the club's chairman and seated with a good overview of both the pitch and the various stalls that had been set up. As guests of the cricket club, the gentlemen were treated to a drink, a cupcake and an ice cream. They then sat back to enjoy this truly traditional English past-time whilst recalling their past memories of when they used to play themselves.

At the end of the afternoon, the gentlemen were escorted back to Woodland View in good time for supper, contented with a very nice afternoon's outing. 

Friday afternoons at Woodland View just got even better.

Previously, an interactive music session was followed by a 'Happy Hour' in the Woodland Arms, the home's very own pub. Deciding to play around with the format to see what happens, the 'Happy Hour' and interactive music session have now been combined to become 'The Very Happy Hour' - and residents love it!

Residents are provided with a number of percussion instruments, song sheets and - along with a bubble machine - a wonderful atmosphere and afternoon’s entertainment is created.