Woodland View resident, David, received a lovely surprise on his birthday. David was invited into the activities lounge to find a large group of his fellow residents waiting with a surprise birthday cake.

After singing the obligatory 'Happy Birthday', David blew out the candle on his cake to a rapturous applause and three cheers from everyone there. David, who lives with dementia, replied with the following: "Thank you all so, so much. I know you all think I'll forget this, but I want to remember this moment each and every day."

Looking around the room, a dry eye couldn't be seen.

As part of National Volunteer's Week, Woodland View wanted to say thank you to some very special people.

Each week, including weekends, a number of volunteers visit Woodland View and spend time with residents. 

Volunteers spend time speaking one-to-one with those living with dementia, playing piano, providing meet and greet sessions with dogs, playing games with residents or just sitting and chatting with them.

Having celebrated Colin Bennett's weekly voluntary contribution to the home as a pianist last year, we honoured Sophie Child and Amie Lennox this year - students from The Gilberd School in Colchester. The girls were not expecting an afternoon tea in their honour and to be awarded a certificate of appreciation for their highly valued contribution. Residents also gave the girls a well-deserved round of applause.

Staff and residents at Woodland View gathered to wish Carer, Rachael Elliott, well as she leaves to take time out to prepare for a new arrival.

A collection enabled everyone to present Rachael with a lovely hamper, featuring a selection of baby products. Residents were very keen to keep tabs on Rachael over the previous few months and that's not likely to change just because she is now on maternity leave. No doubt there will be a baby sweepstake fairly soon - place your bets!

Good luck Rachael - we'll be waiting by the phone!

As part of a fundraising event, Woodland View hosted a car treasure hunt.

No, it's not about hunting for cars! This treasure hunt involves driving around the countryside looking for the solutions to clues.

A series of navigational instructions and 54 questions took those participating around the outskirts of Colchester and the local countryside. As well as navigating in line with the instructions and correctly solving the clues, a 'Great 8' shopping list of items had to be sourced en-route to add further points, which were awarded to those with the quickest time and with the shortest distance taken to complete the course.

One car of hunters were asked after the event if they enjoyed themselves: "It was hilarious, but our navigator should have gone to Specsavers!"

The Woodland View Car Treasure Hunt is still available for people to do as an individual event and makes for a great morning or afternoon activity, so you haven't missed out! Please contact Kevin at kevin.riley@barchester.com, or call him on 01206 855390.

Woodland View opened its doors on Friday 16th June, inviting members of the general public along for Open Day.

Visitors to our home were able to join in a number of activities during the day to sample what life is like here, joining residents for a 'UNO' card game class, a lovely outdoor picnic lunch and an interactive singalong, complete with a balloon game and hundreds of soap bubbles. It was songs and laughter all the way! The afternoon was rounded off by a get-together in the Woodland View bar, the Woodland Arms.

A raffle was also drawn on the day, and we managed to raise £117.00 for Barchester's Charitable Foundation. Prizes included a bottle of champagne, a fresh fruit hamper and some caviar!

Deputy Manager, Karen Greenland, called residents and staff together to say goodbye to one of the original members of the team from before Woodland View had even opened its doors. Karen is sporting a lovely yellow Goldilocks costume as part of a fundraising dress-down day for staff.

Jess Hargitay, a much valued member of the housekeeping team, is moving out of the area due a new work opportunity her husband has accepted.

A tearful Jess was presented with a bouquet of flowers and received a round of applause from everyone. She will be missed so much by everyone at Woodland View. Thank you for everything you've done, Jess, and good luck!