It was a great success at Woodland View last year, so residents requested the Eurovision experience all over again.

Residents whizzed through the songs from each of the semi-finals during two afternoons. They used a buzzer for each team; if teams got bored with a song or just plain didn't like it... they hit their buzzer! If all teams hit the buzzer, the song was stopped and the next one began. It was fast, furious and just a little bit of a giggle.

For the final, the same approach was adopted and a sweepstake ran with cash prizes for the countries placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Money was also set aside to donate to the Alzheimer's Society as part of Dementia Awareness Week's events. The sweepstake was so popular that a second one had to be coordinated in parallel with the main one.

It's a shame that Lucy Jones didn't win for the UK, but everyone at Woodland View loved her song (no buzzers!) and were very pleased with how she performed.

Eurovision 2018? Bring it on! Woodland View is ready.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, Woodland View returned to Dedham Animal Therapy Farm with some more Memory Lane residents.

Pigs, chickens, pygmy goats, ponies, guineafowl, running ducks, turkeys, Border Collie puppies... It was wonderful to see the sheer delight on their faces. Yes, there were hens again, nestled in the arms of residents. They seemed very relaxed until it was time to head back to the home and the hens knew the party was over (groan) and flew back to the ground - pure poultry in motion!

Dedham Farm and Woodland View have established a working relationship to enjoy ongoing fortnightly visits to the farm, with alternate weeks featuring visits to Woodland View from Nurture Dogs, another service provided by the farm.

Nurses joined residents for an afternoon tea comprising yummy cakes and other treats, with residents showing appreciation for the hard and wonderful work they do each and every day. Some of the Nurses wore their old uniforms that were used in the early days of their careers. There were, however, a couple of nursing wannabees also trying to get in on the act. Can you guess from the picture who these might have been?

Dedham based, Nurture Dogs, have been visiting Woodland View for a few weeks and really established strong relationships with residents - there's no bones about it!

Having familiarised themselves with the home, the dogs have now been making door-to-door calls to residents' rooms. This has delighted those who either can't join in with other activities, or 'pre-fur' the privacy and peace of their own company and room.

Nurture Dogs (Tom, Mira, Bumble, Badger and Skye) visit Woodland View once a fortnight and residents always look forward to their visiting, four-legged friends.

Woodland View didn't miss out on the National Donkey Week Fun!

The week started with residents from all communities colouring in pictures of donkeys. They were multi-coloured and very eye-catching, especially once cut out and laminated, which seemed to bring out their colours even more. The pictures were then mounted on walls and door frames around the reception and coffee lounge areas for all to see.

Next, Woodland View played host to a visit from Queen Boudica Primary School's pupils. Eleven children teamed up with residents for games of 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey'. As you can imagine, hilarity ensued and there was heart-warming laughter all round.

Arrangements for real donkeys to visit the home were made, but didn't quite work out, so watch this space... they will be coming to Woodland View very soon. Never give up!

We all know that animal therapy can be a great way to enhance the lives of those living in care.

Woodland View transported a number of its Memory Lane residents to Dedham Community Farm, the home of Dedham Animal Therapy Farm and Nurture Dogs. The farm is not open to the general public and provides access to a range of animals as part of occupational therapy. 

The visiting residents helped feed pigs (George & Pepper) and ponies, then mingled with goats, sheep, guineafowls, turkeys, chickens and, of course, the farm's dogs.

Woodland View will be visiting the farm on a fortnightly basis with a number of the dogs visiting Woodland View on alternate weeks.

Now, that's magic!