Performers from the Hot Check Hats came to perform in front of the residents recently, who were treated to a full afternoon of fun and sing alongs.

The Hat Check Honeys perform a mixture of different songs in fantastic costumes in an interactive and uplifting style. They were perfect for residents at Woodland View and are definitely welcome back anytime.

At Woodland View, we joined General Manager, Riet Jones, and Deputy Manager, Juliet Driver, in wishing resident, Chris, a very happy birthday. All other residents, friends and family had a slice of birthday cake and some drinks to celebrate with Chris.

My name is Lauren and I am 15 years old.

On the 30th August. I attended Woodland View Care Home to spend some time as a volunteer.

In the morning, at about 11:00, the residents participated in an activity that was based on the game 'Play Your Cards Right'. Six residents participated and all gave it a go! After the game had ended, it was time for lunch, and all the residents went into the dining rooms. The one I visited was located on the 1st floor. Residents heading for this dining room were escorted by the Activities Coordinator, Kevin.

After lunch had ended, Kevin asked residents if they wanted to go on a minibus trip. Four residents accepted the invitation and we went to Maldon Promenade. It took about 25-30 minutes to get there from the care home, which is based in Colchester. Once we arrived, we took a walk along to where a cafe was located. Two of the residents had a hot drink and the rest, including myself and Kevin, had an ice cream instead.

We then took a walk up to the harbour where the Thames Barges were located. Kevin took a photo of us all with the boats as a background. Then, at the insistence of the residents, Kevin took a selfie with us all - it was a great day! Then I assisted in pushing a resident's wheelchair, which I enjoyed because we had a chat whilst doing it.

When we approached Woodland View my mum was waiting, ready to take me home.

I can't thank you all enough. From the residents to the staff, thank you for making my time here special.

I look forward to seeing you soon

Saturday 3rd September saw Woodland View Care Home's very first fete. Staff and residents worked together to create a wonderful event which was well-supported, raising funds towards the purchase of a life-saving portable defibrillator.

The End of Summer Fete featured a range of attractions, including a tombola, brik-a-brak, homemade popcorn, face painting, embroidered goods and a 'guess how many sweets in the jar' and painting competitions. We also had a BBQ, serving burgers & dogs (not Huskies!) - there was something for everyone.

Highlights of the day included singer, Lindsey Walker, and the wonderful Harwich Sings choir. Woodland View was also very honoured to have a team of rescue Huskies take part in a 'Hug-a-Husky' game.

Following the fete's success, the Woodland View Care Home team (combined staff and resident-based effort!) are already planning a Christmas season full of events.

Please contact Kevin Riley on 01260 855390 or email kevin.riley@barchester.com if you'd like to be added to the email subscription list for the regular eNewsletter, 'The View'. Recipients are kept up to date with what's been happening at Woodland View and what's coming up.

Keep watching this space...

Clacton on Sea Air Show was the latest destination for the Woodland View minibus and its residents.

There were thousands of people crowding the pier, beaches and the promenade to enjoy the gorgeous hot and sunny weather, cooling breeze and incredible air show.

Lucky residents managed to find a great parking space with a great views of the aircrafts. This was thanks to a kind local home owner who offered her drive when she saw the minibus looking for somewhere to park on Clacton seafront during a day of road closures and few parking spaces.

Residents celebrated the day in style with glasses of chilled lemonade, served from an ice bucket full to the brim with ice cubes.

Abberton Reservoir, in Essex, is the 4th largest reservoir in England. Residents of Woodland View were interested to find this out on a recent trip to the site which has been designated a wetland of international importance.

The reservoir has capacity of up to 41,000 megalitres of water, which is supplied from 3 river sources: the River Stour, Blackwater and Chelmer.

The information that really raised eyebrows among the visiting residents was when they were told that the reservoir was used by the RAF's 617 Squadron ('The Dam Busters') for practice runs for the bombing of the German dams in the Ruhr during World War II (Operation Chastise). 

Woodland View residents are always learning new things about their area!