Viewlands Review - Summer 2025
- abbeyfieldviewland
- Aug 11
- 9 min read
Viewlands Review – Summer 2025
Hello everyone!
Welcome to our summer magazine of 2025.
We have been so lucky with the hot, sunny weather so far this summer. I know lots of residents and families have enjoyed sitting in the gardens.
I hope this nice spell of weather continues into August for our Summer Fair, which is planned for Saturday, 16th August. The Summer Fair is organised by the Friends of Viewlands to raise funds for activities for residents. These funds are used to pay for things like the bus trips, ice cream and concerts in the house. This is normally a lovely day with stalls, entertainment and afternoon tea. Please feel free to invite your family and friends along.
It's nice to see the putting green back in use. I hope some of you are managing to get out for a few “rounds”.
Mackenzie Bear has had an exciting few months, he’s been on 3 holidays already this year! I hope you enjoy reading about his adventures.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this magazine. Hopefully, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Kat
Kat’s honour
On 30th December, Kat received a very special message to say that she had been awarded the MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to The Army Cadet Force Black Watch Battalion
This gives Kat the official title of Lt Col Kathleen Douglas MBE
Kat has given over 40 years of service to the cadet force, It is truly an honour to be recognised for doing something she is so passionate about.
She was sworn to secrecy until the names of all the recipients were published in The Times on 31st December.
Kat had to wait quite a long time before she was told that she would receive her medal at Holyrood Palace during the July Royal Week, but she had to wait until the day itself to find out which Royal would be making the presentations.
There was a lot of waiting around, and moving from one room to another but eventually King Charles arrived by helicopter. He popped into the room where all the recipients were waiting, to say he would just go and get changed and then would be ready for them!
During the presentations, King Charles spoke with each person for a few minutes before they left the room. Everyone was invited to the Royal Garden Party that afternoon and although it wasn’t as hot and sunny a day as we had been having up to then, the rain stayed off and Kat, her husband Mickey, and two sons Scott and Craig had a lovely day.
Official photos of the presentation of the MBE have been taken by the Royal photographer and will take several weeks to come, but Kat has been able to share these photos at the moment.
Mackenzie’s Travels
Mackenzie has been a very lucky bear recently. He has had 3 trips away abroad already this year and has a few more planned over the summer.
First of all Mackenzie went off with Kat and 5 of her friends on a long weekend to Zakynthos, one of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea.
Zakynthos is one of the islands famous as the nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Kat and Mackenzie went on a speed boat trip where they were lucky enough to see some of these huge, but graceful creatures swimming in the sea.
On the boat trip another couple of passengers introduced themselves as being from an Abbeyfield House in England. They were delighted to meet our Mackenzie and took photos of him to show their residents and staff when they got home!!
Mackenzie also enjoyed a day sunbathing at the beach, and building a cairn commonly known as “Stone Balancing” which looks lovely, but Kat says was really difficult to do!
Smiling is infectious
You can catch like the flu
When someone smiled at me today
I started smiling too
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realised I’d passed it on to him
I thought about that smile, then realised it’s worth
A single smile just like mine could travel round the earth
So if you feel a smile begin don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick and get the world infected!
Mackenzie’s second trip of the year ……….. so far.
Anna and husband Billy went to Costa Adeje on the west coast of Tenerife for a week’s holiday in May. They had lovely weather, good food and wine, and enjoyed exploring about. The resort had some lovely shops and Anna managed to find some nice new clothes and a lovely handbag. Mackenzie tagged along for the ride and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the lovely places.
The harbour area was lovely and was especially pretty and busy in the evenings with people out for an evening stroll.
There were beautiful sunsets every evening on the west coast of the island.
Where has the year gone?
Jean Chisholm's youngest great grandchild Kaitlyn started at Inchview Primary School in June 2024 and her big brother went into Primary 7. Both were really excited, one at starting school and the other that this would be the final year in Primary before going to the new Perth High School in August 2025.
But that was ages away.
Then 12noon on the 26/06/25 arrived and the Primary 7 pupils were being piped out of their classrooms into the playground to the applause of the other pupils, teachers family and friends. Many tears were shed by all and many were saying where has this year gone. There were also many saying it seemed like yesterday these young people were just starting school.
In August Kaitlyn will go into Primary 2 and Caleb will start in first year at secondary.
You will remember Hashan’s son, Shayel Reon who was born on 1st December. Shayel is now 6 months old and to celebrate, the family had a professional photoshoot on the North and South Inches in Perth.
Shayel is certainly growing into a very handsome lad.
Mackenzie Bear was off on his travels again at the end of May, this time on a cruise with Elaine and her husband, Brian.
The cruise ship was called the Marella Explorer 2 and sailed from the port of Dubrovnik. It had 1800 passengers and 900 crew.
Our first port of call was Malta, last visited 36 years ago so there were many changes since then. The next day we visited Sicily, - luckily for us, it was the day before Mount Etna erupted, and we just saw some wispy clouds at the top of the volcano!!
Then we had to adjust for another time difference to visit two Greek islands, Corfu and Kefalonia, places we have holidayed before and really enjoyed. Kay from night shift had been on this cruise previously and recommended that we get up at 6am to watch the ship sail into Kotor Bay, Montenegro, as this is the most southerly fiord in Europe. It really was spectacular and so clear at that early hour.
When we arrived in Kotor, we went up to the top of the mountain range in a cable car, 1348 metres high. The views were amazing, and our ship was just a tiny dot in the bay. From the top you could see 5 countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
Next stop was Koper in Slovenia, a very pretty place with cobbled streets, a lovely square and harbour.
Then it was on to Italy, where we stopped at Trieste, and then Ravenna.
Final journey was back to Croatia where we had a day in the town of Split and then it was on to Dubrovnik for our flight home. All the destinations were beautiful places and we thorougly enjoyed our trip.
Narrow streets in Kotor, Montenegro Canal and market in Trieste, Italy
Lovely news from Tim from bungalow number 3
I am overjoyed to tell you all that my daughter, Penelope married her fiancée, Robin on Friday 27th June 2025 at Perth registry office.
It was a relaxed civil service, followed by a wonderful buffet at their house in the garden. Friends and relatives came from Scotland, England and County Mayo in Ireland.
Although the day was overcast and drizzly, it did not dampen our spirits or the joy, we all felt.
Their son Ben was the ring bearer.
🐾 Paws, Whiskers & Wonders: Fun Pet Facts
Animals have a special way of bringing joy into our lives - whether it’s a loyal dog, a curious cat, or even a chirping bird outside the window. Their companionship, quirks, and unconditional love make them wonderful friends. Let’s celebrate the charm of pets and share some delightful facts to brighten your day.
🐶 A Dog’s Nose Knows
Did you know a dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more powerful than ours? That’s why they’re so good at finding things - and why they always know when someone’s sneaking a snack!
🐱 Cats and Their Whiskers
A cat’s whiskers aren’t just for show—they help them measure spaces and detect changes in the air. If a cat’s whiskers touch both sides of a doorway, they know whether they can fit through!
🐦 Birds That Sing to Impress
Male songbirds often sing to attract mates, and some can learn dozens of different tunes. The mockingbird, for example, can mimic other birds, car alarms, and even human whistles!
🐕 Dogs Can Learn Over 100 Words
Some dogs, like border collies, are incredibly smart and can learn the names of over 100 objects or commands. One famous dog named Chaser knew more than 1,000 words!
🐱 Cats Sleep a Lot - Really a Lot!
Cats sleep between 13 to 16 hours a day. That’s more than half their lives spent snoozing! They’re true experts in relaxation.
🐦 Parrots Can Live a Long Time
Some parrot species can live for 50 years or more. That means they can be lifelong companions - and even outlive their owners!
🐠 Goldfish Have Great Memories
Contrary to the myth, goldfish don’t have a 3-second memory. They can remember things for months, including feeding times and familiar faces.
🐕🦺 Dogs Can Detect Illness
Some trained dogs can sniff out medical conditions like low blood sugar, seizures, or even certain types of cancer. Their noses are truly amazing!
Quotes and Reflections on Aging Gracefully
As we journey through life, each season brings its own beauty. Aging is not just about growing older - it's about growing wiser, deeper, and more appreciative of the little things. Here are some gentle reflections and timeless quotes to remind us that aging can be a graceful, meaningful, and even joyful experience.
Words to Warm the Heart
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
— George Bernard Shaw
Laughter keeps the spirit young. Whether it’s a shared joke at lunch or a funny memory from years past, laughter is one of the best ways to stay connected and joyful.
“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” — Franz Kafka
Beauty is all around us - in a blooming flower, a kind word, or a quiet moment. Keeping our eyes and hearts open helps us stay young at heart.
“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”
— Frank Lloyd Wright
With age comes perspective. We begin to see the richness in everyday moments and the value of relationships, memories, and peace.
Reflections on Graceful Aging
Wisdom Grows with Time
Every wrinkle tells a story, every silver hair a lesson learned. Aging brings a deeper understanding of what truly matters.
Connection is Key
Staying socially active—whether through a chat with a neighbour or a group activity—keeps the heart full and the mind sharp.
Kindness Never Ages
A smile, a compliment, or a helping hand never go out of style. These small acts of kindness are timeless.
A Final Thought
Aging is not a decline—it’s a blooming. It’s a time to celebrate who we are, where we’ve been, and the beauty of each new day.
💬 Share Your Thoughts
What does aging gracefully mean to you? We’d love to hear your reflections or favourite quotes. Feel free to share them with us for our next newsletter!
Future Events
Wednesday 6th August – Residents’ Committee Meeting with Fergus (Trustee)
Saturday 16th August – Summer Fair
Wednesday 27th August – Bus Trip
Saturday 13th September – Mini Concert
Wednesday 24th September – Bus Trip
The Knit & Natter group and Jayne’s crafting class will be starting again in the autumn.
Our annual Summer Fair will be held on Saturday 16th August between 2 – 4pm. The admission for visitors will be £5 and this includes afternoon tea and cakes. At the time of writing the stalls planned include Cake & Candy, a Bottle Stall, Lucky Dip, Plants/Flowers, Ice Creams, Temporary Tattoos, a Raffle and the chance to win a £50 note and a bottle of Champagne or Malt Whisky.
Fingers crossed that the weather will be favourable and that you and your families and friends will all enjoy the afternoon.
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