​From the Colchester Gazette, 15th January, 2025
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A former County High School for Girls pupil has returned to the halls she walked as a youngster after a care home made her wish come true.  Dorothy Cornell, 87, a resident at Woodland View Care Home on Turner Rise, wanted to return to the former home of the school, in East Hill, which is now Greyfriars.  Thanks to the care home’s new Woodland View Wishes initiative her dream that one day she would be back in the same halls has come true. 
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​On a recent trip to Colchester Castle, Dorothy had looked at the hotel and reminisced about her school days. She said: “I’d love to go and see it again, but look how posh it is. I’d never be able to go in there now.”
Petra Hardman, activities coordinator at Woodland View, was moved by Dorothy’s words and set out to make it happen. ​ After a heartfelt conversation with GreyFriars hotel staff, Jemma Mitchell, the hotel warmly invited Dorothy for a complimentary afternoon tea and guided tour.
Dorothy, accompanied by her daughter, Theresa Willsher and granddaughter, Sophie Britts, was thrilled to retrace her steps through what were once her school’s classrooms and dining rooms. Guided by kind staff from GreyFriars, Dorothy explored the building, piecing together how the spaces had transformed over the years. She even enjoyed tea in the former headmistress’s office, a moment that brought a flood of memories. “It was wonderful to see her so happy,” said Petra. “She couldn’t believe it was happening.” Dorothy’s family was equally amazed, especially given how vivid her memories of her school days were, despite her recent struggles with memory loss. The afternoon was full of smiles, laughter, and reminiscing, with Dorothy marvelling at the changes and sharing stories about the strict headmistress and how East Hill looked in her youth.
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​Woodland View’s "Wishes" initiative aims to bring moments of joy to its 60 residents, with plans already in place to fulfil more dreams. Petra added: “Whether it’s helping someone see the West End or ride a motorbike, we’d love to make all these wishes come true.”