A walk through Woodhall

If you haven’t visited Woodhall Spa for a while, you may be surprised at how it is changing, says Glynis Fox.

Forever associated with its growth in Edwardian times, when it attracted thousands of visitors to “take the waters”, its later links with wartime Britain when Woodhall Spa had an active airfield, and the days when The Dambusters and Guy Gibson met in The Petwood Hotel, it continues to have a special ambience.

More recently, it has caught the attention of housebuilders, who have been hard at work putting up new properties of all sizes, from those designed to tempt house hunters looking for an executive home, to more seeking a modern family home and others looking for retirement apartments.

Woodhall Spa’s amenities and resources, from schools and shops to sporting facilities and organisations means it has a lot going for it.

With a selection of interiors, hardware and DIY stores, there’s plenty of choice for new homeowners and those who want to give their property a total makeover, or add a few choice accessories.

Pin Cushion Interiors on The Broadway is the place to get advice about curtains and blinds, and Sixteen Interiors and its sister business Mollie & Me have lots of options when it comes to finding interesting furniture and special accessories to brighten your home.

Woodhall Spa also has some great independent stores for ladies looking for something fresh in the fashion stakes – look out for the new SELF boutique plus its junior partner LITTLE SELF, as well as Lily’s ladies fashion shop. All offer different lines and some great accessories or gifts for friends too.

Finding comfortable ladies and men’s footwear can be a real chore, but if you live in the village you could find just what you need at Peter Scott Shoes.

Based in unmissable wedge-shaped premises and traditionally dubbed ‘Britain’s Smallest Shoe Shop’, it opened its doors in The Broadway in 1999 and today it doesn’t just serve the village; shoppers travel from Lincoln, Boston and further afield to enjoy its brand of personal service.

Bookworms or people looking for top-quality branded gifts, or a treat for themselves, will have a fabulous time if they pop into The Book Fayre. Here you can track down the latest title from your favourite author.

Also, prepare to be really spoilt for choice when you are looking for a gift which you can be confident will be appreciated by the lucky recipient.

Owner Kathryn Fairs, who launched her first shop in 2005, has been based in Matthew Temple House in The Broadway for 10 years.

“In addition to our large collection of books, we pride ourselves on stocking high-quality gifts, including pottery by makers like Emma Bridgewater and Sophie Allwood, who is from Lincolnshire.”

Children are well catered for, with a special section stuffed with toys, puzzles and cuddly soft toys, with the Jellycats range being a hot favourite.

The Book Fayre used to have an area where staff brewed coffee, but this has now been converted to an area which is bursting with a great selection of greetings cards for all occasions.

“Our ranges are immensely popular and include cute designs by my Welsh cousin, the illustrator Fran Evans. People visit us from miles outside of Lincolnshire to look at our wide collection,” added Kathryn.

MOVIES AND MORE
Whilst in Woodhall, why not treat yourself to an early evening meal, followed by a movie at the village’s unique Kinema in the Woods, where films have intermissions, giving cinemagoers the perfect excuse to take a break for a coffee or ice cream!

Kinema in The Woods started life as a sports and entertainment pavilion in the late 19th century and sat in the grounds of the Victoria Hotel, which burned down in 1920. A Sir Archibald and Lady Weigall bought the hotel ruins and the pavilion, which was turned into a cinema. In September 1922, it opened with the showing of a Charlie Chaplin film.

There have been massive changes over the past 100 years. In July 1987, a Compton Kinestra organ was installed, which is played regularly by resident organist Alan Underwood.

Screen 2 opened in July 1994, a third auditorium in 2019 and the intimate Screen 4, which has just 21 seats, opened in October. In 2022, there was a further development with the creation of the Woodland Courtyard, which allows people to enjoy film shows outside in the warmer summer months.

When it comes to eating out, the village offers a real choice, including pubs like Abbey Lodge Inn and The Mall, Indian and Italian options and relaxed dining at The Petwood Hotel, Golf Hotel, The Dower House and Tea House in the Woods.

Of course, the hotels and a variety of cafés are dotted around the village, so there’s always the option for a coffee stop.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
However, there is one thing to be aware of if you are visiting the Spa during the festive period – the traditional Christmas Fayre is not taking place this year.

The Rotary Club of Woodhall Spa has announced that the event, which grew from a late-night shopping experience into a real crowd-puller, hosting up to 110 stalls and attracting about 4,000 visitors on the evening, won’t go ahead due to a variety of restrictions.

Rising health and safety concerns, along with additional measures which have been imposed to mitigate potential harm to customers and stallholders, are among factors that have led to the decision, said a Rotary spokesperson.

“These measures have now become so onerous that our organising committee has concluded that they now represent an insurmountable barrier to holding the event.

“For instance, to continue with the Fayre we would now be required to block Station Road and The Broadway at both ends to prevent drive-through terrorism! We would also have to find the funds to employ a Traffic Management company to man the road closures and we would have to draft and issue written guidance to marshals and stewards on procedures in the event of a terrorist attack.

“Unfortunately, it seems that even these measures and the completion of a 67-page Health and Safety compliance document (for the 2023 event) are not enough and 2024 would see this documentation almost double in volume. It is abundantly clear that the powers that be do not want the Woodhall Spa Christmas Fayre to continue in its present form.”

However, the Rotary Club has shared some good news. Christmas celebrations will be taking place throughout the village which “don’t involve road closures and unrealistic compliance requirements.”

DIARY DATES
So, what is there to look forward to? On Friday 6th December, late night shopping is back on the calendar and there will be plenty of excitement for children, who will find Santa ready to welcome them to his grotto at The Inn.

Retailers are being challenged to get creative and “go for it” in this year’s Best Dressed Window competition, ensuring they have added the final flourishes to their efforts, so that everything is in place ready for the judging, which is due to take place on 5th December.

Most shops and cafés/restaurants are due to stay open well into the evening, so visitors are urged to keep their eyes peeled for those special seasonal offerings. Subject to agreement, there will also be a few street stalls serving up traditional fare.

The bottom line is that, despite this year’s change, the village is confidently expecting to welcome an influx of local people and visitors to soak up the festive atmosphere of the evening – and enjoy a light show in the Millennium Gardens.

GET INVOLVED!
If you are thinking of moving to Woodhall Spa, you will quickly discover that it has a vibrant community spirit.

Whatever your favourite hobby, pastime or sport, this is a village that is likely to have you covered.

There are numerous clubs and organisations that meet up regularly and, when it comes to sport there’s everything from bowls to croquet, table tennis, football, cricket and much more on offer.

Woodhall is also recognised for its famous National Golf Centre, with its Hotchkin Centre rated among the world’s finest heathland golf experience.

ARRANGING A PEACEFUL GOODBYE
Established in 1995, R Arnold Funeral Service’s compassionate team strive to support you in helping to arrange a respectful and personalised service. As experienced and dedicated funeral directors, husband and wife team Lindsay and Richard Arnold take the time to talk to each client and listen to their individual needs. As well respected members of the British Institute of Embalmers and National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, they can offer a range of funeral plans to help cover costs.

“As one of the most rewarding services you can offer, our compassionate, approachable team take time to talk to each of our clients, looking after and guiding you every step of the way, offering guidance whatever time of day or night that you might need us.”

For more information visit www.rarnoldfuneralservice.com

TREAT YOUR FEET!
Peter Scott Shoes on The Broadway in Woodhall Spa offers a stylish selection of cosy winter shoes, boots and slippers from affordable well-known quality brands.

Perfect as presents for all ages and budgets, here you will find a great selection of carefully selected comfortable, classic, modern and stylish indoor and outdoor footwear.

Choose from the latest designs from leading brands, including Hotter, Jana, Waldlaufer and Rieker, including the new Remonte collection of autumn/winter designs. A favourite of brand ambassador and actress Elizabeth Hurley, Remonte helps to add that Hollywood feeling to your wardrobe!

Known as “Britain’s smallest shoe shop”, this popular store also offers a great selection of handbags, rucksacks and gift vouchers.

For more information tel: 01526 353935, or find the shop on Facebook at Peter Scott Shoes.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS SORTED AT UNDERWOOD HALL
With its long held reputation as a treasure trove of fine gifts, jewellery, antiques and collectables, Underwood Hall on the Broadway in Woodhall Spa is an ideal one-stop shop to help you find the perfect present for family, loved ones or even that person who seems to have everything!

If you enjoy browsing and shopping for unique gifts, this shop is a real gem for those looking for something different and extra special, such as stylish photo frames, eye-catching glass paperweights and quality objets d’art, with all items being hand-picked for their fine design and quality.

Look out too for colourful festive ornaments and special Christmas keepsakes, as well as quality gold and silver jewellery and gems, including a selection of fine antique pieces from the Victorian period to classic modern designs.

Whether your style is contemporary or more classic, you can choose from a range of beautiful bangles, chains, necklaces and earrings, as well as classic wristwatches from leading brands such as Sekonda and Rotary.

Make the most of Underwood Hall’s excellent reputation for customer care, including ring resizing and restyling, as well as bespoke jewellery design and expert repairs service.

Open Mondays to Saturdays, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

For more information contact Underwood Hall, tel: 01526 353815.

ENJOY TRADITIONAL TEAHOUSE TREATS
Ppopular with both visitors and locals, Woodhall Spa’s Tea House in the Woods is a welcoming English-style eatery which has been delighting its discerning customers with first-class food and service since it was first established more than 120 years ago.

Set in picturesque woods in the heart of the village, this iconic restaurant, which dates back to 1903, has earned a reputation for creating classic dishes with the best of local produce using locally sourced ingredients.

This popular English-style eatery serves breakfast and traditional afternoon teas, as well as Sunday lunch and a full lunchtime and à la carte evening dining menu, with a range of specially selected quality wines.

Customers can choose from a wide choice, including grills, gourmet burgers, pasta and pizza, with vegetarian options, as well as a varied lunchtime menu.

The restaurant is open from 10am and closes at 4pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, with last orders in the restaurant at 8pm on Thursdays to Saturdays.

For more information visit www.teahouseinthewoods.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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