Village prepares for festive celebrations
Uniquely different, leafy Woodhall Spa oozes a special ambience all year round, but it really turns on the magic at Christmas time. By Glynis Fox
Once again, the village’s traditional Christmas Fayre – which takes place on 6th December – promises to be a magnet for thousands of people who want to experience its special atmosphere, soak up the festive street scene and relax over a drink or meal while they are out and about.
The Rotary Club of Woodhall Spa organises this event and spokesman Steve Martin said it typically attracts between 3,500 and 4,000 people and each year there is a wealth of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Look out for a Snow Globe this year!
The Fayre takes place on Station Road and The Broadway from 6pm to 8pm and stalls will be laden with temptations for all members of the family.
“As well as the stands and activities provided by clubs, craftspeople and local organisations, there will be a Christmas Grotto for Santa Claus and his elves. This is always a major draw,” said Steve.
Visitors will be entertained by a variety of street entertainment, including colourful Morris dancers, musicians, mascots, clowns and fairground rides.
The County Linx Radio Bus, which proved to be a big hit last year, will also be back and providing both music and a focal point for singers and other entertainment.
The Christmas lights and the festively decorated Millennium Garden will add a warm glow and provide a great backdrop to this popular gathering. Families can also enjoy the traditional carol service, which is organised by the Parish Council and which takes place in Royal Square, with the town crier leading the parade from St Peter’s Church.
With Woodhall Spa’s cafes, pubs, hotels and other eateries offering lots of choice in the way of food and drink there will be plenty of opportunity for people to refuel.
Of course, Woodhall Spa always has plenty to offer both residents and visitors – from places to stay, to leisure pursuits, eating out and shopping options.
The Petwood Hotel, The Golf Hotel, The Dower House and The Inn all have their own identity and offer a great choice for travellers looking for quality accommodation and service, or perhaps a family planning a wedding or special family get-together.
But there are guest houses too, and country parks with stylish cabins and camping facilities. Woodhall Spa is also popular with caravanners too – just check opening times and availability.
On the leisure front, the National Golf Centre (the Home of English Golf), with its challenging, but highly rated, Hotchkin course is a magnet for golfers from at home and abroad.
Other activities to be enjoyed in the area include fishing, bowling, swimming (at Jubilee Park when open), tennis and much more. The village is also great for walkers and cyclists, with local trails well worth discovering.
Woodhall Spa boasts a wide range of tea and coffee shops and restaurants, so you are bound to find something to suit, whether you fancy a leisurely afternoon tea, an English, Italian, Indian or Thai meal and there are also pubs, such as the Abbey Lodge Inn, that offer intimate and friendly dining.
When it comes to shopping, Woodhall Spa is the place to find many niche independent businesses, so be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
Whilst walking or driving along The Broadway you can’t help but notice Peter Scott Shoes, which is based in a quirky wedged-shaped building, that is so small, some of its stock has to be stored in a neighbouring unit!
Why is it such a talking point? Well, when the Spa had its own railway station the shop was the booking office and the last building on the platform before the railway diagonally cut across The Broadway.
Searching for ladies’ fashions, handbags and accessories – and a last minute gift for a friends? Then you might want to pop into Huckle Buckle in The Broadway, for a spot of fun boutique-style shopping.
Whilst on the topic of gifts, Woodhall Spa’s Polka Dot Gift Shop in Station Road is stuffed with greeting cards for all occasions and a wide selection of gifts and it could just be the place to find the ideal Christmas present.
Bookworms will find it impossible to resist dipping into The Book Fayre, a large shop on The Broadway, which has rooms packed with every imaginable genre of book, as well as cards, gift ideas and a coffee area too.
The village also has its own little shopping arcade, The Broadway Arcade, and that’s where you’ll find Dawn Blunden of Sophisticake – Cake Maker to The Royals. Dawn’s stunning cakes are appreciated by everyone from local brides to members of the Royal Family – and she makes a very good after dinner speaker too.
NEW NAME IN SHOPPING FOR THE SPA
The doors are about to open on a new supermarket in Woodhall Spa.
As we went to press, the finishing touches were being put to a new Sainsbury’s store, in Tattershall Road – which is due to start trading during the first week of December.
Following a refit, the grocery giant has moved into what used to be the village’s Budgens supermarket.
KINEMA IN THE WOODS – 97 YEARS OLD
If you haven’t visited one of Woodhall Spa’s best-loved attractions for many months, you’re in for a pleasant surprise…
Earlier this year, Kinema in The Woods added a third screen – offering another 74 seats and giving cinema-goers an even bigger choice of films to enjoy. This auditorium also features a grand piano, providing extra entertainment during the intermission.
The Kinema has also made it easier for car users, because it has also expanded its parking provision, with the addition of 108 more spaces. This makes it easier to park up, especially when some of the newest films or live-linked screenings are taking place.
The independent cinema is now 97 years old.
WE WILL REMEMBER
Royal Square in Woodhall Spa is the site of the much-visited Dambusters Memorial.
It commemorates members of 617 Squadron who lost their lives in World War Two.
The memorial stands on the site of the former Royal Hotel and Winter Gardens, which were destroyed in a Luftwaffe bombing raid in 1943.
In the village’s Petwood Hotel, you will also find the Squadron Bar, where key members of the Dambusters met and which tells the story of those who served.
UNDERWOOD HALL ANTIQUES
Underwood Hall Antiques and Jewellery are focused on providing their customers with the highest levels of satisfaction and will do everything they can to meet your expectations. With a variety of offerings to choose from, they’re sure you’ll be happy working with them.
Underwood Hall search the county for unusual items of antique and later jewellery. Their team is on hand to help you find the perfect piece.
AWARD-WINNING VILLAGE BAR
Bar Eleven is situated in the attractive village of Woodhall Spa on the leafy Broadway. The bar opened its doors in early April this year and has gone from strength to strength. Previously the building had been a wine shop and a bar for years, so when it closed its doors a couple of years ago three local gentleman put their creative ideas and wallets together to provide a great place for local people and tourists to Meet, Eat and Drink. The small plate menu was soon brought in and using fresh, local produce the food has really taken off.
The bar manager, Sarah, being a proud Yellowbelly soon stocked the shelves with locally distilled gins, rums, and wines from vines grown in the county’s Wolds. You will also find real ales from many of Lincolnshire’s great breweries.
“Winning the title of Taste of Excellence Best Pub or Bar of the Year is an achievement we are all very proud of. It comes from a lot of hard work from all the fantastic staff, the vision of the co-owners (and their wives) and of course the great customers who have helped make Bar Eleven the best bar.”
Bar Eleven a fantastic place to spend a few hours in.
THE LINGERIE AND WIG SPECIALISTS
Doreen and Julie would like to welcome you to their family run business Glenn James in Woodhall Spa.
“We have beautiful lingerie from French designers Empreinte, also stocking companies including Lepel, Por Moi, Charnos, Gossard, Naturana and Curvy Kate. Also Anita and Ameona, who supply post-surgery bras.”
As well as the confidential and professional lingerie service, Glenn James are NHS registered stocking over 300 wigs in an array of colours, styles and lengths. There is a private room in which confidentiality and sensitivity are delivered with each customer.
“We pride ourselves on taking time to discuss your personal needs on a one-to-one basis and our aim is to help you regain your confidence with compassion and understanding.”
If you are looking for a gift for Christmas or just for yourself why not pop in and have a look at the hats, bra accessories, clip in hair fashion pieces and nightwear.
Doreen, Julie, Josie and Lizzie at Glenn James hope to see you soon and wish all their customers past and present a very Merry Christmas.
enquiries@glenn-james.co.uk
PLAN YOUR SPECIAL EVENT AT THE HOME OF ENGLISH GOLF
There is a unique location in the heart of Woodhall Spa which is open not just to members. The National Golf Centre also welcomes the public
to enjoy its outstanding facilities.
HOME OF ENGLISH GOLF
The club’s two world class courses and Academy attract golfers from across the globe so visitors can be confident of a warm welcome and excellent service. Whether you live locally and call in for breakfast in the pavilion clubhouse or you are planning a conference or special occasion, the experienced team are available to ensure your visit will be memorable.
CONFERENCES
Set within tranquil surroundings, the National Golf Centre is an ideal location for conferences or business meetings. The Conference Centre can accommodate up to 180 people and you can be confident of a wide experience when organising large scale events. With plenty of on-site parking, a wide choice of excellent accommodation available locally and a skilled catering team you can be assured of a relaxing and successful gathering for your delegates. The Conference Room can also be partitioned to accommodate fewer numbers and the second Conference Room located on the first floor, overlooking the Hotchkin Course which is ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the world, can accommodate up to 60 theatre style for a more intimate atmosphere.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
The stylish yet relaxed surroundings make the Centre an ideal location for private dinners, special occasion celebrations, Christmas parties and gala balls. Up to 130 people can be seated with ample space for a band and disco. The in-house catering team produce all home-made dishes with a choice from breakfast to a lite bite snack through to six course menus. There is a wide variety of options for your event, including bespoke menus, ensuring an occasion to suit your taste and budget.
CLUB HOUSE, BAR AND RESTAURANT
Families and casual diners are welcome to come and enjoy the excellent dishes prepared daily by the catering team. Breakfast is served 7 days a week in the Club House. Sunday lunch in the main restaurant is popular, with an informal dress code and family friendly facilities. Whether you come along for a relaxing drink or meal or want the option of including one of the golf packages with your visit, the National Golf Centre will be happy to explain your options.
To find out more contact events manager Tina Osborne on 01526 351825 or email: t.osborne@woodhallspagolf.com
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