Woodhall Spa 40's Festival 2023

Cycling UK Louth visit to Woodhall Spa for the 40’s Festival Weekend

Sunday 9th July 2023:

After a successful and enjoyable visit last year, a request had been made for a return visit to Woodhall Spa for the 40’s Festival.

So it was that joining Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Rob Cook, John Weeks, John Rickett, Paul Linder, Steve Croton (he’d been given a day pass) and Sarah Paris. John Ambler had come along to wish us well but had opted for a solo ride to Claythorpe Watermill. Reg Bagshaw had indicated that he’s meet up with us in Horncastle. Alan Hockham and Chris Owen had sent apologies.

The weather forecast had indicated a bit of a mixed day with a cloudy start and the chance of a shower, with the possibility of thundery showers late in the afternoon. We would indeed start with overcast skies as we made our way past Hubbards Hills and ascending to the Bluestone Heath Road via Goulceby Road. Tim had been aware that the hawthorn hedges had recently been cut but John Weeks had confirmed that the road was largely clear of debris and spikey tyre piercing thorns.

Red Hill Nature reserve looked resplendent but no time for a picnic today and we were soon to descend to Goulceby and enjoy the twisting lanes alongside the Beck. Picturesque. John Weeks had also confirmed that the road through to Green Lane was open to traffic and it wasn’t long before we were on the downslope to Hemingby.

Skies had darkened significantly by this time and bursts of showery rain forced a donning of waterproofs for some. Others had continued ahead into the village but unknown to Tim, had diverged from the prescribed route. Thinking that amongst others, John Weeks was well ahead the group, Tim had put on a burst of speed to try and catch up. In fact, John was now at the back of the pack trying to keep up with the group which was disappearing ahead. Oh well, best laid plans and all that. We were soon to regroup approaching Horncastle and a variety of cafes and ‘pack-ups’ proffered fine refreshments.

As advertised, we would meet up with Reg at the swimming pool at 11.45 am and a group now comprising seven members would continue along the multi user path, the ’Spa Trail’. Formerly the route of the Horncastle to Woodhall Junction branch line it's now a popular cycling route adorned with sculptures by local artists and inspired by the area’s nature and history. Most striking perhaps are those crafted by blacksmiths at Anwick forge near Sleaford.

Bearing in mind we were on a ride to take in the 1940’s weekend at Woodhall Spa, it's interesting to note that in that period, members of the general public were discouraged to catch the train to make way for the essential movement of military personnel, equipment and materials for the war effort. This line was indeed busy transporting soldiers, airmen and equipment to the camps and RAF stations around Woodhall Spa and also the troops stationed in Woodhall Spa prior to the Arhnem landings.

More like an episode of the BBC’s ‘Dad’s Army’, the Kirstead Home Guard used the line to outwit the Woodhall section during a wartime training exercise. Their task was to capture Woodhall HQ – they caught the train and passed right through the defensive positions undetected to secure their target!

Exiting the Spa Trail, it was only a short distance to Woodhall Spa and we were alerted to a low flyover of the BBMF’s Lancaster by the familiar roar of four merlin engines. We were treated to 3 flypasts. Great timing.

For some of us this was the first time at the 40’s festival and it was particularly special for John Rickett as his wife, son and daughter in law were in attendance exhibiting a rather fine-looking MG. As usual there were classic cars, motorbikes (loved the Rudge and BSA), military vehicles, reenactors, battles in the wood, singing and dancing. The town was buzzing. John Weeks and Rob wanting something quieter made their way home whist the remaining group moved to Jubilee Park to take refreshments at the ‘NAAFI Café.

Approaching 2 pm and time to make tracks back to Horncastle, Monument Road appropriately taking us past Wellington Monument. Erected in 1844 by Colonel Richard Elmhurst, the granite obelisk, is surmounted by the bust of the Duke of Wellington. An inscribed panel on the base records that the adjacent Waterloo Wood was planted "from Acorns Sown Immediately After the Memorable Battle of Waterloo”.

Bidding farewell to Reg in Horncastle, the rest of the group would return to the Lincolnshire Wolds, ascending the long but steady rise to Fulletby. Belchford Hill is always a bit of a challenge but all made it safely back up to the Bluestone Heath Road. Here we would find that the road had very recently been surface dressed (Tim had checked the route on the Friday and not encountered the new surface) with grit sticking awkwardly to the tyres. Luckily, turning off at Maidenwell gave us a clear run back to Little Cawthorpe where Paul and Sarah would depart homebound.

Rob had informed us that he had enjoyed the route back having seen a Little Owl, a Hare and a Buzzard on Monument Road. The hare had been trotting by as he had eaten his picnic lunch, stopping momentarily to look straight at Rob. Realising that it wasn’t on Rob’s lunch menu, it carried on past.

The Louth contingent arrived back at the Leisure Centre at 4.30 pm having covered about 49 miles. Many thanks to all and for a great turnout. The weather ended up fine and sunny although we only just missed showers and thunderstorms which were affecting Louth by 6 pm.