Yes, that's how it's spelt, Kinema with a 'K', and there is an Australian connection, namely a Captain Archbold Weigall who returned to the area after serving as governor of South Australia. He and lady Weigall saved the Spa Baths from being closed down, and in the same year (1922) commissioned Captain (later Major) C. C. Allport to convert the concert pavilion into the pavilion cinema.
Backtracking:
as the name indicates, Woodhall Spa was a spa. John Parkinson's dream was to open a coal mine, plant a forest and build a new town. In 1821 he found Spa water instead, and by a quirk of fate it was this that was to prove his most lasting legacy.
From the start, the architect commissioned to create the Spa, Richard Adolphus Came, had a vision of his own - an elegant and spacious community in a woodland setting, with broad tree-lined avenues and large residential plots. This is still percieved as one of Woodhall Spa's greatest assets - 'the space is the place' is an often quoted observation.
Tourist blurb:
Woodhall Spa is a beautiful inland resort with an Edwardian character, set amidst magnificent pine woods. Regarded as one of Lincolnshire's most attractive villages, Woodhall Spa is famous for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and with many fine hotels and guest houses it is the perfect location for a short break or holiday. The village has a variety of attractions including two top class golf courses, the unique 'Kinema in the Woods', Cottage Museum, Jubilee Park outdoor heated swimming pool and several aviation heritage sites associated with 617 Squadron (the Dambusters).
In case you are wondering, the original spa baths are no more, being described as semi derelict in one online information page. The Jubilee Park baths are open only between mid May and mid September.
Info via wikipedia:
the Kinema in the Woods dates from 1922, and it is the only fully-functioning cinema in the UK to employ back projection.[1][2] (Dad told us this too.) The Pavilion Cinema (as it was then known) was only the 68th cinema to be opened in Britain - and the unique rear projection system is still used today in the original screen (screen 1).
The Kinema was also unusual, if not unique, in having deck chairs for its most expensive seats at the front. There was often a high class clientele of customers, even including Royalty, who were staying with the Weigalls at Petwood (now a nearby hotel.) On one occasion, Princess Marie Louise, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was heard to request a seat where she would not be kicked!
It was christened 'flicks in the sticks' by the hundreds of servicemen who crowded into it during the second world War.
The Kinema is open 7 days a week, all year round, except Christmas Day. Evening shows run every night, with matinée shows at weekends and during school holidays. Resident organist Alan Underwood performs in the intervals of the film showing in the main screen (screen 1) every Saturday night.
Alan was the main source of entertainment for us the day we went, rising up out of the pit and bobbing about while he played old show tunes on the Compton Kinestra Organ, taking the oldies in the audience down Memory Lane.
We were with a group from the Women's Institute. We sat in front of them, Dad singing at the top of his voice (still strong in spite of his years) and beating time on the seat in front. He had a ball and we enjoyed his enjoyment.
The hotel is mock tudor and judging by the scones, they were too. By that I mean they were vintage, hard and straight out of cold storage. What were they thinking? This was the WI for goodness sake! There was a collective pursing of lips when they made an appearance. You could have cut the air with a knife, and it would have been a darn sight easier than cutting those scones. To add insult to injury they did not provide enough tea, not even hot water to add to it until asked. Not happy Jan!
But it was not enough to mar a beautiful warm day, the only day so far when I've been able to wear a dress, and the gorgeous surroundings.
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| weather vane honouring RAF bombers |
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