< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING the act of taking a bath can be fraught with risk. This is another aspect however for which there are various solutions. With a wide range of mobility baths and showers available on the market, many of which include a door which opens to allow a person to simply `walk into` their bath, rather than climb in. Changes such as these can be easily made in a home and can offer a person independence as well as peace of mind. But many people shy away from considering these problems, often due to pride or a feeling of embarrassment at considering their bodies getting weaker. What is important however is to remember that such conditions are natural as a person grows older, and like any problem, ignoring it for longer only makes it worse. It might come to pass that as time continues, a person’s requirements might change, particularly when it comes to illnesses or disease, or an elderly individual who either has little family, or that family lives far away. Accepting a carer into the home, even if it is just a part-time care worker, might become a necessity. The types of care available might include help getting in and out of bed, bathing, preparing meals, taking a person out shopping or simply cleaning the house. Many people look to reduce their costs by downsizing their home. Selling their existing property and moving to a new one that is smaller in size and contains less rooms. This can not only cut out undesirable elements like staircases, but also allow the house to be heated for less cost. While this option can be good on the financial side of things however, it’s worth doing some research into the new location. Does it have good access to shopping centres, how safe is the area, does it still enable the tenant to continue any hobbies they might have? Is it closer to your existing family? It’s important to remember that one should look to be happy as well as safe in a new home, so if golf is your hobby, then why not look for a smaller home near a golf course? It might be however, that a person feels they are unable to live in their home any longer. Be it due to their health, the difficulty or simply the lack of interaction. As such, the next option is often looking at care homes themselves. Such a decision might be suggested by others, due to a trip or fall at home, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the final decision should ultimately be the person making the move. Is there a good reason for going into full-time care? The only two reasons one should accept is that there is a risk to your health of staying at home, or that you genuinely want to make the move, be it for company, more activities or simply a more relaxed atmosphere. A person should never feel © Shutterstock Photographee.eu 49-51.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:11 Page 2forced to go into care, as that attitude will simply ensure the experience is not enjoyable. Mood and happiness can be as good for a person’s health as medicine, so giving independence wherever possible is preferred. Care from a care home can be as little as preparation of meals and someone to talk to on a regular basis, or it can be as intensive as medical treatment and bathing. It’s therefore necessary to visit and inspect a care home before deciding to go with it, and making sure the tenant is happy with what they offer. Many elderly people seek to bolster the interaction they receive by taking on pets, and the health benefits of a cat or a dog have been well-documented. Being forced to give up a pet to move into care can be a devastating prospect, so it would be better to spend some time looking for a care home which allows pets. It might also be worth asking to speak to some other residents to get a more unbiased opinion on how they feel. At the very least look to see if they are acting happy with their home. Beyond that, ask about the facilities they have available, what they can offer in the case of a medical emergency, but also what recreational activities are available for the guests. And then ask the tenant if they would be interested in those activities. It’s not much use LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 CARING being impressed by a care home’s Bowls green if the family member doesn’t like the sport. Ultimately, it needs to be kept in mind that the change is not only going to be for the safety and security of those involved, but also for their happiness. And as such they need to be consulted at each stage to ensure they are simply not agreeing in efforts to not seem a bother to their family. When it comes to the future of loved ones however, no one wants to take shortcuts. LEAKE'S MASONRY Ltd Eve Street, Louth, Lincs LN11 0JJ Phone: 01507 604 828 • Fax: 01507 600 826 leakesmasonry.co.uk • leakesmasonry@aol.com A Third Century of Stonemasonry Craftsmanship From Leake's Masonry A professional family-run business having been established in Louth for almost 100 years. We were very proud to have been entrusted with the repairs and renovation to the damaged Louth War Memorial. © Shutterstock Ivica Drusany 49-51.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:11 Page 352 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY H enry IV was the only king to be born in Lincolnshire. We consider our heritage from this event. The early history of Bolingbroke castle is unclear, although records go back to around 1220, but it was probably Ranulph de Blundevil, Earl of Lincoln who first built it. However, in the early C14th it came into the possession of John of Gaunt of the House of Lancaster who moved there in 1359 following his marriage to Blanche, heiress to the Lancaster estates. John, who as the son of Edward III was the most powerful nobleman in the land, rebuilt the castle with the rounded defensive towers and a north-facing gateway flanked by two horseshoe shaped towers we see today. It became a royal castle after the accession of John’s son Henry IV in 1399. On-site interpretation boards show the castle layout and locations of the interior buildings such as the great hall and kitchens. There is still water in the moat which was originally some ninety feet wide that surrounding the curtain walls which were twelve feet thick. The surviving walls and towers became almost entirely grassed over and hidden until they were revealed during excavations between 1965 and 1973, thus allowing the full extent of the castle plan to be ascertained. To the south are extensive earthworks in which stands a prominent rectangular embankment that was the site of a Rout Yard for keeping and grazing livestock. The castle is known to been dilapidated by the mid C17 but nevertheless remained occupied until the Civil War as a Royalist garrison. In 1643, the Roundheads led by Oliver Cromwell had it under siege when an intended Royalist relief force were defeated at the nearby Battle of Winceby on 11th October; the garrison finally surrendered in November and the castle was slighted and ceased to be a royal property. It was described as “demolished” in 1650. However, the most important aspect of Bolingbroke’s history is the birth of John of Gaunt’s son Henry. The exact date is uncertain with both 3rd April or possibly the 15th, (Maundy Thursday) 1367 being quoted but he was always known as Henry Bolingbroke after his birthplace. (It was Henry who instigated the tradition of the monarch paying Maundy money.) Henry, along with his cousin Richard, was a grandson of the great king Edward III. His mother Blanche died when he was only one year old and (around 1371) one Katherine Swynford entered John of Gaunt’s household as his governess. (See below.) Henry had an excellent education, especially in the military arts and by his mid-teens was celebrated for his jousting prowess. His fame spread throughout OLD BOLINGBROKE : A CASTLE, ROSES AND A KING. [HENRY IV] heritage Lincolnshire explored 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 Europe, particularly in France, and he fought with the Teutonic Knights in Lithuania before travelling extensively including, a trip to Jerusalem. However, his cousin became Richard II, succeeding Edward III, in 1377 after complex political wrangling which ignored Edward’s clearly expressed preference that John of Gaunt (and then Henry) succeed him. Richard was an extremely unpopular king, tyrannical and unpredictable whilst the childhood rivalry between him and Henry developed into Richard’s open antagonism and finally hatred towards both Henry and John of Gaunt culminating in murder plots against them. There were also political differences between Richard and Henry, for which Henry was initially pardoned. But in parliament in 1398 Henry implicated the king in one of the murder plots, resulting in Richard banishing him for ten years - quickly extended to life. Henry left England for France on 13th October 1398 but his exile was short since on 3rd February 1399 John of Gaunt died and Henry was barred from his father’s funeral. He also learnt that all of his father’s Lancastrian estates had been confiscated by the crown leaving him penniless. He therefore returned to England in July 1399, and because of Richard’s extreme unpopularity was quickly able to command wide support for an uprising, thus reclaiming his inheritance and with Parliament’s backing claim the throne. His coronation was on 13th October at which Sir Thomas Dymoke of Scrivelsby near Horncastle, rode into Westminster Hall as Kings Champion, armed and armoured and challenging anyone who contested Henry’s right to the throne. Richard was killed on (or about) the 14th February 1400. Henry reigned until his death on 21st February1413. Bolingbroke remained a Royal castle but Henry never lived at or even visited his birthplace as king, although we know he visited Bardney Abbey in 1406. His name remains familiar today through Shakespeare’s two plays Henry IV parts I and II. Going off at a tangent brings us to another intriguing Lincolnshire connection. Kathryn Swynford was from Hainault, a province of Belgium, and had married Sir Hugh Swynford, a Lancastrian knight of Kettlethorpe Manor in Lincolnshire. After becoming widowed, and following the death of Henry’s mother Blanche, she became first Henry’s governess and subsequently John of Gaunt’s mistress, a situation that continued throughout John’s second marriage to Constanza of Castile. Following Constanza’s death (in 1394) John and Katherine were however eventually married in February 1396. She died in May 1403, having lived in Lincoln’s Cathedral Close, and her tomb can be seen in the cathedral. Reminders of all this can still be found in Old Bolingbroke. Near the church a large shield bearing the Lancaster arms is mounted above a rose bed. The roses are from the French town of Provins and are sometimes known as the Apothecary’s or Old Red Damask Rose, which Edmund, the First Duke of Lancaster, had adopted as his emblem. A plaque commemorates the link and the roses were gifted in 1967 by Provins to commemorate Henry’s 600th birthday anniversary. Bolingbroke castle is now in the care of English Heritage with free access throughout the year. by Hugh Marrows 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:23 Page 2To mum, with love The concrete pendant necklace from Block Design is inspired by iconic British brutalist architecture. This statement necklace will set any outfit off. Lord knows being a mum is a difficult, often thankless task making Mothering Sunday a day fondly looked forward to all year. Taking place this year on Sunday 22 March, the celebration is an opportunity to shower one’s mum with love, affection and appreciation. So don’t go picking something off a supermarket shelf at the eleventh hour. Put some thought and effort in. Sadly, not everyone’s mum is still around, but that’s no reason not to celebrate the occasion. Use the excuse to visit their grave or memorial or do something in their honour of memory. It could also be an opportunity to show your mother-in-law, if you have one, how much they mean to you. However you decide to spend Mother’s Day this year, we’ve put together this handy gift guide to help get you started. Nightwear doesn’t come much more comfortable or stylish than Cyberjammies. With its animal print and fashionable flourishes, these pyjamas will make you look and feel amazing. Pick up a pair for yourself from www.cyberjammies.co.uk. With designs by Jan Morley, the Wilder range from Perkins & Morley is a stylish, graphic set of cushion covers inspired by natural forms and the wilderness. This one shows an inquisitive hedgehog on a rustic background. 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:56 Page 1 Use this easy kit from Annabel James to build a home for solitary bees and other insects. A great present for the mum who loves spending time in the garden. The Urban Botanist’s copper coffee gem terrarium is the perfect gift for coffee lovers. A coffee arabica plant is set within a bed of coffee beans using the company’s patent protected design. It’s a great way to give someone the gift of nature. This stunning four-piece cocktail set from Flow Barware is a must have for any budding bartender or mixology enthusiast. It could also be the perfect gift for any mum with a fondness for cocktails and a desire to learn more. A gorgeous twig, acorn and oakleaves cast from real life creates this silver necklace from Lucy Sylvester designed to sit on the collar bone. This tea set from Micucci Interiors combines two hand-crafted porcelain mugs with a modular teapot, all hand-finished with 24-karat gold accents. Treat your mum to a fabulous goodie box of artisanally produced, all-natural pampering gifts. This set from Know & Love includes chocolate, vegan soaps, scented candles, room sprays and bath salts. Available from iWOODESIGN, this luxury jewellery box is made from an extremely rare wood with a striking grain pattern making this a truly unique piece. 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:56 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WOODHALL SPA Woodhall Spa is famous, and with good reason. We look at what made the area what it is, from the 1800’s through to 2020. W oodhall spa nowadays is well known as an idyllic retreat which boasts a strong aviation heritage, but it may surprise some to hear that it once paid host to only the most wealthy and powerful – a holiday resort and health spa with a clientele most exclusive. It was even frequented a number of times by the British Royalty. One of the most aesthetically appealing aspects of Woodhall Spa is the way the town is laid out, with verdant forests and long, winding roads. This was actually the result of investors and architects in the 19th century, who decided that to preserve its resort-like status, Woodhall Spa should never have “streets,” but rather avenues and broadways. This is a feature that has continued to this day, and any visitor to the area will soon recognise the tree- lined avenues of the village, as well as the Broadway itself. The area has roots in more recent history too thanks to it being the location from which the 617 Squadron of the RAF flew from – more commonly known as the Dambusters, of which their memorial and history can be visited. With such a proud heritage, it would be easy to look at Woodhall Spa as a historical or cultural town, but that would do it a great disservice. No longer only for the rich and famous, Woodhall Spa is now a haven visited by many and still offers much of the services it did in the 19th Century – and much more as well. The Woodhall Spa Golf club is famed across the region, and a popular destination for enthusiasts. Ranked 25th in Golf World Magazine’s World Top 100 Woodhall Spa Visiting 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:52 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 WOODHALL SPA Golf Courses, it’s known as one of the top-rated heathland golf experiences in the country. Each year, golfers come down to visit the site and also to stay in one of the area’s hotels, many of which are Edwardian in design and boast their own fame and history dating back centuries. It is because of these elegant and beautiful stately homes – and the beautiful surroundings of Woodhall Spa - that lead many couples to visit for their weddings. © www.woodhallspa.co.uk © Tony Bacon © Ron Strutt 58 Á 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:52 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY The appeal comes in the visuals, and the fact that at any moment it’s possible to take a walk off the main road and find yourself lost in beautiful woodland or sleepy country roads. Woodhall Spa is a location which does its best to co-exist with the surroundings, rather than dominate them. A perfect example of this can be found in the Kinema. This is the picture-going experience as it was in the past, with plush seats and the sounds of the organ replicating the days when a trip to the movies was a very special occasion. It’s not a museum however, and its programme includes the latest films and it makes for a real antidote to the familiar multiplexes. This spirit of restoration, rejuvenation and relaxation suffuses Woodhall Spa and is visible in everything it does. As the spring months start to bring in warmer weather, and we move towards summer itself, the Jubilee Park comes into its own. With its own outdoor heated swimming pool, camping and caravanning sites as well as a bowling green, croquet lawn, cricket field and more. The site becomes incredibly active with both residents and visitors alike. For those looking to do a little shopping the Broadway itself is without a doubt the main destination to visit, allowing people to park and enjoy the shopping experience on foot. Visit the varied and charming shops along the Broadway, relax with some fine food and drink at any of the restaurants in the area. Or, if you’re looking for something different, try the Teahouse in the Woods, which was built over a century ago on the original spa grounds. Whatever it is you’re looking for, Woodhall Spa can provide. It’s hard to imagine somewhere that pays tribute to its past while showcasing the best of the present day as well as Woodhall Spa and, in this most poignant of years, it’s well worth a visit. © Richard Picksley © Jubilee Park WOODHALL SPA 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:52 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 Charles H Hill Ltd. Moor Lane, Horsington, Woodhall Spa, LN10 5HH. Tel: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk PETER SCOTT 1 The Broadway WOODHALL SPA 01526 353935 Open 7 days 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 13:52 Page 4Next >