Just to the north of the pond, in a laurel alcove, is a low ornamental iron column with a circular concrete top. This was the base of a drinking fountain which no longer exists.
In 1911 the Parks Committee decided to purchase a drinking fountain for the park at a cost of £7 14s 3d.[1] The postcard image of the pond dated 1915 shows a drinking fountain in the foreground, partially surrounded by hedging. The fountain was "5 feet 8 inches high, a single pedestal with four decorative columns and descending salamander relief that supported the decorated basin. A central urn with four projecting tendrils offered drinking cups suspended by chains. The terminal was a crane, a symbol of vigilance."[2]
Later images of the pond with the war memorial (constructed in 1924) in the background do not show the drinking fountain.
In 1925 the Town Surveyor was authorised to purchase six drinking fountains for use in the park and elsewhere.[3] Council minutes did not indicate where these were to be located.
Sources of information