Steve...Saz
Hope you are both well.......i had this afternoon off and as it was a lovely day i decided to go along to Botanic Gardens to have a look for the elusive water fountain..
I went in via the Queens entrance at the river side and had a brief look before i met one of the Gardiners who had worked there for about 16 years.
I told him what i was looking for and he said i would be better speaking to the manager of the Gardens a chap called Reg Maxwell who had worked there for quite a considerable time and that he knew the history of the place better than anyone.
I went to his office which is on the Malone side and he invited me in......after telling him what i was after he told me that a number of years ago there were 3 water fountains in the Gardens and that there was one at the river side near the Queens entrance.........but this is the bad news
he informed me that around 1978/79 all the water fountains had to be removed from the gardens due to vandalism which was a big problem at that time.
Well at least we know there was a water fountain in the place where your dad said it was.......... just a pity its no longer there.
As i was leaving his office he kindly offered me a book on the history of Botanic Gardens and said that maybe you or your dad would like to have it to make up for your disappointment........if you would like it pm me and i will arrange to have it sent to you.
I find it really sad and so annoying that these mindless idiots just can't leave things alone......
Just to cheer you up i took a few photos of the Rose gardens which i have posted .......they are still in bloom and are really lovely hope you enjoy them.......... the head gardiner said the roses are at their best during June and July.
sorry there wasn't a happy end to this but at least we know it was there at one time.
best wishes and send my regards to your dad.
pentio.
