9th August 2020
I've received a copy of a new book by David Hinchcliffe about the drinking fountains of Torquay which he delivered to me in person at my house. Here is a link to it on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drinking-Fountains-Torquay-Phillip-Hinchliffe/dp/B08BF14F79
Above: David Hinchcliffe
My wife and I have very much enjoyed reading this book. We found it quite inspiring really and we have written a song about it.
First chorus
Tea and coffee is too dear
Come and drink the water clear
Leave the cider leave the beer
Come and drink the water clear
First verse
If you've toiled up Meadfoot Hill
Take a rest and drink your fill
Mr Trant has built a fountain
For those who climb this seaside mountain
Second chorus
Tea and coffee is too dear
Come and drink the water clear
Leave the cider leave the beer
Come and drink the water clear
Second verse
To Watcombe on a cycle run
To Lion Rocks you go for fun
At the fountain take a rest
Mr Bosanquet's name be blessed
Third verse
But Torquay's mayor and corporation
Have caused some aggravation
Ellacombe's fountians have run dry
The public want the reason why
Middle bit
The drinking fountians of Torquay
Will surely quench your thirst for free
Last verse
At Old Maid's Perch and Penny's Hill
St Marychurch and Chapel Hill
All around old Torquay town
Drinking fountains can be found
Last chorus
Tea and coffee is too dear
Come and drink the water clear
Leave the cider leave the beer
Come and drink the water clear
I have been visiting some of these old fountains and hope to make a video to help to promote David's book. I don't have to go very far to see one of them as it is virtually at the end of my road. I often wondered what the inscription WHT signified on it and now I know.