Horse Trough Trouble at Swanmore

Ryde Borough Council (May 1967)

A subject which provoked a trough of depression among some members of Ryde Borough Council and horse laughter among others, divided opinions at the monthly meeting.

Unless one happened to be a horse, it seemed unlikely that much interest would be raised by a Public Works Committee decision to remove the drinking trough at the junction of Swanmore and West Street (as suggested by the Ryde and East Wight Trades Council).

Horse Trough, Swanmore

But Cllr. Arthur Lewis, shocked, said he thought that such a move would be “vandalism of the first order” and declared himself completely dismayed that it was thought preferable to erect traffic bollards and a modern lamp standard on the spot, thus ignoring “the aesthetic qualities of this ancient piece of ironwork.”

There was muttered ribaldry when he asserted that the trough was the last piece of Victoriana in the borough, and that they owed it to the residents to preserve “what many considered one of the distinguishing features of this part of the town.”

Other defenders of the trough included Cllr. Charles Wratten.  If they must have bollards, why not move the trough to another site—possibly in St. Thomas’ Square in the town centre, he asked.

The Mayor, Mr. John Brownsdon, observed that they had already found a place for two other horse troughs—in the corporation scrapyard.  He wondered whether Cllr. Wratten would consider purchasing these…

Note:
After much deliberation on the subject, it was decided to keep the structure.  The horse Trough was refurbished and planted with flowers.  It still remains in position to this day (January 2025)

Sources: IW Times & RSHG Archive
Images: RSHG & Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett