I was pleased to see in last weeks edition, that the old fountain by the entrance to Howell Drive had been cleaned and tidied up. Well done to The Borough Council, volunteers and local firms who did the work. It is a pity for these old bits of Welshpool’s history to be forgotten. Just to throw some light on its history. It is called the Charles Fountain and was erected, I am not sure exactly when, in memory of Charles Edward Howell of Rhiewport Hall near Berriew. Hence Howell Drive. It was not I think anything to do with Elmhurst.
THIS week several Welshpool residents completed maintenance works on the town s iconic Victorian fountain. Such deeds would have warmed the hearts of those who first erected it in memory of one of the town s most beloved civic leaders. Charles Edward Howell died in 1906 and it took three years of public subscriptions before enough money was raised to purchase and install the fountain. Mr Howell was a former mayor, JP and alderman who died on August 19, 1906 following a lifetime of service to the town. At the ceremony, Mr Howell of Rhiewport had been described as the best son of Welshpool.