Originally there were two ponds. Both were dug over 800 years ago by the Cluniac Monks of the nearby Priory for use as stock ponds. These were joined in more recent years to create a one-acre lake with a large dividing island. There is no access to this island since it is reserved as a bird sanctuary. Situated in the south-east corner of a well-appointed 30-acre public park, there are toilets nearby, and in fine weather, there is a cafe open for refreshments. For those with a family, the large playing fields, amusements for children, ornamental gardens, and museum, offer variety to a day’s outing.
The lake averages four feet deep and has eight swims, all of which are suitable for the disabled. In nasty weather, it used to get muddy, but the club has remedied this to some extent. The north and south banks of the water have a public pathway running alongside, and for safety reasons, there is no fishing permitted along these banks.
The water holds carp into the mid to high 20’s with double-figure fish being the norm.
