West End Bowls Club in Swindon celebrates 100 years

West End Bowls Club on Bassett Road, Swindon, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a centenary dinner, Swindon24 reported on 25 April 2026.

The club was founded in 1926 by railway workers. The Mayor, Fay Howard, joined members for the three-course dinner.

Club president John Ellis welcomed guests, and there were speeches from Wiltshire president Dave Longhurst and Swindon District president Peter Stewart. Mr Stewart noted that in the 1920s a house cost £619 and a loaf of bread cost three old pence.

The Mayor said: "The bowling lawn looked glorious as the sun was setting."

She added: "I'm sure the railway workers who started the club would be delighted to see how it continues."

How had the club changed?

Early committee minutes from the club's formation have been kept, and include familiar Swindon street names.

The club was originally for men only. By its centenary it was fully inclusive, with men and women playing together and members ranging from children under 10 to players in their 90s.

It also ran a skittles alley and hired out its facilities, including a bar and a fully equipped kitchen.

The report said about 1,000 people across Swindon were involved in bowls.

Source: Swindon24.