THE INAUGURAL meeting of the Wootton Bassett Bowls Club took place at the Memorial Insitute on July 12, 1927, when eight people were present.

They were mostly local businessmen, including shopkeeper Henry Maslin, and in due course the club was formed in 1928.

Bowling though did not actually commence until the following year.

Maslin, the main instigator of the club, was elected president in 1928 and held the post until his death in 1941. He was Bassett's first life member and also held the Swindon & District League presidency in 1934.

At a meeting in September 1927 the original plan was to rent an area from the Memorial Institute for £1 per annum.

But when the club was officially formed, the land in Tanner Close was bought for £55.

The bulk was paid by the local businessmen while shares were issued to the other founder members including the Reverend Hersea.

The opening game on the new four rink green took place on June 6, 1929, when Wootton Bassett entertained the Wiltshire Executive.

Since those early days the club has grown in stature and is regarded as one of the best in Wiltshire.

Over the years the clubhouse, originally a wooden hut, has seen numerous alterations and extensions, the current clubhouse being built in 1982, and an ambitious programme is on hold at present.

The green was extended to its present six rinks in 1950 when a further parcel of land was purchased from the Memorial Institute for £30.

Today's superb green regularly hosts county and national competition matches.

Ladies were not allowed on the green until 1936 and then on only two rinks on the first Thursday of each month. They eventually obtained more privileges in 1949 and gained full membership in 1981.

Wootton Bassett has enjoyed plenty of success at county level but only one at national level a fours win in 1955.

Due to the foresight of the early members Wootton Bassett is one of few clubs in the county which owns its ground.