THE small band of pioneers who started up Wootton Bassett Bowls Club in 1928 could only have dreamed about the success currently being enjoyed by its members today.

From such humble beginnings the club is now regarded as one of the best in Wiltshire and continues to go from strength to strength.

This year sees Wootton Bassett Bowls Club celebrate their 75th anniversary and to mark the milestone the club have arranged a series of functions including five special games. The highlight of these is tomorrow when they entertain English Bowling Association President Arthur Hockley's select team.

"It is a landmark for the club to welcome the EBA to Wootton Bassett," said chairman John Wilks, who is also Wiltshire president this year and the first in the club's history.

"It is a very happy and successful club both on and off the bowling green with a band of hard working members.

"We are proud of our green and the work done by John Milnes and Richard Buckland. It has been used now for several years by Wiltshire for Middleton Cup games and the EBA for their Double Rink regional finals."

Wilks added, "The club have 110 playing members 85 men and 25 women and encourage players at all skill levels.

"We have a good relationship with the local school and encourage school children to enjoy our facilities.

"Wootton Bassett have a thriving junior section and two of our six players in the current Wiltshire Middleton Cup side, Steve and Michael Snell, started here as juniors."

Maurice Brown is the club's maintenance manager and commented: "The club have a good number of social members and support the local community as our premises are used regularly for wedding receptions and birthday parties.

"We have big plans to improve the facilities here further.

"The plans for the £200,000 alterations have been approved but the scheme is on hold as all lottery funding has been stopped until 2004.''