About Us

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Founded in 1922, The Windsor and Eton Bowling Club is sited in Goswell Meadow.  This area is in the care of The National Trust, having been purchased by public subscription in 1910 in order to preserve the view of the castle from Alexandra Gardens (dating from 1902), which are a short distance further west. 

In the summer of 1921 a few enthusiasts and influential sportsmen in Windsor headed by Councillor R.W.Rawkins (Mayor), Mr.Lawrence Lightfoot (Chief Constable), Mr.J.T.Carter and the Editor of the Windsor, Eton and Slough Express decided to explore the possibility of setting up a Bowling Club in the town. 

In the autumn of 1921 meetings were held in the Guildhall with Councillor Rawkins in the chair and Mr Bob White (Secretary of the Conservative Club) acting as temporary secretary.

The National Trust was approached regarding the leasing of Goswell Meadow and in November 1921, at a crowded meeting in the Guildhall, it was decided to form the Windsor and Eton Bowling Club Company and to issue shares at £1 each. Councillor Rawkins was appointed President with Mr Bob White as the Honorary Secretary.

The National Trust agreed to lease the meadow to the company on a 25 years lease and it was decided to use Cumberland Turf for the green. Windsor Town Council and the Trust gave permission for the Club to erect a thatched pavilion at the Thames Street end of the meadow.  

The uptake of the share issue was entirely successful and the club had a membership of over one hundred. After all the initial outlay expenses had been met, the club held a cash balance. 

The club played its first matches in the summer of 1922 on what was described as the best green in Berkshire (we believe it still is!).

Club Patron: Mrs Betty Besford    

President: Tim Marshall

Committee Chair: John Giles

Hon. Secretary: Vacant

Hon. Treasurer: Chris Heitzmann

Hon. Bar Secretary: Ralph Cooke

Men's Captain: Ron Parr

Men's Vice Captain: Vacant 

Ladies Captain: Janet Dawson

Ladies Vice Captain: Sue Ireland

Hon. Fixtures Secretary: Yvonne Hurley

Hon. Competition Secretary: Paul O'Connell

Kennet League Rep: John Giles

K-LV League Rep: Chris Heitzmann

County Representative: Pam Andrew   

Hon. Socials Secretary: Sharon Shaw

Hon. Catering Secretary: Vacant

Hon. Green Ranger: Tim Marshall

Press Officer/Web Master: Paul O'Connell       

Bar Committee:  Andrew Smith, Ron Parr, Vicky Brand

Social Committee: Sue Ireland; Vivienne Smith; Maggie Sturgess

Club Coaches: Ralph Cooke; George Hayman

Examiners: Yvonne Hurley; Brian Mellor

Club Trustees: Ralph Cooke; Richard Heathman;  Pauline Hayward