ONE BOWLS club is certain the grass is greener on the other side of 100 as they celebrated its centenary this weekend.

The Town Gardens Bowls Club held a celebration at the green on Saturday with a host of dignitaries including three-time world indoor bowls champion Andy Thomson and South Swindon MP Rob Buckland.

It is thought the club, which still plays at the Old Town Gardens green laid in 1912, is only the third in the town to reach the milestone.

Current president John Bright, 82, made it to the event despite suffering a stroke recently and said he was proud of the club.

He said: “It’s a big achievement and I was determined to get here – this is the best club.”

Former president David Herold, 57, said he thought the social side of bowls had kept the club going strong for all those years.

“It is fantastic – these things come around so rarely,” David, who has been a member for 26 years, said.

“It’s the atmosphere and people at the club that has kept us going so long. That’s what is so nice about it because the social side brings us together.”

Andy Thomson, who regained his men’s indoor world title earlier this year, said he was pleased to see another club make the historic birthday.

He said: “For a club to reach 100 when many are struggling for numbers I think is fantastic. It is in such a lovely location as well.

“My club recently celebrated its centenary too and it was nice to be invited here.”

Bowls clubs have been faced with closure due to spiralling maintenance costs and last year Swindon Council called all Swindon clubs to a meeting to discuss green subsidies.

Rob Buckland MP said he felt it was important clubs bring in younger members in a bid to ensure survival.

He said: “I’m glad wcould celebrate a much-loved bowls club in the heart of one of the jewels of our town, and long may they continue to flourish.

“It is hard times for clubs at the moment, particularly for summer clubs like Town Gardens.

“My appeal would be for younger people to get involved – it is a sport for any age group.”