What is S.I.W.S.S.O ? ( We call it "Swisso" )
Stevenage Inter-Works Sports & Social Organisation
It's a legacy name from the beginnings of Stevenage Industrial expansion in the 50's. "Such an organization would help employees of the new firms, locating in the New Town to settle and participate in sports and enjoy a social life in completely new surroundings" President Harry King (Geo.W.Kings) & Miss Dorothy Tear (ESA).
Original Business members were ESA, Geo.W.Kings, Vincent HRD, IBCO, Wickham French, North Metropolitan Police and Bay Tree Press.
There was thirty one S.I.W.S.S.O sporting clubs.
Today we are the last club under S.I.W.S.S.O membership. We are twenty two lawn bowling teams in two leagues with up to twelve players per team, from surrounding area of Pubs, Clubs & still some businesses.
Our matches are on weekday evenings at 6pm from the 1st May to 21st September. All our teams compete in League Matches & Team Knockout (K/O's), with team members playing in Single Player K/O's, Pairs K/O's, Triples K/O's & Mixed Pairs K/O's.
We have the one of the largest memberships in Hertfordshire, with a following of supporters & spectators. Our matches are still set in the early evenings, as this allows players to finish work. There is a casual, relaxed atmosphere, just a pair of flat soled shoes, a set of woods & a little know how. (check out the training section for information).
We play at King George's and thanks to "Stevenage Town Bowls Club", The bar is open most evenings during bowling for the refreshment of players & spectators, the bar is run by volunteers from the Stevenage Town Bowls Club.
The S.I.W.S.S.O LAWN BOWLING LEAGUE was first contested in 1954 & team knockouts from 1956 (these are from our earliest records)