A large crowd of members and guests were welcomed by president Richard Ashley who introduced special guests bowling legend David Bryant, Coun Judy Falp, chairman of Warwick District Council, and town mayor Coun Kailash Chander.

Mr Bryant - described by Mr Ashley as "the most respected name in English bowling" - unveiled a new clock on the front of the pavilion after Coun Falp had symbolically unfurled the club flag.

Both then joined men's captain Roger Hampson and ladies' captain Lyn Williams in a light-hearted two ends challenge match at the first of
what will be a number of celebration events planned for 2009.

In his welcoming speech Mr Ashley said the club has been admirably served over the years by Warwick District Council and some "first class" officers and greenkeepers.

He said: "Our members take great pride in our club badge which is taken from the coat of arms of Leamington, and particularly in our name - Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club - and woe betide anybody who addresses us differently."

Coun Falp said: "Warwick District would not be the same without bowls. Let's hope this club will be here for another 100 years."

Mr Bryant described the club as a "marvellous venue" that is known throughout the British Isles, not least for the quality of the its greens.

The club is only the fourth bowling club in Warwickshire to reach the centenary milestone, and since moving to its present Archery Road site four years after its foundation in 1909 it has grown to become one of the largest clubs in the Midlands catering equally for men, ladies and junior bowlers.

Among those attending a reception in the clubhouse were representatives
from Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Myton Hospice, the two charities nominated to benefit from the club's centenary year celebrations.

Other events planned include matches against Bowls England, both men and ladies, both the men and ladies' county teams, Midland Counties, South Warwickshire, and there will also be a match against The Royal Household at Windsor.