1978 was a transformative year for Swindon Cricket Club – we finally found a permanent home at Hinksford Lane in Swindon, Staffordshire. After 75 years of borrowing grounds, our club leaders and members undertook the ambitious project of converting an overgrown plot on Hinksford Lane into a proper cricket ground. At the time, the site was little more than scrubland, but our then-secretary David Powell saw its potential. Under David Powell’s guidance – and with countless hours of volunteer labour – the area was cleared of brush and debris to reveal a flat expanse perfect for a cricket field.

By the end of that year, we proudly opened our new cricket ground and clubhouse. The pavilion, a cozy single-story building reminiscent of a bungalow, became the heart of our club. Inside the clubhouse, we now had home and away changing rooms, a small kitchen, and a bar with a lounge area for players and supporters to relax in. For the first time in our history, Swindon CC had a dedicated base: a place to host matches, practice, and social gatherings all under one roof. This was more than just a physical change – it fundamentally strengthened the club’s identity and presence in the community.

Our Hinksford Lane Ground is situated amid picturesque rural surroundings, overlooking open playing fields. Visitors often comment on the ground’s charming setting. There’s nothing quite like spending a summer afternoon watching cricket at Hinksford Lane – with the lush outfield, the sound of leather on willow, and our clubhouse serving as a backdrop for village cricket. Over the years, we’ve continued to invest in maintaining and improving the facilities. We’ve added practice nets for training and ensure the pitch is expertly prepared for every game. The clubhouse remains a welcoming venue; in fact, our bar even features locally brewed ale (in 2017 our main sponsor was Green Duck Brewery of Stourbridge, and we proudly served their Green Duck Blonde cask ale in our bar).

Our ground isn’t used just for cricket – it has become a true community sports hub. We allow local teams to use the field when cricket is not in play. For example, the Trysull Tigers junior football club plays their Sunday home matches at Swindon Cricket Club’s Hinksford Lane Playing Fields. Every Sunday afternoon during football season, you’ll see youngsters running around the same grounds where we score our runs in the summer. We’re happy that our facilities can support youth sports year-round, be it cricket or football. It’s a wonderful feeling to know the field is always alive with activity.

Establishing our home at Hinksford Lane gave Swindon CC a new lease on life. With a permanent ground, our membership grew, and we could host regular practices and coaching sessions. The clubhouse turned into a social centre – a place for post-match teas, celebratory drinks, and the occasional quiz night or barbeque. Generations of players have now made memories at our Hinksford Lane ground. From that inaugural match on our new pitch in 1978, through all the thrilling games since, Hinksford Lane has truly become synonymous with Swindon Cricket Club.