03/07/2026
Who is George Bruce, you may ask?
George was born on the 12th of March 1937 in the small market town of Masham, North Yorkshire. It was there that he developed the values of hard work, community, and quiet determination that would remain with him throughout his life.
In 1960, George and his beloved wife, Margaret, made the move to Watlington Town to begin a new chapter together. George joined Icknield School and to do evening classes on pottery, and the couple initially rented Meadow Cottage before moving into their permanent family home in Love Lane while it was still under construction. Back then, Watlington was a very different place. In fact, Paul’s Way didn’t even exist, and there were only a handful of houses surrounding them. Together, George and Margaret built not only a home but a wonderful family. They welcomed their two sons, Robert in 1966 and Ian in 1970, creating a household filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Their home was also shared with a lifelong family friend, Maureen Sweeney, who lived with them from 1963 until the early 1990s before moving next door. Maureen became much more as she cared for Robert and Ian as if they were her own children, becoming an integral part of the Bruce family.
Bowls was woven into George’s life from the very beginning. His father and grandfather were founder members of Masham Bowls Club in Yorkshire during the 1920s, so perhaps it was inevitable that George would one day leave his own mark on the sport. When George arrived in Watlington in the early 1960s, he attended what proved to be a pivotal meeting at the War Memorial Club. The future of the bowls green hung in the balance. The question was simple: should it be renovated, or should it be sold? It was here George saw its potential. He devoted countless hours to improving the green and the club. He persuaded neighbouring homeowners to sell the ends of their gardens, allowing the bowls green to be squared off and expanded to accommodate of five full rinks. He became actively involved in designing and shaping the renovation of Watlington Bowls Club into the club we know today. His dedication never wavered.
In 1980, George became Chairman of Watlington Bowls Club, a position he held with distinction for eleven years. Later, from 1992, he proudly served as Club Captain for five years. Throughout those years of service, George was always quick to acknowledge that none of it would have been possible without the unwavering love and support he received at home from Margaret and his family, for which he was deeply grateful.
Retirement did not slow George down. He continued to give back by coaching bowls, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Then, after more than thirty years, he returned to another passion he had always loved wood turning beautiful items from wood with his own hands.
George often said that Watlington Town provided “peace and tranquillity.” It became the place he called home, the community he helped shape, and the Town to which he gave so much of himself.
Sadly, George passed away in May 2026 and was laid to rest yesterday 2nd-July.
His passing leaves a great void for his family, his friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. Yet his legacy is impossible to miss. It can be seen every time someone steps onto the green at Watlington Bowls Club, every time a new player is welcomed into the club, and every time the community comes together in the spirit that George helped to foster. Few will now remember George but those who do will remember a real, passionate character, sporting his flowing white “Santa” beard in his later years.
George Bruce leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind a stronger club, a loving family, lifelong friendships, and a community that is richer because he was part of it.
George, thank you for your kindness, your dedication, your craftsmanship, your leadership, and your friendship. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
May he rest in peace 🙏
On behalf of Watlington Bowls Club
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