Stewartonians have been enthusiastic - and often highly successful - participants in a great many sporting activities over the years, notably the largely-forgotten art of quoiting (usually pronounced "kiting"). The town's club had the use of the largest playing ground of its type at Braehead (from 1894) with ten rinks when fully in use. Notable victories included the two Scottish Cup Final wins in 1886 and 1906.
Stewarton Bowling Club was officially instituted from 1861. The greatest moment in its history was in August, 1907, when a rink skipped by John Robertson (father of well-known local player Mattha Robertson) won the Scottish Rink Championship at Queen's Park, Glasgow* When the players arrived back at Stewarton station a large crowd gathered to cheer the«, with the Burgh Band striking up "See the Conquering Hero Come"
The Tennis Club was founded in 1923, and by 1925 local players were involved in the Ayrshire League, as well as taking part in the preliminary rounds of the Scottish Cup. Membership in the 20's was over 100, and the Tennis Dance was one of the big events of the year, dinner suits and long dresses being the accepted dress for the occasion. The Second World War stopped play abruptly;- clubhouse and courts were requisitioned, and the courts used for parking lorries. After the war there was a boom for tennis in Stewarton, which however gradually fell off, until the Town Council took over the courts in 1970.
Apart from accepted sports, Stewartonians made their own entertainment in a whole variety of ways before the advent of easily-available radio and television. One game which seems to have been popular locally, if not with the authorities, was penny pitching, of which here is a terse account from the Kilmarnock Standard of I9I4:"The Provost mentioned that a complaint had been made to him regarding the very bad language used by the players at penny pitching in the show field on Saturday last, and that he had reported the matter to the sergeant of police for his attention. The feeling was expressed that unless the committee arranging these competitions can control the players, it will be necessary to entirely stop the playing of this game on the ground."
More edifying leisure activity was available at the Cuninghame Institute, where local playgoers were advised to go, in an advertisement of 1909, to see the celebrated John Clyde "who with his company will stage the play 'Sunday1 on Wednesday evening first. The piece is one of an original and remarkable nature, with numerous strongly striking scenes, and will doubtless attract a large audience."
Dances and functions were at one time colourfully advertised by John McGill, the Stewarton Bell-Man - comedian and town crier. He was also a well-known face at west of Scotland cattle shows, where he called the "classes" in "clear and stentorian tones". One one occasion he performed a song entitled "The Rifleman Soldier", during which, dressed as a volunteer, he was to fire a rifle. On one occasion the rifle was actually loaded, without his knowledge, and when fired brought down part of the ceiling. He was arrested but later released without being charged. McGill was a badge-porter at Stewarton Railway Station, he "being of a most genial and obliging nature a great favorite with the townspeople and the traveling public."
Modern entertainment came with the Manders brothers cinematograph in 1910, operating from a marquee in the Show Park - packed every night at 3d for a seat and 2d to stand. Tom Manders became projectionist in the New Cinema. The picture house was built in 1914 by the Orbell Brothers from England, and was a favorite Stewarton leisure spot for the next 40 years.