New Laurel Bank club house opened by the Mayor

The Laurel Bank Croquet Club house, a compact, cream-painted building, finished with touches of brown, was opened on Saturday afternoon by the Mayor, Alderman J. D. Annand. It stands in a picturesque setting on green lawns, shade trees and flowering shrubs and comprises a tastefully furnished lounge, a well-equipped kitchen and a dressing-room. The official party gathered on the entrance porch for the opening ceremony. The president of the Club (Mrs. Malcolm Sinclair), before introducing the Mayor, gave a brief outline of the history of the club. She said the Park had been donated to the city by Mr. S. G. Stephens, who expressed a desire that sport of some kind would be played there. The members of the West Toowoomba Progress Association conceived the idea of forming a croquet club, and in 1934 this club was formed. A debt of gratitude was owed the Toowoomba Council for expert advice and the use of its workmen. Though it was four years since the club's inception the members had not played all the time, as it took 12 months before the lawns were in playing condition. During this time Mrs. D. F. Marshall allowed members to play on her lawn in Campbell-street. The club house represented an objective for which the members had been working very hard. It was not opened free of debt, but half the necessary amount had been raised which was a good beginning. Mrs. Sinclair welcomed the visitors and expressed gratitude on behalf of the members for the help they had received in connection with the building up of their club.

Alderman Annand said he was glad to have the opportunity of expressing the deep feeling the City Council had for the charming grounds, which had been given by Mr. S. G. Stephens, with only one condition—that they be made available to the people for the enjoyment of the people. The croquet club gave the opportunity to further beautify the Park. He was pleased to be present to represent the citizens and to thank Mrs. Sinclair and the members of the Laurel Bank Croquet Club for their untiring work since the club's formation. The British Empire had a Lord Nuffield, and Toowoomba had a Mr. Stephens, whose gifts brought pleasure to thousands. He offered his congratulations to the club on the completion of the club house and wished the members success and happiness.

The Mayor was supported by Mr. S. G. Stephens, who said he was delighted to be associated with the club and hoped it would prosper. He was pleased the Mayor took such an interest in the Park. He wished to thank him and his fellow aldermen, and Mr. Leadbetter for the work which had been carried out so well.

Mr. J. E. Duggan, M.L.A., wished the club every success and hoped the members would enjoy many pleasant times in the beautiful park.

Mr. Herbert Yeates, M.L.A., expressed thanks for the invitation to be present at the opening of the club house and congratulated the club members on their work which showed perseverance and loyalty. They had achieved their objective in building the club house, which was a fine building. He wished them success.

Other speakers were Alderman R. Turnbull and Mr. C. Williamson.

Mrs. J. Schmidt moved a vote of thanks to the speakers. This was supported by Mr. J. Hoare, the president of the West Toowoomba Progress Association, and carried.

The Mayor turned the key of the front door and the party passed into the lounge for tea, which was served at long tables centred with bowls of autumn-tinted flowers and leaves.

Mrs. Sinclair was hostess. The invited guests included the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Yeates, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Merritt, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Duggan, Mr. and Mrs. L. McIntyre, Mr. S. G. Stephens and Miss D. R. Stephens, Mr. and Mrs. C. Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. F. Barlow, Mr. and Mrs. D. Rees, Dr. Sinclair and Miss Sinclair, Mesdames J. Krimmer, Gerard Boyce, Scott (Pittsworth), White (Dalby), Lickiss (Allora), Jack (Dalby) and the president of the Warwick Croquet Club.

Stalls were arranged under the trees and competitions were played on the lawns. Mrs. J. Platz convened the jumble stall. She was assisted by Mesdames W. Childs and S. Dennis. Mrs. W. Frood was in charge of the sweets stall. She was assisted by Mrs. J. W. Scanlan. The treasurer of the club (Miss M. Rowe) supervised the cake stall, assisted by Mrs. S. M. Hopkins. The competitions were under the direction of the secretary (Mrs. P. S. Priest), assisted by Mrs. J. Voght, Misses Mulhearn, L. Orchin, J. Dennis and E. Bridgman. Afternoon tea was served under the supervision of Mesdames L. Dunsdon, Fett, Copas and R. Lyon.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 9 May 1938. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)