Laurel Bank Croquet Club annual meeting reviews the year

The seventeenth annual meeting of the Laurel Bank Croquet Club was held in the club house. Mrs. P. S. Priest (president) presided. There was a good attendance of members.

The honorary treasurer's report, which was presented by Mrs. F. Bongers, disclosed a sound financial position.

The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr. G. Stephens; patroness, Mrs. M. Platz; president-treasurer, Mrs. P. S. Priest; vice-presidents, Mesdames S. M. Hopkins and W. Frood; honorary secretary, Mrs. M. Hopkins; captain, Mrs. S. Dennis; vice-captain, Mrs. W. Frood; convener, Mrs. W. Frood; roster, Mrs. Perkins; Press correspondent, Mrs. S. Dennis; grounds committee, Mesdames M. Platz and S. Dennis.

The president stated in her report that 11 meetings had been held, and they had all been well attended. Two members had resigned, Mrs. Leisemer, who had taken up bowls, and Mrs. De Fraine, owing to ill-health. The club had admitted two new members, Mesdames Abbott and King, during the year.

The president continued: "We anticipate four new members at this meeting, Mesdames Bullock, Stevens, Henderson and Handscomb, and also an old member, Mrs. L. Cooke, whom we will be pleased to welcome back again. I hope all the new members will be happy with us. That will make our membership 22. I would like to congratulate St. Andrew's Club on winning the Pennant Flag last year. We had a very pleasant afternoon at Allora at the presentation. We entered in the Downs tournament in April, and again congratulations are exteded to Mrs. Cunnington, of St. Andrew's Club, for winning the Downs championship. Thanks were expressed by the members to Mrs. Carter for her donation to the club. We held two bridge parties during the year, and they were quite successful. We are grateful to Mesdames L. Cooke, W. Boyd, M. Platz and W. Frood for donating bridge prizes.

"The results of the club competitions were.—Championship: Mrs. Priest; Mrs. Stone, runner-up. Singles handicap: Mrs. Priest; Mrs. Dennis, runner-up. Doubles handicap: Mesdames Dennis and Fox; Mesdames Smith and Priest, runners-up. B and C Grade: Mrs. Fox; Mrs. Rielly, runner-up. Spoon competition: Mesdames Dennis and Herron; Mesdames Loft and Priest, runners-up. Our appreciation is extended to Mr. McKinney for his kindness in donating the championship trophy. I also thank all the members who subscribed to the trophy fund. I offer my sincere thanks to Mr. W. Frood and Mr. C. Loft for helping on numerous occasions.

"In November the champion of champions tournament was held on our lawns and although the weather was very hot, I think everyone had a very happy time. Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Smith (Warwick), the winner, and to Mrs. Nelson Fox (Toowoomba Club), runner-up. Just before the play started, our secretary, Mrs. S. M. Hopkins, had the misfortune to fall and break her arm; but she is back with us and able to play again. Thanks are due to Mrs. W. Frood, Mrs. C. Loft, and all the members who helped with refreshments during all functions. The members all expressed their sincere sympathy for Mrs. Abbott in her bereavement. We welcomed the West Toowoomba players to play on our lawns on Tuesdays to keep up their practice while waiting for their new lawns at Newtown to be ready.

"In February we visited West Toowoomba Croquet Club for their birthday party and presentation of trophies, and had a very happy afternoon. We held our Christmas party in December and had quite a festive time. Our patroness, Mrs. M. Platz, presented the club trophies. On February 9 we paid our sincere tribute in remembrance of our late King and hoped for a happy, peaceful reign for our young Queen Elizabeth. It was with regret we learned of the passing of Mr. P. Fett. We have been indebted to Mr. Fett many times for helping us with our lawns. Our sincere sympathy goes to Mrs. Fett and family in their bereavement.

"In conclusion I wish to thank our anonymous donor who gave £5 to the club. Thanks are due to Mr. Ludgate, our honorary auditor, to Mrs. Platz, to the Press for publicity, and my executive officers for their loyal support, and to all members for their co-operation."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 1 April 1952. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)