Toowoomba Croquet Club annual meeting after a successful year

The annual meeting of the Toowoomba Croquet Club was held in the club house on Thursday afternoon, August 6, and was largely attended by members.

The election of office-bearers was as follows: Patroness, Mrs. J. D. Annand; president, Mrs. F. R. Hodgson; vice-presidents, Mesdames G. Fogarty and H. Goodrich; secretary, Mrs. D. F. Marshall; captain, Mrs. J. Esler; treasurer, Mrs. Bridgman; committee, Mesdames Thorburn, G. Cossart and Arthur Lamb. The retiring captain, Mrs. C. Fortescue, who did not seek re-election, was warmly thanked by the members for her services as captain to the club for the past six years.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the retiring officers and the Press.

The annual report was read by the president, Mrs. F. R. Hodgson.

Mrs. Hodgson said it gave her much pleasure to present the 33rd annual report of the Toowoomba Croquet Club. She was also pleased to report that the year had been most successful, both financially and socially. The committee meetings had been well attended during the year. The top dressing of the lawns took place about the end of August, when the club was in recess till the end of October. On account of the continued dry weather, together with the water restrictions, never have the lawns been put to such a test as during this year. It was found necessary to have light top dressing. This took place in June and proved very beneficial. To mark the opening of the lawns in October a bridge party and competitions on the lawns were arranged. In October several members journeyed to Warwick for the unfurling ceremony of the 1935 Downs Pennant, which was won by Warwick.

At the Downs Pennant meeting, held at Clifton in the C.W.A. rooms during November, Mrs. Hodgson and Mrs. Fortescue went as delegates from the Toowoomba club. There was much discussion as to what conditions the pennant would be played under this year. Finally, it was decided that the eight strongest players from each club be selected. After a series of interesting and well contested matches, the Toowoomba club won the coveted honour of securing the 1936 Downs Pennant. The club now possesses four pennant flags out of a possible five.

The expenses this year in connection with the Downs Pennant showed an increase, caused through having to pay car expenses to Allora. In previous years these matches have been played in Toowoomba.

The club's congratulations were extended to Mrs. Bridgman on winning the British gold medal at the Queensland Interstate tournaments. This is the second year in succession that the honour has been conferred on the club by Mrs. Bridgman.

The Allora Croquet Club is the first club to inaugurate a Downs tournament, and it was to be regretted that Mrs. Hodgson and Mrs. Bridgman were the only two members of the Toowoomba club who participated. Allora relied on the other Downs clubs for entries for the success of this tournament, and had it not been for the number of entries from the West Toowoomba and Warwick clubs, it could not have taken place. It is hoped that the tournament will be an annual event and it was suggested that the clubs draw for which town it is to take place in next year.

It was discovered that the white ants had made their appearance in the club house. This matter was of great importance and needed immediate attention. The club house also needed painting. To raise funds to meet the expense a bridge party was arranged towards the end of May and was a record success, the proceeds amounting to £18/12/. In June a successful bridge party was arranged by Mrs. Boyce, and was held at her residence, "Fernside." The proceeds amounted to £5/17/, which go towards the fund for a new fence around the lawns.

During the month of June a notice was received from the City Council intimating that it was necessary to sewer the club's premises. The expense for this was a big problem. It was suggested that the trustees of the Athletic Grounds be approached to assist financially in the matter. They generously donated the sum of £25, which was gratefully acknowledged by the club.

In conclusion Mrs. Hodgson expressed thanks to the secretary, office bearers, committee and members, for their loyal support and confidence. She also thanked those who had donated trophies, the Press, and the auditor—Mr. Marshall.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 8 August 1936. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)