Downs croquet carnival ends with trophies at Toowoomba

The presentation of trophies won during the Downs croquet carnival followed the afternoon tea which was given by the members of the three combined clubs—Toowoomba, West Toowoomba and Laurel Bank—at the conclusion of play at the Toowoomba Croquet Club's lawn on Saturday afternoon. The function, which brought to a close one of the most successful croquet carnivals held in Toowoomba, was attended by about 70 players.

Beautiful floral decorations adorned the club house, where tea was served at long tables attractively arranged with low bowls of autumn-tinted flowers spaced on trails of orange and scarlet berries. Coloured serviettes to tone marked the place of each guest. Trails of greenery and bright flowering creepers outlined the doors and windows of the pavilion, in the centre of which was suspended a brown wicker basket filled with golden-hued blossoms. The trophies, which were later presented by Mrs. J. Gibson (president of the Queensland Croquet Association) were displayed on a flower-decked table.

Mrs. Gerard Boyce (president of the Downs Croquet Carnival committee) extended a welcome to the Mayoress (Mrs. J. D. Annand) and to all croquet players. She expressed gratitude to the members of her committee, especially to the secretary, Mrs. V. Stuart, for their co-operation and assistance before and during the carnival, which, she added, went smoothly from start to finish.

Mrs. Gibson complimented the president and committee, and all who had helped to make the carnival a success. Mrs. Gibson said she thought the outstanding point of croquet was the friends one made through it.

Supporting Mrs. Gibson's remarks, Miss Campbell expressed thanks for the hospitality received at all croquet clubs during the tournament.

The speakers extended congratulations to the winners and runners-up, as did Mesdames Flegler, Cossart and Priest (presidents of the West Toowoomba, Toowoomba and Laurel Bank Croquet Clubs, respectively). Mrs. McCrossin (Pittsworth) and Mrs. E. Huxley (Allora) also expressed their appreciation and congratulations.

Bouquets of roses were presented to Mrs. Boyce, Mrs. Gibson, and to Mrs. Annand, who, as patroness of the Toowoomba Croquet Club, offered her congratulations to the organisers of the carnival, as well as to all the successful competitors. Bouquets were also presented to Mesdames G. B. Mackay, N. Fox, P. S. Priest and V. Stuart.

In addition to Mrs. Boyce (president), the carnival committee members comprised Mrs. V. Stuart (secretary), Mrs. E. A. McConachie (assistant secretary), Mrs. P. S. Priest (treasurer), Mrs. G. B. Mackay (manager), Mrs. N. Fox (assistant manager), Mesdames Boyce, M. Dean and J. Flegler (referees), and the committee members, Mesdames G. Cossart, E. Padget, J. Flegler, L. Webber, P. S. Priest and L. Cooke.

Mrs. G. Fogarty, with Mesdames N. Fox, W. J. McCulloch and G. Cossart, were responsible for the decorations at the club house.

Mrs. Boyce wore a spray of orchids with her black frock, which was trimmed with silver buttons. She added a small black hat ornamented with black sequins and veiling. With her tailored frock of woollen sheer, which was lightened at the neckline with ice blue, Mrs. Annand wore a black hat off-set with a front cluster of pastel flowers.

The following trophies were presented by Mrs. Gibson:— Downs Championship (trophy donated by the president of the Downs Croquet Carnival committee): Mrs. E. A. McConachie (West Toowoomba); runner-up, Mrs. C. McCrossin (Pittsworth). Open Championship: Mrs. D. H. Milne (Graceville); runner-up, Miss Campbell (East Brisbane). Championship Doubles: Mesdames J. Gibson (Windsor) and D. H. Milne (Graceville); runners-up, Mesdames N. Fox and G. B. Mackay (Toowoomba). Handicap Doubles: Mesdames N. Fox and G. B. Mackay (Toowoomba); runners-up, Mesdames J. Gibson (Windsor) and D. H. Milne (Graceville). B and C Grade Doubles: Mesdames Brown and Cunnington (Allora); runners-up, Mrs. Massie and Miss C. Clay (Windsor). A and Junior A Singles Handicap: Miss M. Crowther (Windsor); runner-up, Mrs. F. Robinson (East Brisbane). B and C Grade Singles Handicap: Mrs. C. McCrossin (Pittsworth); runner-up, Mrs. R. Brown (Allora). C Grade (Novice): Mrs. Cunnington (Allora); runner-up, Mrs. J. Les. Voght (Graceville).

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 19 May 1947. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)