West Toowoomba Croquet Club holds its fifteenth annual meeting

The fifteenth annual meeting of the West Toowoomba Croquet Club was held in the Club House on Monday, there being a very good attendance. The honorary secretary's and honorary treasurer's reports were received and adopted, the latter revealing a very good position.

The annual report stated: Notwithstanding the very trying times and war clouds over us, we have again had a very successful year. At present our membership is 27 playing members, one life member and one social member. During the year one new member came in, and we lost one. As we are able to take 30 members, we have three vacancies and would appreciate if players could be introduced. Again the reaper has taken his toll and our sympathy is extended to our bereaved members. The balance-sheet will reveal to you the financial position, which is most satisfactory. It is gratifying that our lawns are in such good playing condition and I feel you will all agree that they compare most favourably with other club lawns. This opportunity is taken of passing a vote of thanks both to the green superintendent and the green keeper. Congratulations are extended to the following ladies who were successful in the various events. Before going further mention must be made with regard to the very fine spirit shown by our members in foregoing prizes and donating the value of the prize money to the various war appeals. Championship: Mrs. B. Farr, winner; Mrs. R. S. Gibson, runner-up. Junior A: Miss E. Campbell, winner; Mrs. E. A. McConachie, runner-up. B Grade: Mrs. A. Orr, winner; Mrs. J. C. Grant, runner-up. Doubles handicap: Mrs. Dean and Miss Campbell, winners; Mesdames McConachie and Searle, runners-up. Singles handicap: Mrs. M. Crozier, winner; Miss E. Campbell, runner-up. Owing to the serious international situation the executive of the Q.C.A. decided to abandon the 1940 tournament. The 1940 Downs tournament was a huge success, and to the ladies of our club who were successful congratulations are extended. The winners were.—Downs singles championship: Mrs. B. Farr, winner; Mrs. W. Dean, runner-up. Open championship: Mrs. R. S. Gibson, winner. Championship doubles: Mrs. B. Farr and partner, winner. Singles handicap: Mrs. R. S. Gibson, runner-up. B Grade: Mrs. A. Orr, runner-up. Our club was again successful in winning the pennant, and to the ladies who were responsible for bringing the flag to West Toowoomba, congratulations. We celebrated the unfurling on July 20, 1940, and had a most successful function. Mrs. J. Gibson (president of the Q.C.A.) performed the ceremony, and she was accompanied by Mesdames Pitter and Bell. The Downs clubs were also represented. Afternoon tea was served in the bowlers' pavilion, thus ending a very happy day. Thanks and praise must be given to our members for the wonderful way in which they helped this function to success. During the year we spent social days at Warwick and Pittsworth. There was also a visit from Laurel Bank and a return match from Pittsworth. Our members who were able to join in these functions had a very enjoyable time. The birthday tea was held on February 12 and, as in previous years, a very happy day was spent. Competitions on the lawns were the principal attraction and afternoon tea was served in the bowlers' pavilion. Mrs. W. Miller very kindly donated the birthday cake, which was much admired and still more enjoyed. Again our ladies must not be overlooked as they excelled themselves. At a special general meeting called with regard to the war appeals our members very generously voted the sum of £20 from club funds and distributed it as follows: £5 each to the Red Cross, Red Cross Ambulance, Sock and Comfort Fund and Patriotic Fund. A War Saving Group was also formed and our members are contributing most generously. The sum of £1/1/ was donated to Darling Downs Tournament Committee towards the prize fund. The usual Christmas gifts were sent. To our delegate, Mrs. Carmody, who takes such an interest on our behalf with the Q.C.A., a pair of hose; the sum of £2/2/ to Mr. Postle, and handkerchiefs to Miss Hurford. As a fitting climax to a happy year we were entertained at a Christmas party on December 19, 1940, by our president, Mrs. W. Miller, and captain, Mrs. B. Farr. A very pleasant day was spent and all join in thanking both of these ladies for their happy thought. The thanks and appreciation of the president and committee are extended to the president and committee of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club, the honorary auditor (Mr. C. Blake), selection committee, Press correspondent, Press, Miss Fryar, and all who helped to make the year so successful.

The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs. W. Miller; vice-presidents, Mrs. E. J. Searle and Mrs. A. T. Parrot; honorary secretary, Mrs. V. Stuart; honorary treasurer, Mrs. M. F. O'Connell; captain, Mrs. B. Farr; vice-captain, Miss I. Fryar; committee, Mrs. R. W. McLean, Mrs. B. Padget, Mrs. A. R. Orr, Mrs. J. C. Grant.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 12 February 1941. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)