West Toowoomba annual meeting, twentieth year

The twentieth annual meeting of the West Toowoomba Croquet Club was held in the Club House on Monday. There was a good attendance of members. Mrs. O'Connell (president), presided.

The president's and the treasurer's reports, which were received and adopted, revealed a very satisfactory position.

The annual report stated:—

"Despite present day conditions, our club has justified its existence, in that it has provided a healthy outdoor recreation for our members, many of whom have been occupied with patriotic activities.

"The club suffered a sad loss in the death of Mrs. C. Blake, a foundation and life member. Mrs. Blake was always a loyal and interested member and her death is keenly felt by all members of the club. To Mrs. Blake's relatives and to all the other members of the club who have suffered bereavements during the year past, we extend heartfelt sympathy. At the commencement of 1944 we had a membership of 23 active members, two life members, and one social member. During the year, owing to transfers from the district, we accepted the resignations with regret of Mesdames Jarrott and McGladrigan. Transport difficulties were responsible for Mrs. Bousfield's resignation last November. As there are vacancies in our membership at present, we would welcome new members. During the year eight committee meetings were held. Two special general meetings were also held.

"Mrs. Murr, a Charleville player, who was a visitor to our club, donated a trophy to be contested for by all members. Unfortunately, owing to various causes, this competition is not quite completed. As many members were busy helping with patriotic efforts during the year, it was deemed advisable to cancel the usual club competitions. This is the second year in succession that no club championships have been played. Members met on the third Tuesday of each quarter for all-day play on the lawns. Owing to war restrictions and transport difficulties no inter-club games have been played. However, we would like to see more interest by players, and hope that during 1945 it may be possible to arrange games with neighbouring clubs. Very few members have visited the lawns during the week day's play, and the attendance on Saturdays has fallen off considerably. To those members who have not been actively associated with the club during the past two years we extend a hearty invitation to join with us again at an early date for play on our lawns, at least on Saturday afternoon. As your president, I would be deeply gratified to see the lawns fully occupied during the coming weeks.

"It was decided at our last annual meeting to make a levy of 10/6 per player, instead of raising money for patriotic gifts by bridge parties. This levy brought in £13/2/6, which was donated to the Red Shield Huts, A.C.F. and the Red Cross. In July £20 was donated from club funds, by a special general meeting, to the A.C.F., Red Cross, Prisoners of War, and Red Shield Huts, each of which received £5. This makes a total of £33/2/6 donated to patriotic funds during the year. Mrs. Farr, secretary of our 'war savings certificate group' reports that the receipts for the year were £43/8/3. A sub-committee was appointed at the last annual meeting to revise the existing rule book. This resulted in the printing of a new book of rules, one of which is available to each member. As usual Christmas gifts were sent to Mr. Postle and Miss Hurford and Christmas greetings were sent to Mrs. Sexton, our delegate to the association. Mr. Postle has severed his connection with the West Toowoomba Bowling Club as greenkeeper, and we wish to place on record his constant loyalty and courtesy during his association with our club as keeper of our lawns. The birthday party of the club was celebrated on February 19 on the lawns. The captain arranged special competitions among members, and the games, as well as the birthday cake, which was a special feature on the tea table, were enjoyed. The Christmas party was held on the lawns on December 19. Competitions were played during the day and a happy time was spent. To the 'Toowoomba Chronicle' for its publicity and to Mr. C. Blake, our honorary auditor, we extend our thanks. I wish to thank all my officers and members for their loyal co-operation during the past year."

The election of officers for 1945 resulted: President, Mrs. M. F. O'Connell; vice-president, Mrs. J. Flegler; honorary secretary, Mrs. W. A. Dean; honorary treasurer, Mrs. E. A. McConachie; captain, Mrs. B. Farr; vice-captain, Mrs. J. Flegler; selection committee, Mesdames Farr, Flegler and Miller; tea convener, Mrs. Bullock; delegate to the Queensland Croquet Association, Mrs. Soxton; Press correspondent, Mrs. Farr.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 8 February 1945. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)