West Toowoomba Croquet Club reviews its year and faces losing its lawns

Under the presidency of Mrs. C. J. Searle, the West Toowoomba Croquet Club's twenty-sixth annual meeting was held in the Club House. There was a good attendance of members.

The annual reports of the honorary secretary and honorary treasurer were received. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted: president, Mrs. C. J. Searle; vice-president, Mrs. M. Dean; honorary secretary, Mrs. M. Dean; honorary treasurer, Mrs. L. Webber; captain, Mrs. J. Flegler; vice-captain, Mrs. Quinn; house stewards, Mesdames F. Bullock and Alroe; Press correspondent Mrs. Doyle; selection committee, Mesdames J. Flegler, Quinn and M. Dean.

The most important discussion of the meeting was concerning the notice from the West Toowoomba Bowling Club to vacate the croquet lawns by June 30, 1951. The West Toowoomba croquet lawns have been occupied by the club as tenants of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club for 26 years. The club is one of the strongest and most flourishing country clubs in Queensland.

Discussion took place as to when and where the club might continue play, and thus retain its prestige and identity in the croquet world.

The president reported that an approach had been made to the Toowoomba City Council for the lease of lawns which had been laid down in Newtown Park some years ago, but this application had been refused by the City Council. To date the club's executive had been unable to locate any other property available or suitable for the purpose of putting down new lawns.

Inquiries and investigations were proceeding, the president added, and it was hoped that the club would be successful in re-establishing itself in a suitable playing area.

Before the meeting closed, the president, on behalf of the members, presented the retiring secretary, Mrs. McConachie, with a gift in appreciation of her services to the club as a member of the executive.

Mrs. Searle's annual presidential report for the period ended December 31, stated, inter alia:—"The club's activities in the past year have been somewhat hampered by the exceptional wet weather conditions. It has been a factor in the decreased attendances on playing days. Sporting and social functions similar in character to previous years have been held. They consisted of the following:—

"Birthday Tea.—This was held on February 27, 1950. Invitations were accepted by Mrs. McGregor (Mayoress) and members of Toowoomba and Laurel Bank Clubs. During the afternoon competitions were held. The president donated a beautifully decorated birthday cake. The prizes won by members during the year were distributed. A presentation was made to Mrs. Dean in recognition of her services for many years as the club's secretary.

"Pennant play during March created keen interest. It is pleasing to record that West Toowoomba Club was the winner. The presentation of the pennant was made by Mrs. Williamson, president of the Queensland Croquet Association at the conclusion of the Downs tournament.

"Downs Tournament.—This was played in April on the Toowoomba, West Toowoomba, and Laurel Bank lawns. Several of our members entered the various competitions. Mrs. Sandberg was runner-up in the open championship; Mrs. Sandberg and Mrs. Carter were winners of the championship doubles; Mrs. Stevens was the runner-up in B Grade; and Mrs. J. Doyle runner-up in the B and C Grade singles handicap.

"It was decided that each club should arrange its own catering. Our thanks are due to Mrs. de Frain (convener) and the members for their generous co-operation in providing and assisting with lunches, morning and afternoon teas. A presentation was made to Mrs. de Frain by the members in recognition of her services.

"Queensland Croquet Association's Tournament, Brisbane.—At the annual tournament in September, only two of our members entered Mrs. McConachie (with Mrs. Chorley of Sydney) were runners-up in the handicap doubles, and Mrs. McConachie was also runner-up in the country event. It is to be regretted that a larger number of our members do not take an active interest in this tournament.

"Downs Champion of Champions.—The event was held on St. Andrew's lawns, Allora, in November. Our club champion, Mrs. J. Flegler, won the competition, and to her our congratulations are extended. Inter-club play was inaugurated in June last. A friendly spirit was manifest. The games were enjoyed by players of all grades, and it was generally felt that interest in croquet was increased and play improved.

"The Christmas party was held on December 15. Lawn competitions were conducted, and afternoon tea served in the bowling club's pavilion. Christmas and floral decorations adorned the room and tables. A special feature of the afternoon tea was a Christmas cake made and presented by the president, Mrs Searle. Christmas gifts were made to the greenkeepers, Mr. B. Gorring and Mr. N. Collins; and to the Misses Gill for assisting with the catering.

"Competitions.—The club's competitions for the past year resulted as follows:—Championship: Mrs. J. Flegler; runner-up, Mrs. M. Dean. Doubles Handicap, unfinished. Single handicap: Mrs. P. Quinn; runner-up, Mrs. L. Webber. B and C Grade: Mrs. B. Hanscomb; runner-up, Mrs. Apelt. Consistency play on Saturdays: Mrs. King (54 points); runner-up, Mrs. Alroe (46 points).

"Membership.—The agreed number of active membership of the club is 30. The present enrolment is two life members, 24 active, and four social. Resignations during the year fortunately were few. It is regretted that the club has to record the transfer of Mrs. Elvery's support to the Toowoomba Club. During the year, the annual meeting and nine monthly and two special general meetings were held.

"The death of Miss Fryar on February 10, 1950, caused a feeling of sorrow. She had been a member of the club for many years, and rendered much assistance during the associations. The appreciation of her work was placed on record. A supporter of the club, although not a member for many years, was lost by the death of Mrs. E. A. Baker. Her efforts were recognised and recorded. Sympathy is extended to all other members of the club who have suffered bereavement during the year under review.

"Finance.—The club's funds at the close of the financial year showed a credit balance of £78/7/7. Donations were given by Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Searle, Mrs. Apelt, and Mrs. N. Carter, of Brisbane, Mrs. Dean, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Flegler and Mrs. Cooke. Mrs. Miller, a life member of the club, donated the equivalent of her membership fee for the following purpose: Prize fund, £1/1/; call for deserving cases, £1/1/; birthday tea, 10/6; birthday tea prizes, 10/6. Our appreciative thanks are due to all these donors. The club donated £1/1/ to the Downs tournament, £4/2/ to the Legacy Club, and £2/2/ to the West Toowoomba Bowling Club. A levy of members yielded £1/6/ towards the Champion of Champion's Fund. Extraordinary disbursements during the year were made for the purchase of three large table cloths for social functions, 50 club badges, washing-up dish, cups and saucers, and tea towels.

"A notice was received from the Bowling Club at the end of the year, giving the club six months' notice of the intention to terminate its tenancy. The action caused much concern, due to the difficulty of procuring other lawns in the period. Negotiations are in progress for an area of land in Newtown Park, but if successful, it is very doubtful that its preparation could be completed by June 30, 1951. It is hoped an arrangement will be possible whereby the club's identity can be retained.

"Our special thanks are due to Mrs. Miller for table floral decorations at social functions; to West Toowoomba Bowling Club for the use of their pavilion for our social functions, and to the "Toowoomba Chronicle," which throughout the year accepted our weekly notes and accounts of our activities for publication.

"In conclusion, the president desires to congratulate all successful competitors during the year; to extend to executive officers thanks for loyal co-operation and to each and every member appreciation and thanks for continued support at all times during the year."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 9 February 1951. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)