Annual meeting and report: new lawns at Newtown Park

At the twenty-eighth annual meeting of the West Toowoomba Croquet Club, held at 12 Rome Street, there was a good attendance. Mrs. J. Flegler, retiring president, was in the chair. The honorary treasurer (Mrs. R. Apelt) presented the balance sheet for 1952. This showed a satisfactory financial position, the bank balance being £166/7/11 after an expenditure of more than £150 on new lawns in Newtown Park.

Plans for raising finance in the coming year were made. It was decided to hold a series of bridge parties in Mrs. J. Flegler's home on the second Monday evening of each month, commencing in March. Arrangements were made to open a building fund account for the erection of a club house on the site of the new greens. Members of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club have promised donations towards this fund.

Play on the new lawns will commence in a few weeks' time. The president intimated that as there were several vacancies in the club, new members would be welcomed.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted: President, Mrs. J. Flegler; vice-president, Mrs. C. J. Searle; honorary secretary, Mrs. M. Dean; honorary treasurer, Mrs. R. Apelt; captain, Mrs. J. Flegler; vice-captain, Mrs. J. Henschell; property manager, Mrs. I. Alroe.

The annual report of the secretary stated: "As the West Toowoomba Bowling Club had resumed the croquet lawns for its own use, we faced the year without a playing area. Our club has been held together during the year by the generosity of the Laurel Bank Club, which allowed us the use of its lawns on Tuesday of each week. We are deeply grateful to the Laurel Bank members for their timely assistance, and we desire to place on record our appreciation of their generous gesture. The establishing of new greens in Newtown Park presented tremendous financial problems. Throughout the year, members have worked co-operatively and untiringly with our president, Mrs. Flegler, to raise funds for this purpose. Mrs. Flegler made her home available to the club once a month to hold bridge parties, which were popular and remunerative. Our sincere thanks are due to Mrs. Flegler. At each monthly meeting a 'bring and buy' effort brought in increased revenue.

"The Toowoomba City Council assisted us by fencing the playing area in Newtown Park, and rotary-hoeing the surface. Members of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club, organised by Mr. S. Nuss, gave generous assistance in planting the lawn with African couch grass, and since then we have received continued help and advice from Mr. Nuss. For these services we are very grateful.

"A tool shed was purchased from the West Toowoomba Bowling Club, and Mr. Brose and Mr. Gorring had it transported to Newtown Park for us. Early in December 50 yards of top soil were purchased and spread on the greens. Consequently, the lawns now have a good covering of grass, and we hope to be playing on them in the near future.

"Our thanks are expressed to Messrs. S. Nuss, W. Brose, B. Gorring, J. Henschell, A. Hodge, and members of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club, for assistance during the year in preparing the new greens. Mrs. J. Flegler donated hoses and fittings to the club. Mr. J. Henschell made and presented a rocking horse for a raffle. Members and friends have given bridge prizes during the year. Our thanks and appreciation are due to these donors. During the year ten ordinary meetings and one special meeting were held, all of which were well attended. Two new members joined us in October.

"The annual birthday tea was held in the bowlers' pavilion. The chief feature of the tea-table was a decorated cake made and presented by Mrs. J. Flegler. In December, Mrs. C. J. Searle offered her home in which to hold the club's Christmas party. There was a large attendance of members, who expressed appreciation of this gesture. Mrs. Flegler presented the Christmas cake.

"Our congratulations are tendered to Mrs. J. Flegler, who was runner-up in the Downs championship; to Mrs. Doyle, winner of the B and C singles event; to Mesdames Doyle and Alroe, runners-up in the B and C doubles handicap in the Downs tournament held during April, 1952; and to Mrs. Doyle, winner of the C Grade event, and runner-up in the country event in the metropolitan tournament held in September. Despite our handicap in not having our own lawns for 1952, I feel that our club has been progressive, and that the coming year should be one of interest and activity."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 13 February 1953. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)