West Toowoomba's twenty-ninth annual meeting and move to Newtown Park

The twenty-ninth annual meeting of the West Toowoomba's Croquet Club was held in the club rooms, Newtown Park. Mrs. J. Flegler, retiring president, occupied the chair.

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; Press correspondent, Mrs C. J. Searle; property manager Mrs. I. Alroe.

The honorary treasurer's report revealed that after considerable expenditure on work reconditioning a building for a club house and the establishing of new lawns, the balance in the bank was very low. Members decided that, with Mrs. Flegler's permission, evening bridge parties in her home would commence on the first Monday in March, continuing on the first Monday of each month during the year.

The president said that there were several vacancies in the membership of the club and new members would be welcome.

It was decided to have the official opening of the new greens in Newtown Park on Friday, February 26.

Presenting the twenty-ninth annual report, the president (Mrs. Flegler) stated: "Receiving notice in 1951 to vacate West Toowoomba greens, it was necessary to acquire a new site for play. In our search for new premises, we approached the City Council, requesting permission to occupy the Newtown Park greens which had been partially prepared for croquet greens, nearly 30 years ago. Permission to transfer to this site was received, and the City Council rotary-hoed and fenced the playing area. In December, 1951, we vacated the lawns at West Toowoomba Bowling Club, which we had occupied for 25 years.

"We were a club without a home until the Newtown lawns were ready for play. We are deeply indebted to the Laurel Bank Club for allowing us, in the interim, the use of their lawns one day a week.

"We purchased from the West Toowoomba Bowling Club a toolshed for £20 and removed it to these lawns. Mr. S. Nuss organised a working-bee among bowling members and under his supervision, the grass was obtained and the area planted with South African couch. Since then Mr. Nuss has continued to assist us.

"Mr. A. Hodge assisted by pegging the greens and taking levels on the site. Mr. Brose and Mr. Goring transported the toolshed and Mr. B. Hanscombe painted it. Mr. Apelt and his son Robert erected and painted the rustic table and seats, and Mr. C. Searle dug and planted the beds round the borders.

"Our grateful thanks are due to them for their practical help.

"In March, 1953, we commenced play on the new lawns. We approached the City Council again in August, 1953, for an old army building for our use as a club room. We were granted the building and agreed to pay the cost of removal and alterations to suit our purpose. In November the building was placed in position at the greens, and has since been altered to serve as a club house.

"Labour and top-soil have been a heavy expense. Since commencing the work, we have spent on labour £201/5/ and on top-soil £135. The cost of removal of the building was £80 and alterations £128/14/6. The purchase of a power mower was £127/10/. Since planting the lawns we have spent approximately £700 on the property.

"This is a marvellous achievement for a small ladies' club, and we are justly proud of the result. This has been made possible only by the zealous interest of our members, and the practical help and advice received from a few members of the West Toowoomba Bowling Club and greenkeeper, Mr. W. Weidon.

"There is still much to be done, and considerable funds will need to be raised in the forthcoming year to maintain the lawns.

"Evening bridge parties held once a month in Mrs. J. Flegler's home have increased our income by £63/-17/. Jumble stalls and a monthly 'bring-and-buy' proved successful means of revenue.

"In the playing field we have been interested and active.

"In March we entered a pennant team for the Darling Downs Pennant. We extend congratulations to the Toowoomba Croquet Club, winners of the 1953 pennant.

"Mrs. C. J. Searle, club champion, competed in the Downs champion of champions event. Mrs. Hoey (St. Andrew's Club, Allora) was the winner and we congratulate her.

"Members of our club entered for events in the Darling Downs annual tournament and the metropolitan tournament held in Brisbane thereby gaining valued experience. Mrs. J. Doyle brought honour to the club by winning the B Grade event in the metropolitan tournament.

"The club's birthday party was held in the bowlers' pavilion in February, and members from other Downs clubs were our guests. Mrs. R. Apelt was hostess to members and social members at her home, at a Christmas party.

"During the year several new members were admitted and, as there are still vacancies, ladies wishing to join us in this splendid field of recreation will be made welcome.

"The prosperity of any club depends on each member, her love of the game, her enthusiasm and willingness to co-operate.

"As your retiring president, I wish to thank you for your generous help and co-operation at all times. My special thanks are due to my executive and I know the incoming officers will receive your loyal co-operation during the coming year.

"I also thank members and friends who have given donations of money and prizes for bridge and competitions."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 8 February 1954. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)