Just prior to the 1920’s there were four croquet clubs in Bunbury, The Four C’s (renamed Koombana), Municipal, Central and Moorabinda.
The Four C’s was established in 1914.
President: Mrs W J Ford Secretary: Mrs Seldon
Although not listed anywhere, it seems most likely it used the small grass area behind the Wesley Church.
In 1915, the Koombana Croquet Club was formed. They were definitely situated behind the Wesley Church (demolished in 1978).
Known Presidents: S. W. Edwards (1917), Mrs Ford (1918) and Mrs Woodhead (1919-1925)
Known Secrataries: Mrs Selden (1915), Mrs Ford (1917), Miss Brittain (1919), Mrs Mitchell Elliot.
1923
- President: Mrs Woodhead
- Vice President: Mrs Stewart
- Greens Committee: Mrs Stewart, Mr W Brittain, Mrs Smith
- Committee: Miss M Oakley, Mrs Adams,Mrs Cope, Mrs Reading, Mrs Jackson, Miss Dermer
- Miss Dermer was the Singles Champion
The club disbanded at the beginning of the 1924 season mainly due to the shortage of water and the restricted hours for watering, which was insufficient to maintain the lawn.
At their final meeting early in 1925, It was agreed to donte the balance of their funds (£13 /10) to the local hospital, the Nursing Association and The Fresh Air League Appeal (I had to go find out what it was).
The history of the Fresh Air League can be found here.
Pictured below is Eastern Goldfields Fresh Air League children at Bunbury, 1919
The Children of the Goldfields Fresh Air League in Bunbury (not dated)
The history of the Municipal Club is a little murkier.
The first reference I can find is from 1917. The club is listed as playing at the rear of the Council Chambers in Stephen Street and later, at Queens Park. This places it in conflict with Central Croquet Club who were definitely playing at Queens Park. My sense though is that the were playing on what we now know as Centennary Gardens.
Known Presidents: Mrs Marsh, Mrs W L Thomas, Mrs E F Holtzam, Mrs Haycox
Known Secretaries: Mrs Thomas, Mrs Higgins, Mrs Stone.
Their relationship with the Town Council did seem tenuous at times.
No events were published after 1926.
