Opening of Extensions at Minworth Social Club, 1967

Coleshill Chronicle, 24 March 1967

Opening of £10,000 extensions at Minworth Social Club

Extensions costing in the region of £10,000 were opened at Minworth Social Club and Institute by club chairman Alderman L Chaffey, who is also chairman of the Upper Tame Main Drainage Authority.

The Alderman is seen standing in the lower picture (above) with officials and guests, including Councillor Norman Edwards, chairman of the Meriden Rural Council.

In the top picture are committee members who are taking advantage of the new bar and lounge.

Chairman of the Minworth Club’s Management Committee, Mr Eric Haynes, welcomed a gathering of over 100 people.

Special guests were Mr MR Vincent-Daviss, chief engineer to the UTMDA; Mr Arthur J Wright, clerk to the Authority Councillor Norman Edwards; Sergeant Brown of Sutton Coldfield Crime Prevention Squad; Mr CMG Keeping, the architect in charge of the extensions; Mr John Harding, architect’s office; Mr Norman Paulin, vice-president; Mr Ron Henshaw and Mr Richard Birkenshaw, directors of the Star Wood Company, Coleshill; Mr Maurice Mead, also representing Morris Wines; Mr T Fenton, New Inns; and Mr H Mullarey, Hare and Hounds Hotel; together with past officers of the Social Club, and many representatives of the licensing trades.

Alderman Chaffey expressed, as chairman of the Authority, his delight to be given the privilege of opening the extensions which included a lounge and a complete new bar, together with spacious entrance hall and ladies’ toilets.

He said it was clear the club was going from strength to strength and was prepared to give its ever-growing list of members the best facilities in the district.

“I bring to you the very best wishes of my Authority and thanks to Mr Keeping for his work as architect on the extensions. I wish the management and members continued success,” he said as he opened the extensions.

Bouquets were presented on behalf of the club by the stewardess Mrs Rose Williams, to Alderman Chaffey and Mrs Chaffey, and also to Mrs CMG Keeping.

The evening concluded with a free buffet, and entertainment was provided by Mr “Buggs” Rossiter on the electric organ accompanied by drums.

Photos taken by NF Paulin of the club and its new extensions, circa 1967

March 26, 2021 0

Meeting of Good Samaritans, Walmley, 1959

Coleshill Chronicle, 21 Mar 1959

Meeting of the “Good Samaritans”

The annual meeting of the “Good Samaritans” at the Fox Inn, Walmley, was well supported and augers well for the work that is needed to again provide local aged people with a Christmas dinner and concert.

It was reported by the treasurer, Mr S Smith, that the balance of £33 from last year’s working was less than previous years, but it was pointed out that gifts of money had been raised to 10s instead of the usual five.

Officers elected were: President, Mr Norman Paulin; Chairman Mr WR Masters; secretary and treasurer, Mr S Smith; committee Mr and Mrs F Kendrill, Mr and Mrs C Cliffe, Mr W Baldwin, Mrs N Paulin, Mr R Robinson and Mr E Jones.

March 24, 2021 0

First Sun, then showers at Minworth’s Junior Sports, 1961

Coleshill Chronicle, 25 August 1961

First Sun, Then Showers at Minworth’s Junior Sports

Sunshine welcomed the early visitors to the 13^th annual Children’s Sports, organized by the Minworth Social Club, on Saturday, but the sun had been replaced by dark clouds by the time the record entry of 32 paraded for the fancy dress competition.

The judges, Alderman Mrs KE Smith, Mrs N Paulin and Mr T Walker, had a difficult job, but returned their verdict just before rain caused the 20 minute postponement of the actual sports.

The running track was crowded with parents and friends urging on their children, and some exciting races resulted. Trophies presented to the boy and girl with the highest number of points were awarded to Patricia Hemmings and Trevor Barnes, both of whom scored seven points.

Sports secretary Mr H Masters said that sports activities in Minworth were rapidly expanding and he praised the work of the president, vice-presidents and members of the social club and local tradespeople.

…

March 22, 2021 0

Harvest Festival at Acock’s Green, 1886

Coleshill Chronicle, 25 Sep 1886

Harvest Festival at Acock’s Green

On Wednesday evening last the inhabitants of Acocks Green held their harvest festival. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, under the general superintendence of Mr Rogers; the decorators being the Misses Barwell. King, Phillips, and Rogers; their assistants, the Misses Cooke, Onions, Stirk, Robinson, Wood and Paulin. The service was sung by the Rev HJ Ward, MA, Vicar of Morville, and the sermon preached by the Rev Canon Dickins, MA, Vicar of Tardebigge.

In addition to the festival the opportunity was taken of opening eight new stained-glass windows, which have been presented to the church to commemorate those who have taken an active part in its work. The windows have been executed by Messrs John Hardman and Co, and are very fine specimens of art.

The west window has been filled with painted glass in memory of the late John Field Swinburn, Esq, JP, who was a very liberal patron to all things connected with the church, vicarage, and schools. The subjects chosen for illustration are “Our Lord in the midst of the Doctors,” and “The Centurion appealing to Our Lord on behalf of his servant.” They were chosen to represent the love which the deceased had for education, and the reverence which he felt for the person of our Lord.

The subjects are placed under lofty canopies on a background of ruby, covered with rich branch-work of the vine. In the tracery Our Lord is offering a crown of glory to His faithful ones, whilst He Himself is surrounded by Cherubim and stars, and in the quatrefoils are angels bearing the harvest of good works to be garnered in Heaven.

The west window of the south aisle is filled in memory of Edith Alice Bradford; and being near the font, has for its subjects “The Baptism of Our Lord,” and “Our Lord blessing little children, who from all nations are gathered around Him.” In the tracery the Holy Ghost appears as a dove, descending upon the font.

March 20, 2021 0

Dramatic Club, Acock’s Green, 1880

Coleshill Chronicle, 21 Feb 1880

Dramatic Club – The Amateur Dramatic Club gave a special performance on the 11^th, repeating it on the 12^th, in consequence of the Public Hall not being large enough to accommodate the numerous applications for tickets. The piece chosen for this occasion was a considerable portion of Dusisetti’s favourite opera of “Lucia di Lammemore,” and the greatest praise is due to the committee of management for the excellent manner in which it was put upon the stage, the scenery and appointments being all that could be desired, and the acting and singing generally such as we rarely neet with wont of professional circles. The part of “Lord Edgar,” was taken by Mr HR Piercy; “Sir Henry Ashton” by Mr John Dale; Sir Arthur Stocklow, Mr Arthur Dobbs, [Illegible] Mr FW Smith and Norman by Mr Charles Banks; all of whom gave unmistakable proofs of dramatic, combined with musical talents. The heroine of the piece, Lucy Ashton, was played by Miss Lizzie Preston, and from the great progress that this young lady is making in the dramatic art, we venture to predict that she will sometime be looked upon as a valuable adjunct to a talented operatic corps. Miss Constance Smith was very good as Alice, and sustained her part with her usual correctness, both musical and dramatic. The performance concluded with a musical adaptation of the well known extravaganza of “Bombastes Feriosio” but now called “Artemosone ye Great” the characters being sustained by Mr AD Adams, Mr A Dubbs, and Master Paulin, Miss Constance Smith rendering her valuable [illegible] in keeping the audience in that continual rear of laughter which always waits upon this truly clever baroque. The music (by Anderson) is very good, but there is a sameness about it that we think might have been avoided if the incidental songs had been sung to their original melodies. The dramatic band was in full force on the occasion, and was most deservedly applauded. We are much pleased to see that the whole of the performances are to be repeated at a lower rate of admission, and we think that few persons in the neighbourhood of Acock’s Green will willingly miss so great a treat.

March 18, 2021 0

County Festival of Food and Flowers, 1975

Coleshill Chronicle, 23 May 1975

Tamworth Youth Centre, packed with mouth-watering foods and eye-catching flower arrangements was the scene of an annual county event on Saturday.

Over 50 young people representing seven areas of Staffordshire gathered at the centre for the County Festival of Food and Flowers.

Lichfield and Tamworth who entered three Lichfield girls Jackie Brooks, Jill Edwards and Dale O’Callaghan in the flower arranging contests, were beaten by Newcastle, and came equal second with Cannock and Rugeley. In the cooking stakes Tamworth youngsters Kay Atkins, Julie Dodd, Sheena Gibson, Karen Leedham, Philip Brassington and Andrew Clancy were a bit disappointed in coming equal third behind Uttoxeter and winners Leek and Cheadle.

Sixteen year old Andy Clancy said, “We’ve had great fun making the food event if we didn’t win.”

Solar Supper

Philip Brassington, who is 19, was quick to point out that he and Andy had volunteered to help out with Tamworth’s Solar Supper, the title of their buffet which included star shaped sandwiches and candies in the form of rockets.

We just thought we’d have a go, and we’ve had a great time, he said.

A strict budget of £4.20 prevented over-spending on food, and the buffet was intended to be sufficient to satisfy 20 hungry people.

Mrs Audrey Cussins, a school meals organiser at Coventry selected the winning meals and added that the results without exception were excellent.

The floral arrangements were judged by Mrs Beryl Siers, the Midland area representative of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies, who said the standard of entries was very much higher than last year.

Councillor Mrs Doris Robinson, vice-chairman of the County Education Committee presented the winders certificates and praised the excellent standard of the Staffordshire Youth Service.

Admiration for the competitors also came from Mr Colin Tanner, the Area Youth and Community Advisory Officer, who said after the festival, “I was very pleased, the standard young people reach never ceases to amaze me.”

March 16, 2021 0

Mrs Siers judges flower show, 1967

Coleshill Chronicle, 22 Sep 1967

Win for President

Mrs E North, presided at Curdworth Women’s Institute’s September meeting.

The over 60s party fund was discussed taking into account the rising cost and the number of senior parishioners. It was decided that the fund would be called the Over 65s party fund, in which people of 65, widows of 60 years and the infirm would be eligible.

This year, Christmas gifts would be distributed instead of holding a party. It was hoped the new village hall would be ready in time for next year’s party. Christmas gift application forms will be available in local shops and will be advertised in the press.

Mrs G Drando, produce secretary, invited Mrs Siers and Mrs Thirlby to adjudicate at the show which was won by the president with 45 points. Second place was a tie between Mrs M Tranter and Mrs A Widgley, both with 21 points. Mrs P Roberts was third with 19 points.

The show attracted an increased number of entries. Mr Ray Walters was the pianist.

March 14, 2021 0

Flower Arranging at Canwell Women’s Institute, 1969

Coleshill Chronicle, 27 Jun 1969

Flower Arranging at Canwell WI

A delightfully warm June evening was the perfect setting for the flower-arranging demonstrations given to the Canwell Women’s Institute by Mrs B Siers.

Mrs B Siers expertly demonstrated her skill and artistry in the beautiful and varied arrangements that she created; surely an inspiration to members to try their hand. Mrs B Hodder thanked Mrs Siers.

The Canwell delegate to the AGM at the Albert Hall, Mrs G Harris, has been enthralled by the events and gave an interesting account of the proceedings.

The competition for flower arrangement in an egg cup, kindly judged by Mrs Siers, was won by Mrs M Myatt, with Mrs M Robinson and Mrs G Summers taking second and third places.

March 12, 2021 0

School Girl Wins, 1966

Birmingham Daily Post, 1 Aug 1966

Schoolgirl wins

A schoolgirl, Andrea Siers, aged 15, of Trinity Road, Four Oaks, beat five adults to win first prize in the flower arrangement section at Sutton Coldfield Horticultural Society’s annual show on Saturday.

March 10, 2021 0

NF Paulin presents trophy, 1958

Coleshill Chronicle, 31 May 1958

Ron Anderson, the Bound Brook FC Captain, receiving the Sutton Dispensary Cup from Mr NF Paulin, president of the league a the Sutton and District Football League’s annual presentation of awards, held at Minworth Social Club.

March 8, 2021 0