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.

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Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1940

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Monday 30^th Dec. 1940

Dear Wilf [Charles Wilfrid Paulin]

Received your Most Welcome letter, it had been examined, OK, yes dear we have been through the mill. Very near to us, 3 lots of fronts and windows blown out. Have been staying with Hilda the last two weeks. She is out of danger area. Got worn out staying in the cellar for 7 to 8 hours nightly. 11 hours one night, then a land mine dropped a short distance from PB Station. So I packed up in the morning. Have to come back for rations and to see my sister, who is in the Infirmary (89 Years of Age). Time flies. Would like to see you, as family man, also George, perhaps some day, you will let us have a family group, also of George and his wife. Have sent your letter to Hilda. She will be so pleased. Do you remember helping me with the under garments- it was a great pity I had to sacrifice the shop, after working so hard. Almost gave the stock away. Never mind, I have my pension of 22/6 weekly and the best children in the world.

I am living in a 3 room cottage, up the passage in front of the old shop- we are having a lull now- so staying home.

We hear planes going over at Hilda’s and get heavy gunfire, shakes the windows, but they go to bed

[second page]

or could not carry over Hilda working over her certificate, Grace Public Assistance, Norman and his daughter are at Dunlop’s.

I thank you very much and George for the kind offer to help. We are OK, many things rationed, but can find something to take their place, can assure you we are far from starving, as Hilda would have you believe. Have only been to town once since the Raids- promised to meet Hilda in lunch hour- but the sights upset me, cause straight back- Poor Brum- this is no secret- published in the papers and I guess you have seen it in News pictures, my sister had- You little know how brave everybody is- bombed shops open next morning without windows and some have their goods outside. Still carry on and will do so until Hitler is wiped off the map. May it be soon- Give my love to your wife and children, also George and wife, the same to Uncle Fred and family when you see them. Lyn does predictions have all come true so far thought it might interest you- writing over to save bulk. Wishing you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for remembering us

Hugs and love from

Aunt Emmie

[Emma Jane Paulin nee Jennings]

October 11, 2019 0