Minworth Social Football Club – The Amazing Paulin(e) Family

Coleshill Chronicle, 28 Jun 1968

Disappointing season for Minworth

The annual general meeting of the Minworth Social Football Club was held at their headquarters on Monday night being attended by most of the last seasons, playing staff together with president, Mr Norman Paulin and members of committee.

Mr VH Gregory, Chairman, opened the proceedings by welcoming players and officials and introduced secretary Mr Kenneth Dewell to present the minutes of the previous annual meeting. In his report Mr Gregory thanked the players and officials who had supported the club during what he said had been a rather disappointing season.

The team, as holders of the Lewis Cup again entered the final but were beaten by Grendon WMC and for the remainder of the season Mr Gregory said had been the victims of circumstances that had finally led to the club withdrawing from the Sutton and District League.

Mr Gregory announced that next season the club would enter fresh fields and while stronger opposition would be forthcoming it was hoped by taking the plunge into the Premier Mercian Division of the Birmingham Youths and Old Boys League the challenge would be accepted by players and officials alike.

Whole

Mr Norman Paulin who was re-elected as president, called upon the players to give their whole hearted support and reminded them that the clubs success remained largely in their hands.

Mr Dewell gave the treasurers report and stated that the cost of organising junior football was continuing to rise.

Officers elected to serve for season 1968-69 were: President, Mr Norman Paulin; vice presidents Mr HR Masters, Mr J Oseland, Mr JRF Smith, Mr E Haynes, Mr WR Masters and Mr E Lightwood; chairman Mr VH Gregory, secretary-treasurer, Mr K Dewell, committee: Messrs R Garbett, S Dixon, E Lightwood, G Perkins, with the co-option of Captain when elected.

Minworth commence their programme on August 24.

Coleshill Chronicle 14 July 1964

Cheers! These most happy fellas sipped beer from a five plat trophy which Minworth Social Football Club won last season. The trophy is the Sutton League’s Lewis Cup, which was one of the trophies handed over to the team at the club’s presentation night. Last season the team were runners-up in the Founders Cup and the Sutton Charity Cup. Holding on to the cup is the team’s vice captain John Dowling and in the centre is pictured the club’s president, Mr NF Paulin.

Minworth Hand out the Medals

Minworth Social held their presentation evening on Friday, when guests included the club’s president, Mr Norman Paulin, a former president of the Sutton Amateur Football League, and vice-president Mr Howard Masters and Mr Jack Smith.

Mr Paulin handed over the Lewis Cup to the Minworth captain, and Mr H Masters presented the Founders Cup runners-up award.

Twelve months previously, Mr Masters had challenged the club to win a trophy, and on Friday evening he said he was glad to find that the players had taken up his challenge and brought some silverware to the club’s headquarters.

Having achieved a little success, why not go a little further, Mr Masters said.

“Minworth are one of the oldest clubs in the Sutton League – and they have never won a top division championship. Set your eyes on the premier title for next season,” he said.

Mr Jack Smith presented the Sutton Coldfield Charity Cup awards, a final in which Minworth were heavily beaten.

“But,” said Mr Smith, “the result was flattering to say the least in favour of Sutton Town. Minworth gave a good display against formidable opponents, and although defeated the Social had won merit not only for themselves but also for the Sutton League.

Players who received awards included: John Griffin, captian, John Downing, vice-captain, Keith Garbett, Dennis Dixon, Terry Hopkins, Alan Gardner, Bob Rankin, Barry Williams, Colin Dixon, Michael Perkins, Colin Reynolds, Billy Coleman and Billy Chapman.

Mr Paulin brought the presentation to an end by handing Dennis Dixon a goal-scoring medal. He finished last season as top goal-snatcher in the premier division.

The players pulled a smart surprise when vice captain John Downing called on chairman V Gregory, secretary K Dewell, trainer Reg Garbett and committee man Alan Downing to receive awards in recognition of work each had performed on behalf of the club.