Celebrations for 90 years of JW Hunt Cup magic

Laughter and surprises were the name of the game at the 90th anniversary celebration of the historic JW Hunt Cup that sees amateur footballers battles it out for the right to appear at Molinuex.

Launched in 1926, the competition has raised £308,000 to help blind residents since its creation.

The gathering, at the Goodyear Pavilion, in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, was part of a series of activities being held to mark the milestone.

Walter Wakeman, left, in 1973 when he was manager of John Harper Football Club

Proceeds from the popular competition are donated to Beacon Centre for the Blind.

At the event the competition's former secretary and treasurer Walter Wakeman was presented with an engraved glass decanter in recognition of his more than 35 years service to the football cup.

Short Heath United FC, one of the original teams to play in the first year of the J.W. Hunt Cup, in 1926

Mr Wakeman, 86, of Lodge Road, Oxley, was invited to become secretary in 1985 replacing Peter Crane, before taking on the treasurer's role in 1994 - a post he gave up only last year.

The trophy is named in memory of John William Hunt, a businessman and benefactor who founded the local Chillington Tool Company and was a supporter of charities in the area.

Mr John W. Hunt, founder of Chillington Tool Co. Ltd

Mr Wakeman, also a retired referee, says: "The whole idea for the JW Hunt Cup was to raise money for the Blind Institute that was based almost opposite Molinuex in Waterloo Road. The first final was held in 1927 when it cost only pence to go and watch.

"It is wonderful that the competition has been running for so long. It's not just about me. A lot of other people have been tireless in their work for it."

He was presented with the special gift by Wolverhampton Wanderers club secretary Richard Skirrow, who praised him for his dedication to the sport.

Teams that compete come from a 40-mile radius from the Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire Football Associations and the final is held at Molineux. The inaugural winners were Short Heath United, who beat Cannon Iron.

The silver trophy which has distinctive 'crocodile' design handles has been won by Tividale FC for the last two years and was on display at the event along with memorabilia collected by the cup's committee over the decades, including winning team photographs, players' badges, and medals.

Chillington's trademark was the 'crocodile', and this was incorporated into the cup.

Cup president Alex Hamil, of Ettingshall Park, said: "We are very proud to be in our 90th year and are looking forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary. There used to be thousands of these competitions all over the place, now there are just a few so I'm very proud to see still going we hope to see it carry on for many years to come.

Without people like Walter this competition just wouldn't happen. We appreciate everything that he's done."

Around 60 supporters of the cup including referees and former players attended the event that included a buffet and a raffle with proceeds going the Beacon Centre for the Blind based in Sedgley Road East.

Earlier this year an exhibition of cup memorabilia was held at the Black Country Living Museum.