This small silver trophy has enjoyed pride of place on a shelf in Jacqueline Lowley’s living room for many years.
Presented by Leeds Town Council to a Mr Samuel Waite in 1863, the family heirloom was passed onto great-grandmother Mrs Lowley, 75, when her mother died several decades ago.
Now, Mrs Lowley is trying to find out more about the history of the cup, which commemorates one man’s struggle to defend the rights of cricketers on Woodhouse Moor in Leeds.
The cup, dated October 27 1863, was given to her mother – who was born in Woodhouse – by one of her home-help customers almost 50 years ago.
Mrs Lowley, who lives in Tingley, said: “I wouldn’t want to part with it because the cup means a lot to me and it meant a lot to my late mother.
“She lived with me in Meanwood when she died and she had it on display in the living room. I’ve kept it ever since; she was very fond of it.
“Then I saw the letter in the YEP about why Woodhouse Moor is called Woodhouse Moor and I thought it might be nice to find out a bit more about Samuel Waite and the trophy.
“My daughter-in-law did some internet research but she couldn’t really find anything out. I think it’s beautiful and it’s nice to have something from all those years ago.”
The wording reads: “Presented to Mr Samuel Waite for his efficient Services as chairman and in collecting Subscriptions to defend the Rights of Cricketers on Woodhouse Moor against the Bye Laws of the Leeds Town Council.”
The mum-of-three, who has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, said: “He must have played or supported cricket. Perhaps they banned playing cricket from Woodhouse Moor and he got the ban overturned.
“I wouldn’t give the cup away but I would consider lending it out to any exhibitions. It would just be nice to know a bit more about it.”
* Do you know anything about Samuel Waite or the cup’s history? Email: suzanne.mctaggart@ypn.co.uk
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