Luton Town Football Club is now 133 years old and has been at the heart of the community for all this time – a longevity record which would be tough to beat, writes ROGER WASH, Hatters Heritage chairman.
I can recall my grandfather regaling me with stories of games and incidents from his supporting life – Bob Hawkes, the club’s first superstar; Andy Rennie, who used to swing his leg from the hip to produce rocket shots with a heavy leather football; Joe Payne, who netted ten goals in a game in 1936, and Jesse Pye, the finest footballer he ever saw.
I just wish that I had the forethought and ability to record his memories, and those of his friends, for future generations to enjoy, but there is now a once in a lifetime opportunity to finally record, preserve and share all items of interest from the club’s rich history. Whether it is programmes, press cuttings, photographs, cups, medals, shirts or, indeed, memories, it is vital that the club’s heritage is fully recorded and documented.
Hatters Heritage has been formed with the stated objective ‘of the advancement of education to benefit the public by encouraging the preservation and appreciation of the heritage and history of Luton Town FC’.
The first aim is to design and build a comprehensive website to include match reports, programmes and photographs for every competitive game played, together with player biographies plus audio and video recordings of player and supporter memories.
To this end Hatters Heritage has applied for Heritage Lottery funding to help with what will be a mammoth task. Input will of course be welcomed from all supporters, especially younger fans who are tech savvy!
To become a member of Hatters Heritage an annual subscription will cost £10, or £2 for under-16s. If you are interested, please contact our secretary Phil Hucklesby at Philippe.Hucklesby@gmail.com.
Membership entitles you to an exclusive pin badge, discounted entry for social events (please see below for the latest planned evening), and regular communications from Hatters Heritage about the progress of the website and of the group as a whole.
HATTERS’ HERITAGE INVITES YOU TO AN EVENING WITH WAYNE TURNER AND MICK HARFORD
On Wednesday 5th September, starting at 7pm in the Eric Morecambe Suite at Kenilworth Road, the Hatters’ Heritage Committee would like to invite you to an evening with Wayne Turner and Mick Harford, when it is expected they will give a short talk followed by a question and answer session.
It should be a very interesting evening as they both enjoyed good playing careers with Luton Town FC and were later also involved in management.
Admission for Adult HH members is £2 and £5 to non-members. £1 to HH Junior members and £2 to Junior non-members. Payment will be on the night at the door. Free parking available in the club’s car park.
We hope to see you then. Everyone welcome.