Harry Parsons

Horace Stuart Parsons Date of Birth: Nov 26, 1884

Died 16th March 1952

Another local boy who was called in to play for the reserves on occasion. Harry holds the distinction of scoring the first Luton goal at Kenilworth Road, netting in a morning reserve game against Watford before the ‘main event’ against Plymouth in September 1905.

Harry made one first team appearance in the United League in 1904-05 at wing-half.

Obituary taken from the Luton News:

“A former player for the 1st and 2nd XI’s of Luton Town Cricket Club and Luton Town F.C. respectively, Mr Horace Stuart Parsons of 103, Biscot-road, Luton died in the Luton and Dunstable Hospital on Sunday. He was 67.

‘Snip’ was educated at the Waller-street Higher Grade School. When he left he started work with Hayward-Tyler and Co. Ltd., moving to Vauxhall Motors Ltd in 1924. A skilled tool turner, he stayed with them until his retirement in 1949, after receiving a gold watch for 25 years’ service.

Besides playing cricket for the Luton club, Mr. Parsons was at different times a member of Vauxhall Motors C.C. and the Westbourne C.C. In recent years he was scorer for the Town 1st XI and he also umpired at times.

As a footballer, he was credited with scoring the first goal ever on the Town F.C.’s ground while playing for the Reserves.

He was captain of the Beds County football team from 1910-14, during which time they won the Southern Counties Amateur Championship, and also played for Luton Clarence. Mr Parsons was for many years a member of the Luton Liberal Club and was a very keen gardener.

He leaves a widow and two daughters. Cremation will be at Golders Green to-day, following a service at the house conducted by the Rev. H.L. Hensman of King-street Congregational Church."

CRICKETERS’ TRIBUTE

“Chiltern’ writes

"The passing of ‘Snip’ Parsons is a grievous blow to the Town Cricket Club who lost several of their old stalwarts in recent years. Like the late Bill Emery, ‘Snip’ was one of those who would turn his hand to anything for the good of the club.

In latter years he had been scorer to the first team, but willingly forsook his book an pencil for the umpire’s white coat when necessity arose.

Then, late last season when help was needed in the preparation of wickets, ‘Snip’ was one to whom the club turned and, once again, he did a fine job most willingly.

Before the Town C.C. committee meeting began on Monday, members observed a minutes silence in his memory and everybody realised that he leaves a another gap that will be tremendously hard to fill.

In his younger days he played football and cricket with much enthusiasm, and he made a valuable contribution of both games locally"