A blue plaque is set to be unveiled in Luton to honour the ‘Lost Lionesses’, the pioneers of international women’s tournament football in the 1970s as part of Heritage Open Days – England’s largest festival of history and culture taking place this month.
Crawley Green Sports and Social Club will be the location of a Football Association-endorsed blue plaque unveiling on Saturday (September 16, 2pm), to honour Chiltern Valley Ladies FC & British Independents and commemorate the huge contribution Harry and June Batt made to the establishment of women’s football between 1967 and 1972.
Luton buss driver Harry’s vision and belief in the Women’s game drove his ambition to have it recognised at home and on the international stage despite being it banned by the FA.
The couple started Chiltern Valley Ladies FC, playing only on park pitches due to the FA 1921 ban stopping women playing on FA affiliated grounds.
They made Crawley Green Recreation Ground their home and set the blueprint of how women’s football could grow to the point today where England’s Lionesses got the World Cup Final, having been crowned European champions last summer.
But back in the late 60s and 70s, as well as Chiltern Valley the Batts also formed the British Independent’s team comprising of local players and players scouted from all over England.
They played in tournaments abroad and were known as Inglaterra (England) as there was no Women’s Football Association-affiliated England Women’s team before 1972.
They played in the 1969 European Cup held in Italy; the first women’s World Cup in 1970, also held in Italy, the second World Cup, the following year in Mexico and the 1972 European Tournament, again held in Italy.
The Batts were involved in forming the Women’s Football Association (WFA) in 1969, this later became part of the FA in 1993.
More Heritage Open Day events in Luton this month
Some of Luton’s heritage spots and its rich history can be enjoyed until 17 September as the town takes part in Heritage Open Days, which are a nationwide chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free because of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
People can learn about St Mary’s Church which has stood at the heart of Luton for 900 years, and tour an Edwardian steam mill in the heart of Luton which underwent a transformation in 2015. The UK Centre for Carnival Arts and More Luton is hosting an immersive multimedia exhibition in honour of the 75th Windrush anniversary.
The Luton Beatz Lab will be exploring how to create vintage-sounding beats and melodies from old vinyl and cassettes.
People can explore the history of Luton Town Football Club with a local historian on a walk that takes in the locations that trace the path of the formation of the club.
Cllr Javed Hussain, Portfolio Holder responsible for heritage at Luton Council, said: “Luton’s sense of place is anchored through its heritage and this year there will once again be a great programme of events taking place across the town. There is the chance to have a look around buildings and spaces that are not usually open to the public, and to find out interesting facts about the town’s history.
“There is a real mix of events from historical tours to immersive experiences so you don’t have to be a history buff to get involved. Luton is ever-evolving, and we really hope people join us as we discover and celebrate our town’s dynamic past, and uncover the stories that underpin our unique community”.
The free Heritage Open Days full list can be found on the Heritage Open Days website.
Bookable events are listed on Eventbrite.
