Son of Oswestry to be remembered in ceremony

The event has been organised by the Everton Football Club Heritage Society in partnership with Oswestry Town Council and will see a headstone unveiled at the previously unmarked grave of one of the region's earlies football stars.

Parry, who was raised in Oswestry and spent his later years in the town, was a member of the first Everton team to secure the Football League Championship in 1890/91 when the club was still based at Anfield and made 94 appearances for the Toffees.

Charles Parry, pictured in his Everton kit in 1895. Picture by Colorsport.

Parry won 13 Wales caps, captaining his country on four occasions, and also went on to win the Welsh Cup with Aberystwyth Town in 1900.

During his playing career he also represented Chester St Oswald’s, Liverpool Caledonian, Newtown and Oswestry Town before his death in 1922 aged 52 from tuberculosis.

A road in Oswestry continues to be named in Mr Parry's memory.

Now the memory of one of Oswestry's forgotten sons is set to be honoured with the unveiling of a headstone at his grave with a ceremony taking place at 11.30am on Friday, March 1 at Oswestry Town Cemetery.

The event is supported by Everton FC, the Football Association of Wales (FAW), the National Football Collection and the Parry family with representatives from TNS and Aberystwyth Town also expected to attend.

Charles Parry (front row, left) with Wales in 1895

Brendan Connolly, chairman of EFC Heritage Society, said: "This is another opportunity to recognise a former player and the Parry family.

"Charlie made a significant contribution to the history of our great club. I would like to thank Rob Sawyer for his hard work in ensuring our latest project will be delivered.

"Thanks also to Everton Football Club for their ongoing support and Oswestry Town Council for their assistance with this particular project."