HISTORY

A little bit of history. Sir Oliver Lodge, an eminent scientist and socialist, was the first person to transmit radio waves along a wire in 1888, and later he went on to invent electric spark ignition for the petrol engine.

He and his wife, Mary, had six girls and six boys and two of the boys, Brodie and Alec, went on to found the Lodge Spark Plug Company and to invent high-tension ignition, building upon their father’s work. In late 1949 the Lodge Plug Company was floated on the stock exchange and Brodie Lodge retired on the proceeds, buying Flore House and the land around it.

In the early 1960’s Brodie Lodge offered to sell the playing field to Flore Parish Council. The price was more than the parish could then afford, and so he decided TO donate the field to the villagers. In 1999 a group of villagers decided to a charitable trust and management commitee which is how the playing field is still adminstered.

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Since 1999 the field has been enhanced to provide an extended Pavilion building, a childrens' playground, football pitches, a skateboard ramp and most recently a petanque terrain.

This is a picture of Mr Francis Brodie-Lodge with his dog, Joe, and it was taken in March, 1932. Mr Francis Brodie-Lodge is one who gave the playing field in trust to the village.