Raymond: A Day of Commemoration of the Lodge Family and the First World War

As part of an event entitled ‘A Weekend of Commemoration and Hope for the Future: Stories of the First World War from Edgbaston and Ladywood’, there will be a day dedicated to Raymond Lodge at St George’s Church, Edgbaston on Saturday 19th September 2015.

A Day of Commemoration of the Lodge Family and the First World War, Saturday 19th September, 2015

Our focus is on Raymond Lodge, who was killed at the age of 26 on the Somme in September 1915 and his family, including Sir Oliver Lodge, the scientist, academic and psychical investigator. The family lived opposite the church and a memorial to Raymond was placed by his parents in St George’s. There will be a seminar and exhibition of memorabilia focussing on Raymond, his family and Birmingham connections.

There will be presentations and exhibits from academic contributors and members of the Lodge family.

Programme:-

10.30: Registration, coffee and viewing of memorabilia.

11.00: Dr Jim Mussell, Associate Professor, The University of Leeds and Principal Investigator on ‘Making Waves: Oliver Lodge and the Cultures of Science, 1875-1940′ talks on “Sir Oliver Lodge in Birmingham”.

12.00: Julian Godlee, great-grandson of Oliver Lodge, sings from A E Houseman’s A Shropshire Lad set to music by Butterworth: ‘Loveliest of Trees’, ‘With Rue my Heart is Laden’, ‘The Lads in their Hundreds’, ‘In Summertime on Bredon’.

Lunch: eat out locally or bring a picnic and eat in the church or its grounds.

14.00: Nicholas Godlee, grandson of Oliver Lodge, talks on ” Raymond Lodge 1889 – 1915”.

14.30: Audio and film prepared by the Lodge family.

15.00: Julie Carter talks on “Sir Oliver Lodge; mediumship, séances and survival”

15.30: Rev Canon Dr Georgina Byrne, Worcester Cathedral talks on “Religion and Spiritualism during the First World War”. Canon Byrne is the author of Modern Spiritualism and the Church of England, 1850-1939 (2010).

Registration is free but necessary. Voluntary donations to the Church ‘Let the Stones Live’ restoration fund, with Gift Aid where appropriate, will be welcome on the day.

Please register with:- Dr S Jane Darnton, E: janedarnton@btinternet.com or T: 0121 440 7813 by Saturday 12th September, 2015.

On Sunday the 20th September, 10.30am, there will be a morning church service at which the congregation, including members of the Lodge family, will seek to commemorate and to commit themselves to the making of peace for the future and to all that makes for a strong community and society. During the memorial service we shall dedicate a Peace Garden planted by our children in the Church grounds.