LOFA - Lesisure & Outdoor Furniture Association

Frank Odell Dies

LOFA Press release – November 2003

Frank Odell first founder Chairman of LOFA dies.

Frank Odell, the first Chairman of LOFA and latterly Honorary Member died on the evening 26th November. This was almost the 36-year anniversary date since LOFA was formed. In many ways he was the inspiration for the founding of LOFA and indeed a major factor in the development of the garden furniture and barbecue industry in the UK.

After departing from Nazi Germany to the UK in 1939, Frank settled in England to become, as one newspaper put it, "to be more British than the British". Renown for his sense of humour and sharp wit, he was very cultured in his interest and worked diligently for a variety of charities.

His first venture in 1960 was to form the garden furniture company, L E Gant Ltd. where in 1968 he began his life long association and friendship with Brian Lee. After selling L E Gant Ltd., together they formed the barbecue manufacturing and suppliers Frank Odell Ltd., which went on to be one of the most successful barbecue, accessories and charcoal suppliers in the UK at the time. Notable for importing barbecues from Germany, Sweden, USA, Canada and the Far East and then re-exporting some of them all over the world including Iceland! He quite rightly earned the nickname of the "Barbecue King" in the trade.

Frank Odell also made a major contribution to developing this market sector of garden furniture and barbecues. As well as the founder Chairman of LOFA, he was also an Executive member of Gardenex for 27 years and one of the major forces in developing GLEE, the International Garden Industry Trade Exhibition now held annually at the NEC in September. He also served on the British Hardware Promotion Council, the BHHMA and the British National Export Council.

Frank described his many years in the trade as a "labour of love".

After retiring from the Industry in 1991, Frank went on to work tirelessly for the charities especially for the mentally and physically handicapped.

The industry has a lot to thank Frank for and the many friends he leaves behind will sadly miss him. His cremation is on Wednesday 3rd December at 10:40am at Putney Vale Crematorium. Donations, if desired, to KIDSACTIVE c/o T H Sanders and Sons Ltd, 1 a Upper Ham Road, Ham Common, Surrey TW 10 6 LD

ENDS

For more information about LOFA please contact:

Richard Plowman, SECRETARY LOFA

113 Worcester Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 5EE

Tel: 01243 839593 Fax 01243 839467 Email info@lofa.co.uk

Notes for Editors

LOFA is the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association and represents over 80% of UK manufacturers and suppliers to the trade of garden furniture, barbecues and other products associated with outdoor leisure. These include parasols, gazebos and outdoor lighting.

The LOFA seal, the logo of the Association, has come to represent quality and excellence.

The aim of LOFA is promote the trade of garden furniture and barbecues but also has a wide range of benefits for members.

The Association began on 2nd November 1967, over 35 years ago, with Frank Odell as the first Chairman: there were 19 Companies represented then. LOFA now has over 60 members under the Chairmanship of John Smye from Cosmo Ltd. A Board, usually 10 members, governs the Association. The LOFA office is in Chichester and there is a full time Secretary, Richard Plowman,

Representatives of the Association consult and negotiate with Government Departments e.g. DTI, on both UK and EU legislation that impacts on the Industry. The Association is also represented on BSI and CEN Committees developing standards in relation to the Industry's products. In addition, LOFA has signed up to Law Care, which provides all LOFA Members telephone and written access to a defined period of free legal advice. Members each year also receive, 2 LOFA Desk diaries and 2 LOFA Pocket diaries

LOFA runs regular round table meetings to give Members the opportunity of an exchange of views and information on matters of common concern. As well as an Annual General Meeting, and Christmas General meeting, traditionally, there is also a Weekend Conference, usually just after the GLEE Exhibition.

LOFA was indeed a founder member of GLEE, the International Garden and Leisure Exhibition, now held at the NEC, Birmingham.

The original LOFA web site was launched back at GLEE in 1997 and it listed all LOFA Members’ details and product range. Just before Christmas 2000, the LOFA website was totally re-configured, to facilitate simple, direct requests to members for catalogues of their products. The website also provides for a direct link for those Members who have their own website on the Internet. There is information on the www.lofa.co.uk site for the public to help in their choice of furniture, barbecues and other leisure outdoor products but also advice on how to look after and care for the products.