Councillor Frank Phillips Mayor of the borough for the civic year 2023/24

Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips and Consort, Councillor Pamela PhillipsHis Worship the Mayor, Councillor Frank Phillips, is delighted to have been elected as the First Citizen for the civic year 2023/24 and looks forward to visiting all parts of the Borough and meeting residents, members of groups and businesses.

Frank is a retired schoolteacher, and has been married to Pamela, who is also a Borough Councillor, for 50 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren. During his civic year, Pamela will be supporting him as his Consort but at times when she is unavailable, he will call upon members of his family or colleagues.

Born in Thorne, Yorkshire he spent most of his childhood travelling the world. His father was serving in the Royal Air Force and some of Frank’s earliest memories are of post-war Germany. The family also lived in Fontainebleau, France, and later in Cyprus during the EOKA troubles. On leaving the RAF the family re-settled in Ilkeston, re-connecting the family link that goes back to at least 1801.

Frank went to Bennerley School and on leaving went to work in the lace trade. He joined the Army, and on leaving the Army went to St. Paul’s College in Cheltenham to train as a teacher. He spent 17 years teaching at Brinsley Primary School and then moved north to Underwood Primary School where he taught until he retired.

Frank has been a passionate birdwatcher since his early childhood, and he is pleased this interest has been passed to his two sons. Frank also has an interest in Local History and is a life-member of Ilkeston & District Local History Society, and was a founding member of the Friends of Erewash Museum which he started in 1981.

He has been a school governor for very many years and is also a Trustee at Erewash Community Transport.

Mayor’s Chaplain

The Mayor is delighted that Kristian Thorpe of the Arena Church in Ilkeston has agreed to act as his Chaplain during the forthcoming civic year.

The Mayor’s Charities

During his year in office, the Mayor will be supporting the Friends of Erewash Museum and Erewash Community Transport.

Deputy Mayor

The Deputy Mayor for the 2023/24 civic year is Councillor Kate Fennelly who represents the Hallam Fields ward on the Borough Council.

Notes on the attendance of the Mayor at functions 

The Mayor, as First Citizen, should be accorded due precedence and respect within the Borough.

A responsible person should meet the Mayor on arrival at the entrance - address him as Mr Mayor - and should introduce him to the host or the assembled company.

If the Mayor is to speak, his toast or reply should appear early on the toast list and any background information should be sent to the Civic Office in advance.

Unless the Mayor occupies the chair he should be seated on the immediate right of the person chairing (assuming Royalty, the Lord Lieutenant or High Sheriff are not present).

The formal announcement of the Mayor is “His Worship the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Frank Phillips”.

The Mayor will normally be accompanied by his Consort and sometimes a Chauffeur. The Chauffeur should be advised of changes to programme, parking and the anticipated time that the event will end.

Invite the Mayor to your event

As Mayor, Councillor Phillips is looking forward to visiting all parts of the borough and meeting, listening and talking to its residents. He is keen to invite groups into the Town Halls, particularly school children, to hear about local democracy, civic life and the importance of using your vote.

To invite the Mayor to your event, or to request a visit to either of the Town Halls, you should complete the request form overleaf or send a written invitation via the Mayor’s Office. Invitations are considered on a strictly first come, first served basis and you may wish to telephone the Mayor’s Office to check availability before writing. The address is: Mayor’s Office, Erewash Borough Council, Town Hall, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP (email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0115 9071115).

The office will help you if you need any guidance on protocol, for instance how to introduce the Mayor, how to draw up a seating plan or for advice on the involvement of the local press.