Councillor Kate Fennelly, Mayor of Erewash 2024/25
About the Mayor
The Mayor of Erewash Kate Fennelly is a proud mum with a passion for horses – after working as a show rider in her youth at the American Adventure theme park.
The keen equestrian has fond memories of the Wild West attractions near Ilkeston. She was even invited to appear on Blue Peter before the white knuckle rides closed in 2007 after almost two decades.
Kate went on to join the RAF – and was selected to represent the air force in the international military horse team.
After seeing service in the Falklands and Germany she now works as a driving instructor and is councillor for Hallam Fields.
Kate was born in Derby. Her family lived in Sandiacre before settling in Ilkeston, where her mother Margaret became a well-known figure in the town. Margaret sadly passed away 12 years ago.
Kate is a former pupil at Field House who later attended Hallam Fields and Cantelupe schools. She studied at South East Derbyshire College before her theme park job. Her father Paul ran a very successful repair garage until his retirement.
Kate and fellow councillor Mark Alfrey are Erewash Borough Council’s Armed Forces champions. She has a love for military history, especially the Dambusters.
As well as being an active member of the local Royal British Legion, Kate does volunteer work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. She is a life member of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct.
Kate has chosen as her Mayor’s charity the recently-established Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust – which provides canal boats for homeless ex-service personnel to live in. She will also be supporting a combination of good causes in the form of the Mayor’s charity fund.
Her son Mason, 15, will be acting as Mayor’s Consort during her year of office. Kate said proudly: “He is the youngest person ever to have held the title in Erewash.”
When the Mayor attends an event or function
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 her as Madam Mayor - and should introduce her to the host or the assembled company.
If the Mayor is to speak, her 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 she 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 “The Worshipful the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Kate Fennelly”.
The Mayor will normally be accompanied by her 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 or function
As Mayor, Councillor Fennelly is looking forward to visiting all parts of the borough and meeting, listening and talking to its residents. She is keen to invite groups and schools into the Town Halls 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 download and complete the request form below 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 civic@erewash.gov.uk or call 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.