Fred's memory lives on in village he loved (From Warrington Guardian)

Fred's memory lives on in village he loved

THE legacy of a trail-blazing Burtonwood man will live on in memorial cups awarded to schoolchildren.

Fred Phillips, who died in December 2003, dedicated more than 40 years to helping Burtonwood residents and was Warrington's only mayor unaligned to a political party.

Ian Reece, who, along with Don Robinson and Brian Robinson, organised events to raise money for a Fred Phillips' memorial, said: "He has been a true ambassador for Burtonwood.

"He did so much for the village, including helping to get electric streetlights. He was also the founder of the Burtonwood and Collins Green old people's welfare committee."

The group has collected almost £2,500, £800 of which has been donated to Burtonwood and St Paul of the Cross Primary Schools for memorial trophies. The rest has paid for a bench for the cemetery plus a table and pictures of Mr Phillips in his mayoral robes for the library, Catholic Club and each school.

Mr Phillips came to RAF Burtonwood as an 18-year-old, where he met Jean, who later became his wife. After spending a few years in Singapore, they settled in Burtonwood and Fred spent 40 years on the parish council, where he was elected to chairman nine times.

Andrew Cocker, head teacher of St Paul of the Cross Primary School, has chosen an engraved silver memorial cup that will be awarded each year to a pupil for hard work and endeavour.

Mr Cocker said: "Fred was very supportive of Burtonwood village and his life was clearly one of hard work and endeavour.

"I think this prize will motivate the children and spark their interest in our history. As they say, you can't understand today if you don't understand the past."