HE was Frodsham’s first Mayor and the first individual to be awarded the Freedom of Frodsham.
After 43 year’s service, he is Father of the Town Council and is currently Deputy Mayor – due to become Mayor again in May.
Now Frank Pennington has received another honour from the people of Frodsham – a Lordship title.
When the title was presented at a private meeting at Frodsham Conservative Club, Frank – now Cllr Lord Frank Pennington – was speechless.
He said: “ I just didn’t know what to say. I still don’t really know what to say – and my wife, Vony, just doesn’t believe it.
“But apparently it’s legal – I am entitled to call myself Lord.”
The title was presented to Lord Pennington as an 83rd birthday present by a group of friends who regularly meet up at the Conservative Club.
One was fellow councillor Mark Nield – another his father, former councillor John Nield.
Mark said: “We thought it would make a great 83rd birthday present for someone who has given so much public service to Frodsham. It’s perfectly legal and Frank can now call himself Lord Frank.”
The award also gives the new Lord Pennington five square feet of dedicated land on the 90-acre Hougun Manor Estate, overlooking the west shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District – an area designated by Natural England as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Frank – that is, Lord Frank – knows the area well as he used to go there often when he worked as a lorry driver.
He said: “I intend to visit three or four times a year – although I am entitled to go as often as I like. It’s a beautiful place.
“I will use the title in any way I can to promote Frodsham – that is what I have always wanted to do.
“I’ve been on the council for 43 years and have enjoyed these last few years as much as any. I think the council is working well and making headway.”
Lord Frank’s title does not give him a seat in the House of Lords – perhaps fortunately for the House of Lords. But any doubts about the legality of his title were dispelled at the January meeting of the Town Council by his place name: “Cllr Lord F Pennington.”
He joked: “When I become Mayor, no-one will be able to say I’m not a Lord Mayor!”