Farewell to popular councillor (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Farewell to popular councillor

7:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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A FORMER Chelmsford borough and Essex county councillor has died.

Phillip Evans was deputy mayor of Chelmsford during his service on the council from 1995 until 2003. He died on January 29 aged 79.

Mr Evans was born in South Wales. He worked in the banking industry, taking up a post with Standard Bank in Kenya.

He joined the RAF, but returned to branch banking where he retired from the position of regional marketing manager with Midland Bank.

He made Roxwell his home and at the time of his death was in his 31st year as a member of the parish council.

He was elected to Essex County Council in 1993 as Liberal Democrat member for Broomfield and Writtle and was a strong voice for rural interests.

He chaired the influential public transport group, steering lengthy discussions about contracts with the bus companies and with train operators about improving services. As borough councillor he represented the Chignals, Good Easter, Mashbury, Highwood and Roxwell. He also chaired the council’s standards committee.

His efforts in support of fellow Liberal Democrats seeking election continued after his terms on the council and through periods of some ill health, but people came before party politics for Phillip.

Much loved by his family, Phillip delighted in his grandchildren, and found time for wide-ranging interests too. He played for a number of years in the first division of the South East Essex Bridge League with his long standing bridge partner, John Henderson, he was an enthusiastic and well-travelled supporter of Chelmsford City and ever partisan in his praise of rugby played by Wales.

He adored classical music, opera, traditional jazz, ragtime and, of course, the traditions of the Welsh male voice choir.

He is survived by his wife Nilda, children Paul, Katherine and Anthony, and grandchildren.

But his mark on history will remain that verbal dual with Anne Robinson on the TV’s The Weakest Link – his so accurate description of a bidet, piercing effortlessly her studied calm.

The funeral takes place on Thursday, February 11, at Chelmsford Crematorium at 12.30pm.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Cancer Research UK c/o S Ketley & Son, I St John’s Road, Writtle.

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