Frank Phelan - 25 Years in the KSC

Frank Phelan celebrated 25 years with the KSC recently. Frank was born 2/2/25, number five of eight children – four boys and four girls, at Strad Valley, Co.Waterford
His father was Nicholas Phelan elected 6/6/22, the first labour TD for Waterford City & South Tipperrary for the first Parliament under the new system of proportional representation and was elected at the same time as Michael Collins and knew him quite well.

Frank came to England 23/9/48 and stayed in Knightsbridge near Harrods!
His first Job was with a Water Drilling firm but was made redundant.
He joined the Post Office (BT) at the Kensington Telephone Exchange for 98/6d per week.

He has worked in many houses of the great and the good including Princess Margaret & Lord Snowden and Churchills House. He has also worked in the same building where the Irish Delegation stayed for the signing of the treaty with Lloyd George. Frank was responsible for setting up the telephone lines for the Police and journalists at the time of the Iranian Embassy siege.

Married first wife Eileen 7/8/54 who died in childbirth 8/1/66. They had four sons and one daughter – the daughter has also died.
Married present wife Ena 19/8/67 and they have one daughter Sarah who has one daughter Mia.

Frank, as we have found has an excellent memory, particularly for dates. Always active his hobbies included book binding, artificial flower making, leather and basket work. He has even made a suit for himself – for £6.10.0d!
After a very enjoyable working life he retired from BT in 1981.

Frank transferred to St.Albans 320 from Tooting Bec Council (known as “Bec”) 219 last year where he has been Grand Knight twice. Bec Council was formed in 1929 and covers a large area. In its heyday Bec Council had 90 members but today it numbers 4.