See list of Honorary Life Members and Friends of the Morris Federation.
Frank Lee – Honorary Life Member (2023)
Nomination by Martyn Harvey on behalf of Crook Morris at our AGM in 2023:
What a magnificent stalwart of the traditional dance world this man is. There are very few people who have contributed anywhere close to what Frank has given us all. Crook Morris happens to be one of the first sides who ordered 4 sets of swords back in the mid 1990’s. Those early blades are still flashing well and haven’t even needed reblading!
Carlisle Morris Men was started by Ed Mycock and Sue plus a small select band of men from around the Carlisle area. Frank joined in 1975. They asked us in Kendal Morris Men to go up and teach them some Cotswold around 1976 and so started off as a Cotswold side. It was obvious to all of KMM that here was a man who really cared about the traditions and dances, with a deep questioning on detail and nuances.
We also heard what a superb musician he was, but we weren’t able to tempt him to move or travel 50 miles south to join us. Oh well we tried!
On a personal front, a number of traditional sides – Carlisle Morris Men, Feet First Appalachian Dancers, Hexham Morris, Flag & Bone Gang, Carlisle Clog & Sword and Black Gate Morris have benefited hugely from his superb playing. Also, innumerable entrants in the Sidmouth Folk Week John Gasson Jig Competition have stood a far better chance of success with Frank as their musician.
First thrown into repairing some swords Frank then made a set for Carlisle and he’s never looked back. I’m not at all sure that Frank realised what he was letting himself in for, but he’s made over 2,500 rapper swords since then and counting. All are numbered as well. Crook Morris is pleased and proud to recommend to The Morris Federation that he absolutely deserves to be made an Honorary Life Member of The Morris Federation.
Frank received his certificate and badge at the JMO 20th bithday day of dance in Newcastle, October 2023.
Frank Lee was also awarded an EFDSS Gold Badge at the same event in 2023, see: Frank Lee’s EFDSS Gold Badge Citation by Burt Hunter. And awarded Honorary Membership of Open Morris at their AGM in November 2023.
