Honorary Life Member – Melanie Barber

She brought several years of experience of organising large-scale events (having been an integral member of the committee of Whitby Folk Week and professionally in the Civil Service) to the Federation and was able to see the extensive and broad nature of the make-up of the Federation.  She was extremely committed and pro-active, and as a step dancer of several years’ standing had an eagle-eyed view of the standards of dance.

During her time in office she:

• was heavily involved during the early criticism of “black-face” morris teams, presenting a calm and respectful face of the Morris Federation throughout. It is no exaggeration to say some of the views expressed at the time were extremely unpleasant and distressing to read.
• was instrumental in getting our technology up to date, with a new website and a new membership system, which cut down the vast amount of repetitive inputting.
• brought about a time-limited tenure for Federation officers, employing her experience of management in acknowledging that candidates would be more willing to volunteer in those circumstances.
• introduced our Sponsorship, Grants and Bursaries policy, making further benefits available to members.
• was passionate about inter-Organisation relations and fostered good relations with the Morris Ring and Open Morris, contributing to the close and easy working relationships which we have today. Her photograph, along with Adam Garland (the then Squire of the Morris Ring), and also with Lord Redesdale, at our 40^th AGM in Bath, courtesy of Mr Wilkins’ Shilling, shows the extent of her commitment to the Federation.
• also found time for specific projects of her own – including a digital project on recording dance SCHEDAR (Safeguarding the Cultural Heritage of Dance through Augmented Reality) and organising a weekend workshop on Mastering Performance.

Michael receives his certificate and badge from Pauline Woods-Wilson at JMO 20th bithday in London in 2023:Save