On 27th April 2024, Phoenix said a last farewell to Sue Stimpson, our fabulous foreman for many years. Sue sadly passed away on Easter Day after a long period of illness which had led to her having to give up dancing some months earlier.

Following her funeral earlier in the week, Sue’s family arranged a celebration of her life which she had planned during the last few months of her life; an afternoon of dancing, shared memories and lots of food!

Sue started Morris Dancing in 1978 , first dancing for Lord Pagets female border morris side and later joining Phoenix as a musician in 1985 then as a dancer in 1987 when Phoenix went mixed. It was Sue’s husband Mike who was responsible for her joining The Morris – Sue’s first response had been ” If you think I am going to do that, think again !” but in 1978 she was set up one evening to attend a practice of Lord Pagets and she never looked back.

Sue was a well known face in the folk scene both through Morris and through her work alongside Mike in their Insurance company, providing insurance for canal boats.

Sue was an excellent example of someone who grabs life and makes the most of every moment. She loved to dance – both Morris and Appalacian – and always threw everything into every performance. When she wasn’t dancing she would often be found alongside the musicians with her melodian. Whether in a pub, at a festival, at the Britain’s Got Talent Studios or on the tube home, Sue could always be counted on to get everyone up dancing and laughing.

Sue will be very much missed by Phoenix Morris but we will think of her often as we dance the dances she loved so much.