FRANCES HICKSON
1988 I saw an advertisement for square dancing with the then Summerland Square Dance Club at Alstonville with Roy Stokes as caller. When Roy retired, the club merged with the Lismore Larrikins and became the Summerland Larrikins Square Dance Club, Alstonville with Wilma Flannery as caller.
1991 I began Calling. My mentors are Wilma Flannery and Barry Knight. I have attended many memorable Callers Seminars at Casino with Brian Hotchkies, and Glen Innes with Barry Knight. And still attending caller seminars in Sydney and Queensland.
The club I call for is the Northern Waves, started in 2007 in East Lismore, and is now currently at the Lismore Heights Sports, Recreation & Community Club on Thursday nights. I also teach round dancing
I first met my husband, John, in 1978. I started work at our local newspaper, The Northern Star, Lismore. He was there when I had clubs in Ballina, 1994-1997 and 2007-2011 and supports me in my calling, club nights and all things square dancing. John and I married in 1999.
I have attended six Nationals since 1993, and seven State Conventions since 1991.
February 2018, I was made redundant. I thought this is a good time to retire. So, going forward, there are more Nationals, State Conventions and square dance events to attend.
Positions Held:
Convener: 38th NSW State Square Dance Convention 2017 Lismore, and John, Co-Convener.
Secretary/Treasurer 2007 - Present: Northern NSW Square Dance Association of NSW Inc.
Publicity Officer 2014-2016: Square and Round Dance Association of NSW Inc.
Membership:
Australian Callers Federation.
Square & Round Dance Association of NSW Inc – Caller & Member.
Queensland Callers Association – Associate.
Square Dance Association of Queensland – Member.
Callerlab.