January 2025 – Rathmore Club Annual Memberships Due.
We’re fortunate to host our lessons at the Rathmore Club, and we encourage all our members to support the club by joining as well.
Yearly membership is just £5 per adult or £10 for a family. To join, simply speak to a member of the bar staff at the club. Thank you for your support!
Wednesday 19th February – NO LESSONS – Half-term.
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd March – Comhaltas in Britain annual Convention – London & Southern Region – Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Hotel
Comhaltas in Britain survey
This weekend is the annual Convention/AGM for Comhaltas in Britain, which our branch delegate and PRO, Erin, will be attending. They’re currently running a survey to gather feedback from branch members. If you have a moment, please take the time to fill it in: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKFsBIVEluLlKagUtwt-xnM7GzeZVu4eq8HM3dOYTmZRjKiw/viewform
Branch Meeting – Wednesday 5th March – 9pm – Rathmore Club
We will be holding a branch meeting to discuss upcoming events and activities, along with a report from Kevin Naughten on this year’s Cambridge Tradfest and its future plans. All members are welcome to attend.
Session Music Event – Monday 10th March – 8pm-10pm – The Rathmore Club
We’re excited to invite you to a wonderful evening of live music. Hosted by the talented Frank Corr, this special session will showcase an incredible lineup of local musicians, bringing you a lively mix of Irish Traditional, Old-Time, and Bluegrass music. Come along, enjoy the tunes, and soak up the atmosphere with good company and great music. Feel free to bring friends—everyone is welcome! Free admission.
Busking in Cambridge City Centre for St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 16th March
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to promote the branch in the local community. In the past few years, we’ve busked around Cambridge city centre, and this year, we’ll meet outside the Sidney Street entrance to Boots at 2:30pm. This event is open to all branch members who’d like to come along and play some tunes. Bring chair or stool if needed and wear something green.
Will be be joined by members of the Cafferkey Irish dancers.
St Patricks Session – Wednesday 19th March – 7pm – Rathmore Club
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday 19th March at the Rathmore Club!
The session kicks off at 7pm, and we’ll be hosting a bring-and-share buffet—feel free to bring along a dish. Our usual fundraising raffle will also take place, and any prize donations would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Midland Regional Committee as they take on the huge task of hosting the All-Britain Fleadh.
To get into the spirit, why not wear a touch of green? It promises to be a great night of music, socialising, and fun—we’d love to see you there!
Sunday 6th April – Midland Region Fleadh – Newman University, Birmingham. Entries will need to be in to the branch secretary by Friday 7th March.
For an introduction to Fleadh competitions, see this Wikipedia entry or watch Órlaith McAuliffe’s video for tips on competing. It’s a great opportunity for musicians of all ages to refine their tunes and receive expert feedback. Past Cambridge members have even made it to the All-Ireland and won!
To enter, please send Barry the following by Friday 7th March:
Competitor’s name
Competition(s)
Age (as of 1st January this year)
For duets/trios: names and instruments of all members
For newly composed pieces: title of the tune/song
I will compile the entries and submit them before the deadline.
Fleadh rules & competition details:
Read here
Wednesday 9th & 16th April – NO LESSONS – Easter Holidays.