St George's Day at the Rose and Thistle

St George's Day was celebrated at the Rose and Thistle, Haddenham, Bucks with Traditional English food and music.
13 Folk Musicians who normally meet at the 'RAT' for a traditional Irish session became the Haddenham RATS performing traditional English tunes and songs . One of the highlights was Land of Hope and Glory when St George's flags were waved by the audience as they sang along.

Fiddle Group tour of West Cork - Easter 09

Eight of the Oxford Fiddle Group travelled to West Cork Ireland over Easter for a 5 date tour which started on the Thursday before Good Friday at the Fastnet Bar, Goleen.

The Fastnet Bar, Goleen

The following morning found the Fiddle Group busking at Bantry Market. This was unfortunately cut short by a shower so we all retired to the excellent Organico Vegetarian Cafe for lunch.

Bantry market

All the bars and restaurants are closed on Good Friday so the Fiddle Group had a rather unusual evening booking. Luke Brosen, a fisherman and boat builder at Ahakista has converted part of his boathouse to an area where locals socialise on a Friday evening. The Oxford Fiddle Group turned up to a big party at the Boathouse with food, drink and spectacular back drops, both inside and outside the Boathouse.

The view outside the boathouse on our arrival

The entrance to the Boathouse, full of people waiting to hear the Oxford Fiddle Group

Performing in the Boathouse, Ahakista with a mast and mainsail behind us

Tom revealed a secret - his 1959 D/D# melodeon (called an accordion in Ireland) which he'd rebuilt and worked out how to play. This was his debut performance!

An appreciative audience at the Boatyard

More at the Boatyard

On Easter Saturday we played at Casey's Hotel, Baltimore.

We were joined by local musician Michael Collins on his accordion who seemed to know nearly all our repertoire! He plays a D/D# and told Tom he's the only one Michael had met who also plays a D/D# accordion. Perhaps there's someone else out there who does ??

The days were spent making music in the house, going for walks by the sea and in the hills, and wonderful banquets in the house provided by Lynn.

Returning to the house after a brisk walk to the Lobster Pot Bar in Goleen

On Easter Sunday and Monday, The Oxford Fiddle Group played at Fitzpatrick's, Kilcrohane as part of the 'Ceoil on the Coast' Music Festival.

Fitzpatrick's Bar during the Music Festival



Easter Sunday at Fitzpatrick's