Beggarmen Fundraising Afternoon Concert for New Beggarman

If one thing came out of the 50th anniversary of the Christchurch Folk Music Club, it is that we miss those who have passed on. Sadly, we are mainly left with memories and anecdotes.

Club history will continue to tragically disappear unless we change that. This year, a group of pioneering Christchurch folk singers, most still with us, is about to have their story published. Today’s fundraiser concert acknowledges two fundamentals – that the fascinating story of New Zealand’s first Irish singalong group is worth telling but also that raising sufficient funds to get the story published requires a concerted effort.

From early connections within the local Irish Society, the group shaped their sound through private gigs before meeting up with the touring Dubliners in the winter of 1968. The group took its name from a song title in the repertoires of both the Dubliners and Clancy Brothers.

Long after these formative months, the Bedford Row Folk Centre opened with The Beggarmen booked frequently from early September 1969 until breaking up in 1974.

Upon reforming (1998-2002), it was the Folk Club, now in Maddisons bar on Moorhouse Avenue that showcased them. The Beggarmen in turn viewed the Club as their spiritual home because of the warmth and respect accorded them.

Making liberal use of leader Martin Cartwright’s extensive archives, records in the Public Library and the group’s willingness to share, Tony Hale’s manuscript gradually took shape through 2018. There are over 100 illustrations – photos, images of adverts, posters and reviews.

This fundraiser was the suggestion of the 1984 President, Mary Chetty, and today’s funds will be added to the $2000 pre-publication grant from the Canterbury History Foundation and the donations from a nationwide crowdfunding campaign.

We are nearly there. Your generous spirit today is much appreciated and many thanks go to the Irish Society and Folk Club, as well as to the artists contributing their time.

We know you will enjoy this concert and welcome a special performance from the The Beggarmen, their first gig since 2002. Joining them are crowd favourites Graham Wardrop, guitar duo Hale and Hooker, the Neill Pickard group, Dave Evison, Lawrie Morritt, Celtic wizards Tessa White and Jonathan Le Cocq. Holding the concert together as compere will be the ubiquitous Neill Pickard.

Doors open 1.30pm
Performance starts at 2.00pm, you will get a seat if you arrive close to 1.30pm.

The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of off-street parking.

Door sales cash only: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the afternoon, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility.

Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your current membership card as this is required for new club licensing. Non-members sign in at bar.