Choosing between Islington and the Old R&C is a matter of what guests are on that night and which is closer, though as George says they aren't far apart anyway.

If you're a bit nervous about first time appearances at a club you'll probably find a more reliable friendly welcome in Walthamstow. On the other hand Islington's musical and personal idiosyncracies are not to be missed. You really need to visit both!

Not sure what you mean about "volunteering yourself for an offering at sessions" in a folk club - you'll get a floor spot (maybe only one song) at either if you want to perform - just turn up in good time and ask; joining in with the resident band (fairly loosely constituted in both cases) is probably better left till you all know each other a bit better.

Court Sessions contact: Dave East or Doreen Leighter 020 8677 9989.
Court Sessions may well not need membership as it's very likely that their club premises (a church social club) already has a Public Entertainment Licence. The other clubs are in pubs without PELs, and rely on the private clubs exemption, hence the membership rule.

Anahata