9-11 December        Folk Orchestra residential course, Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster, MINEHEAD, Somerset,  TA24 6SF.  Arriving Thursday evening, then two full days of multi-instrumental group arrangements, playing and tuition for intermediate players. Limited to 20 participants.  Three nights full board + the course : £300-£345 depending on accommodation.  Bookings/enquiries : 01643  821425.  

Moonrakers Folk Orchestra is for intermediate instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging folk tunes and songs. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles) and Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) have many years experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They will work through a number of tunes and songs, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. All standards are welcome, but no beginners please. You don't need to read music, though this will be provided along with chords. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group.  For more information, go to  www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra  and www.ukuleleoxford.com