The 2017 weekend was a great success attracting a large number of players from all over the country and even one from France. An enthusiastic 77 musicians with ages ranging from 13 to 85 tackled a challenging programme of Shostakovich 12, Elgar’s Falstaff and Candide Overture, conducted by a ‘friendly and approachable’ conductor. Around 13 of those were regular orchestral members. The weekend encouraged and helped the less experienced players. It was a first orchestral experience for a talented young percussionist who had never played with an orchestra before and we also welcomed an amazing blind violinist. The weekend ended with a play through of all the pieces to a small, but select audience of family and friends. The feedback included comments such as the friendliness of the course members, high standard of playing, an interesting and challenging repertoire, a great opportunity to meet new musical friends from around the country and to catch up with old.