News
S.F. October Weekend - Latest
3rd Oct 2025
SORE FINGERS OCTOBER WEEKEND 24th to 26th October, 2025
LATEST NEWS - 03/10/2025
A NOTE ABOUT BOOKING! - KEEP ‘EM COMING!
Several people have queried whether bookings close on August 31st. THE ANSWER IS ABSOLUTELY NOT!
That deadline is simply the date at which we request full payment with the booking and no longer take reservation deposits. This does not affect course availability, and you can still book after that date. Also, there is no need to check if places are still available. We will update information on the Web Site in the event of a class selling out.
RECENT WEBSITE ISSUES
Apologies for the problems with the website earlier this week. The technical issues have been resolved, and all is working as it should including Booking Form downloads.
MUSIC DEVELOPMENT COURSE
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Trevor Hyett had had to pull out of teaching his class. , All of his students have all transferred onto other classes, but the Music Development course is now cancelled. It will run normally next Easter26, and we sincerely hope Trevor will be among the class students.
NOT LONG NOW:
If you intend to book, please do so at your earliest opportunity to help us prepare. Last minute bookings, although very welcome, can make for bit of panic working at the last minute. Please therefore send in your bookings ASAP to avoid any disappointment and confusion.
Despite the unfavourable economic climate, which seems to have resulted in turn out being a bit lower this year, we have endeavoured to “Keep on Keepin' on”. We thank you for joining to make this wonderful event happen for us all. Your continued support is so much appreciated by everyone. Online lessons may seem like an attractive alternative but there is no substitute for being in a class face to face with a tutor amongst the encouragement of people who want to play the same style of music as you. We can promise you there is no better alternative. And you can make friends and get the inspiration to learn a lot quicker with a tutor at hand to help solve any playing issues.
Apart from the wonderful US Based JOHN MOORE who is making a special stop off with us on his way to a commitment in Scandinavia, the majority of October Weekend Tutors are UK based. Some people may think that their teaching level might be less intense. NOT TRUE!
This is our 18th October Weekend Event and over the years we’ve proved our home-grown talent is every bit as strong as that of the US based Maestros we invite from across the Atlantic to teach at the Easter event. So, don’t be tempted to think the October standard is second tier, it is “TOP DRAWER”. We are honoured to have been able to create an opportunity for you to utilise their skills in this friendly immersive environment.
The lineup of tutors this year reflects this level of quality as can be demonstrated from their ongoing standout performances keeping our styles of music at the forefront of acoustic music in venues and festivals throughout the UK, Europe, USA and elsewhere in the world.
Here’s a reminder of the tutor line up and some introductory notes about them. There are places available on all these courses. Bios are on the website and there are several introductory videos on the Facebook page.
They are as follows:
Banjo Percy Copley
Bass Peter Earle
BG Fiddle Sam Draper
Dobro Chris Eaton
Guitar Max Vizard
Mandolin Abbey Thomas
Mandolin John Moore
OT Banjo Dan Stewart
OT Fiddle Emily Smith
Singing Paul Brewer and Philippa Ogden
Read tutor biographies on the course page.
Come to SFOWE at Kingham Hill School and assuage grim thought of the clocks changing at the end of October.
Revel in the joy of learning more about these uplifting musical styles to spark you through the winter months.
We can't wait to welcome you back!
John, Moira and the Team