I spoke to Jill Copper (Dudley) yesterday about Bob's condition.

Bob was totally wiped when he returned to the UK, the long period in the hospital, inability to handle proper food for a good while, and just the stresses of the trip.

But he is slowly but steadily recovering, and his heart appears to be strong and healthy. Jill is launching a new career as a 24 hour nurse and practicing on Bob to hone her great skills.

I would imagine that any future performing trips are a completely unknown question at this point, but Bob is a bit of a ham (sorry Bob!) and surely loves to talk about his Sussex tradition, so -- hey! you never know.

I took the liberty of sending best wishes on behalf of all of Bob's friends over here.

John Copper was also very much not well when he was here. He is back working but there is apparently no clear diagnosis at this time, except it seems likely that a flare-up of gout is at least part of it.