Dear Rosemary,

Many thanks for passing on this encouraging news. Cyril's resilience in the face of adversity tallies with all I've learned about him in the forty-odd years that I've known him. Let's hope that he confounds the doctors yet again.

Last Saturday, the members of our ceilidh band were having supper and a few drinks after the gig. Nothing was planned or organised, but after a while, we began singing a few of Cyril's songs, and raised a glass or two in his honour. Perhaps it did him some good? Or perhaps thinking that it might have done is only sentimental foolishness? Who can tell? But anyhow, it reminded us of how much we all owe him. Long may he thrive.

Wassail!