Sorry, I've been so long updating this page, but I've had several serious health issues hit me all at once and by surprise. They continue to do so, and to interfere with my ability to play, promote and publicise performances and events associated with my name and bands - and, they still are doing.
Sammy Rimington / John Shillito International Band Weekend at the yarn Market Hotel, Dunster, Somerset, Friday, Saturday & Sunday March21st 22nd & 23rd 2025. I was unable to enjoy - or even be present at - the sessions at the Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster, which I had arranged for Sammy Rimington. I would like to thank everyone, Sammy, the musicians, the hotel management and staff and, of course, the amazing audience. So many people have given me tremendous positive feedback about every aspect of the whole event, and I'm so glad that it was enjoyed so much. A lot of you have also said that you missed me, which is extremely flattering when I know that you enjoyed all the music and the musicians so much.
I'd like to express my sincere thanks to Sammy Rimington, Emil van Pelt, Trevor Richards, Bob Culverhouse, Bob Rowbotham and John Wiseman, (especially, who stepped in to dep for me at the very last moment), for their magnificent contributions, which were so greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences each night.
Thank you, also for the many cards and messages that you sent to me, and for your concerns about my health. They are greatly appreciated and are aiding my recovery.
I am hoping to be present, and to play, at the Jazz Weekend at the Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster, commencing Friday July 4th. My good friend and colleague, Zoe Lambeth, is now hosting the event, and I'm intending to be there on Friday to enjoy her and her musicians. On Saturday, I'm hoping to be fit enough to play with the Riviera Ramblers.
I've recently begun a new course of Radium treatment for my cancers - so far so good. They're incurable, and I'm constantly fatigued, but the pain has already diminished. Heart failure symptoms are under treatment of a modified course of medication which, also, seems to be an effective prescription. Breathing can be painful sometimes, but I'm practicing every day, and I'm finding the compact wrap of a cornet less weighty and more easy to handle than a trumpet.
My sincere thanks to Pam, my darling, caring and constantly attentive wife; and also to the wonderfully kind and efficient medical staff at Leatside Surgery Totnes, Totnes Hospital, Torbay Hospital and Pymouth Derriford Hospital. Especial thanks to the paramedics of the Torbay Ambulance Service, who assisted Pam to keep me alive back in March.