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In October 2022, en-route to play Ayr Jazz Club, the band's long serving "Glorious Leader" and drummer
JOHN MEEHAN suffered a serious health issue in the form of a stroke. Aided by fellow band members Brian Ellis,
Richard Church and the staff of the Fairfield Hotel in Ayr he was, given the unavailability of an ambulance,
driven directly to a hospital in Kilmarnock where after eventually being able to find a bed
John suffered another, but more serious stroke the following day.
John was later able to return home in early December but is battling with recovery from memory loss
and mobility problems which sadly have curtailed his ability to play.
Despite John's sudden illness, the band fulfilled all its gigs, culminating in an appearance
at the Winter Jazz Break at Sand Bay where it was announced that the band had played its last gig.
Such was the reaction to this news that within a short space of time the band were encouraged to reconsider
and with John's support and agreement The Savannah Jazz Band will continue to perform,
under the leadership of Brian Ellis, aided by the recruitment of Graham Smith in the drum chair
and Roger Bird on reeds given Roger Myerscough's reduced availability.