The error is because that particular PHP instance executing on that particular domain is not able to communicate with our server for some reason that is external to our server.

The fact that the error message is not displaying all the time is normal. When there is an error b2evolution will wait for some time between 10 and 60 minutes before retrying. When it doesn't try, there is no error message.

The fact that the error message is not displaying all the time is normal. When there is an error b2evolution will wait for some time between 10 and 60 minutes before retrying. When it doesn't try, there is no error message.

I'm leaving a tab open and will go back and refresh frequently to see if b2evolution will retry.
EDIT UPDATE :: OK got it :: it now shows the error after xxx minutes

Is it possible that whatever causes this error is also responsible for the 6.10.8 version update not being shown?

Is it important to you to find out what's going on as I can just ftp 6.10.8

Thanks

No, it's not "possible", it's "certain" ;)

No it's not important to me because it's a problem in the realm of your webhost.

Enter this in the URL box of the auto-upgrade screen: http://b2evolution.net/media/blogs/downloads/b2evolution-6.10.8-stable-2019-04-19.zip

This way you don't need to FTP.

Thanks I'll do a manual as I always get stuck with the auto ???? don't go there.
Have a nice rest of the evening