Saturday afternoon - very cold but clear. After a period of waiting for the event to start it was discovered that, due to a misunderstanding, the person who was to perform the ceremony was not available. At the invitation of the householder the group retired to the residence for a welcome cup of hot tea and refreshments while alternative arrangements were worked out. Happily, among us was James Johnston's nephew, James McConkey, named 'James Johnston' after the tenor, with his son Paul. James agreed to step into the breach and the group trouped back down the drive to the waiting plaque at the gate.

Unfortunately, while the alternative arrangements were being made, the plaque fitters arrived and, finding no one around well after the "starting flag", assumed that it was all over and removed the plaque curtains and draw strings. So, when everyone returned it was to find that the unveiling had already happened.

When the gales of laughter had subsided it was agreed to carry on "as though" nothing had changed and James duly "declared" the plaque formally unveiled.

Also present was Leslie Gilmore, who wrote a biography of James Johnston.