Attending the 1997 celebration of Johnson's birthday at his birthplace,Lichfield in September was the highlight of a visit to the UK by John Byrne.
The ceremonies began with a parade from the Guildhall, led by the Sheriffin Brilliant 18th Century red uniform and leggings, bearing his sword aloftand followed by the Lady Mayoress, other dignitaries, visiting Johnsoniansand members o the Johnson Society to the town square, on which Johnson'sparents' home fronts. There, the prefects of Johnson's old school, thechoir of the Lichfield Cathedral and a large body of onlookers saw theLady Mayoress lay a wreath at the foot of Johnson's statue and presentJohnson medals to the school prefects.
The official party and the assembled Johnsonians then paraded back tothe Guildhall, were they were entertained to drinks and nibbles by theCity of Lichfield. In the afternoon, there was a performance of Goldsmith'sShe Stoops to Conquer performed in full 18th Century costume by the LichfieldPlayers. The Johnson House was thrown open to visitors and the town wasdecked in bunting.
The celebrations didn't end there. In the evening, the annual supperwas held in the Guildhall. After the loyal toast and a welcome by the Chairmanof the Johnson Society, Mr John Wilson, the toast to "the immortalmemory of Samuel Johnson" was proposed by the incoming President,Dr Graham Nicholls and, traditionally, the response was in silence. DrNicholls gave his presidential address on Four Quotations of Samuel Johnsonand the badge of the society was presented to him. "This imposingobject is gold and hangs on a chain around the neck of the President whowears it al all official functions."
A toast to the visitors was proposed by mr Philip Rule and John wasgiven the honor of reply, his fraternal greetings on behalf of the JSAbeing enthusiastically received. John was particularly impressed by thefinal formal address given by Kathy Knighton, Captain of the school - whogave "the best speech I have ever heard by a young person."
Earlier, in London, John had journeyed to Oxford, where he visited Johnson'scollege, Pembroke and lunched with David Parker, editor of the JohnsonSociety of London's newsletter, The New Idler and Mrs Isabel Fleeman, widowof our first patron. Later, accompanied by one of our two Japanese members,Professor Daisuke Nagashima, John spent a few days in Dorset staying withLord Harmsworth, Chairman of the Trustees and head of the Board of Governorsof the Johnson Trust, of which John was recently appointed a member.
Then followed a visit to London and the Johnson House in Gough Squarefor a meeting of the Governors and later, the unveiling by the Lord Mayorof London, of a statue of Johnson's cat, Hodge. John now has one of theminiatures of the statue. "It is pleasing to report that our Societyis held in very high regard among Johnsonians in England. We are seen asa progressive group and we are all assured of a very warm welcome at Lichfieldor in London," he said.