I shall never forget one of my first visits to Dunoon. Purvis’ gardens were then the pleasure grounds, and they contained plenty of fruit and flowers. The price of admission to gardens and promenade was sixpence, which further entitled one to take part in the dancing on the green, and be present at the open air concert and the fire works after nightfall―a big sixpence worth.

The band comprised a violin, cornet, and harmonium player. I acted as comic singer and master of ceremonies for the sum of seven-and-sixpence, out of which I had to pay my own expenses to and from Glasgow. The gardens were managed by Dominic Gerletti, a firework artiste of Miller Street, Glasgow.