Vancouver's Official Sherlock Holmes Society
The Stormy Petrels of BC will be meeting on February 1st to discuss their first adventure of the year. "The Gloria Scott" was first published in April, 1893 both in the Strand Magazine (in the UK) and in Harper's Weekly (US) Since this adventure took place before Watson's time, it is narrated by Holmes himself. … Continue reading February 2022 Meeting
Due to circumstances, the in-person brunch at the restaurant is cancelled. We will, however, meet for brunch via Zoom. We did last January, and it did prove a success. We will have exciting news and reports and enjoy our meals in the comfort of our own homes. To make it fun, try to have a … Continue reading SHERLOCK BIRTHDAY BRUNCH UPDATE
Once again, the Stormy Petrels of BC will be gathering to celebrate the birthday of the world's first consulting detective. Unfortunately, our previous location has been razed to the ground. But, we have found a restaurant which will try their best to accommodate us. I Where? Ricky's Cafe, 4415 Skyline Drive, Burnaby. In the SOLO … Continue reading Sherlock Holmes Birthday Brunch
The Stormy Petrels of BC will be meeting in person to celebrate the Holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 7th. There will be no discussion of a story, but there will be: The decorating of the Petrel Tree as Fran reads her Sherlockian Ornament Poem; Songs; Games (including "Sherlock-o"; Door Prizes; Food. Where? 11th floor lounge in … Continue reading Dec. Holiday Mtg. 2021
We are trying something new for the November meeting. Very exciting news! We are planning an in-person meeting along with Zoom. Those local members who feel comfortable getting together in person are welcome to meet and socialise (with precautions in place) at the lounge in Fran's building in New Westminster. The room is quite large … Continue reading November 2021 Meeting
October's case was first printed both in the Strand Magazine (in the UK) and in Harper's Weekly (in the US) in February 1893 Murder, international intrigue, blackmail, a disappearance, mysterious footprints! Unfortunately, this story has none of the above! What does it have? An unsettling face appearing in a neighbouring window and the suspicious actions … Continue reading OCTOBER 2021 MEETING
Due to certain circumstances not under our control, the Stormy Petrels will hold their September meeting via Zoom. Please note that the September meeting will be held on the second Tuesday, ie Sept. 14th. The adventure for discussion, first published in The Strand Magazine in 1892, will be "Silver Blaze", one of the most famous … Continue reading SEPTEMBER 2021 MEETING
"The Adventure of the Copper Beeches" was first published in the Strand Magazine in June, 1892. The plot of this case was actually suggested by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mother. After writing the 5th adventure, ACD confessed to his Mother "I think of slaying Holmes in the sixth and winding him up for good and … Continue reading August 3, 2021 Meeting
The Stormy Petrels of BC will hold a meeting via Zoom to discuss "The Beryl Coronet". Originally published in The Strand Magazine in May, 1892. A distraught gentleman arrivedsat 221B. Distraught to say the least! Dr. Watson notices the man running and springing and jerking his arms as he makes his way down the snowy … Continue reading July 6, 2021 MEETING
The Stormy Petrels of BC will continue to meet, for the time being, via Zoom, to discuss "The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor" published in The Strand Magazine in April 1892. According to The Oxford Sherlock Holmes (1993 - edited by Richard Lancelyn Green) explanatory notes: The Philadelphia Inquirer called it "The Story of the … Continue reading JUNE 1st 2021 MEETING
A mystery house! A murderous attack! A severed body part! An injured man is brought to Dr. Watson who, in turn, takes him to Holmes. Bring out the brandy! The adventure for May' s discussion is "The Engineer's Thumb" Which was originally printed in the Strand Magazine in Mach 1892. (And in the Baltimore Weekly … Continue reading May 4th Meeting
The adventure for discussion at the April meeting will be "The Speckled Band" Once again, we will meet via Zoom. This case was first published in the Strand Magazine (UK) in February 1892 and in the US edition of the Strand in March 1892. This case features what can be described as Gothic elements...Murder, terror, … Continue reading April 2021 Meeting
Our March adventure was first published in the Strand Magazine in January 1892. Christopher Morley called it "A Christmas story without the slush." When it was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, an alternative title was used - "The Christmas Goose That Swallowed the Diamond." On Tuesday, March 2nd the Stormy Petrels will meet via Zoom … Continue reading March 2021 Meeting
Eleven Petrels attended the February 2nd Zoom meeting to discuss "The Man With the Twisted Lip". Sheldon Goldfarb read his Musings on the adventure, Rich Krisciunas read his toast to The Wives of the Twisted Lip. Rich also read a poem, originally from the 1969 Baker Street Journal written by Philip Mather. Steve Mason was … Continue reading February 2021 Report
Hello all members (and special guests) - watch your mail boxes for your copy. You should be receiving your copy next week. We had several guest contributors. Many thanks to the all! Also, thanks to Rebecca Bollwitt ( @miss604 ) for all her help in formatting, and to Brian Collins for proofreading. The printer, Minuteman … Continue reading The Petrel Flyer – 2020 Year in Review
We open with a cozy, homey scene of the Watsons enjoying a quiet evening by the fire. Watson, we imagine, about to nod off while reading the latest medical journal and Mrs. Watson straining her eyes, pulling a needle threaded with colourful embroidery thread through a piece of cloth. Their quiet evening is shattered by … Continue reading February 2021 Meeting
2020 certainly was a year like no other! Fortunately many Petrels were able to keep in touch via the internet. Zoom gatherings were held by many societies throughout North America allowing us to observe or take part in their meetings. It also allowed many guests from afar to join our meetings. As is our tradition, … Continue reading Welcome 2021!
"All day the wind had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows...As evening drew in the storm grew louder and louder..." "...the equinoctial gales had set in with exceptional violence" Watson's description sets the scene for what is to come regarding "The Five Orange Pips" This case, set in 1887, was written early … Continue reading December Meeting 2020
The Stormy Petrels of BC will continue to hold their meetings via Zoom for the foreseeable future. There is no doubt that we miss meeting at our usual venue, however, meeting online makes it possible for members and guests who would not otherwise be able to attend in person. Our next case for discussion is … Continue reading November 2020 Meeting
The "damsel in distress" calls upon Holmes to ask if he could shed any light as to the disappearance of her fiance, Mr. Hosmer Angel. There are no mincing of words as Holmes tells her to forget him. How does our detective discover who it was that pulled the wool over Miss Mary Sutherland's short-sighted, … Continue reading October 2020 Mtg
After taking a break in August, the Stormy Petrels will meet in September for a discussion via Zoom. Whether you qualify for The League of the Red-Headed Men or not, please find your own ink, pens and blotting-paper. But, there is no need to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica or any other Encyclopedia. Just read the … Continue reading SEPTEMBER MTG 2020
The Stormy Petrels will continue to meet online for the time being. We had 14 members and guests at the June meeting. Invitations will be sent by our "Priory Schoolmaster", Sheldon, who will treat us to a reading of his Musings. The adventure for discussion will be "A Scandal in Bohemia" The meeting will begin … Continue reading July Meeting 2020
We had a very successful online meeting in May. Sixteen Petrels and guests discussed the first 7chapters of "The Sign of Four". We were very pleased to welcome four out-of-town guests. Our next meeting, once again, will take place online. We will be discussing the final chapters (8-12) of "The Sign of Four" Date: Tuesday, … Continue reading JUNE 2020 MEETING
The Stormy Petrels will "meet" via an e-mail invitation to Zoom. We will be discussing the first 7 chapters of "The Sign of Four" written in 1889. At a dinner at the Langham Hotel, ACD met with the editor, Joseph Stoddart, of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine based out of Philadelphia. Another author attended the dinner. Oscar … Continue reading MAY 5, 2020 “MEETING”
Due to these dreadful circumstances, this year's annual event needed to be postponed. Everything is ready to go once we have a new date set. Games. prizes, place mats, lovely programs (only the date needs to be updated) and members have been busy writing toasts. Please enjoy this flashback to last year's dinner which took … Continue reading “MASTERS’ DINNER” 2019
Dear Fellow Petrels, please note that due to circumstances regarding the nasty virus, the Annual Luncheon has been postponed. The restaurant is closed. We will cancel the April meeting and hope to get together for our regular study session in May. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you. Please stay safe, stay home, and stay calm. … Continue reading POSTPONED
The date, time, venue and menu have been confirmed: We will dine in the Lakeside Cottage (follow the path beside the main building) on Sunday, March 29th. Arrive at 11:30 for refreshments (from the cash bar) on the lawn. Lunch will be served at 12:00, followed by entertainment and, if time permits, croquet on the … Continue reading 32nd Annual Luncheon
*Please note new location for this month!!! Due to unforeseen, an foreseen circumstances, our meeting location has changed for March only. The meeting will be held in the lounge of Fran's building in New Westminster. (Sheldon will e-mail directions to members) Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 The time, as always: 7:00 pm The story for … Continue reading MARCH 3rd MEETING
Due to the inclement weather conditions and accumulation of snow on Lower Mainland roads, the meeting for Feb. 4th has been postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 11th. Same time, same place, same story. "It was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day before still lay deep upon the ground..." (Beryl Coronet) … Continue reading FEB. 4, 2020 – SNOW DAY!
The Sherlock Holmes Birthday Brunch, held on January 4th was another success. A good turnout (16 members, including guests) plus Tim brought a birthday cake! The private Fireplace Room was, as always, a perfect location for the event, and the manager, Jake Mees donated three $30 gift certificates for any White Spot Restaurant for … Continue reading February 2020 Mtg
The adventure for discussion at the December meeting will be "The Retired Colourman" first published in The Strand in 1927 and in Liberty in 1926. The adventure is set in 1898 and is the last story in The Casebook. We find Holmes in what Watson calls a "...melancholy and philosophic mood." This seems to change little throughout the story. … Continue reading December 2019 Meeting
Fellow Petrels: Get some Christmas shopping done at the next meeting! Fran has a great selection of Sherlockian books and VHS movies to sell during intermission at the next Stormy Petrel meeting. (50 cents to $2) A bargain, every one! We will also have our Canonical ornaments on display. Please note that we are postponing … Continue reading Book Sale!
A special treat for Stormy Petrels!! Our own "Priory Schoolmaster" Sheldon Goldfarb is offering, to Petrel members attending the November meeting, a complimentary copy of his book: This wonderful book has received many positive reviews by International Sherlockians. "My name is Sherlock Holmes...my business is that of every other good citizen - to uphold the … Continue reading November 2019 Meeting
Please note that due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the meeting, for this month only, will take place on the second Tuesday (October 8th) The adventure for discussion is: "The Veiled Lodger", first published in Liberty Magazine and in the Strand Magazine in 1927. A sad tale of a failing circus, a lion, a love … Continue reading October 2019 Meeting
For the past few years the Stormy Petrels have been treated to musings, written by our "Priory Schoolmaster" Sheldon Goldfarb. Each story of the canon is represented by his informative, insightful and a-musing thoughts. In depth studies of Watson's writings. The book is being published by MX Publishing and will be available for purchase this … Continue reading SHERLOCKIAN MUSINGS
Since our last regular study session back in June, Petrels have been enjoying a lovely summer. Some of us have been travelling, one member, Brian, was able to attend the conference in Minneapolis, and some of us were also able to enjoy the much-anticipated and successful Silver Blaze races in July. A full report will … Continue reading SEPTEMBER 2019 MTG
The horses are training, the grounds are being prepared and the ladies are shopping for the perfect chapeau. All in preparation for the Stormy Petrels "Silver Blaze" races. This annual event will, once again, be held at the South Surrey country estate of Dame Johnnie Keddis. The wine has been purchased and the chocolate … Continue reading Silver Blaze 2019
On Saturday, June 15, 2019 The Stormy Petrels will flock to Shannon Falls on the Sea-to-Sky. [Left: Shannon Falls, BC / Right: Reichenbach Falls, Switzerland] About Shannon Falls Shannon Falls is located just off Highway 99, 58 km north of Vancouver. BC. According to the BC Parks website, it is composed of a series of … Continue reading Reichenbach Falls (aka Shannon Falls) Picnic – June 15, 2019
The Stormy Petrels of BC 