SILVER BLAZE 2018

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The 23rd Annual Silver Blaze Sweepstakes will take place

Sunday the 12th day of August 2018

at

 1 o’clock in the afternoon

at the

South Surrey Country Estates of Dame Johnston-Keddis

Come for an event-full afternoon of high stakes betting, games and prizes.

For your dining pleasure High Tea will take place on the Manor House Terrace.

The theme this year is Hats and Ascots

Reserve your Grandstand seats now.  Petrels are urged to RSVP  so that the staff will be able to set up adequately for the large flock.

Send your calling card to:  skeena73@yahoo.ca or call 604-634-3633.

Please bring a hearty potluck dish and snack to share with the hungry Petrels who come from far and wide. The BBQ will be set up for those who’d like to char a little something for themselves, and Cook will be on hand to assist.

Sherry, ale and other delightful libations are welcome.

The Gamekeeper requests that you keep your dog on a leash so as not to disturb the chickens.

If you have any questions, call Johnnie at the above contacts.

Directions to the Estate will be sent separately.

SAM_0131.jpg

 

Reichenbach Falls on July 21, 2018

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On Saturday, July 21, 2018 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 cliffs, rising 335 meters above Highway 99, making it the third highest falls in the province.

In 1792, Captain George Vancouver set up camp just west of the falls, which were named after Shannon who, in 1890 – 1900, owned the falls and surrounding area and used the clay deposits to make bricks. (you can’t make bricks without clay!)

The park also holds significant spiritual value to the Squamish First Nations, the first people to live in the area. They told of a two-headed sea serpent, Say-noth-ka, who lived in and around Howe Sound. According to legend, this beast travelled both on land and in the water. Some versions say it was Say-noth-ka who formed Shannon Falls by slithering and twisting his powerful body up the mountainside, wearing down a spillway for those cascading waters

We will, once again visit Shannon Falls, as our substitute for the Reichenbach Falls. The resemblance is truly uncanny!

– “Reichenbach Falls” (Shannon Falls) ceremonial wreath tossing – 11:00am

– Then on to visit Green Bee Honey in the Squamish Valley where Petrels will be treated to a talk and demonstration by the owner Michalina, the niece of  Petrel Andy.  He will supply maps to members.  Bring your picnic lunches.

–- Then on to “Toad Hall” (aka The Haffendens’) in North Vancouver for coffee and goodies!

If you require any additional information, please contact Fran at franziskah@shaw.ca

[Photo sources: Wikipedia and Flickr]

June 5, 2018 Meeting

28 Monday May 2018

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“It’s devilish, Mr. Holmes, devilish!”  “It is not of this world!”

The adventure for the June meeting was listed, in 1927, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as his 9th favourite out of 12.  He referred to it as “…grim and new.”  Sherlock Holmes referred to it as “Strangest case I have ever handled.”

We find our great detective in Cornwall for health reasons. A quiet and quaint cottage where Dr. Watson is hoping his friend will find time for relaxation.  But to his dismay, Holmes is drawn into a mystery.  A “Cornish Horror”.

Please join us for our June study session as we discuss “The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot”

DFoot

Tuesday, June 5th at 7:00 PM in the lounge at Hampton Place.

Bonus question for those attending the meeting:   What card game were the Tregennis siblings playing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Conferences

16 Wednesday May 2018

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Having attended many conferences, events and meetings of several Sherlockian scions over the years, I speak from experience when I say that I can recommend any and all of these amazing experiences.  Each one has something special to offer. Each one an experience of a lifetime!

It is a great way to meet like-minded people. Make new Sherlockian friends, reconnect with old friends and listen to some excellent speakers.

If you are travelling this summer and fall, please consider attending the following:

June 2:  The San Francisco Silent Film Festival is presenting “Der Hund von Baskerville” (1929) with live accompaniment. The last silent Sherlock Holmes film.

June 4:  Meeting of The Dogs in the Nighttime“, a Sherlockian society based in Anacortes, Washington. Guest speaker will be Dan Polvere BSI who will speak on the historic Speckled Band dinner recently celebrated in Boston.  Historic, as it was the first time in 78 years that women were invited, and I am honoured that I was extended an invitation, and very pleased to have attended. (I personally thank Dan for helping me find the Tavern Club!)

June 8-9:  “Scintillation of Scions” sponsored by Watson’s Tin Box in Baltimore, MD.

Aug. 10-12:  “Holmes in the Heartland” sponsored by The Parallel Case of St. Louis.

Oct. 5-7:  Gillette to Brett V (Sherlock Holmes on stage, screen and radio) sponsored by Wessex Press, to be held once again at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Nov. 3:  4th Annual International Sherlockian Summit in Mount Vernon, Washington.  A gathering of the Pacific Northwest Coast societies. Organized by the Sound of the Baskervilles.

If you are travelling near any of these locations and are considering attending, please contact Fran for additional information at:  franziskah@shaw.ca

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting for May 1, 2018

17 Tuesday Apr 2018

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“The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax”

Carfax Strand

Sherlock Holmes:  “One of the most dangerous classes in the world is the drifting and friendless woman.”

“She is a stray chicken in a world of foxes.  When she is gobbled up she is hardly missed.”

Holmes confesses that he fears some evil has come to the Lady Frances Carfax and sends Dr. Watson to Lausanne, Switzerland to inquire as to the location of Lady, the sole survivor of the direct family of the late Earl of Rufton.

Who was the tall, dark, bearded man who seemed to be stalking her?  Why did he attack Watson?  Who was the French workman who came to Watson’s rescue?  If the Lady was so happy in Lausanne, why did she leave so suddenly?  Why dismiss her maid?  Who were her new companions, and why did Holmes want to know about the condition of Dr. Shlessinger’s left ear?

Lady FC pic

More questions arise once back in London.  A search warrant is sought, a coffin is delivered and Holmes and Watson arrive at #36 Poultney Square armed.

A mysterious disappearance indeed!  If you would like answers to these questions and discuss the adventure with others, please attend the next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 1st at the usual Hampton Place lounge (Wesbrook Mall/W16th, UBC)

Bonus question:  What was Dr. Watson’s weapon of choice as he and Holmes travelled to Poultney Square to confront Dr. Shlessinger?

While President Fran will be MIA, criss-crossing the continent, the steadfast Vice President Orilea will chair the meeting once more.

Please note that the latest edition of The Petrel Flyer is now available for download.  Contact Fran for the link.

Also, please feel free to contact Fran at:  franziskah@shaw.ca  for more information regarding the next meeting or upcoming events.