Vancouver's Official Sherlock Holmes Society
"It was a masterpiece of villainy, and he carried it out like a master." At the next meeting of The Stormy Petrels of BC, we will be discussing "The Adventure of the Norwood Builder" which first appeared in Collier's (US) in October 1903 and in the Strand (UK) in November 1903. Good news for our … Continue reading APRIL 2023 MEETING
Nineteen Stormy Petrels and guests met on Sunday, March 19th to enjoy their 33rd Annual Dinner/Luncheon. The venue this year was The Old Bavaria Haus in New Westminster. All diners received small chocolate violins and the door prizes were the chocolate magnifying lenses. Many prizes were won, toasts were offered, and skits were performed. 2023 … Continue reading 2023 LUNCHEON
Believing Holmes had met a watery end, Dr. Watson returned to London alone, leaving behind "the best and the wisest man whom I have ever known." Although "The Adventure of the Empty House" was set in 1894, it appeared in Collier's Magazine (US) in September 1903, and in the Strand Magazine (UK) in October 1903. … Continue reading SHERLOCK HOLMES IS BACK!
The Stormy Petrels of BC have finalized the details of their annual luncheon. We have booked a private room at the Old Bavaria Haus Restaurant located at 233 Sixth Street, in New Westminster. (Free parking is available behind and beside the building) Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023 Time: 12:00 to 4:00 Please let Fran know … Continue reading ANNUAL LUNCHEON
"Killed Holmes!" Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in his diary. From Daniel Stashower's "Teller of Tales - The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle": Readers of the Strand Magazine were not happy. 20,000 unsubscribed to the magazine. ACD's mother (the Ma'am) was not happy! Doyle wrote: "I have been much blamed for doing that gentleman to death, … Continue reading FEBRUARY 2023 MEETING
The Stormy Petrels had a very festive, fun evening to close out 2022. (photo by Gary Spence) The new year will start with the Petrels celebrating Sherlock Holmes's birthday. When: Saturday, January 7, 2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. Where: Milltown Bar & Grill, 101 - 9191 Bentley St, Richmond (access only through Marpole, at the south … Continue reading 2023 Birthday Brunch
The Stormy Petrels will set their books aside for December's jollification. The Petrel tree with its canonical decorations will be set up. Mrs. Hudson will brew the coffee and boil the kettle for tea. There will be Sherlockian-themed games and songs. There are prizes to be won! Come and enjoy food, fun and fellowship. When? … Continue reading December Holiday Festivities
"You are the stormy petrel of crime, Watson." The Stormy Petrels are excited to be able to meet in person again! We will be discussing the longest of the 56 short stories, published in the Strand Magazine in two instalments. October and November 1893 issues. Also in Harper's Weekly (US) in the October 14th and … Continue reading NOVEMBER 2022 MEETING
The Stormy Petrels of B.C. were very pleased to hold their October meeting in this historic mansion, situated in the heart of the West End in Vancouver. Members who arrived early were treated to a brief tour by Joyce, the events coordinator. We met in the beautiful parlour, and had a lovely tea, prepared by … Continue reading ROEDDE HOUSE MUSEUM MEETING
Stormy Petrels and all Sherlockians! We will begin our study sessions once more. Our last one was in June. Since then we have met up at a pub (Milltown Bar & Grill in August) and our very successful 35th anniversary celebration at the Johnston-Keddis Estate in South Surrey in September. The October 4th meeting will … Continue reading OCTOBER 2022 MEETING
You are cordially invited to help the Stormy Petrels of B.C. celebrate their 35th year as Sherlockian Society. (A scion of The Bootmakers of Toronto) Date: Saturday, September 10th. It will be an outdoor event. Time: Registration will begin at 12:30 we will be asking for a modest fee of $10. Registration will include coffee/tea … Continue reading 35th Anniversary Celebration
It seems like only yesterday that a small handful of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts met after our founder, Barbara Roden, returned from a meeting of the Bootmakers of Toronto. Now, 35 years later, we are still going strong! Please help us celebrate on September 10, 2022 in South Surrey, B.C. for a day of fun and … Continue reading THE STORMY PETRELS OF B.C. AT 35
Happy Summer, Petrels and Fellow Sherlockians everywhere! We are planning to meet, after a long while, for an informal gathering and lunch. Since we did not meet at all in July, we will have much to talk about. The plan is to meet at The Milltown Bar & Grill at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August … Continue reading AUGUST 2022 MEET-UP
The Stormy Petrels met in person for the first time since March 2020 (excluding our Christmas Petrel Holiday Tree decorating in 2021) March 2020 with Jean, Ana, Gary, Sheldon, Fran, and Johnnie. (photo by Andy) December 2021 with Sheldon, Lea, Brian, Ana, Fran, Petrel Tree, Bob, Gary. (photo by Johnnie) Eleven members attended for discussion … Continue reading JUNE 2022 MEETING REPORT
Attention all local (Vancouver area) Sherlockians!! We will, once again, meet in person at our usual venue (the Chatham lounge) for a regular study session. We will have a close look at "The Resident Patient" First published in the Strand Magazine in 1893. Depending on which version you are reading, you may be missing the … Continue reading JUNE 7, 2022
The May 10th meeting has been cancelled. The Stormy Petrel Executive have made a decision at their semi-annual meeting. We will resume in-person meetings beginning with the June meeting. We will be back to meeting at the Chatham (UBC) on the first Tuesday of the month. Details of the June meeting will be posted soon. … Continue reading May 10th Meeting
This meeting will take place via Zoom and will be run by our "Priory Schoolmaster" Sheldon Goldfarb. The attendees will be treated to Sheldon's reading of his Musings on the story. What is the story for May's meeting? "The Crooked Man" which was first published in the Strand Magazine and in Harper's Weekly in July … Continue reading MAY 3, 2022 MEETING
"The Reigate Puzzle" "The Reigate Squire" "The Reigate Squires" We will be discussing all three at the next meeting of the Stormy Petrels of BC. This meeting will be via Zoom. Published in The Strand Magazine (as "The Reigate Squire") in June 1893 and in Harper's Weekly (as "The Reigate Puzzle") also in June 1893. … Continue reading APRIL 2022 MEETING
Did you know that Vancouver's first forensic investigator, John Vance, was internationally known as Canada's Sherlock Holmes? John Vance helped detectives solve many crimes during his 42-year career. He was such a success, that in 1934 there were seven attempts on his life. On Wednesday, March 23, 2022 (from 6:00 to 8:00 PM) Eve Lazarus … Continue reading AN EVENING WITH EVE LAZARUS
On Sunday, March 20, the Stormy Petrels of BC will once again meet for a luncheon, after being postponed for two years. The Lakeside cottage at the historic Hart House is being prepared for a fabulous meal and fun festivities! Lunch will be served at 11:30, during which time toasts will be offered. Attendees are … Continue reading 2022 ANNUAL LUNCHEON
From: "The Sherlock Holmes Book - Big Ideas Simply Explained" Our Adventure for discussion is "The Musgrave Ritual" , first published in The Strand Magazine and in Harper's Weekly in May, 1893. Here is another pre-Dr. Watson case, so we have the pleasure of hearing Holmes narrate the event to Watson, who really just wanted … Continue reading March 2022 Meeting
Purchase your ticket and join the Stormy Petrels! One of our own Petrels will be delivering the introduction! Contact Fran if you want to meet up for dinner before the movie: franziskah@shaw.ca https://www.myzonetickets.com/e/229753/movie-at-the-museum-sherlock-holmes-1
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 Stormy Petrels of BC 