“Gillette to Brett IV”

I had heard wonderful things about the previous conference and knew instantly that this was an event not to be missed. I was not wrong!

The hotel and conference centre were located on the IU campus in Bloomington. The weekend began with a short walk to the Lily Library. On display here, among various rare books and maps, were such items as original drawings, scripts, manuscript and much more.

At the IU Cinema, we were treated to the 75th Anniversary screening of “The Hound of the Baskervilles”

This was just how it was meant to be enjoyed – on the big screen – watching it with your fellow Sherlockian friends.

The next day was busy with listening to the amazing speakers. Discussing everything from theatre, movies, tv and radio.

Pictured here are these wonderful, informative and entertaining speakers: Steven Doyle, Kristina Manente, Mark Gagan, Bert Coules, Paul Annett, Bonnie MacBird, David Stuart Davies.

The breaks between speakers were spent in the dealers’ room, where books, posters, cd’s and other memorabilia were purchased with enthusiasm.

Steven Doyle also had many Sherlockian items from his own personal collection on display.

Getting my book signed by author, David Stuart Davies.

The banquet on the last night was wonderful.

Pictured are Petrels old and new: Fran, Ed, Eric, Bill and Monica.

A weekend such as this is always a wonderful way to re-connect with old friends, and form new friendships. As Eric said, “We are all family”. All weekend long, we exchanged info and shared stories. This was Sherlockian fellowship at its best!

Thank you, Wessex Press!

Published by Fran Martin

Fran Martin became a member of The Bootmakers of Toronto in 1987 and The Stormy Petrels of B.C. in 1988. She has attended several Sherlockian conferences including: In 1992 "Aspects of Holmes" in Bradford, England (hosted by The Northern Musgraves); In 2006 "ACD at 35" in Toronto (hosted by The Bootmakers of Toronto); 2013 "Sherlock Holmes Through Time & and Place" in Minneapolis (hosted by The Norwegian Explorers); 2014 "Gillette to Brett IV" in Bloomington (hosted by Wessex Press); 2015 SherlockCon in Seattle; 2015 "A Scintillation of Scions VIII" in Baltimore (hosted by Watson's Tin Box); 2016 "The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes" (hosted by The Norwegian Explorers); in 2018 in Dayton, Ohio for the "Holmes, Doyle & Friends" conference (hosted by the Agra Treasurers). Fran has held several positions with The Stormy Petrels of B.C. including secretary, vice-president, special events coordinator and is currently president and editor of the "Petrel Flyer". She was honoured with being awarded the title of "Master Bootmaker" in 2014. She was very pleased to present a paper to a meeting of Sir Hugo's Companions in Chicago in 2017. Fran has contributed articles to Canadian Holmes magazine, the Watsonian and Chris Redmond's "About Sixty" and "Sherlock Holmes is Like...". In May, 2018 she attended the 78th annual Speckled Band of Boston dinner. She was very honoured to have been one of the first women invited. View all posts by Fran Martin

One thought on ““Gillette to Brett IV””

Eric Matthew Swope says:

September 18, 2014 at 1:22 am

Fran, I SHOULD THANK YOU for making the trek down to Indiana! Conventions succeed because dedicated followers are willing to both contribute and travel to these events. So I hereby toast all my fellow Sherlockians, because we as a group, help make 221B legendary! As a genealogist I will also add that 100 years from now Sherlockians will continue that passion because of our efforts! Our members come from around the world, living beautiful, creative lives and we contribute greatly in this world! Future generations will see this and then, one day, ask US what we really enjoy in this world. We will simply smile and ask if they would like to make a visit to 221B, during a time, where it is always, 1895.

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