Author: 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.

SHERLOCKIAN MUSINGS

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 fall. Stay tuned for further details.

Sheldon has posted an example of the musings on his blog, the link to which is here:

A Musing

The cover, depicting Sidney Paget’s Holmes in deep thought, is perfect!

We congratulate Sheldon, and are all looking forward to a book launch!

September 1, 2019 0

SEPTEMBER 2019 MTG

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 appear in a future edition of The Petrel Flyer. Hostess extraordinaire Johnnie, along with Sheldon and Ana were the race winners. Awards were also presented for best ascots and hats.

It is now time to think about preparing for our next study session which will take place, as usual, on the first Tuesday of the Month. September 3rd.

The adventure for discussion will be “The Lion’s Mane“. First published in The Strand Magazine in December 1926 and in Liberty Magazine (US) in November 1926.

The case, narrated by a retired bee-keeping Holmes, is set in 1907 and features a mysterious death. The victim struggles up from the beach to fall at Holmes’s feet while uttering the words “lion’s mane”.

Could it be the result of some sort of love triangle? The lady Maude seems to have cast a spell over a few men in the district (including Holmes?)

Is the old housekeeper Mrs. Hudson? Do we miss Dr. Watson?

There will be much to discuss and discover at the meeting.

Find out what was generously donated to the Stormy Petrels by a local gentleman.

Date: Sept, 3, 2019

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Hampton Place lounge

For additional information please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

August 15, 2019 0

2019 SILVER BLAZE ANNOUNCEMENT

The 24th Annual Silver Blaze Sweepstakes will take place Saturday the 20th day of July 2019 at 1:00 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 Terraces. 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.

Please bring a hearty potluck dish and a bit of snack food for 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. The Silver Blaze Races, Saturday July 20th 1:00 PM.

Directions to the Estate will be sent separately.

July 13, 2019 0

Silver Blaze 2019

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 horse-themed prizes will be picked up in time to be presented in the winner’s circle.

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2019

Time: 2:00 pm

This will be a pot luck, but bring a little something to toss onto the barbecue.

High tea will be served on the terrace.

June 17, 2019 0