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.

2013 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

Along with our monthly regular meetings, the Stormy Petrels had a very busy year.

We attended three plays: “Holmes and Watson Save the Empire” featuring our own Petrel Gordon Roberts as Dr. Watson. “The Game is Afoot” in which we got to know a little more about William Gillette. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” in which two actors took on all the roles.

Our 25th “Master’s Dinner” was held in March in the officer’s lounge of the Bessborough Armories.

Our May meeting was a triple-feature, taking place at three different locations in New Westminster. First, meeting at a bookshop, second strolling down to the Burr (as in Raymond – who was born in New Westminster) Theatre, currently under renovations. Here we were met by our member Tim who had arranged for a tour and snacks. Lastly, we all walked across the street to “Sherlock’s Cafe” where proprietor Andy had coffee and tea ready for us. Here we held a regular study session amid British sweets and treats.

“Reichenbach Fall” (aka Shannon Falls) was re-visited in July and the ceremonial wreath was tossed into the turbulent stream by Fran.

Thanks to our member Brian, we held our annual Classic Movie Night at the Tapestry at UBC. After an introduction by Len, we, along with guests, enjoyed two classic Sherlock Holmes movies.

In August, a small delegation (Len, Elsa and Fran) met in Minneapolis to attend the excellent conference hosted by the Norwegian Explorers. Many wonderful guest speakers and a tour of the caverns below the University, which houses the great John Bennett Shaw collection.

Also in August, we held our annual croquet games and picnic, and met our British member, Joe, for dinner at “The Old Spaghetti Factory”

We also dined with two BSI’s who happened to be in Vancouver at the same time. “Bob the Nomad” and Curtis Armstrong.

Several members were able to travel to Portland, Oregon, to experience the International Sherlock Holmes Exhibit. This inter-active exhibit is touring the U.S and will open in Columbus, Ohio on February 6th. Highly recommended.

We look forward to 2014 for more adventure, scholarship and Sherlockian fellowship as we already have plans to attend more plays and conferences. 2014 will be an exciting year for the Petrels.

Fran Martin,
President

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FEBRUARY MEETING

“Grant Munro was a happy, prosperous man. He had a good income, a nice villa in the country, and a loving devoted wife whom he loved dearly in return. Then, suddenly his world seems to come crashing about his ears, and he found himself discussing his most private affairs with two complete strangers – Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.”
(Steve Clarkson – 1998)

“…this is one of the least satisfying tales in the Sherlockian Canon.” (Rosemary Michaud)

The story for discussion will be “The Yellow Face”

Our first regular meeting of 2014 will take place on Tuesday, February 4th at Hampton Place at 7:00

If you would like any additional information, please contact Fran at the Stormy Petrel’s e-mail.

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Holmes and Watson Tour the Lower Mainland!

Stormy Petrel Gordon Roberts (Dr. Watson) informs us that “Holmes and Watson Save the Empire” again this year.

How do they do it? Come find out on January 22 – 25 (with a special 2pm Thursday matinee) at the Kay Meek Centre Studio Theatre in West Vancouver (box office: 604-981-6335) or:

In Chilliwack (March 7th) or:

Surrey Arts Centre (March 8th) 604-501-5566 https://tickets.surrey.ca
and:

Coquitlam (April 1 – 5)

A musical-comedy-mystery featuring the famous duo as they endeavour to squash Moriarty’s evil plan to topple Queen Victoria’s Empire.

Damon Calderwood as Holmes and the Stormy Petrels’ own Gordon Roberts as Dr. Watson deliver excellent performances.

Several Stormy Petrels enjoyed the play a year ago in Deep Cove. It is certainly a must-see! Highly recommended!

For further details, call the appropriate box office number for tickets or check the ACEproductions website at: http://www.aceproductions.ca

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERLOCK HOLMES

“The Stormy Petrels gatherer here
on this auspicious day
To toast the wisest and the best
who brought us all this way.
To Sherlock Holmes we raise a glass
and honour him once more.
The head of his profession on this
and every shore!”

GEDC0516

The Stormy Petrels will gather at The White Spot (West Georgia/Cardero) to celebrate the birthday of Sherlock Holmes on Jan. 4th at 11:00 am

If you care to join us, please let me know, as reservations are limited.

Thank you.
Your “Consulting Detective”

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