Fran Martin

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.

	I admit that I knew a little about Arthur Conan Doyle. A little. Now I know much more. Alistair Duncan writes in such a clear way as to enable us to envision the events as they were unfolding during the Undershaw years – the years that Arthur Conan Doyle and his family resided at this home which he had built in Hindhead in Surrey. Witness its birth, life and uncertain future.
Built in 1897, the house soon became alive with activity. Children playing, friends and relations visiting, author creating.
The years that followed showed scandals, speculations, successes, controvercies and conflicts.Within these walls more happened in the life of ACD than most people realize. Mr. Duncan diarized the life of the Doyles in and around Undershaw.There were new beginnings, followed by sad endings. There was news of great importance, disapointments, literary genius was exercised, distinguished visitors walked the halls.Eventually, the house, although still physically visible, was leased. And after all the awards and achievements bestowed upon its famous resident, time went on and its life faded.Throughout the book, are rarely-seen drawings and photographs from the author’s collection. With the more recent photos of Undershaw we can see how we need to breathe life back into the home, as ACD did with Holmes. Also by Alistair Duncan: “Eliminate the Impossible” “Close to Holmes” “The Norwood Author” There is an introduction by Mark Gatiss, and praise from Roger Johnson. For me, this book filled in many blanks. It pulled the puzzle together. Definitely a must-read.

Author: Fran Martin

SEPTEMBER 2012

An Entirely New Country- Arthur Conan Doyle, Undershaw and the Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes” by Alistair Duncan

25th Anniversary!

AUGUST 2012 EVENT

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The Stormy Petrels of BC invite you to help them celebrate 25 years as a Sherlockian Society. In 1987 this article appeared in “Canadian Holmes” the publication of The Bootmakers of Toronto.The Stormy Petrels have been growing stronger ever since.
	Please join us. Find out who we are and what we have done over the past quarter century.This very special event will take place on Sept. 22, 2012.It promises to be a full day of fun and fellowship.

Registration will begin at 9:00The location: Hampton Place at UBC (University of British Columbia)Editor Len asks you to contact the Stormy Petrels for further information.