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.

SHERLOCK BIRTHDAY BRUNCH UPDATE

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 Holmesian meal. You know Holmes did enjoy his eggs, toast and coffee. A man after my own heart!

“…my companion (Holmes) munched silently at his toast.” (Study in Scarlet)

“”I found the breakfast laid and Holmes pouring out the coffee.” (Sign of Four)

“Better have your ham and eggs first.” (Sign of Four)

“…we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the morning…” (Scandal in Bohemia)

“My dear Watson, when I have exterminated that fourth egg, I shall be ready…” (Valley of Fear)

“In the morning I (Watson) was up betimes, but some toast crumbs and two empty egg shells told me that my companion (Holmes) was earlier still.” (Retired Colourman)

The Zoom brunch will take place on Saturday, January 8th at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)

any questions? contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

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Sherlock Holmes Birthday Brunch

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 district (just south of Lougheed near the Brentwood Mall) Within walking distance of Brentwood Skytrain Station.

When? Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Starting the new year enjoying an informal time with fellow Petrels and guests!

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Dec. Holiday Mtg. 2021

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 Fran’s apartment bldg. (directions will be sent to all members who are planning on attending)

When? 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7th

We have most stories of the canon represented on the tree, but are still looking for:

Dying Detective, Lady Frances Carfax, Blanched Soldier, 3 Garridebs, 3 Students, Retired Colourman, Abbey Grange, Missing Three-Quarter, Crooked Man, Gloria Scott, Stockbrokers Clerk.

For more information/ questions, please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

Unfortunately, the Zoom option will not be offered at this event. We will miss our out-of-town members and friends!! But, we will see you all in February!

*An added note: Please remember to RSVP to Fran if you are planning on attending the Annual Luncheon in March. Details have been e-mailed to members, but reminders will be sent again. Don’t miss out!

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November 2021 Meeting

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 and windows can be opened. You must be fully vaccinated and masks must be worn in common areas. Hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the room.

Coffee and tea will be available, along with some snacks, and many door prizes. Please let Fran know if you plan on attending in person so she can know how much coffee and cake she should bring.

Shortly, Priory Schoolmaster Sheldon will forward directions to members. Zoom option will still be available for our out-of-town members and friends. A practice hybrid meeting proved successful!

November’s case for discussion: “The Stockbroker’s Clerk”

Published both in The Strand Magazine in the UK and Harper’s Weekly in the US in March 1893.

The plot in this case may sound vaguely familiar. And, as we have learned from other adventures, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Holmes had called upon Dr. Watson to ask him to travel with him to Birmingham, along with a confused clerk, Hall Pycroft, to help solve the mystery of his strange employment.

Note that this is one of eight cases in the canon which features no women.

Hall Pycroft, had a colourful way of talking:

“…I have lost my crib…”; “…I shall feel what a soft Johnny I have been.”; “…other chaps on the same lay as myself…”; :…it was my innings that time…”; “…the screw was a pound a week.”

BONUS QUESTIONS:

  1. Sherlock Holmes deduced that Dr. Watson had not been well. What gave it away?
  2. This case brings to mind a similar adventure. Which one?
  3. Can you name another case which is femaleless?
  4. Who were Mr. Harris and Mr. Price. (extra bonus is you can name their specialties)
  5. What role does the gold tooth play?

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 2nd

Time: 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

f you require additional information, or have any questions, please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

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