I, along with Krista Lee, editor of our ‘Flyer’ had the opportunity to attend a very interesting gathering of Sherlockians in Seattle on January 9th to 11th.

Not the usual type of conference that I am used to, it was definitely an eye-opener. It made me more aware of what this ‘fandom’ is all about.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many of these younger folk (who are more into the BBC “Sherlock” and/or the “Elementary” TV series) are Jeremy Brett fans. Also, many of these fans are actually reading the original ‘canon’.

There were many panel discussions to chose from. I tended to veer towards the panels on which guests of honour, Peggy Perdue and Tim Johnson, sat.

Both librarians and custodians of special collections. Peggy from Toronto and Tim from Minneapolis. Also on some of these panels was John Longenbough, the author of the excellent play “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol” (among other works)

From the ‘alternate universe’, the cosplay, fan art, and demonstrations of Victorian martial arts, there truly was something for everyone.

The two guests of honour are presented with gifts.

Peggy Perdue, Curator of the Toronto Public Library’s Arthur Conan Doyle Collection and Tim Johnson, Curator of Special Collections & Rare Books and the E.W. McDiarmid Curator of the University of Minnesota Libraries.

Congratulation to Krista for willing the prize draw held by the Sound of the Baskervilles!

Thanks to Terri and David Haugen for their hospitality!

Several Stormy Petrels will be in the audience for sure. Dec. 28th to Jan. 10th

tickets and more info at: http://www.jerichoartscentre.com

Three Stormy Petrels (Johnnie, Gordon and Fran) embarked on an adventure which took them to a beautiful little theatre in a quaint, picturesque village on Vancouver Island. After a two-hour sail on the ferry and a half-hour drive down the Island Highway, they found themselves in Chemainus.

A lovely buffet lunch had been booked prior to the show.  The piano player was in top form as the three enjoyed their excellent meal. The elegant restaurant was conveniently located in the theatre upstairs.

The three Petrels made their way downstairs to find their seats in the front row. They were in for a real treat! Not sure what to expect when you read that Sherlock Holmes will be visited by three spirits, we were soon transported to the time and place we were hoping for. The set, with its over-sized clocks melting onto the stage, were reflective of the ‘time-warp’. Shadows would often pass over their faces.  The author, John Longenbaugh, has done an excellent job bringing our favourite characters to life.  Allowing us to see them not only in the present, but allowing us to know them in the past. And what could become of them in years to come.

This Petrel was filled with all kinds of emotions. The acting was superb! I was sorry to see it end.

Needless to say, this play comes highly recommended. Definitely worth the day trip to the Island!

A dozen Stormy Petrels, along with Dan Povere BSI (from Boston) met with Peter Blau BSI (Washington DC) along with several of his geologist/Friends of Sherlock Holmes colleagues for dinner on a rainy Wednesday night at Mahoney & Sons at Burrard Landing.

Sherlockian fellowship at its best. Drinks turned into dinner, turned into toasts, turned into entertaining stories.
Thanks to all who attended this fun event. Always very happy to get together with fellow Sherlockians from far and wide!

Thank you to Mahoney & Sons for ensuring we had a perfect evening