Category: Monthly Meeting

March 2021 Meeting

Our March adventure was first published in the Strand Magazine in January 1892. Christopher Morley called it “A Christmas story without the slush.” When it was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, an alternative title was used – “The Christmas Goose That Swallowed the Diamond.”

On Tuesday, March 2nd the Stormy Petrels will meet via Zoom to discuss “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”

Find out what Dr. Watson learns as he visits his friend, Holmes, on the second day after Christmas.

What is a commissionaire?

Find out how a precious gem ended up in the “disjecta membra” of a foul.

What did Holmes deduce from the hat of Henry Baker and why did his wife force Baker the wear a scotch bonnet?

Holmes says it is “the season of forgiveness.” Was Holmes commuting a felony or saving a soul?

Bonus questions: 1. The blue carbuncle may have been based on which real-life gem? 2. Which American Novelist had a story published in 1851 titled “The Great Carbuncle” (in his collection of Twice-Told Tales) 3. In which other Sherlock Holmes adventure do we find an incident of vitriol throwing?

The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Listen to Sheldon Goldfarb read his musings on the story. Join the discussion.

For more info, please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

    0

    2020 A YEAR IN REVIEW

    This special edition of The Petrel Flyer gave us a window into the life of The Stormy Petrels of BC, albeit not a typical year for our group.

    We were not able to meet in person after our March meeting. We had to postpone (indefinitely) our annual dinner. We were not able to travel to the “Reichenbach Falls” (aka Shannon Falls). We were not able to enjoy the “Silver Blaze” races and pot luck & tea at the spacious estate of Dame Johnston-Keddis in South Surrey. Since the borders were (and still are) closed, we could not attend any conferences, symposiums, summits or meetings south of the border. However, we could attend virtually via Zoom, but nothing beats road trips (or train excursions) and meeting and talking to people face to face.

    After another great job of formatting by Rebecca Bollwitt and uploading the work onto a memory stick, it was ready to be dropped off and put together by a professional printing service.

    The printer was Minuteman Press on Agnes Street in New Westminster. They did a marvelous job of printing and binding and I would not hesitate to use their services again.

    I am very pleased to reprint some of the positive feedback for people who received their copy:

    Additional copies are available. If you would like a copy, please contact Fran at franziskah@shaw.ca

    Elsa Haffenden: “A great job.”
    Steve Mason: “I am impressed.”
    Jean Brown: “It was terrific and I read it cover to cover.”
    Ed Weiss: “An outstanding job. A wonderful addition to any Sherlockian collection.”
    Al Nelson: “Enjoying the 2020 Year in Review publication. Great job to all who contributed.”
    Margaret Nelson: “Al and I are enjoying the Petrel’s 2020 publication. It was a real treat to receive during such a trying time.”
    Rebecca Bollwitt: “Job well done. Always happy to support the Petrels.”

    Andy Hunter: “Enjoying it very much.”

    Tim Mustart: positive comments were given over the phone.
    Rich Krisciunas: gave it a mention on FaceBook

    1

    February 2021 Meeting

    We open with a cozy, homey scene of the Watsons enjoying a quiet evening by the fire. Watson, we imagine, about to nod off while reading the latest medical journal and Mrs. Watson straining her eyes, pulling a needle threaded with colourful embroidery thread through a piece of cloth.

    Their quiet evening is shattered by the sudden intruding of Mrs. Watson’s old friend, begging for help. And so begins Dr. Watson’s adventure which leads him to a dark, “…vile alley lurking behind the high wharves which line the north side of the river…”

    The Bar of Gold in Upper Swandam Lane holds something quite unexpected.

    The adventure continues with Holmes by his side. From London to Lee and back again, using a sponge dipped into a water jug to clean up the case.

    The Stormy Petrels of BC will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, February 2 (7:00 pm) to discuss “The Man With the Twisted Lip”

    Any questions? Contact Fran at franziskah@shaw.ca

    0

    December Meeting 2020

    “All day the wind had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows…As evening drew in the storm grew louder and louder…”

    “…the equinoctial gales had set in with exceptional violence”

    Watson’s description sets the scene for what is to come regarding “The Five Orange Pips”

    This case, set in 1887, was written early in 1891 but, due to influenza, it was not published in The Strand Magazine until November. Here is another case which originated in another country.

    Although the outcome of the case was less than successful (spoiler alert) ACD listed it as one of his favourite accounts in his “Baker Street Dozen”. He rated it 7th place out of 12. Holmes is human after all and makes mistakes like the rest of us.

    Prize Draw Question: John Openshaw sported golden pince-nez. Which other adventure features someone who wore them? What was the person’s name?

    The Stormy Petrels of BC will meet again, at 7 p.m. via Zoom, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

    0

    Website Powered by WordPress.com.

    Up ↑