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:

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

October 18, 2021 0

MARCH 3rd MEETING

*Please note new location for this month!!!

Due to unforeseen, an foreseen circumstances, our meeting location has changed for March only.

The meeting will be held in the lounge of Fran’s building in New Westminster. (Sheldon will e-mail directions to members)

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2020

The time, as always: 7:00 pm

The story for discussion: Part 2 of “Study in Scarlet”

Please see the previous post regarding the March 29th luncheon. You may bring your payment to the meeting, or mail it to Fran. Cheques are made payable to The Stormy Petrels of BC. (e-mail Fran for the address)

Please RSVP to Fran before March 10th as the restaurant needs to know numbers by then.

February 24, 2020 0

31st ANNUAL MASTERS DINNER

The Stormy Petrels of BC will celebrate this special event at The Vancouver Alpen Club on March 16, 2019.

There will be the usual skits and some surprise skits performed by the Petrel Players.

There will be some amazing door prizes and a wonderful buffet.

Easily accessible by transit. Plenty of free parking.

Time: Bar opens at 6:00, with dinner served at 7:00

Price: A very reasonable $45 (if you would like a copy of the menu, you can contact Fran – and be prepared to be amazed!)

Please bring your payment to the February Stormy Petrel meeting, or mail your payment to Elsa Haffenden. (contact Fran for the address, if you need it)

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can prepare. Space is limited.

Victorian-style dress is encouraged, but not a must. (spoiler alert: both Elsa and Fran will be wearing traditional dirndls!!)

Also, please let Fran know if you would like to offer a toast. franziskah@shaw.ca

Hope to see everyone there!

January 24, 2019 0

Reichenbach Falls (aka Shannon Falls) Picnic – June 15, 2019

On Saturday, June 15, 2019 The Stormy Petrels will flock to Shannon Falls on the Sea-to-Sky.

[Left: Shannon Falls, BC / Right: Reichenbach Falls, Switzerland]

About Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is located just off Highway 99, 58 km north of Vancouver. BC. According to the BC Parks website, it is composed of a series of cliffs, rising 335 meters above Highway 99, making it the third highest falls in the province.

In 1792, Captain George Vancouver set up camp just west of the falls, which were named after Shannon who, in 1890 – 1900, owned the falls and surrounding area and used the clay deposits to make bricks. (you can’t make bricks without clay!)

The park also holds significant spiritual value to the Squamish First Nations, the first people to live in the area. They told of a two-headed sea serpent, Say-noth-ka, who lived in and around Howe Sound. According to legend, this beast traveled both on land and in the water. Some versions say it was Say-noth-ka who formed Shannon Falls by slithering and twisting his powerful body up the mountainside, wearing down a spillway for those cascading waters

We will once again met at 10:00 am at Shannon Falls, our substitute for the Reichenbach Falls. The resemblance is truly uncanny!

Those who wish can will hike up to the lookout. Once back down to the park area, we dedicate the wreath and enjoy a picnic lunch.

A bonus this year – we have been invited to “Toad Hall” the home of Elsa and Len Haffenden where we will be treated to the delicious baking of our hostess.

Members: please see Sheldon’s e-mail regarding rides.

If you require any additional information, please contact Fran at franziskah@shaw.ca

[Photo sources: Wikipedia and Flickr]

June 11, 2017 0

Tag: events