Category: News

Posted on

The Hound and the Bittern: A Sherlockian Sonnet by William S Dorn

I found a Sherlockian sonnet written by William S Dorn, BSI, DWNP, who is so talented in his writings. A member of our local society and a man who does me the high honor of calling me his friend. I am sure after you read this you will agree with me as to the high quality of his work.

The Hound and the Bittern

In the days of yore the old tales tell,
Of a spectral hound Sir Hugo much did dread.
It followed him till last he fell,
Then tore at his throat until he was quite dead.

Anon Sir Charles by the moor he did wait.
Next morn the gentle man’s remains were found.
He laid face down quite near a lonely gate,
Beside him prints of a gigantic hound.

Then Watson came to Baskerville, the Hall,
He strolled the moor and heard a frightening noise.
One man did say it was a bittern’s call,
So fierce it was the doctor lost his poise.

Alas it was the massive hound that glows,
In phosphor spread in globs from jowls to nose.

Posted on

Treasure Hunt Keepsakes and Thank Yous

Hello Watsonians!

I have received many nice notes concerning the keepsakes sent to the  4th Annual Treasure Hunt participants.  Thank you all for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you like them.  I think our ‘Asta’ might have needed a shot of the doctor’s brandy after posting the keepsakes over four continents!

SelenaButtons posted a great quiz recently to keep our quizzing skills sharp, and I will be dropping in from time to time with a single question that might help us stay in practice for the next Treasure Hunt.  I’m sure ‘Reggie’ is going to have quite the challenge for us in August 2017.

Thanks!

Margie ‘Gwen’

 

Posted on

On October 2nd…

October 2, 1879: Holmes discovered the body of Brunton and identified the crown of Charles I. [MUSG]
October 2, 1900: Stapleton showed Watson and Sir Henry the site of the legend. [HOUN]

Posted on

On September 26th…

September 26, 1879: At 2:00 am, Reginald Musgrave found Brunton reading the family ritual. [MUSG]

This is one of my favorite cases. I love the family ritual. It appeals to me, “the man who is half a boy”.

September 26, 1900: An anonymous warning letter to Sir Henry Baskerville arrived at the Northumberland Hotel. [HOUN]

September 26, 1902: The Morning Post announced the de Merville-Gruner marriage would not take place. [ILLU]

Posted on

Quiz Results: The Solitary Cyclist

RESULTS: In order of submission, 10/10 to:

  • Paul Hartnett, “Scout”
  • Ron Lies, “Chips”
  • Enrico Solito, “Devon”
  • Michael Ellis, “Lobo”
  • Margie Deck, “Gwen”, and Sheila Holtgrieve, “Daisy”
  • Elinor Gray, “Misty”
  • Alessandro Melillo
  • Stephanie Thomas, “Hyacinth”

Well done, everyone!

And, of course, the ANSWERS:

  1. Watson is very specific about the day and date that Miss Violet Smith visits 221B. He is also incorrect. When does he say she came, and why is it wrong?
    1. Saturday, April 23, 1895
    2. April 23, 1895, was a Tuesday
  2. Holmes says engaging in this sport is “always a treat”. What sport, and where did he engage in it?
    1. Boxing
    2. The “country pub” near Charlington
  3. This city was the target of a devastating attack 45 years later, but at the time of this story, it is home to a person most significant to Miss Violet Smith. What city, and whom does she say is there?
    1. Coventry
      Note: Ron Lies, “Chips”, and the team of Margie Deck, “Gwen”, and Sheila Holtgrieve, “Daisy”, sent in an alternate answer of “Westminster” – Cyril Morton lived there at the end of the story, and Westminster was also bombed in 1940.
    2. Her fiance, Cyril Morton
  4. This was an unconventional way to choose a groom, especially as neither candidate had yet met the bride. How was the decision made, and between what two parties?
    1. A game of cards
    2. Bob Carruthers and Jack Woodley
  5. It may have felt like 90 days, but it was really nowhere near that long. What, and how long was it?
    1. Mr Woodley’s visit to Chiltern Grange
    2. One week