Sherlock Holmes Society of Western Australia

In sifting through some books I purchased at an Australian auction, the set included a small number of random Sherlockian papers related to scion activities. The papers included some mail-outs sheets from the Sherlock Holmes Society of Western Australia. I think this is worth transcribing to share some background on the scion, as they do not currently have an active web page (though they do have a Facebook page).

The two-sided page is not dated, but is likely from the 1980s, as that is when all the other Sherlockian newsletters are dated from the same collection. Charles Schofield QC, the President of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, died in 1993 aged 91.

The Sherlock Holmes Society of Western Australia

The. Society was started in February, 1983 shortly after a visit to Perth by Mr. Charles Scholefield QC (also known as Professor Moriarty), then President of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London. He has since consented to become Patron of our Society.

To be eligible to join one must profess Sherlock Holmes to be 'the best and wisest man whom I have ever known'. Membership involves attending three Society meetings and passing a short examination on the Canon which is set by the Society. 

The membership fee is $10:00 per person per year; family membership is $15:00. The Society meets on the last Saturday of each month (except December) and these meetings, which are generally informal, are intended to heighten enjoyment of the books.

A quarterly newsletter known as the "Western Flyer" comes out in March, July, September and December each year. This is devoted to articles of interest, puzzles, poetry, parodies and pastiches. There are awards each year for literary merit in a wide range of categories.

On election into the Society, each member selects a pseudonym from the Canon (always excepting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson) and are generally addressed at all meetings by that name.

The office of president, known as the Buttons-cum-Commissionaire is held for life by Dr. Douglas Sutherland-Bruce. The other committee members are elected or appointed annually.

Each year, in July, the Society celebrates Christmas in the traditional British fashion and in Victorian costume. The meeting at the end of November is a dinner/dance called "The Blue Carbuncle Soiree" where the business of the Society is conducted; membership certificates are presented as new members are inducted and the literary awards are made. Any successful students who may have achieved the Diploma of Holmesian Studies are also awarded their Diplomas.

Other meetings include an annual Croquet Day and other meetings may include viewings of Holmesian films, readings from the stories, debates, games nights, talks by various speakers such as private detectives or lawyers or forensic pathologists.

If you think you might be interested in joining please get in contact with:

The Wiggins,

Mrs. Sutherland-Bruce,

The Sherlock Holmes Society of Western Australia,

P.O. Box 284,

Tuart Hill,

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6060