The Parish Magazine No. 1
The Parish Magazine No. 1 is the newsletter of the The Arthur Conan Doyle Society published in june 1989.
The Parish Magazine No. 1
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY
ISSUE NUMBER ONE: JUNE 1989
Editorial
As this Newsletter is being prepared for the printers, the one hundredth membership application for THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY sits on my desk awaiting attention. Whilst one hundred members alone will not ensure the financial security of the Society, it is remarkable that, within less than a month of the Official Launch date, and without any major publicity campaigns, the Society has already enlisted the support of an interested and enthusiastic membership.
Of course there will be those who are saying 'Let's leave it for twelve months and see if the Arthur Conan Doyle Society is still going', but there will always be those who sit on the sidelines content for others to make the major contribution, and ready to criticise as soon as a slight mistake is noticed. To those of you who have been prepared to commit yourselves at this very early stage in the Society's history. I extend my very sincere thanks for your support. That what I have set out to achieve has been accepted by so many people, at face value, is a generous compliment to myself, and a tribute to the high esteem in which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is held the world over. I am particularly proud that Dame Jean Conan Doyle, Pierre Nordon, Owen Dudley Edwards, Richard Lancelyn Green and Jeremy Brett felt that the venture was worthy of their accepting Honorary Membership; and to have the experience and support of so experienced a writer as Julian Symons. the Society's first Honorary President, is a great comfort.
However, whilst establishing the Society and watching the gradual build up in membership has been great fun, the time is fast approaching for the Society's affairs to be placed on a firmer footing and, with this in mind. I would ask anyone who is genuinely interested in Committee work to contact me as soon as possible as I need to arrange an initial meeting to elect Officers and formulate the Society's policy for the foreseeable future.
Help is also needed for one very important matter: A suitable title for the Society's Journal. There is some urgency to finalise a title quickly, as printing schedules dictate that final copy has to be with the printer very shortly. I am looking for some originality, and straightforward titles such as 'The Arthur Conan Doyle Society Journal' have already been considered. To encourage member participation, Dave Kirby of Rupert Books has kindly donated a PRIZE for the best suggestion: a copy of the Greenhill Books edition of MEMORIES AND ADVENTURES, one of only 100 copies signed by Richard Lancelyn Green who wrote the new foreword for that edition. So thinking caps on, and suggestions to me please as quickly as possible.
The first Journal will be despatched to members in September. Future editions will be published in March and September. Your participation is vital for its success and articles, letters etc. will be welcomed. Any topic which relates to Arthur Conan Doyle is open for discussion but, one word of warning: traditional Holmesian/Sherlockian articles are unlikely to be accepted for publication unless they contribute significantly to a particular anniversary, i.e. Next year's SIGN OF FOUR Centenary.
Launch Day — Souvenir Programme
I have 50 copies of the Launch Day Souvenir available for any members who have not yet received one. Programmes are limited to one per member and strictly on a first come first served basis. If you would like a copy, please send a large (min. 170x245mm) stamped addressed envelope to me at Grasmere, 35 Penfold Way. Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML, England.
The Official Launch — Sunday May 21st, 1989
In order to ensure that as many people as possible were able to attend the launch of THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY, the official launch was held on Sunday May 21st at The George Inn, Southwark, London. Unfortunately, and in the main due to the excessive prices demanded for Sunday catering in London, it did not prove viable to hold the launch party in an establishment which had any direct connection with Sir Arthur. However, The George's long history, and its literary connections with Dickens and Johnson rendered it an eminently suitable venue. I believe that I can say that everyone who attended felt that the beautiful surroundings lent such to the occasion. Few of us, perhaps, without the guidance of our Honorary President Julian Symons, would have observed that the decorations in The George Room had been designed under the supervision of a certain Professor Moriarty, and that one mural in particular depicted an anxious Sherlock Holmes, with arms outstretched, about to utter the chilling words, 'I arrest you all'.
In all, some thirty people managed to make their way to The George and, following a splendid buffet lunch, Christopher Raden made his Founder's speech, and read out goodwill messages from Tony Howlett of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, Jon Lellenberg and Pierre Nordon. Julian Symons proposed the feast to 'The Society', and Owen Dudley Edwards, following an illuminating response, replied with the Toast 'Sir Arthur Conan Doyle'. We were fortunate that Dame Jean Conan Doyle was able to join us, and that the occasion inspired Dame Jean to make a short, impromptu speech.
B.B.C. Radio, in the guise of Nick Utechin and Humphrey Carpenter was present, recording material for the new series of 'To Keep the Memory Green'. The programme which will feature the Arthur Conan Doyle Society should be broadcast in January or February 1990. It is to be hoped that the George Inn's gurgling pipes will not prevent the B.B.C.'s technicians from putting together a really interesting programme.
Anthony Lane of THE INDEPENDENT also joined us for lunch and, although nothing has appeared in the paper to the time of writing. I am told that the Society is to be featured in an article in a forthcoming Saturday edition of THE INDEPENDENT.
It had originally seemed likely that WORLD MONITOR TV would be covering the launch but, at the last minute it seems that Sherlock Holmes took preference. My apologies to all of those American members who had tuned in to the Discovery Channel expecting to see us.
A fuller report, together with transcripts of speeches etc., will appear in the September Journal.
A Plea for Information from the Edgar Wallace Society
John A. Hogan, Organiser of The Edgar Wallace Society, writes as follows: 'During some research into Edgar Wallace early material, I discovered The Legion of Frontier seen, formed in 1909 by Captain Roger Pocock, one of the many 'irregulars' who flocked to South Africa to help during the South African War. Knowing that Arthur Conan Doyle earned his knighthood in South Africa for his services to the wounded. and that he formed a friendship with Edgar Wallace (who, prior to becoming a War Reporter had served with the Medical Staff Corps in South Africa), I wondered if A.C.D. had also joined this Legion. All that I can ascertain is that Dame Jean Conan Doyle has a memory of her father joining in the early 1920s but nowhere, so far, can I trace any references to this in any of the large number of books about Arthur Conan Doyle which I have scanned.
Do any of your members have any knowledge of Arthur Conan Doyle becoming a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen? I would much appreciate any help you can give.
And so, the Society has a challenge. If anyone can provide any information, please forward it either through me or direct to John A. Hogan, Devonshire Close, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5JG
The Parish Magazine
Some readers may be puzzling over the choice of name for the Newsletter THE PARISH MAGAZINE — and I feel that I should explain:
THE PARISH MAGAZINE is one of Arthur Conan Doyle's later stories, and was first published, shortly following his death, in THE STRAND MAGAZINE of August 1930. It tells the story of Mr. Pomeroy, that seen to be most common to the printing trade, a printer who, working under the pressures accepted instructions from two previously unknown young people to print a Supplement to St. Olivia's Church Magazine.
In the event, the Supplement turns out to contain highly libellous remarks about virtually everyone who is anyone in the Parish, with the result that Pomeroy... well, that would be telling.
The most recent edition containing THE PARISH MAGAZINE is Gibson & Green's 'Uncollected Stories' in the Unknown Conan Doyle Series (Secker & Warburg. 1982), and is, of course, recommended reading.
THE PARISH MAGAZINE is a particularly humourous little story, which leads one to wander exactly what prompted the idea in the author's mind.
Until fairly recently, it was thought that THE PARISH MAGAZINE had only appeared in THE STRAND and in P. G. Wodehouse's collection 'A Century of Humour'. David Kirby of Rupert Books has, however. recently discovered 'Crackers' a Christmas magazine of The Ipswich Society for the Blind, dating from 1939 which includes the story with illustrations by Lupton Webb.
I am exploring the possibility of reprinting THE PARISH MAGAZINE. by way of a souvenir Limited Edition which would include S. Allen's [1] illustrations from STRAND, and Lupton Webb's from CRACKERS. a new introduction, publishing history and biographical notes on the illustrators. Subject to resolving any copyright difficulties, this new booklet should be available around Christmas time. and I hope to include full details with the Journal in September.
The Conan Doyle Establishment
Members may have heard rumours of another 'Arthur Conan Doyle Society': The Conan Doyle Establishment is a non-profit making organisation which has archive information available for bona fide researchers students etc, and is based at The Crowborough Cross, Crowborough, Sussex.
Originally, the Organisation was to be titled 'The Conan Doyle Foundation U.K.', but the decision has now been taken to change the name to avoid any confusion with the Swiss Foundation which, sadly, appears to have effectively ceased operations.
Plans for the launch of The Conan Doyle Establishment have, regrettably, been delayed by the sudden death of the President, Anthony Yates. Mr. Yates had plans well in hand to convert part of The Crowborough Cross Hotel to accommodate The Conan Doyle Rooms, where there would be a display of photographs and Conan Doyle memorabilia. Members of 'The Establishment' will also be available if required, to answer questions or to guide small parties or individuals around the town.
It is hoped that the Establishment will be functioning fully by the beginning of July. Meanwhile, anyone who would like further information should contact The Curator, Malcolm Payne, Wealden Close, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 251 (Tel:08926 63021).
News of Other Societies
THE GHOST STORY SOCIETY was formed in 1988 for readers who like supernatural fiction written in the literary tradition of M. R. James, Walter de la Mare, Arthur Machen, Algernon Blackwood, E. F. Benson and others; sone undeservedly obscure. Tales where the emphasis is on atmosphere and ancient places are the haunt of unmortal figures...
The Society will:
- Produce regular Newsletters (at least three a year) to keep members informed of new publications of interest, and all relevant projects and activities.
- Publish a Journal, initially annually, which will include articles on authors and books of the genre, reprints of neglected stories, new high quality fiction in the same tradition etc.
- Promote reprints of classic but scarce volumes of ghost stories, both via commercial publishers and with its own programme.
- Arrange meetings for members. These may include 'ghost tours', readings, book auctions/sales, writers' workshops, but most of all convivial and like-minded conversation.
A year's subscription to THE GHOST STORY SOCIETY costs just £5 ($12 for U.S. Members). Please make payment to J. A. Dempsey, and send to Jeff Dempsey at 2 Looe Road, Croxteth, Liverpool LII 6LJ.
Arthur Conan Doyle Memorabilia
News from two members of particularly high quality items:
ROGER WORLAND (49 Bouldrewood Road, Benfleet, Essex 557 SUA) has produced a particularly attractive signet ring with a 'meerschaum' pipe design. The ring was apparently originally commissioned by a member of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London, and produced in 9ct. Gold. Roger tells me that, given sufficient interest, the ring can also be produced in 14ct.Gold making it suitable for the U.S. market. He has also produced a lapel pin/tie pin which splendidly depicts the Doyle family coat of arms, together with the legend 'Fortitudine Vincit'.
If you are interested in either of these items, please contact Roger direct.
LABOROMNIA LIMITED offers a wide range of quality souvenirs but of particular interest to members will be the Arthur Conan Doyle Tie, produced in navy blue with A.C.D.'s signature in gold (£13.50). The Arthur Conan Doyle wall plate (£35.00), and The Sherlock Holmes wall plate with Paget's famous illustrations from The Valley of Fear and the short names of all of the Holmes stories around the border (E27.00)
If you are interested, please contact Jack Stoddart, Laboromnia Limited, 15 Wallingford Avenue, London W10 60A (allow 28 days for delivery).
The Laboromnia items are available in America from Robert C. Hess, 559 Potter Blvd., Brightwaters, NY 11718.
Society Launch Celebrated by the Chester Baskerville Society
The Randolph County Herald Tribune, from Chester Illinois, dated June 1st 1989, reports that 'The Chester Baskerville Society gathered at the home of Mike and Susan McClure on May 22nd to toast the literary great and to watch the brief video-taped (c.1920) interview of Conan Doyle'. The report continues with passages lifted from the Arthur Conan Doyle Society's publicity material.
Mike McClure, founder of The Chester Baskervilles, was one of our Society's pre-launch members.
The Chester Baskerville Society meets quarterly and focuses on Conan Doyle and his Sherlockian writings. They produce an attractive little newsletter 'The Devonshire Chronicle'. If anyone is interested, they should contact Mike McClure at 1415Swanwick Street, Chester, IL 62233, U.S.A.
(See also the item on page 8).
Wanted
JOE ECKRICH, 7793 Keswick Place, St. Louis, Missouri 63119, U.S.A.
Joe is interested in obtaining a copy of the 1930 edition of MEMORIES AND ADVENTURES, as well as a copy of the Lord Donegall variant of the 1960 facsimilie of Beeton's Christmas Annual containing A STUDY IN SCARLET.
CHRISTOPHER RODEN, Grasmere, 35 Penfold way. Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML: Tel 0244 660988
Would like to hear from anyone who has a copy of the SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE CENTENARY 1859 to 1959 by Adrian Conan Doyle and Pierre Nordon for sale. Either a British or American edition would be acceptable.
MEMBERS MAY ADVERTISE THEIR 'WANTS' AND 'FOR SALE' ITEMS FREE OF CHARGE, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 50 MORDS IN THE PARISH MAGAZINE ONLY. JOURNAL ADVERTISING IS RESTRICTED, BUT PLEASE ENQUIRE IF YOU ARE SERIOUSLY INTERESTED. THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE PARISH MAGAZINE IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER: PLEASE ENSURE THAT ANY ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FORWARDED TO CHRIS RODEN NOT LATER THAN THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER.
Book News
OXFORD PAPERBACKS chose the month of the Society's launch to re-issue MEMORIES AND ADVENTURES. Sir Arthur's autobiography. This is now generally available at £5.95.
PSYCHIC PRESS are busying themselves re-issuing some of Sir Arthur's more important Spiritualist works in paperback. THE NEW REVELATION and THE VITAL MESSAGE are available in a single volume (E5.35 in PEP). A very good quality, two-volume edition of THE HISTORY OF SPIRITUALISM (£7.00 per volume inc. PCP) is now available, and plans are in hand for a reprint of THE SPIRITUALIST'S READER later this year. Society members may deduct £1 per volume from Psychic Press editions by applying direct to then at 20 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LW. Please quote the membership number which appears on your address label.
Donald Redmond's SHERLOCK HOLMES — A STUDY IN SOURCES is still available at Can $24.95 plus $1.00 shipping charges from Marketing Division, McGill-Queen's University Press, 5201 Dufferin Street, Downsview, Ontario, Canada, M3H 518.
Al Rodin and Jack Key have a number of titles currently available. Principally THE MEDICAL CASE BOOK OF DOCTOR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE which is available from Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company Inc.. P.0.Box 9542. Melbourne FL 32902-9542. U.S.A. (U.S.$33.50, plus Air Mail $20.80 Master Card & Visa are acceptable.) Bookpost varies, so check with Krieger's if you wish to use this method.
Society members may obtain a special rate for two of Rodin & Key's titles: LOST WORLDS IN TIME AND SPACE: The Science Fiction of Arthur Conan Doyle (U.S. $9.95) and ADVENTURING IN ENGLAND WITH DOCTOR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE (U.S.$8.00). Add $4.50 per volume Air Mail, or $7.40 for both.
JOHN LELLENBERG'S highly recommended THE QUEST FOR SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE is still available from Southern Illinois University Press, P.0.Box 3697, Carbondale, IL 62902-3697. For an analysis of the available biographical material on Conan Doyle, this book is unsurpassed. Regrettably, details of the current price are not available at the moment.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE MISSING LINK by Douglas Elliot (Bootmakers of Toronto, Occasional Paper No.2), explores the accusations and rebuttal of Conan Doyle's involvement in the Piltdown hoax. (Can $5.50 postpaid) direct from The Bootmakers, 47 Manor Road West, Toronto, Ontario, MSP 1E6, Canada.
OLIVER BRUHNS (Kathe-kollwitz-weg 10, 2400 Lubeck 1, FR Germany) has produced a PRACTICAL HANDBOOK of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary works in Germany with some observations upon Sherlock Holmes pastiche. Limited to 221 copies, it has 19 illustrations by Richard Gutschmidt. Cost DM.10, inc package and airmail. Please send either banknote or International Money Order only.
IN AND OUT OF CHARACTER, the long out-of-print autobiography of Basil Rathbone, has just been re-issued in paperback by Ianmead Limited, priced £7.95. This is a very tidy production, and is a must for the bookshelf of anyone with a remote interest in Sherlock Holmes, especially as depicted by one still considered by many to be the finest portrayer of Holmes to date.
John Bryan's JAMES BOND: 01D HE REALLY LIVE TWICE? may, at first glance, appear out of place in this list. However, Bryan has drawn a comparision of the similarities between Bond and Holmes in this neatly presented little volume. (£6.95 Domino Books limited, Springfield Court, New Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle of Man.
Readers in the U.K. may find a telephone call to Rupert Books in Cambridge, makes obtaining many of these titles a lot easier than writing to publishers overseas. See the advertisement on page 5 for full details.
Review: A Study in Banking
Subscriptions
U.S. Members who are greatly to the cost in the U.S. as soon finding that the cost of resitting their subscription in sterling is adding should take heart. I am making every effort to establish banking facilities as possible. If there is anyone who could effect a satisfactory introduction — that would be welcome. Meanwhile, if it lessens the burden, send dollar bills instead.
The Chester Baskerville Society
Although it is not my intention to allow THE PARISH MAGAZINE to become a vehicle whereby the various Sherlockian/Holmesian Societies may promote themselves, the novel toast of the Chester Baskerville Society may be of interest to members. Although the toast perpetuates the myth that Conan Doyle was the Literary Agent of Watson it does, nevertheless, convey an interesting message if the first letter of each line is read vertically.
The toast was written by Michael McClure, founder of The Chester Baskerville Society, and forms a part of the proceedings at each of their meetings.
Deerstalkers affixed to the noggins now present,
Owing much to the creator of memories so pleasant,
Yearning for more than the good doctor provides,
Looking between the lines of what Sherlock confides.
Everyone has their own opinion of Conan Doyle.
Literary Agent of Watson, who by gaslight's toil
Increased out horizons and forced us to learn
Vital fuel for the fire that continues to burn.
Each guest of Baskerville Hall gathered here
Surely hold Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a friend true and dear.
The Society's Journal
The long-awaited first issue of the Society's Journal will make its appearance in September and, besides a full account of the proceedings of the launch day party in London, there are a number of interesting articles scheduled.
Topics to be discussed include: The homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, A.C.D. and the Cottingley Fairies, 'Behind the Times': Conan Doyle's message for today's physicians, 'The Land of Shadows': A survey of Conan Doyle's involvement with the theatre, and 'The Psychical Doyle'. Editorial and book reviews complete the format of what it is hoped will become a much sought after edition.
Articles, reviews, letters or any other items of information for publication in the Society's Journal, should be forwarded to Christopher Roden, Grasmere, 35 Penfold Way. Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML
REMEMBER... It's your Society, and your Society's Journal. It really is up to you to make that contribution which will enable the Journal to succeed.
The Parish Magazine
Whilst the Journal will be the Society's formal outlet for new study and writing. THE PARISH MAGAZINE is to be a much more informal publication. It is intended that THE PARISH MAGAZINE will appear twice yearly in June and December, and that it will carry 'all the latest gossip', news. short reviews and articles not considered suitable for the main Journal.
Your contributions are invited, and should be sent to the same address as Journal contributions.
The Parish Magazine is published by THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY From Grasmere, 35 Penfold Way. Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML. Copyright (c) 1989, The Arthur Conan Doyle Society. All individual copyrights retained by the authors.
- Article courtesy Christopher Roden, founder of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society (1989-2003).
