This will be NCT’s 18^th Annual Sherlock Holmes Birthday Celebration. The Great Detective, wherever on the Sussex Downs he may be beekeeping, is 164 this year. As usual, we will save a chair for him in case he decides to pay us a visit.

Please let us know that you are coming as soon as possible so we can ensure we have adequate seating ready when you arrive. (You are welcome to come, of course, even if you don’t reserve a spot). To let us know, just reply to this message. All that is needed is your name, and the number of your party if more than one.

We will be gathering Sunday, Jan. 7 at Noon in a new location – the sixth in our 18 years hosting this event. This year it is the Swagat Indian Restaurant (707 N High Point Rd, Madison). We have party space reserved. As in past years, we have reserved the right to rename the location, while we are there, “The Criterion” of Study in Scarlet fame. Lunch will be served buffet-style.

SPECIAL NOTES:

1.       Please do let us know if you will be attending, and if you are bringing guests – a count is helpful in the planning for the best program.

2.      If you would like to make a Sherlock-related presentation at the event, please contact me Glen or John via email (jc_nboy@...) to let us know. We have time on the program for up to three presentations of 20-minutes maximum each. Perhaps it’s a topic of personal interest to you, somethings you’d like to share in a “show and tell,” or something else Sherlockian you think those attending might find of interest.  We will try to assign the readings on a first-to-ask basis (unless someone proposes a MUST read item that pushes to the top of the list). One of the readings, or course, will be “221B” by Vincent Starrett. But, we have two other reading slots to fill, so please volunteer if you think you have something of interest to the group.

3.       We want to let them [us] eat cake, and this year, again,  – Jim and Vicky have once again stepped up to the plate on that one.

4.       And everybody please bring a few extra Sovereigns, Pounds Sterling, Guineas, Farthings, or Shillings to help defray the cost of the cake (money from the Colonies may be acceptable as well).

5.       As usual, one of the features of the event will be a display table for any items you wish to show the rest of us from your own Holmes or Arthur Conan Doyle collections.

6.       Don’t forget to let Glen and/or John know as soon as possible if you have any readings or other sharing to be included in the program. Any ideas are welcome (as long as we can fit them in).

7.       And, if you have one, don’t forget your Deerstalker! [Inverness capes, canes, and Holmesian socks, and other items are also welcome]

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

 If anyone who does not already have a Canonical Name would like to be assigned at January's event, please let me know so I can remember to give you a special mention at the event. This is a great time to become official -- and we promise the hazing will be kept to a minimum. Even if you cannot attend, but have decided on a name (or are not on the attached list), please forward the new name to me so I can add you to our honored list.

Thanks,

Hansom Cab     (aka Glen Link)

Calabash (from the mantelpiece, with all the plugs and dottles)     (aka John Hudson)