A Consultation of the Society: 27 December 2013

Two days after Christmas, as per the Canonical text, a Consultation of the Society was held in Napa, California at the home of Charter Members Andree and Chuck Youngson, “Belle” and “Jeeves.” The gracious hosts prepared the wonderful classic British dinner of roast beef with all the trimmings and additional dishes, appetizers, and desserts, as well as a liberality of wines, were brought by members. Suffice it to say that the warmth of hospitality, conviviality and superb cooking have seldom reached such heights in the post-Christmas quietude.

The afternoon also served as a meeting of the Napa Valley Napoleons of S.H., Dr Don Yates, “Pal” in the chair. The “Blue Carbuncle” radio drama starring Sirs Richardson and Geilgud was listened to and discussion followed.

Prof Yates called the Society’s third Consultation to order. The nine Founding and Charter Members present included Prof Yates and Dr Joanne Yates “Pal and “Sandy,” Andree and Chuck Youngson “Belle” and Jeeves,” Bruce Taylor “Booker,” Alice and Donald Schueler, “Goldie” and “Ascoyne,” Andrea Stewart “Asta” and Don Libey, “Buttons.”

Prof Yates called the Consultation to order at 3:00 p.m. A toast to Dr Watson was offered and celebrated. A motion was made to proceed with Bylaw #5 and to adjourn the meeting as no other business was before the Society. The motion carried and the Chair adjourned the Consultation at 3:05 p.m.  Following the meeting, a fine bottle of aged port was poured and sticky toffee pudding was enjoyed by all.

The Watsonians . . .1994 . . . Ah, Youth!

A recent gift from Bruce Taylor, “The Baker Street Journal” of June 1994, reveals the following announcement listed in From the Editor’s Commonplace Book, a bit choice in its imaginative elements and its culinary and Spiritus Fermenti ambitions, as well as its Watsonian celebration of enthusiasm and expansiveness of activity. To  quote:

“The Watsonian Weekend III will be held in Arlington Park, Illinois on July 8, 9, and 10, 1994. Events include: Reception and V.R. Pistol Competition will be Friday night; an escorted tour of the backstretch of Arlington International Racecourse, and the Watsonian Collegium at the Radison Hotel, the Royal Berkshires/Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers Regimental Dinner, all on Saturday; and the 35th running of The Silver Blaze, hosted by Col.  Ross, featuring a prime rib buffet and a four hour open bar.”

Now, those Watsonians knew how to party back in ’94. And what better celebration of true Watsonian personality and verve than a Regimental Dinner, a V.R. pistol contest, a scholarly Collegium, a four hour open bar, and a half-pension punter’s particular past-time, a bet on Silver Blaze at a great racecourse!

The First “Consultation”

The Society’s first Consultation was held at the home of Don and Joanne Yates on Saturday, April 13, 2013, from 12 noon to sometime after dark. Five of the Founding Members were present and a quorum was called. By-Laws 1 and 2 were, at all times, respected and By-Law 5 was given very adequate exercise.

The Chair, Prof. Yates, officially welcomed into Founding Membership Peter Blau, Michael Kean, Donald Pollock and Bruce Taylor. Appropriate toasts were made to each Founder.

The first “Consultation” was held as a part of a large gathering to celebrate the birthday of Don Yates. “The Woman,” Dr. Joanne Yates, prepared a sumptuous feast of authentic Argentine deliciacies, some specially flown in from the long, pointy country to the south, including chorizo, grilled sweetbreads (delicious), empanadas (beyond delicious), and Argentine beefsteak, grilled to perfection. A selection of Napa Valley wines rounded out the participants.

Much discussion was devoted to Watsonian and Sherlockian topics and speculation. Later, after feasting and liberal tastings, naps were noted.

A memorable day; a wonderful gathering; a singular and very special feast; an historic “Consultation.”