Holmes close to solving Welsh mystery

Sherlock Holmes is getting closer to solving one of his longest running mysteries!

Thanks to a group of enthusiasts from the town going under the name of The Deerstalkers of Welshpool (The Sherlock Holmes Society of Wales), the world’s most famous sleuth is about to be translated into Welsh for the first time.

The group has been raising funds over the last year to pay for the translation of The Speckled Band into Welsh and hope that a fundraising evening this weekend in Guilsfield could see them reach their target.

“We are very close now but we still have a little way to go and hope to raise some of the final funds this weekend,” said Roy Upton-Holder (below), who admits to being a Holmes fanatic.

“We have received a lot of support since first announcing our bid to make Welsh Holmes’ 99^th language. It sounds strange but almost all of the donations have come from the English and Americans!”

The Deerstalkers are putting on a night of music on Saturday from 7.30pm at The Old School, Guilsfield, in the form of Victorian and Edwardian songs, instrumental solos, recitations and Music Hall sing-a-longs.

Artists include Sarah Garrett (soprano), Joan Upton-Holder (piano), Elliot Pritchard (flute/saxophone) and Trevor Trevor (recitations). There will be a raffle and quiz with prizes with refreshments available.

Tickets (or at the door on the evening) are £5 and for further information phone Roy or Joan 01938 554840.

There’s more information on how you can donate and play a part in history at www.sherlockholmeswelshpool.com.