Haslemere - Missing a Sherlockian opportunity

Haslemere, in which I am fortunate enough to live, amazes me with its lack of interest in Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Arthur Conan Doyle lived at one end of Haslemere for six months in 1896 before moving to nearby Hindhead where he lived for a further ten years.

The Fox and Pelican

Despite this, Hindhead's only reference to Conan Doyle is his former home Undershaw. Aside from this, the nearest nods to Arthur Conan Doyle are to be found in nearby Grayshott. Here four members of his family are buried and local pub The Fox and Pelican has a few Conan Doyle/Holmes items to see in a small function room.

Holmes's lock pick set on the wall (left)

Back in Haslemere, the local Pizza Express has given itself a small Sherlock makeover (see here) but there is nothing else.

Haslemere High Street

In 2012 the annual Haslemere Festival focused on Conan Doyle (an event at which I spoke) but that was a one-off and it was made clear to me in an email that the Festival organisers had no plans to revisit him as a writer in future events.

Businesses in Haslemere are closing due to competition to be found in nearby towns and villages. A newsagents/stationers has gone and a local bank is soon to follow. Surely something could be done to make use of the connection. You never know, it could encourage people to come along.

I'm here to help Haslemere if you want me to.

Written by Alistair Duncan

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