Vincent Starrett conference, Oct. 2026.

Vincent Starrett, ca. 1926.

The Torists International will be hosting the conference "And It Is Always 1895" in honor of the 140th birthday of writer, journalist, critic, collector, and noted Sherlockian Vincent Starrett (1886–1974) on Oct. 23–25, 2026, in Bensenville, IL (near O'Hare Airport). Guest speakers will include Ray Betzner, editor of Starrett's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (orig. publ. 1933), and author-critic Michael Dirda. A trip to Starrett's gravesite in Chicago's Graceland Cemetery also is planned (the organization is interested in establishing an endowment that would assist in maintaining the gravesite). As the registration fee is scheduled to increase in August, it is probably a good idea to register early. 

The title of the conference refers to a line in Starrett's famous poem "221B." 

Radio 4 Extra: Charles Paris.

This week on Channel 4 Radio Extra is Simon Brett's Dead Room Farce featuring Bill Nighy as actor Charles Paris, always ready for a drink and a case, such as this one with the death of an audio producer.