The Judicial Review

UPT ambassadors for Sweden & Paris
at the High Court - London

It was no coincidence that the Judicial Review in respect of Undershaw fell on 23rd May, one day after the 153rd anniversary of Doyle's birth and could we predict that there would be more.

Support on that Wednesday was incredible as over 30 followers, some travelling as far as Canada, US, France and Sweden were there to witness for themselves the days events.

Released on this day to mark the Judicial Review was 'Sherlock's Home - The Empty House' made up with stories and poems from supporters from around the world. The brains behind this book was that of Sherlockology, a fabulous group who made sure the campaign to save Undershaw was sent viral. With the spendid help from Steve from MX Publishing, Jacquelynn Morris our ambassador for Maryland, USA and many celebrities that added their name to the cause - this could have never been achieved without the help of so many.

The conclusion of the hearing was a delayed decision but within a week we received news that we had been successful in our bid to quash the planning application. Whilst not over celebrating, within a week we received word that Waverley Borough Council were not appealing the judgement handed down to them, but the owners Fossway were.

There we have it, the Judicial Review one day after Doyle's birthday and a possible appeal in the Court of Appeal in which Doyle had a hand in founding in 1907 with the George Edalji case. Paperwork is now being prepared by our QC as we await further details of this. Quite fitting in true Doyle twists and turns style.

Holmes in London - Friday 16th March

Mr Holmes is returning to London on a very special case in support of the Undershaw campaign. He will arrive at Baker Street around 11.00 am walking to various Holmes related sites mingling with tourists and generally spreading word of the shameful way his creator's house has been left to crumble.

The Jane Austen's House Museum

A meeting with Louise, Curator at the Jane Austen's House Museum in which several interesting points were raised at running a successful business. We learned much and took away with us several valid ideas and with the knowledge the Museum is fully behind us with their morale support in all our endeavours.

Out of this meeting, we have several avenues to follow up on.

The picture shows the original table where Jane Austen wrote her famous novels.

Hindhead Councillor - Christiaan Hesse

For the regeneration of Hindhead, Undershaw could play a very important part for tourism and education. Councillor Hesse who is mediator between the Trust and Waverley Borough Council agrees that Undershaw should be part of the regeneration plan and gave the following statement:

"As a local councillor representing Hindhead I am passionately concerned with the 'success' of Hindhead as a whole. There is no doubt that Undershaw could be a major part of the Hindhead 'brand' - after all who hasn't heard of Sherlock Holmes around the world? As such, Undershaw could significantly reinforce social, cultural economic factors in the Hindhead Regeneration plan. However, a funded plan must be found - in cooperation with the current owner - to find an alternative to the current development plan for which planning consent has been approved. This will break the existing building up and render the Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes link lost in the same way as has happened to other Hindhead buildings.

I admire the save Undershaw team and their aspiration and I support it wholeheartedly. They have worked extremely hard to and I am delighted to provide a bridge between The Undershaw Preservation Trust and Waverley Borough Council in order to improve cooperation in this endeavour . I wish them every success - but it all comes down to money. Concerned readers should get ready to put their hands in their pockets!"

The Tunnel Walk Through

Going back to our Undershaw Day on May 14th which we decided to run concurrently with the Hindhead Tunnel Walk Through which incidentally was a great success for the tunnel and Undershaw.

It was tremendous fun with a variety of reps and supporters giving their Saturday up to spread the word of UPT's work to some 7,000 visitors to the area.

Deerstalkers were provided by Guy Marriott (President of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London) and John Gibson, FRICS (Chairman of the Undershaw Preservation Trust) and were handed out to many the many walkers of the tunnel.

Our helpers were the jolly Marie, Kristina and Katherine (our rep for York) better known as our fabulous Baker Street Babes. Vicky (our rep for Haslemere (helped by members of her family). Supporters Linda Eades and Cassie Parkes. Our fabulous colleague and Trust member Sue Meadows and her family also did a grand job with spreading the word in Grayshott. Several visitors made the journey to Hindhead to soak up the fun and an opportunity to come along and say hello.


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