The Baker Street Irregulars is the official and preeminent Sherlock Holmes society for the study and discussion of matters and things related to Sherlock Holmes. There are about 700 Sherlockian societies worldwide and about 300 in the United States. A local society is not permitted to self-designate itself as a Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars. Only through official action of the Baker Street Irregulars may a local society become a Scion.
A Society was organized at the Terrace on Mountain Creek, an assisted living facility, on Mountain Creek Road, last September. The study group meets monthly and discusses a different Sherlock Holmes short story each month. Though it was intentionally organized to be loosely structured, it has a constitution, bylaws and officers.
There are about 16-18 active members attending each meeting. There are several more inactive members. There are no requirements on members. However, it is suggested that a member should have an interest in Sherlock Holmes or a curiosity about Sherlock Holmes or a curiosity about people who have an interest in Sherlock Holmes
The organization is named The Friends of the Soldier Named Murray. The name was selected to honor the soldier in the British forces during the Second Afghan War who saved the life of Dr. Watson, who was, at the time, an assistant regimental surgeon and was wounded in combat.
The local Society was recently notified that it has been officially designated as a Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars. Though thorough research has not been done on the point, it is believed that this is the first Chattanooga Society to receive the Scion designation.