THE celebrated character Sherlock Holmes came to life in Princetown last Saturday as a new attraction opened in the village. The Legend of the Hound Project, the brainchild of Sylvia Agnew, highlights the link between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?s, ?The Hound of the Baskervilles? and Princetown, where the work was partially written. The project, which has been progressing over the last couple of months, finally came to life when Sylvia was awarded the first hackney carriage license issued by West Devon Borough Council, allowing her to drive people in the traditional horse and carriage. Saturday was the culmination of a lot of hard work and vigorous planning to attain the license and open the project. Sylvia said: ?It was such good fun, but the weather was awful. We got the carriage out but it got wet and we had to put it away again?. Despite the weather, everyone who went to the opening enjoyed themselves. ?It was good fun,' said Sylvia. ?We did it all in costume and people just loved to see it, people are coming to Princetown to see what it?s all about. I think although it has nearly made me broke, it has done a lot for Princetown?. The project is extremely hands-on with people able to dress up in period costume, have a go at playing the violin, and have their picture taken next to a scary model of a Baskerville Hound. The carriage has become the main attraction and is proving to be very popular: ?We are parked on the front of Lord?s Tearoom, so you can have a cream tea and then go for a ride. I?ve already had a couple of bookings. Yesterday (Sunday) was my first day operating as a taxi. ?We were busy all day and I had to turn three away,? said Sylvia. The Legend of the Hound Project is open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. For more information about Baskerville Carriages, contact Sylvia Agnew on 01822 880386.
