The Saint #01: The Saint
The Saint is the nickname of the fictional character Simon Templar, featured in a series of novels and short stories by Leslie Charteris published between 1928 and 1963. Later it became a popular 1960’s TV series starring Roger Moore.
In 1961 James Cook University students abseiled down the side of Castle Hill and painted a question mark, only for army personnel to paint over it. On the 17th of March 1962, uni students returned and painted The Saint, as the University had adopted the character as it’s mascot.
At first, the local council (and some of the public) was rather annoyed at this public expression of University patriotism. They used to remove it, only for the students to keep repainting it. The council eventually gave up, and The Saint has been a permanent fixture since the 1970’s. The irony now, is that Queensland State Legislation states that objects older than 30 years old are eligible for cultural heritage status. This means that The Saint, originally a piece of graffiti, is now a Townsville Cultural Heritage icon and will be ever more!
2022 marks 60 years since it first appeared, so it’s only fitting that we have a 60 puzzle Geo-Art to accompany the Easter Mega event. After solving the puzzles start at number 1 and drive north to number 60. All hides are placed on the left (west) of the road with room to pull off to the side of the road. Mobile coverage may be patchy with some networks so it is suggested to download an offline list to avoid disappointment.
Before then, make yourself familiar with The Saint icon by checking out some popular titles in the book series.
She was a Lady
The Saint and the Templar Treasure
Getaway
Trust the Saint
Thieves’ Picnic
Meet the Tiger
Vendetta for the Saint
And some well-known episodes from the TV series.
Starring the Saint
The Arrow of God
The Talented Husband
The Crime of the Century
The Covetous Headsman