Welcome to Ghost Catcher Isles, chronicling the weird, wonderful and eerie of the isles of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Come with me on my adventures into the strange and paranormal
Event Coverage
Summaries and insights from relevant conferences or gatherings.
On a mild autumn afternoon, I found myself standing in front of a brand-new gem in Bristol’s literary scene: the Haunted Bookshop. From the moment I saw its name gleaming on the sign above the shop, I knew I was in for something special.
“Step into a world of spine-chilling tales, mystical splendours, and ancient folklore as you explore our carefully curated collection of horror, fantasy, and witchcraft books,” the shop website says; “Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling thrills, fantastical adventures, or a deeper understanding of the occult, our shelves are brimming with stories sure to enchant you.”
As soon as I stepped inside, it was as if I’d been transported to another realm. Dim lighting and wooden bookshelves lined with volumes of witchcraft, folklore, fantasy, and horror greeted me warmly.
I started with the books, of course. Being an unashamed lover of the weird and the wonderful, I couldn’t resist diving into their collection of witchcraft tomes, folklore books, and horror novels. Each shelf seemed to whisper promises of untold stories and ancient wisdom. After some delightful browsing, I settled on two books: one on folklore and another on modern witchcraft. Both felt like treasures in my hands, and I couldn’t wait to dig in and lose myself in their pages.
But the Haunted Bookshop wasn’t just about books. It was a haven for all things witchy and mystical. Scattered throughout the shop were displays of witchcraft supplies: delicate candles in deep purples and blacks, bundles of sage tied with twine, and shelves gleaming with crystals of every color. I was immediately drawn to a striking crow-shaped crystal, charcoal grey and glossy, which seemed to call out to me from across the room. It felt right in my hand, and before I knew it, it was mine. Along with a tote bag (because who can resist a good bookish tote?), and some adorable ghost-themed metal pin badges—perfect little nods to the spooky vibes.
One of the highlights of the visit was chatting with the shop’s owner. Monika had a warm, earthy energy, the kind you’d expect from someone who truly believes in the magic of what they’re doing. We talked about the inspiration behind the shop, her love for esoteric books, and how important it is to create a space where people can explore these topics freely.
In her recent interview with Bristol24/7 Monika said: “I’ve always read horror and fantasy books and liked spooky things, Halloween is my favourite time of the year, so I just wanted to stand out.”
Monika credits her grandmother as being the one to have instilled a passion for books in her, having grown up spending a lot of time in her grandmother’s bookshop. Downstairs, Monika said she plans on opening a comfy seating area ready to start hosting events such as horror book clubs, tarot card readings and more.
As we chatted, she handed me a glass of prosecco to toast the opening. I sipped and soaked it all in; this cozy, mystical bookshop, where like-minded souls could gather and find a little magic of their own.
And just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any better, I was towards a plate of mushroom-shaped biscuits, which felt like a whimsical finishing touch to the whole evening. Slightly sweet, slightly earthy, and deliciously unique; just like the shop itself.
Leaving the Haunted Bookshop felt like stepping back into the real world after a brief, enchanted escape. But as I walked out into the bustle of Stokes Croft, my bag filled with books, a crow crystal, and other witchy goodies, I couldn’t help but feel that I had taken a piece of that magic with me. There’s something comforting about knowing that spaces like this exist, where the curious and the mystical meet in such a beautiful, welcoming way.
The Haunted Bookshop is sure to become one of my favorite haunts (pun intended), and I can’t wait to go back, especially as the colder months draw in. There’s just something about autumn, witchcraft, and folklore that feels so perfectly intertwined. If you’re ever in Bristol and want to indulge in a little magic, mystery, and literary wonder, this is the place to be. And who knows—maybe you’ll even leave with your own bit of enchanted treasure.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12-6pm, you’ll find The Haunted Bookshop at 43 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3PY.
Reference List
Case, C. (2024). A Horror-Themed Bookshop For Ghost Stories, Folk Tales & Witchcraft Has Opened In Bristol. [online] Secret Bristol. Available at: https://secretbristol.com/haunted-bookshop/ [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024].
Online Store. (2024). The Haunted Bookshop – a bookshop and venue in Bristol. [online] Available at: https://thehauntedbookshop.co.uk/ [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024].
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Winchester, with its rich history and timeless charm, has always had an air of mystery about it. This past weekend, that mysterious allure was dialled up several notches as paranormal enthusiasts from all corners of the UK—and even beyond—gathered for an unforgettable Seriously Strange Conference. The event, run by The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) as its yearly conference, spanned two jam-packed days, filled with thought-provoking talks by top speakers in the field on topics such as ghosts, vampires, poltergeists, cryptozoology and UFOs that left attendees both spooked and inspired.
The conference kicked off on Friday evening with a hauntingly atmospheric Winchester city ghost walk from The Theatre of Dark Encounters. Winchester, with its centuries-old architecture and dark past, proved the perfect setting to explore the unknown. As we strolled through the ancient streets, our guide led us into the heart of the city’s ghost stories—some dating back hundreds of years. Whispered tales of restless spirits haunting Winchester Cathedral, eerie footsteps in hidden alleyways, and unexplained phenomena at The Eclipse Inn had us all on edge, yet enthralled.
On the walk, we heard about the spectral monks who are said to haunt Winchester Cathedral. These brown hooded figures, disappearing at the knees, have reportedly been seen walking on what is believed to have been the original floor of the building. As recently as 1957, a family from Wolverhampton visited the cathedral while on holiday and happily took some snaps for the family album. Nothing strange or unusual was noticed while at the cathedral by them, however upon their return home, they developed their photos to discover several male figures dressed in medieval clerical dress pictured near the high altar. The family claimed there were no other people around that day and were unable to explain what caused the unsettling image.
Another point of interest on the ghost walk was The Eclipse Inn, which dates from the 16th century and was formerly the rectory of St Lawrence Church. The Eclipse is reputed to be haunted by a grey lady, who has been seen in an upper-story room of the building. The spirit is said to be that of Lady Alice Lisle who was beheaded in 1685 in the marketplace, accused of harbouring traitors during the Monmouth Rebellion. Lady Lisle is said to have spent her last evening on earth in the upstairs room which she now reportedly haunts.
One especially chilling story recounted on the walk was that of the starving woman of Hyde Tavern. The Hyde Tavern is another ancient Winchester inn and can trace its origins back to when monks still resided at Hyde Abbey. The current tavern building dates from the 19th century and has been known for its rowdy patrons, even at one point having to close down in 1860 when the landlord was prosecuted for allowing bare-knuckle fighting on site. As the story goes, several hundred years ago an impoverished woman was turned away from the tavern during a bitterly cold night. Her cold, frozen body was found on the doorstep the next morning, and soon after strange occurrences began to happen. It is said that her spirit took revenge on the landlord of the tavern by taking up residence in the building to cause bother to his patrons forever more. Her angry spirit is said to pull off the bedding from sleeping guests. Other patrons have felt a frozen hand placed on their arm or shoulder while drinking in the bar. If only that landlord had been more charitable and allowed the woman warmth and a bed, she would not perhaps have remained to manifest her vengeance at the tavern to this day.
Despite the occasional chill in the air, the ghost walk provided a fantastic opening to the weekend. It was immersive, spine-tingling, and set the tone for what was to come.
Saturday: Talks, Stalls, and the Conference Gala
Saturday was the heart of the conference, with a full day dedicated to speakers, stalls, and, of course, the highly anticipated evening gala. The conference centre was abuzz with excitement as attendees made their way through an array of stalls showcasing everything from paranormal themed notebooks, needle felted Lovecraftian horrors and paranormal books from several of the speakers.
The speakers on Saturday were nothing short of captivating. Among the most notable talks were:
Kristian Lander: “The Secret of the Nightcrawlers”
Kristian Lander is an independent researcher, writer, filmmaker, and host of ‘Rabbit Hole That Is Reality’ radio podcast. He presented a talk and showing of his recreation of the Nightcrawler videos. Here he showed a video of his beginners guide to creating your own Nightcrawler and showcased his homemade ‘Nottingham Nightcrawler.’ I had only heard of the Fresno Nightcrawler in passing before this talk, so I enjoyed learning more about the videos, and its fandom and watching Kristian debunk the supposed cryptid by recreating a Nightcrawler video himself
Deborah Hyde regularly speaks and writes about religion and belief and for 10 years was the editor of ‘The Skeptic Magazine’. More recently she has appeared as an expert for ‘Team Skeptic’ on the BBC podcast ‘Uncanny’. Deborah presented a well-researched talk on the story of ‘The Croglin Vampire’. Deborah delved deep into the legend, the history of the people involved, and the locations mentioned, to try to examine the legend’s validity and to find out if there was a grain of truth behind it. This was a truly intriguing talk, showing how legends and folklore can be produced from religious and political upheaval.
Dr Kate Cherrell: “Has Elvis Really Left the Building? A History of Celebrity Séance.”
Dr Kate Cherrell is a writer and academic specialising in spiritualism and popular séance. She is the creator of “Burials and Beyond”, a website exploring the stranger sides of life, death, and beyond. She co-hosts “Loopholes”, a sceptical but light-hearted podcast, and also co-hosts Discovery’s “Haunted Homecoming Unexplained: Caught on Camera.” Kate presented a fun and engaging talk on celebrity seances, which discussed modern séance and spirit box sessions with famous people such as Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, Elvis Presley, and John Lennon. We heard about how these types of ‘pay-per-view’ seances developed over time in the digital age. Kate’s talk was delivered with such passion and humour, that it kept me engaged throughout, wanting to learn more.
Matt Arnold: “The Epworth Haunting Revisited”
Matt Arnold is the editor of ‘The Christian Parapsychologist Journal’ and author of ‘The Invisible Dimension: Spirit Beings, Ghosts and the Afterlife.’ Matt talked about the fascinating case of the ‘Epworth Haunting’, from his early fascination with the case during the pandemic lockdown to his research and later visits to the site. He sought to build a chronological reckoning of the haunting that happened to the Wesley family, to check whether these now famous events are in source materials and that these correspond with witness recollections and eyewitness statements in the letters between the family. The family discussed is that of John Wesley, the father of Methodism, who was sadly not present during the haunting. It was however experienced by his parents, siblings, and their servants. This was an intriguing case that was well-researched and presented with skill and a spot of humour. Top marks for providing additional handouts to the audience too!
Other speakers included Neil Nixon (“Today Winchester, Tomorrow the Cosmos”), Dr Ann Winsper (“Are Ghosts All in the Mind? Evidence from Animals.”), John Fraser (“My Very First Ghost Hunt.”) and Professor Chris French (“The Psychology of Coincidences”), all presenting their talks on their topics with ease, enthusiasm, and expertise. There was also a panel discussion that I sadly missed, but which I heard was fascinating, which was hosted by Matt Arnold and included Deborah Oakes, Dr Paul Rogers, Professor Chris French, Dr Ann Winsper, Dr Kate Cherrell, and Deborah Hyde.
Each speaker brought their unique expertise, but what tied them all together was a shared fascination with the unknown. The audience was equally diverse, from seasoned ghost hunters to curious newcomers, all united by a common interest in exploring the mysteries that lie beyond our current understanding.
As the day turned to night, the excitement peaked at the Conference Gala. Attendees arrived in style, many on a Cliff Richard’s style ‘Summer Holiday’ red double-decker bus, dressed in their finest summer holiday-themed attire. It was a chance to unwind, share stories from the day, and mingle with some of the event’s biggest names. The atmosphere was merry, with an underlying sense that, even at a party, the spirits of Winchester might be lingering close by.
Sunday was another day of fantastic talks, but there was no denying that the highlight was the appearance of none other than Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe, a legend in the paranormal community. With his decades of experience investigating the unexplained, Rev. Fanthorpe’s talk was a masterclass in storytelling and intrigue where he talked about his 60-plus years of examining unsolved mysteries. He effortlessly captivated the room with tales of unsolved mysteries, uncanny prophecies, and the strange experiences he has had or witnessed throughout his life. My favourite stories were that of the Pedlar of Swaffham, having grown up hearing that story as a child in Norfolk, and his personal story of the spirit of a recently departed friend apparently appearing to him to pass on a message from the spirit realm.
Reverend Fanthorpe’s warmth and wisdom brought depth to the conference, offering not just ghost stories but a reflection on the nature of belief, the afterlife, and how we, as humans, connect with the unseen world.
For me, this was also the chance to see one of my childhood heroes speak, having grown up watching ‘Fortean TV’. I even lingered nervously in the foyer with a copy of one of he and his wife’s books so that I could meet him and ask him to sign it, but sadly he left by another door. Maybe next time.
In addition to his talk, other notable speakers on Sunday explored topics such as poltergeists, UFO sightings, and Transhumanism. The stand-out talks for me on this day were:
Karin Beasant: “Jamaica Inn, A Story Through Time”
Karin Beasant has been investigating the paranormal for over 17 years. She runs her own paranormal team, ‘South Bristol Paranormal’ and has been part of the ‘Jamaica Inn Paranormal Team’ for 9 years. She has been involved in television documentaries, including as acting as assistant producer on ‘My Ghostly Footsteps’. Karin has a passion for history and research and this very clearly came through during her talk about the history of the Jamaica Inn, where she revealed her research around the land, the building, and some of the notable characters involved with this haunted location. Karin really drew you into the history and I was left wanting to visit and explore the Jamaica Inn myself one day.
Dr Paul Rogers: “The Dodleston Poltergeist and Messages: Overview & Examination”
Dr Paul Rogers is a freelance researcher and Visting Research Fellow at The University of Northampton. He is currently researching ‘The Dodleston Messages’, the topic of this talk.
For me, this was one of the standout cases discussed at the Conference. Paul talked about the fascinating and creepy experiences of Debbie Oakes and Ken Webster when they lived in Meadow Cottage in Dodleston, Cheshire. Debbie was also a Conference attendee, having spoken on the panel on Saturday, however, she sat back to enjoy the talks today. Debbie and Ken experienced many strange poltergeist-like occurrences in the cottage, such as stacking of cans, footprints up the wall, and stacking of furniture by seemingly unseen hands. More curiously the unknown entity appeared to begin communicating with the couple via messages typed mainly on various borrowed computers. Over 16 months there were approximately 300-400 messages. These seemingly came from a previous occupant of the cottage from the 1500s. As the story unfolded, and more evidence was presented, it became more and more incredible, even weaving in possible contact from a time traveller. This suggested that some type of portal or interdimensional communication device linked the location at different points in time. This was a very compelling case and although I remain sceptical and cautious, I was left wanting more and my husband darted off to the stalls to buy one of the remaining signed books, “The Vertical Plane” by Ken Webster.
Dr Robert Radaković: “Transhumanism- An end to death or a path to Spiritual Enlightenment”
Dr Robert Radaković is a writer, speaker, scholar of the paranormal and the occult, and a Council member of the Ghost Club. Robert’s talk was on ‘Transhumanism’, a philosophical movement that promotes technological advancement to enhance both human longevity and cognition. He mapped this philosophy from the Age of Enlightenment to its current modern incarnation, discussing the ultimate goal of this which is to live forever, to maintain cognitive ability as almost a separate species, technological singularity, and the ability to mind upload. He found commonalities with this philosophy with paranormal phenomena, religion and esoteric spirituality, and universal connectedness. This was a really mind-blowing talk, that brought to mind ideas from William Gibson’s cyberpunk books.
Patti Keane is a writer and artist who first came to the paranormal community’s attention when her experience of living with a poltergeist was aired in the first series of Danny Robin’s ‘Uncanny’ podcast in 2021, ‘The Haunting of Tanfield House’. Patti presented her story and recollections of her life with the poltergeist at Tanfield House via a series of drawings, artworks, and diary entries she made at the time of her experiences. Patti was a captivating speaker who brought her experiences alive with her art and snippets of writing. I found the painting of her with the figure of the poltergeist behind her, claws resting on her shoulder, particularly chilling.
Other talks were given by Dr Mark Newbrook (“Scientific linguistics and amateur claims & theories about Language”), Sarah Pilkington (“Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident”), and Michaela Ford (“UK UFO Sightings and Associated Data 2020-2024”) all of which were fascinating and delivered with skill.
Craig Williams should also be noted for his opening and closing of the two days of talks and for his introduction of all the fine speakers.
It was a day that left attendees both reflective and curious, eager to learn more and apply their newfound knowledge to their own explorations of the paranormal.
The Verdict: A Must-Attend Event for Paranormal Enthusiasts
As the conference came to a close, there was a palpable sense that Winchester, with its ancient walls and deep history, had once again woven its magic over us. The ASSAP Seriously Strange Conference wasn’t just about ghost stories and haunted locations—it was a celebration of curiosity, a space for believers and sceptics alike to explore the mysteries that surround us.
For anyone with an interest in the paranormal, this conference is a must-attend. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator, a sceptical researcher, or just someone with a passion for ghost stories, Winchester provides the perfect backdrop to immerse yourself in the unknown. Between the ghost walk, fascinating speakers, and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the weekend ends.
As I left Winchester, I couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps, just maybe, the city’s ghosts had followed me home. And you know what? I’m not so sure I mind.
Encounters, G.W. from T. of D. (n.d.). Winchester Ghost Walk and Ghost Tours from Theatre of Dark Encounters. [online] ghost-walks.com. Available at: https://ghost-walks.com/ghost-tours/winchester-ghost-walk [Accessed 8 Sep. 2024].
Feldwick, M. (2006). Haunted Winchester. History Press (SC).
I’m proud to see my debut article in Haunted Magazine, sharing the front cover with stars of Uncanny, Danny Robins and Chris French too. Exciting!
This article is also very special to me as it recounts one of my final excursions with my late mother Susan. My mum was very creative and loved to write fantasy fiction, but was still building up her confidence around her craft. She loved all things spooky, was a ‘believer’ and had had many an unexplained creepy encounter. I get my love of the paranormal from her. Sadly she passed away far too soon and unexpectedly last year. I wish she were here to read my debut article and I hope I’ve done her proud.
Please pick up a copy soon to read all about my adventures in search of witches and giants.
Last weekend myself and my husband embarked on an exciting adventure into the realms of the paranormal at ParaMeet South 2024. Held at the historic Leigh Park Hotel in Wiltshire, this weekend event delivered a fascinating lineup of talks, encounters, and esoteric discoveries.
Myself on the left (Ghost Catcher Isles), my husband (centre), and Emma Heard on the right (Weird Wiltshire) with the Haunted Magazine guys
The event was organised by the folks behind HAPRC (Haunted Antiques and Paranormal Research Centre) from Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was part of a series of GPN (Ghost Planet Network) ParaMeet events taking place in different venues in the North, Midlands, and South of England.
This was a two-day event offering both weekend passes and day tickets and I opted on this occasion to attend on the Saturday only so I could sample the event.
The Venue: Leigh Park Hotel in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Nestled in the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, just a stone’s throw away from Bath, the Leigh Park Country House Hotel & Vineyard beckons with a warm embrace to all who seek refuge within its historic walls. Surrounded by five acres of landscaped gardens that overlook the beautiful Wiltshire Downs, this classical Georgian country house hotel exudes charm and character. The original house here was gifted to Elizabeth I by the Earl of Leicester in 1571. Since then, it has been used as a private home, a hospital, and now a luxury hotel. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere where hospitality and history intertwine, promising an unforgettable experience: the perfect venue for exploring a day of action-packed paranormal events.
The Day’s Highlights
Emma Heard (Weird Wiltshire Blog)
Following a welcome from the organisers, our day commenced with a captivating presentation by my chum Emma Heard, known for her insightful musings on the supernatural through her Weird Wiltshire blog. Emma delved into the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles, weaving tales of ancient folklore and eerie encounters that left us spellbound.
Throughout the day, we were treated to a variety of talks, each offering a unique perspective on the paranormal. Barrie John, renowned for his appearances on ‘Most Haunted’, illuminated the audience with insights into mediumship, while Rachel Hayward, a seasoned paranormal investigator, and consultant, shared her intriguing research on a lesser-known Forest of Dean witch, Ellen Hayward.
Historian and writer Neil R. Storey
One highlight of the event for me was a presentation by Neil R. Storey, a distinguished historian and writer, whose discussion on an unsolved 1940s Warwickshire witch persecution-related murder from his book “The Blackout Murders” provided a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history.
Amidst the enlightening talks, we took the opportunity to peruse the stalls adorned with esoteric treasures. From cool ghost gear to arcane artifacts, every vendor had something that made you think, “Hmm, maybe there’s more to this world than meets the eye.” It was here that we had the pleasure of geeking out with the Haunted Magazine crew, chatting about all things spooky and supernatural.
Haunted Items from HAPRC
Also on offer throughout the day were ghost hunt experiences in a haunted room, past life regression sessions, Tarot readings, and mediumship readings. We could also check out a selection of haunted objects from HAPRC, including some extremely creepy dolls.
Although we regrettably couldn’t stay for the evening events, our day at ParaMeet South was nothing short of exhilarating. The friendly atmosphere among fellow attendees, the wealth of knowledge shared by the excellent team of speakers, and the allure of the paranormal made for an unforgettable experience.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to secure tickets to a paranormal night of discovery event being held in the atmospheric venue that is ‘The Mount Without’. This was a two-part event hosted by the marvellous Dr Kate Cherrell. The first part of the event was an introduction to Victorian Spiritualism introduced by Kate and the second part of the event was a paranormal investigation, co-hosted by Kate and Jamaica Inn paranormal investigator Karin Beasant, giving attendees the chance to try their hand at experiments and contacting spirits from beyond the veil.
The Mount Without
Saint Michael the Archangel on the Mount Without is an impressive church standing proud on St Michael’s Hill, looking over the city of Bristol. The first church on this site was likely Norman and built in 1147 by Robert Fitzhamon, who is famed for also building Tewksbury Abbey. The church was originally built outside the city walls and was therefore known as “The Mount Without”. The original church was then rebuilt in 1460 and the clock tower you see now is from that period.
Over the years the city of Bristol slowly grew up and around the church, as St Michael’s Hill became more populated with merchants and other residents. By 1775-1777 the church became too small to take the growing congregation and so the main body of the church was demolished and rebuilt by local builder, Thomas Paty. Around this time new graves were also created in the crypt and tombstones reused as ‘under slabs’ for the new graves. As the living population of Bristol grew, so did the population of the dead interred at the Church.
During the second world war, the church was damaged twice during the Bristol Blitz. In 1940 a 1000lbs bomb fell within feet of the Church and in 1941 an incendiary device set the roof alight destroying it. The church was repaired and in use until 1999 but the congregation dwindled over the years and was finally closed by the diocese.
The church lay empty, until squatters moved in and set it ablaze in October 2016. The dramatic blaze took at least 15 fire engines and many firefighters to extinguish. I could see the smoke from the blaze billowing in the sky near my home not too far away.
In 2017 the diocese wanted to find a new use for the building and asked for design bids from businesses, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. The church was finally reclaimed as the creative venue and events space that we see now, where it hosts artists, music and holistic events. This wonderful gothic revival church has been a gathering place for the people of Bristol for over 900 years and looks set to continue with that legacy.
An Introduction to Victorian Spiritualism
The evening kicked off with the introduction to Victorian spiritualism talk by Dr Kate Cherrell. This was a fascinating, informative and entertaining talk introducing us to the strange world of Victorian spiritualism including its history and types of spirit contact made in the 19th century. This was brought to life with a slide show, props and Kate’s sharp humour. I personally enjoyed hearing about spirit trumpets, the Fox sisters of Hydesville and witnessing Kate’s ectoplasm demonstration.
Spirit trumpets for example, or ‘séance trumpets’, were metal cones placed in the centre of a table during a séance to amplify any sounds issuing forth from the spirit realm. Sometimes a spirit would speak through a medium, who would bring the trumpet to their mouth to speak through. What larks!
The Paranormal Investigation
The second half of the night was the paranormal investigation; a chance to have hands on experience of communing with the spirit world. This started off with investigator Karin explaining the various gadgets, devises and paraphernalia used in investigation; from EMF readers, spirit boxes and motion sensors to planchettes and Ouija boards.
We split up into two groups and my group started off in the crypt with some table tipping. I’d never tried table tipping before, so this was all new to me. Table tipping is a form of psychic phenomenon in which a table can tilt, rise, wobble or rotate by the contact of the fingertips of individuals. It is a form of séance where sitters place their fingertips on the table and the table move without conscious muscular force. By relating the tilts to the alphabet or yes/no directions it is said to become possible to receive messages from beyond the veil.
We stood around a tall thin table with our finger tips gently rested on the top while Kate called out questions. It appeared that a religious man took a particular interest in talking to me and Kate asked him questions about his life before death. The table tilted and wobbled in answer to her queries, indicating he was originally from the north, had come to Bristol and stayed her while his family went to the New World. It was unclear if he had worked at the church or had just been a member of the congregation.
After the table tipping, we moved on to conduct a séance. For this we sat around a table with a spirit box and EMF readers on top, with shadow sensors dotted around the room near us. A bible was placed on the table also and we linked hands as a member of the group read a passage out from Corinthians. The hope was that we could invoke the spirits of this holy building by reading passages from the bible, triggering one of the various sensors. There were some beeps and possible triggering of sensors, but nothing too striking for me to note during this séance.
Next up, we headed upstairs in to the Nave of the church where we tried the planchette without much activity. The hope was that we would see some automatic writing. We all placed our fingers on the planchette and asked the spirits to move the planchette across the board, bringing messages from the other side. There was a small amount of movement, but not much unfortunately.
Following this we tried the “Estes Method”. The Estes method is where an investigator wears a blind fold to limit visual stimulation and also wears noise cancelling headphones connected to a sprit box; a device that is used to scan through radio frequencies and it is believed to be a communication tool between the spirit realm and the world of the living. While the investigator is listening to the spirit box, other members of the group call out to the spirits with questions. The blindfolded investigator will call out any ‘answers’ coming through the headphones from the spirit box. The idea is that the sensory deprivation eliminates any stimuli that could influence the blindfolded investigator.
In our experiment we sat in a circle near the alter, all wearing blind folds. One person had the spirit box and headphones. One person sat in the centre of the room dressed in an old-fashioned dress near the shadow sensors. We called out questions and for the spirts to touch someone. After this some other ladies took it in turns to wear the old-fashioned dresses and sit in the centre of the room with the spirit box and a pal of mine in vintage style clothes also took his turn. We called out questions and even religious phrases in Latin to try to call for messages from the spirits. A few words were called out by the person with the spirit box including “like music” and other refences to music a few times.
To finish off we all sat in a circle where the chairs were positioned with one seat inside the circle and the next out. One person sat at the altar, while other members called out to the spirits to approach and communicate. The lady at the alter felt a cold spot next to her and a shadow sensor went off ahead of it. She said she felt like a hand was resting on her head at one point. Was this the spirits coming close to her or psychological suggestion?
I noted that the questions asked to the spirits often led to the Reverend William Knight. The Reverend Knight was a long serving rector of the parish, serving for almost sixty years before retiring in 1875. He died 3 years later and was buried in the church crypt. Could this have been him placing reassuring hand on the young lady’s head? There is also the story that a male figure has been seen looking out of the door near nave in past. Could this be the Reverend keeping a watchful eye over his beloved church even after death?
All in all, this was a fascinating and enjoyable night; from the whistle stop introductory talk based around Victorian spiritualism, to the hands-on experience of trying out paranormal investigation techniques. For me there was not enough activity to indicate that the spirits of the dead lurk in ‘The Mount’, waiting to communicate with the living. However, this location is steeped in history and atmosphere, so no doubt further investigation could prove me wrong. Perhaps on a late-night walk home past the Mount, I too one day will spot a dark figure looking out from the nave as I pass by.
With thanks to The Mount, Dr Kate Cherrell and Karin Beasant.
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Mount Without Vlog. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/ (redacted as private Patreon vlog link) [Accessed 8 Jul. 2023].
On 11th January 2014 members of Victim Support’s South West Victim Care Unit held a sponsored ‘ghost hunt’ at the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire.
The Ancient Ram Inn is considered one of Britain’s most haunted B&Bs and is reputedly haunted by at least twenty ghosts. It is claimed that it is so haunted it can no longer be used as a functioning B&B and instead opens its doors to budding ghost hunters.
Members of the South West Victim Care Unit challenged themselves to see how long they could last out in this creepy building. A Ouija Board was used in “the bar” and several vigils were conducted in “the bishop’s room”. There were a few strange occurrences in the bishop’s room, such as a candle stick falling over, tapping noises coming from the fireplace, a brass bed warmer swinging and banging over the fireplace, a door knob rattling when nobody was at the door and long scratching noises coming from the door.
Were these down to a pranksters or spirits of the dead? You can find out for yourself if you spend a night at the Ancient Ram Inn.
Despite finding no concrete evidence of the afterlife, all members of the South West Victim Care Unit enjoyed their spooky experience, which raised £775 for Victim Support.
An more detailed write up of this investigation with additional photos will follow shortly.
I am pleased to say that after following BumpzInTheNite on several investigations and applying to be their newest trainee paranormal investigator I have now been invited to join their team. I am very much looking forward to working with them from now on.
Bumpzinthenite was established in 2008. There are now five members in the group, with myself and another member joining recently.
We are dedicated to investigating the paranormal with the utmost respect for both the locations and the people involved. We try to carry out our research based upon both spiritual and scientific experiments.
Humans have been experiencing things they cannot explain for thousands of years, so the concept of a spiritual world should not be so shocking. We feel that a scientific standpoint is necessary in paranormal investigation, as new technology helps to separate documented facts from rumour and myth.
We must always take in to consideration other factors that might lead people to believing that a place is haunted. These can be anything from squeaky floor boards to draughts from ill fitted windows. We also have to look at the history of the places we investigate, a building that has seen many deaths or violent crimes can be deemed haunted because of its history. Unfortunately not all ghostly activity’s accompanied with the human shaped white mist that floats down the hall way, wanting to be photographed. So we must document all our findings scientifically so the data will at least be taken seriously. Just because we are studying extraordinary activity, that doesn’t mean we should abandon all logic and reason. So using equipment to validate findings is sometimes essential.
And above all it’s fun…..
Check out the Bumpz In the Nite Website for more information on upcoming investigations and investigations open to the public:
Ghost Catcher Isles 