Haigh Hall Charity Ghost Hunt in aid of MND. Nov 9th 2012

Well, it happened. We had a great time and over £500 was raised for MND. There is a gallery with pics from the night. You can see it BY CLICKING HERE.

A full report will be added soon.

Stork Hotel, Billinge, Nr Wigan

Barry and myself took a ride up to The Stork Hotel in Billinge for a look around. The landlord kindly gave us a tour. We even went down into the cellar which is supposedly very active as it was once used as a Cromwellian gaol where poor inmates were incarcerated whilst awaiting their fate. Much activity has been reported by previous teams (and some workmen doing jobs in the hotel). We are currently planning a visit there next year. I will keep you posted via our website www.ghostgrapplers.co.uk or the associated twitter twitter.com/GhostGrapplers

Places will be limited to 15 people as we want this to be a thorough investigation. If you are interested then contact us via the website above.

Charity Ghost Hunt at Ordsall Hall, Salford 22nd Feb 2013

Ghost Grapplers are at it again. This time in aid of Joseph's Goal. You can read more about the charity here http://josephsgoal.org

We are holding a ghost hunt an the haunted location of Ordsall Hall near Manchester. It commences at 9pm and you can get tickets by ringing Barry on 0771 234 7652 or email barry@ghostgrapplers.co.uk 

This should be an absolutely brilliant event. Please note, tickets are going rapidly.

Ghost Grapplers launched in time for ghost hunt

As we already have a Charity Ghost Hunt planned for Haigh Hall in aid of MND on the 9th Nov, we thought we had better have a name for our team. Barry came up with the idea of Ghost Grapplers - so that's us. We are the Ghost Grapplers. We even have a website. There's very little on it at the moment, but please feel free to take a look at it and bookmark it. After we have done the Haigh Hall ghost hunt we have another VERY special ghost hunt planned, but it's all hush-hush at the moment until everything is finalised. All I can say is it isn't on the usual ghost hunt tour on any other websites.

Here's our new website http://www.ghostgrapplers.co.uk

Haigh Hall Charity Ghost Hunt - pre ghost hunt reconnaisanse

Here is a brief video showing the derelict nursery at the top of Haigh Hall. The EMF and K2 meters were blipping for no apparent reason. This will be one of the places where we will be holding a vigil.

Charity Ghost Hunt - Haigh Hall, Wigan. 9th Nov 2012

I told you it wouldn't be long before I was dusting down the kit and getting back on the road. We (that's Barry and me) are doing a Charity Ghost Hunt. This will include refreshments. There will also be a psychic in attendance. Tickets are going well, but we want a sell-out if we can to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. You can contact Barry on 0771 234 7652 or email him barryworthington@hotmail.com

It commences at 9pm on 9th Nov 2012 and finished around 2am. Tickets are £25 each and are an absolute bargain. All proceeds to charity.

More paranormal investigation teams needed

I have been checking the UK ghost investigation teams on my website for dead links. I lost about 5 that no longer appear to be in existence. If I have deleted you in error and you have merely changed your web address then drop me a line. Also, if you aren't listed but would like to be, also drop me a line.

I will be doing the US, teams next to check for dead links, so if you have changed address please let me know ASAP.

A funny week

Yesterday evening (sunday 17th Sept 2012) I received an email casting doubt on a paranormal team (who I will not name) and their activities, claiming they were basically conning people and that they were under investigation by the authorities. I was asked to remove them. I may have taken this seriously if 1) He/she hadn't signed the email "a concerned citizen". 2) Accused them of conning people without sending any proof (press cuttings or whatever). Apparently, by listing this team under my "Investigators" section on my website " it can only bring disrepute to your website" (to use the email's exact words). Please don't send me this crap. Either put up or shut up. SIGN your email with YOUR NAME and PROVIDE DOCUMENTED PROOF.

OK, rant over.

A quiet summer but i'm back!!

I have only just realised that it is 4 MONTHS since I last made a blog entry. UNFORGIVABLE I hear you shout. Not really - summer is traditionally a quiet time for ghost hunting. The longer the nights, the creepier the feelings, the more reported ghost sightings etc. I have been dusting down all my electronic kit and buying batteries in readiness for the autumn season (or fall, to anyone in USA and Canada). I tried using rechargeable batteries, but I found they didn't last as long. Back to good old Duracell for me.

I have been given a bit of a challenge in helping to organize a charity ghost hunt some time in the future. Not usually my thing as I usually like to investigate on my own or with a very small and selected crew, but this is for a MND charity, so it's all in a great cause. I'll keep you posted when a date and a venue have been decided. Meanwhile, anyone wishing to donate can go here http://bit.ly/P7iXOo

The Enfield Poltergeist

The case of The Enfield Poltergeist occured in a rented property in North London England between August 1977 and September 1978, with an added outburst in August 1980. The press, Radio and television all covered the story and the investigation by Maurice Grosse, a paranormal investigator. Below are a couple of videos:

Ruthin man appeals for info on ghost he saw in 1949

Back in 1949, David Thorp, an artist from Ruthin reports that he saw the ghost of a young girl on Upper Clwyd St in Ruthin, North Wales. She was dressed in a mauve coloured dress and her hair was blonde and in ringlets. He saw nothing too unusual at first, but then realised her footsteps were making no noise in the gravel beside the road.  The ghost is reported to be that of a girl that was crushed to death by a coach and horses at a nearby coaching inn. Mr Thorp is looking for more information about the girl he saw in Ruthin, and plans to paint a picture of her.

Article is here: http://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/111960/artist-appeals-for-information-on-his-1949-ruthin-ghost-sighting.aspx

House of Titanic captain is haunted

The birthplace of Captain Edward John Smith, the captain of the ill-fated Titanic, has been put on the market after their current owners, Neil and Louise Bonner, have had enough of the hauntings.

The house is in Baswich in Staffordshire. The couple have reported sightings of the captain, icy chills in the living room and a flood in the kitchen! 

Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2125619/My-haunting-goes-Couple-sell-house-haunted-ghost-Titanic-captain-born---hauntings-include-flooded-kitchen.html

Is a hygrometer a useful ghost hunting tool?

I only ask this question because I am contemplating buying one to add to my armoury of spook-hunting tools. I already take readings with EMF meters for the electrical background readings. I feel if I could couple this with background temperature and humidity readings it might help identify patterns. Maybe it could help to predict when conditions are right for paranormal occurences. If the stone tapes theories are to be believed, there must be a "sweet spot" when these appearances happen most. If this can be tied in with accurate data then maybe - just maybe, a scientific pattern can be established.

Man takes picture of ghost in Guildford

Amateur photographer Mark Baker was sitting in his van on The Mount near Guildford. He was trying out his new camera and took a few snaps through the windscreen of his van at the misty landscape outside. When he downloaded the pics he saw the outline of what appears to be a human shaped glowing apparition. Maybe just a trick of light. What do you think? You can view the picture here:

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2110784_experts_confounded_by_the_ghost_of_guildford

Ghost of a child pulling a cart in Wales

A spectral child has been viewed pulling a cart along the A477 near Carew in West Wales. The person who saw the apparition is reported to have said
“I saw him running across the road very quickly and when I arrived at the point where he would have been.
There were just very thick gorse bushes and there is no way he could have disappeared into these. I arrived there in seconds. There was no sign of him.”You can read the report here: http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/9596311.Spooky_sighting_sparks_investigation/

Madam Tina and the Milk Market Ghost

Floating orbs have been captured on the Limerick Milk Market's CCTV system, and local psychic Madam Tina, who gives readings in the Limerick Marketplace, believes them to be due to a victim of a public execution some three hundred years ago. She believes it to be the spirit of a man who murdered his friend in the 18th century, and is lingering there due to his regret and remorse. You can read the report here: http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local/psychic-claims-public-hanging-is-cause-of-ghosts-in-limerick-market-1-3676723

Haunted Australian Supermarket - an update.

Adelaide Paranormal Detectives have been called in to the allegedly haunted IGA supermarket in Adelaide. They are still reviewing the evidence, but here is a video taken during the investigation:



Here is a link to the article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/the-other-side/stock-is-just-flying-off-the-shelves-a-ghost/story-e6frfhk6-1226309906399

Haunting of The Red Lion, Hockley, Birmingham

The Red Lion in Hockley, Birmingham is allegedly haunted. Amongst the night-time occurences have been the giggles of ghostly children and footprints impressed into the bed.

Some of the resident ghosts are said to be those of a roman centurion, an elegant lady in a long gown and a cellarman that was crushed to death by a 108 gallon barrel. The article is here http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/03/28/more-spirits-than-usual-at-haunted-birmingham-pub-97319-30638642/

Adele and Robbie Williams to go Ghost Hunting

Adele has invited Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda to come and stay at her mansion that she believes to be haunted (see my previous post). Robbie believes his Beverley Hills home is also haunted. You can read the full story here: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/242794/Adele-n-Robbie-Williams-go-for-ghosts-/

Jesus appears in a bruise on an Irishman's leg

You just couldn't write this stuff could you? Apparently Jesus has put in another appearance. This time in a bruise on a hurler's leg (hurling is a little like hockey but with added violence). After getting clattered in a match the player came up in a nasty bruise, and there he was, Jesus himself. (though to me it looks more like a bloke I once met in a folk club). Make up your own minds. Article is here: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Jesus-apparition-claimed-in-bruise-on-Irishmans-leg--VIDEO-142181413.html

Haunted Huddersfield train station? - see video

After having a hi-tech CCTV system installed in the shop in Huddersfield's train station, an orb (or what appears to be one) was caught on tape. See what you think. Personally I think it may be an insect. You can see the video here http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2012/03/24/ghostly-goings-on-at-huddersfield-train-station-watch-the-video-and-make-up-your-own-mind-86081-30612481/

Tales from a haunted Oxfordshire hospital

The old Radcliffe Infirmary, which closed in 2007, is to be converted into £500m university quarters, but the old building is home to several ghosts. One ghost that has been reported several times is one of a nurse who would come and sit by the beds of dying patients!

The Oxford Times is asking former employees of the hospital to send in any spooky recollections. You can read the article here http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/9610685.Ghostly_hospital_sightings/

James Randi tests a psychic artist

I came across this old video and thought I would share it with you. ppears to be one of a series. In this James Randi is giving a psychic artist the chance to win over a live audience.

What would you do if you had a poltergeist?

If you had a poltergeist (and no....this isn't an admission by me that I believe such things exist) what would you do? By this I mean would you:
1) Contact the church or your local paranormal investigation team?
2) Would you do nothing at all and hope it all goes away?
3) Would you keep completely quiet about it for fear of sounding a bit daft?
4) Would you go to the nearest newspaper and tell them your story?

It's the last question that I am really wanting to learn more about. If you had a poltergeist that is making your life a misery, and that of your family, what good does going to the papers about it do? In essense, as soon as I see media coverage of some allegedly haunted house I do end up wondering if it is a cry for help...or just a cry for attention?

Now a haunted hotel or pub, that's good free advertising. Call me a cynic if you like, but I don't believe something just because it is in print :-)

Haunted Australian store video - food thrown around

The IGA store in Brompton, South Australia seems to be having poltergeist activity. The video shows packets landing on the ground. There may, of course, be a simple explanation for it all. Stuff falls off shelves all the time. Make up yout own minds. You can see the video here http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/are-ghosts-haunting-brompton-iga/story-e6frf7l6-1226303625611

Past life regression - Good or bad?

Whilst doing my usual rounds of news feeds and Google news etc I stumbled across an article on past life regression. To those who have never heard of it, this is when a hypnotist puts you into a trance and allegedly takes you back to a previous life before your birth.

The article mentioned the Bridey Murphy case and one or two other notable cases. I won't bore you with all the details as they are easily "Googleable", but what did surprise me is how many people out there are advertising these services. I found out that there were three such "practitioners" offering their services within 10 miles of where I live. It seemed I had stumbled upon a rich seam of people making money out of the paranormal. A lot of them seemed to be offering some kind of problem solving therapy. The theory goes that the problems you are having in todays life may be a result of something you experienced in a previous life.

Whatever next???

The sub-conscious is a strange and wonderful part of the brain where lots of things are stored. I am a little dubious about the accuracy of these regressions and the information they allegedly bring to light. I once remember being entirely convinced I had written a song - tune and words - the whole lot. I had penned it in 10 minutes flat. I Googled it afterwards and found the song had, of course, already been written. The tune was as near as damn it right, and the words were about 60% right. On hearing the song on Youtube I had never CONSCIOUSLY heard it before, but there it was in my own handwriting. We store stuff away and this is often where our "intuition" kicks in. This is where our "spider senses" give us little clues all may be not right. I suppose this is where Deja Vu also lives.

The point I am coming to is this. Is the whole past life regression thing good or bad? Could dabbling around in someones sub-conscience have a lasting damaging effect?

The answer is, of course, I have no idea. But I do have a few concerns.

Louth pub ghost captured on video

A video reported to show a "white cloudy form" has been captured by a group of ghost hunters in The Whyte Swanne in Eastgate, Louth. The pub is reputedly the oldest pub in Louth. They also claim to have captured an image of an apparation on the stairs. We have to wait until wednesday to see the pictures which will be published in the Louth Leader newspaper. You can see the video here http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/local/video-ghost-captured-on-film-at-louth-s-oldest-pub-1-3635764

Derek Acorah and Richard Felix do Dudley Castle

Most Haunted stars, medium Derek Acorah, paranormal historian Richard Felix and ghost hunter Denise Mott, will be leading Spookfest 2012 on Saturday May 26.

Derek remarked that he and Richard were never allowed to work together on Most Haunted because of their psychic enerigies (I have NO IDEA what he means by that).

You can read the article here http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/9589613.TV_ghost_hunters_gear_up_for_paranormal_night_at_the_castle/

Blue Peter goes ghost hunting.

Helen Skelton and Barney Harwood of Blue Peter, the children's TV show, visited Muncaster Castle in Cumbria. After having a tour of the castle they did an overnight vigil in the allegedly haunted Tapestry Room. The findings are scheduled to appear on CBBC on March 22 and BBC One on March 23. I would have thought it unsuitable viewing for young kids, but perhaps I am showing my age. I wonder if they will try and build a working K2 meter out of an old toilet-roll centre and some sticky backed plastic? Let's hope they don't do an Yvette if they get scared!

400th anniversary of Pendle Witch trials - local events planned

2012 is the 400th anniversary of the trials of the Pendle Witches, which led to 10 people being hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster. They didn't have access to a lawyer or any legal advice, and according to the BBC article, the main prosecution witness was a mere 9 years old!

There are events planned which include a guided walk taking place on 18th March, A sculpture trail in the woods around Barley (a small village at the foot of Pendle Hill), and guided walks around Lancaster Castle where the accused spent their final days on earth.

Councillor Johnathan Eyre is reported to have said "Hundreds of thousands of visitors a year are drawn to Pendle because of this most dramatic episode in our country's history. These visitors help boost the local economy and bring in £78m a year, helping to support local jobs and services."

With reference to my previous blog entry about trying to get a pardon for these poor unfortunates. It would seem like a publicity stunt that could badly backfire on the local economy. Seems like a moral dilemma doesn't it? Here is the BBC article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-17385768

David Wells does Australia

David Wells, the Scottish medium and astrologer, ex of Most Haunted is to be a speaker at Oran Park House for a paranormal conference to be held next week. He will lead a past lives workshop on the second day of the conference. Read the article here: http://www.camdenadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/spotlight-on-paranormal/2486845.aspx

Pendle Witches pardon campaign - an update

I thought I had better check the newsfeeds and see if anything further was happening on the pardoning of the Pendle Witches petition. I found an article stating that Moorhouse's Brewery were also asking for the Pendle Witches to be pardoned. David Grant, managing director at the brewery, said the group should be pardoned to coincide with this year’s 400th anniversary of the trial.

It did make me smile a little seeing a lot of their marketing revolves around  Pendle Witch related themes. Indeed, one of their pubs is named "The Pendle Witch". The pub sign is the archetypal folklore depiction of the witch astride her broomstick, complete with crooked hat, flying through the night sky. No doubt modern followers of the wiccan ways would find this completely "non-pc". Here's the link to the pub page: http://www.moorhouses.co.uk/pubs/pendle_witch.html

More about the campaign can be read HERE

Ghost of Herne Bay Pier - video

The video below is claimed to be of a mysterious figure on Herne Bay Pier. Mysterious it is...but is it a ghost?...you decide.

Derek Acorah goes ghostbusting - TV star clears ghosts!

Derek Acorah, the TV psychic and star of Most Haunted has rid a home in Sunderland of all it's pesky spirits, according to an article in The Sun newspaper. Marie Williams and her six children had been living in terror at their victorian home. See my previous blog post for details http://ghost-investigators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sunderland-poltergeist-plagues-family.html

See video below.

The Old Star Winsford - Today's Trip

Today I had the delightful experience of visiting The Old Star in Winsford, Cheshire. I chatted with Ernie, the owner about his pub and all the strange goings-on.
He told me that the pub was originally built in 1871 on Swanlow Lane next to the vicarage of St Chads. The ancient 14th century church is directly behind the pub and has it's own paranormal associations.

In 1892 the pub's landlord was a man by the name of Joseph Fletcher. Although the pub prospered under his care, Joseph felt more and more unhappy about the way fate had dealt him his luck and eventually committed suicide by tying a scarf around the bed and making a noose with the other end and hanging himself. He was discovered by his young son Harry who tried to cut him down but the only knife to hand was blunt and so he had to seek the help of his mother (Joseph's wife). By the time Joseph had been cut down it was too late to revive him. Below is a picture of the current landlord telling me the story and pointing to the spot.

The next place Ernie took me to was the cellar steps. After the death of Joseph Fletcher, his wife, Elizabeth Fletcher took on the mantle of pub landlord. Not too long after Joseph's passing, Elizabeth took a tumble down the cellar stairs and broke her neck. Staff have reported eerie feelings and an odd feeling of a presence on these steps. As the photo below shows, the steps are indeed very steep.

The pub has always had it's stories of ghosts and strange feelings. In August 2002 the pub was taken over by Debs and Mark. The couple were just tidying the pub at the end of the day and counting up the takings at the kitchen table as they did routinely every night. It was then Mark noticed that Deb's face had taken on a look of terror. A look he had never ever witnessed before on her face. Debs then said ‘Please Mark; tell me that Ashley has just walked along the landing to go to the toilet.’. Mark went to Ashley's bedroom and the child was fast asleep. Mark then said ‘You’re scaring me Debs, what is it?’ Her reply came out hesitatingly, ‘a boy, a young boy, younger and smaller than Ashley has just walked along the landing. I saw him clearly; he wasdressed in a floor length old fashioned night shirt.’ Slowly she turned to Mark and said ‘I’ve never believed in ghosts, I thought it was all rubbish, but I think I just saw one!’

A fascinating old pub with a fascinating history. By day a beautiful, comfortable, country pub serving excellent beer and great food. By night?.........I plan a return visit.....I have yet to find out!

Here's the pub in question: http://www.the-old-star.co.uk

The Sun goes ghost hunting (again)

The Sun newspaper has written quite a lengthy article in todays sunday paper (11 March 2012). Rather than decant all the details to you, you may as well read the article direct......oh and there's a video there too!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2887219/The-Sun-goes-ghost-hunting.html

The haunting of Birmingham's Trocadero

Henry Skinner, ex landlord and soldier is said to be haunting Birmingham's Trocadero. The hauntings have said to have stepped up after the pub's name change. Formerly known as The Bodega, a former wine bar and haunt of actors and sportsmen, the pub has had a violent past. The ex landlord upset a pair of locals known as Herbert and Arthur Allen. In 1895 Arthur was sacked and, after a furious row, he pulled a gun and shot Henry dead. Two girls are also said to haunt the bar after tumbling to their deaths down a spiral staircase. There is also the smell of burning wood which is attributed to the building once being the site of a fire station. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/03/10/ghostly-former-landlord-spotted-at-birmingham-s-trocadero-pub-97319-30501109/

Haunted Winsford pub - new landlord in fine spirits.

The Old Star on Swanlow Lane in Winsford has been renovated by it's 21st licensee and owner Ernie Welch, who has spent over £30,000 in making the old historic pub a first class watering hole. Previous owners have seen the ghost of a child in victorian clothing wandering the pub at night after closing time.

The pub was also witness to its fair share of tragedy. The pubs first landlord was in 1851, but in 1906 Joseph Fletcher was the landlord. Joseph committed suicide in 1913 by hanging himself from the bed post in the pubs bedroom. This was soon followed by the death of his wife Elizabeth who tumbled down the cellar steps.

The present owner Ernie hasn't reported anything unusual since taking over but does say he feels a little bit creeped when descending into the cellar knowing that's where Elizabeth came to an untimely end. He also said that it would come as no surprise if the pub was actually haunted as Joseph hanged himself just outside his office. Ernie has installed CCTV cameras throughout the building so if anything does "materialise" we will get to hear about it.

http://www.winsfordguardian.co.uk/news/9577481.Spirits_not_only_in_bottles_at_Old_Star/

Haunted Kilmarnock Pub - is Scotland a haunted hotspot?

Alan Brown, former paratrooper, cagefighter and doorman is convinced that his pub, The Hunting Lodge, is haunted. He called in The Paranormal Knights, a local ghost investigation team to give the place a look over.

There have been reports of strange lights on the CCTV cameras, figures appearing in an old mirror, cold spots and a table moving on its own. Alan, the owner is reported to have said “I don’t scare easy but there are weird things going on in this place that I can’t explain.”.

After investigations were made it was found that a William Thomson lived (and presumably died) there in the 1850s. It is suspected that he may be the cause of the alleged hauntings. http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/news-east-ayrshire/kilmarnock-news/2012/03/09/kilmarnock-pub-bosses-call-in-ghostbusters-after-ghostly-incidents-81430-30479242/

Glasgow woman forced to move by ghosts

Ashley Summers, a 26 year old mum, has been compelled to move because she can no longer stand the alleged paranormal activity occuring in her housing association flat in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow. She has moved to a new home and the move has cost her double her previous rent of £300 a month.

Her youngest son David who is 4 years old told him mum about having conversations with a bald headed man when no one else was in the flat. Things have also been thrown such as shoes and a mobile phone. Pots and pans have also been strewn around the kitchen.

Her son David told her that the spirit had said that it won't hurt him, but it will hurt anyone else in the flat. On the advice of a spiritualist, Ashley sprinkled flour in her kitchen to see if the ghost would communicate with her. On returning she found a letter D had been drawn in the flour.

Sunderland poltergeist plagues family

Marie Williams who lives in Hendon in the north-east believes her house to be haunted by a poltergeist. The troublesome spirit is said to have trashed rooms leaving a sulphurous smell behind. Other phenomena have been said to include things being thrown around, ghostly footsteps when no one is around, objects going missing and Victorian objects not belonging to the family appearing in rooms.

Dirty water from a source as yet unknown has also been seen to run down the bannister and people's ankles are said to have been grabbed whilst on the stairs. Marie also complains of being scratched by the said spirit. The hauntings started some six weeks after they moved in. So desperate are they to be rid of this they are even considering moving house. Here's the article http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/poltergeist-plagues-family-home-1-4318022

Amorous Australian ghost spooks housewife

A woman in the northern territory of Australia is convinced that her home is haunted by an amorous spirit (well amorous wasn't the word they used - but you get the drift).

Jennifer Mills-Young, the woman in question, believes the ghost is named Kevin. She claims that one night she was woken by someone grabbing her wrists and trying to drag her out of bed. Her first thoughts were "Hmmm, hubby wants a bit of romance" before she realised that her husband wasn't even at home that night.

I'm not sure what is romantic about being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. Maybe I have led a sheltered life!

She is reported to have said "I yelled at Kevin that he was not welcome in my bedroom and that he couldn't come into bed with me". She said the family felt "something wasn't right" as soon as they moved into the house two years ago.

You can read the story here: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/09/30/183061_ntnews.html

Middlesbrough Ghost Pic

42 year old mum Diane Toman was happily eating crisps in her Middlesbrough home when her son (Matthew 19 years old) took an impromptu snap on his new mobile phone. The picture shows what appears to be a ghostly skull hovering close to her. So spooked are the family, her daughter Cheryl (21 years old) refuses to stay overnight at her mum's house. Quite a cool pic. You can see the article here: http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2012/03/07/middlesbrough-mum-spooked-by-ghostly-shape-caught-on-camera-84229-30472615/

Celebrities on the ghost train

As part of my research in trawling through Google news there seems to be a small theme emerging over the past few days. That being celebrities and their paranormal encounters. It started off with my post about Meat Loaf and his experiences with the other side http://ghost-investigators.blogspot.com/2012/02/meat-loaf-talks-to-ghosts.html, next to be followed by Adele and her haunted mansion. http://ghost-investigators.blogspot.com/2012/03/adeles-haunted-mansion.html

The latest two I have discovered are concerning Ice - T's wife coco being haunted by a ghost who "molested" her http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/redhot/i-was-molested-by-horny-ghost-says-ice-t-s-wife-coco_106999.htm and another concerning One Direction. Apparently someone seems to have spotted a ghost on their video "What Makes You Beautiful". http://www.sugarscape.com/tags/music-video/698031/there-ghost-one-directions-what-makes-you-beautiful-video

Perhaps it's the Elvis syndrome "Uh huh, they're all shook up".

The Albion pub Bradford. Landlord's story of strange happenings

The manager Mark Senior and landlord Sean Garvey of The Albion pub in Bradford have been experiencing alleged paranornal activity at their pub. Some of the things that have been happening are glasses jumping off the shelves and malfunction of electrical equipment. There have also been appearances on a ghostly figure dressed in black. You can see the article and a short video here http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/9542371.Spirits_cause_new_fright_at_old_haunt_in_Greengates/r/?ref=rss

Drayton Manor Theme Park Hauntings

Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire is allegedly haunted. There have been reports of the sound of gallopping hooves, a face at the manor window, a ghostly white horse and a clock that seems to jump from the wall. All these things and more have been reported by staff and night security. One man is reported to have walked out of the cricket social club to be confronted with a ghostly carriage and horses. He is said to have turned around. walked back inside and ordered himself a large drink.The Grill Inn seems to be the epicentre of paranormal activity according to the report.

http://www.thisistamworth.co.uk/Ghost-Peel-clearly-alive-park/story-15264799-detail/story.html

Adele's haunted mansion

The singer Adele believes her £7m Sussex mansion to be haunted. The mansion was once a convent. The Sun claims she is paying her female bodyguard to sleep over to keep her company. After hearing strange noises, Adele is reported to have said "I'm not rattling around here on my own. It gives me the creeps.".

A friend is reported as saying that Adele was excited to be renting such a lavish property, but things haven't turned out so happily.

Haunted house in Dalkeith, Scotland.

I have seen several newspaper articles covering the alleged hauntings of a house in Dalkeith. A single mum and her two daughters had been experiencing noises and apparitions. After the Church of Scotland blessed their house (twice), they reported that the paranormal activity had increased. That is when they called in a group of local paranormal investigators.

Midlothian Paranormal Investigators, along with their medium Jackie Drummond, were said to have identified the troublesome spirit as a Thomas Laidlaw. A gentleman who was said to have died in 1923 and was dressed in "wartime clothing". (As he is said to have died in 1923, which was between WW1 and WW2 I am not sure which war they could be referring to).

The house was also built over the site of a possible plague pit - a mass burial pit, according to the findings of the medium.

MPI's medium then cleared the house of any spirits and the family now say that the house feels like a different house and the family can now start to get their lives back on track.

All's well that ends well eh?

Here are the articles:
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/4168595/Ghost-is-banished-from-Dalkeith-home.html

http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/03/02/ghostbusters-medium-clears-haunted-house-after-two-exorcisms-fail/

Ghost hunters help clean up "Shawshank" prison

Volunteers helped to clean up the  former Ohio State Reformatory in early February 2012, which was used as the location for the film "The Shawshank Redemption". Many of these were ghost hunters who swept floors and cleaned whilst at the same time trying to collect evidence of the alleged hauntings at the old prison.

What a great symbiotic relationship! They get free cleaning and the ghost hunters get a free gig. Ghost hunter Scott Sukel said "the group was able to clean most of the building because there was more help than anticipated". I can imagine there was! - I'd love a nosey round an old disused prison.

You can read the report here http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/02/13/Volunteers-clean-Ohio-prison-used-in-Shawshank.html

My favourite YouTube ghosts video channel.

This YouTube user has some great videos. I spent a whole evening just watching the videos one by one. Brilliant place. I hope you get the same pleasure from it as I did. Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/user/ghostwatching?ob=4&feature=results_main

Dog Sees a Ghost - Another Video

As you may remember, I put a similar video on here a while ago. I have a fascination with the subject as we have seen our own dog behave in exactly the same manner. She spent one night barking at the wall and periodically backing away with her tail tucked between her legs in fear. I have also caught things out of the corner of my eye, but more disconcertingly,  I have seen that the dog has followed the same thing by moving her head to follow the anomaly........most odd.

Another Haunted Pub Closes

I know that this is the second post about closing down pubs, but it's something that is dear to my heart. The good old local is something that is at the heart of our way of life. Not only that, they keep great old historic buildings in use and good repair, plus they give us ghost hunters great venues to explore.

The next "victim" I am discussing is The Seven Stars in Knowl Hill. The 400 year old pub is reportedly (maybe it already has) being boarded up today - 1st March. The pub is home to a reported 4 different ghosts. A horseman dressed in black (the article doesn't mention whether he is on a horse or on foot); a headless woman, a phantom hound and a woman wearing a bonnet. I do hope it is reopened as a pub again soon, though I am not holding my breath on it!

Ghost Census on Disappearing Ghosts

A ghost hunter claiming to be the only registered ghost hunter in Poland is saying that hauntings seem to be on the decrease. He believes that perhaps the spirit community have given up on mankind and no longer wants to warn them about the afterlife.

Piotr Shalkevitz, 40, from Chrzanow, Poland, has invested in all the latest technical equipment to investigate hauntings in Poland. He is calling for a census of ghosts from paranormal investigators from all over the world. If you feel like joining the census his email address is ghost_hunted@vp.pl. He also has a 24 hour hotline, but the article doesn't state what it is or what his website address is.

You can read the article HERE

Ghost hunting team to look for Scottish Vampire

Dumfries based Mostly Ghostly are to organise a hunt for the alleged vampire of Lochmaben Castle (no, this isn't a wind-up). Tom Robertson, who claimed to have seen the creature back in 1991, and later wrote a book about his experiences, will be helping them with their enquiries. The investigation is set to take place in spring this year (2012).

I wonder how their pre-investigation equipment check list will read "ok, let's see, Camera, Flashlight, K2 meter, garlic, crucifix, wooden stake and mallet.......yep we're hot to trot".

You can read the article HERE

Ghosts on Birmingham New Street Station

Ghosts have been reported at Birmingham New Street Station. One of them is believed to be of ex railway employee Walter Hartles. Walter is reported to have committed suicide by shooting himself. Another spirit is said to be a gentleman by the name of Claude, who wears a top hat. He is alleged to have poisoned himself.
When the station was built in 1848 it required the digging up of a Jewish Cemetary. Added to that there have been 4 suicides on platform 4. It is claiming to be Britain's most haunted railway station.

You can read the article HERE

Clevedon Pier Ghost - an update.

Former policeman Richard Case of Ghost Challengers is to investigate the alleged haunting of Clevedon Pier near Bristol. Armed with all the usual electronic gadgets, he will see if he can gain any proof of the existance of the ghost.

Another unusual occurence attached to this haunting is that Piermaster Linda Strong reported that a smell of burnt toast lingers in the air whenever the apparition appears. A ghost with a toaster must be a first!

Spring Heeled Jack is back?

A family were travelling home by taxi on Valentines night from Stoneleigh when they saw a dark figure dart across the road in front of them. It then leapt 15 feet over a roadside bank. The figure jumped over the central reservation, across two lanes of traffic and jumped up the roadside bank, all in less than 2 seconds. The petrified taxi driver admitted to being afraid of driving back alone.

If this figure is real we could do with him in the 2012 olympics!

You can read the article HERE

What is a ghost? - My personal theories.

If we make a broad and generalised sweep and say (for the purpose of argument) that ghosts do exist - how do they work?

If we take the full body apparition as a point in question, why are they always fully clothed? I can accept the fact that a ghost could appear in front of someone as a manifestation of their once physical presence, but where do the clothes come from? This would lean towards the hypothesis that the spirit in question is making some physical judgement as to what garb it dresses in to make it's appearance to the observer. That would then rule out the "stone tapes" theory that the ghost in question is just an electromagnetic recording of a past event being played out over and over. I wouldn't imagine that mere clothing can manifest itself in any way at all through the medium of an electromagnetic recording....or can it?

This then lends itself to the extended argument of "can a ghost think and interract with us". If it can, then the ghost must be projecting the image of it's former self that it wishes us to see. For example, if the ghost is one of a soldier or an airman, it would naturally be dressed in uniform because that is the impression it wishes us to see. Does this then mean that the ghost is actually projecting images for us to see by some other medium as yet unknown to science, or could it be that the spirit is actually controlling some part of our brain through some kind of electromagnetic resonance and actually manufacturing hallucinations?

Of course, the logical explanation would simply be that the brain has been tricked in some way to see something that isn't really there and just fill in the gaps. A simple hallucination or trick of the mind. Surroundings also play a big part in the susceptibility of the mind. If you are in a spooky old castle at midnight the mindset is better to see ghosts than would be a brightly lit shopping arcade filled with people.

The more ethereal side of hauntings seem (in my humble opinion) to carry more scientific weight. The shapeless mists and the disembodied voices etc. These all seem a little less "Hollywood" and more within the realm of possibility. Physical interraction is also something to be looked at. If you get punched, hit, scratched or choked etc, as some have claimed to have been, then this puts ghosts on a whole different plane. Are they then ghosts or have they then become poltergeists?

It seems to me that the word ghost is a handy cover-all for what could be completely different entities altogether.........the hunt goes on!

Have we put the "normal" into paranormal?

Judging by the number of ghost investigation TV programmes, teams and associated followers, I think we have!
When I embarked upon the making of my humble website www.ghost-investigators.co.uk, little did I realise the mammoth task I was undertaking.
Every city, county and town in the UK seems to have a ghostbusting team ready and willing to do battle with, or analyse the existance of ghosts and the paranormal. I have found a similar pattern in most English speaking countries all over the world, (but maybe that is only because I have only been doing searches in English).
Does this mean that we have come to accept as fact the existance of ghosts and the afterlife?
We still haven't definitively found the "smoking gun". As yet concrete proof that ghosts actually exist eludes us. It would be fascinating to know exactly how many people in the UK would actually admit to believing in ghosts.

Man fights to get pardon for Pendle Witches

Arthur Stuttard, a retired barrister from the Burnley area, has written to H.M The Queen in an attempt to win a pardon for the 12 Pendle Witches. He received a reply saying The Queen "had taken careful note" of his comments but it was a matter in which she couldn't intervene.

I can't personally help but wonder how the tourist industry in the area would react if they HAD been cleared. Anything bearing the name or having reference to the Pendle Witches would actually then be defamation of character (I think....dunno). Even so, the guy who manufactures plastic witches for the tourist shops around that area would be well miffed.

Here is the article http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/strange-but-true/appeal_for_queen_to_pardon_pendle_witches_1_4281386

Meat Loaf talks to ghosts

The legendary performer Meat Loaf has revealed that not only does he believe in the paranormal, but has also seen and had conversations with ghosts. He uses a K2 meter, (which is an EMF meter with a light display) to ask questions and receive yes/no answers. I have a K2 meter myself and they do seem to pick up anomalies. Whether these are electrical or paranormal anomalies is, of course, open to debate.

You can read the story here http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/meat-loaf-i-talk-to-ghosts-16121568.html

Spooks follow ghost hunter home to Wales

A couple in Llandudno Junction are complaining of a haunting that has been going on for a decade. It all started after their son returned home from a ghost hunting expedition with his girlfriend back in 2002.

In the couple's house things have apparently been moving, lights flickering and people being touched when no one was there. They have also taken random pictures around the house and captured approximately 500 pictures of orbs.

You can read the story here http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2012/02/23/ghosts-in-llandudno-junction-55243-30384487/

Remake of The Ghost Train - An old classic

Oakworth Station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire is the setting for the remake of the 1941 black and white classic movie which starred Arthur Askey. The film is to be released in autumn.

I have fond memories of the old movie, and although it is meant to be a comedy, there is something charming and atmospheric about it. The website of the movie is www.ghosttrainmovie.co.uk

If this is released on DVD after the cinema release it will no doubt find it's way into my ever expanding spooky collection - sounds like fun!

Haunted pub to close - Dick Turpin's local.

The Four Crosses in Hatherton, Staffordshire is set to close on 1st March 2012. The quaint 400 year old black and white beamed pub has spirits other than the ones behind the bar. The pub is a popular haunt for mediums and psychics who hold regular ghost-hunts. Another historic pub will join the ranks of the hundreds that have closed all over the country. A part of our heritage and national identity is sliding into oblivion. Sad - very very sad.

Ghost Picture of nurse?

Here is yet another "ghost picture" I discovered whilst doing my daily rounds of Google. This time it's reported to be a nurse carrying a tray. The picture is a little grainy as it is a section of a larger picture. To me it looks like someone in a beekeepers hat and veil and wearing a white overall. Are there any beekeepers around there??

See what you think. The link is here http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet_extra/news/2012/february/21/is_mystery_figure_in_white_a_g.aspx

Pictures of Galway Ghost Nun

There seems to be a plethora (great word that) of accidental ghost pictures of late. Here is yet another. It's reportedly of a nun standing around in an industrial estate. It is impressive it has to be said, but as with all these things, it probably has an explanation....................or does it!!

You can see the article and pic here

Picture of ghost on Clevedon Pier

An A-Level student believes he has inadvertantly snapped a picture of a ghost on a locked pier whilst doing an assignment for his A-level coursework. The picture, which is of Clevedon Pier in Somerset shows what is reported to be a photograph of a ghostly figure that is reputed to be spooking early morning fishermen in the area. My guess is he is just a security guy. See what you think. The article can be viewed here

Grant Wilson leaves Ghost Hunters

Ghost Hunter and part of the famous TAPS duo alongside Jason Hawes is leaving the show to concentrate on other aspects of his personal life. The show has been running for 8 years on the Syfy channel and has become something of a similar institution as Most Haunted did in the UK.

Wilson’s final episode of Ghost Hunters will air on Wednesday, May 16. The press release doesn't mention what will happen after this series.

You can read the press release here

Michael Jackson's face appears on a car bonnet

An image of Michael Jacksons face appeared on the bonnet of a rover belonging to a Stafford builder (according to a story in The Telegraph today). Having looked at the picture in question it is just the relection of a cloud that does look a bit like a face.



I'm not sure if it looks like Jacko though. What do you think?

Ghost Watch - BBC1's classic spoof

This video is of Ghost Watch. A "mockumentary" about a fictitious haunting that had the country in uproar. It was aired on Halloween in 1992. It received over 30,000 calls to the BBC switchboard in just one hour.....enjoy!

Ghost Hunts - How long before the bubble bursts?

There have been ghost clubs, mediums and ghost investigators for donkeys years, but the advent of Most Haunted and subsequent other offerings, both British and American,have fuelled a new business in paranormal related tourism. We are spoilt for choice with literally hundreds of companies offering ghost hunts in buildings as various as old factories right through to castles, pubs and disused air bases. You can go online and book a ghost hunt in a haunted building as easy as buying a new pair of trainers. I just wonder if supply is beginning to outstrip demand. I am asking this question in all truthfulness - I really don't know. Has paranormal tourism become such a growth industry or is it a dying trade? (no pun intended - oh OK, yes there was).
If anyone is reading this please let me have your feedback. By the way, you can go to my website and look at a few of said companies to save you the trouble of trawling the net. I am not guaranteeing the quality or expertise of these organisations. It is merely a list for your perusal. http://www.ghost-investigators.co.uk/ghost_hunts.html

Prisoners call in the ghostbusters

According to The Sun newspaper, a priest was called in to Durham Jail to bless a reputedly haunted cell after prisoners complained of "feeling uncomfortable" and as if someone was watching them (someone dead, not the prison wardens).
The cell block had previously been F wing, colloquially dubbed "She Wing" because it had previously held notorious female murderers such as Myra Hindley and Rose West. It was reported to be Myra Hindley's old cell that was the haunted one
The cell block now houses male prisoners, and they are reported to now be "as happy as Larry" since the blessing. All's well that ends well then eh?

You can read the article in full here.