investigations Articles edited by Andrea Griffiths-Boden  ( * denotes private case)

home - about us - code of conduct – equipment - team members - investigations - articles - local haunted inns - links

 

19 July 2008 - Marston Moor, North Yorkshire

17 May 2008 - Winter Gardens, Morecombe

26 April 2008 - A Pub in Liverpool *

28 March 2008 - A Farmhouse near Mold *

29 February 2008 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Reports for all of the above to follow shortly...

 

9 February 2008 - Winter Gardens, Morecombe

At last, an active investigation! The most significant incident took place at 10:14pm when six investigators heard what sounded like 'footsteps' that appeared to come from the gallery next to the ladies bar. There were four other people on site at the time of the incident and we can account for all but one. We thought that the 'missing' person was in the shop area (away from the sound source) and after contacting him, he confirmed this was the case. There are other possibilities that could explain the incident but to rule these out would require a follow-up investigation.  Other reported events included one team member claimed that something brushed against his leg (like a cat tail) and a traffic cone appeared to move on its own, hotspots (not coldspots) were felt in the cellar area and stairwell next to the reputedly haunted box, problems with battery drainage on a few two-way radios (although they appeared to function correctly after re-charging the batteries) and finally, one guest member claims to have been pushed over on leaving the main area of the auditorium. A not so quiet night for a change and plenty of work for our investigators analysing the evidence afterwards.

 

18 January 2008 - The Bell Inn, Thetford, Norfolk

This was our second vigil here, whereby, we again covered the same two rooms of the hotel; the Thomas Payne Suite and Room 11. Not exactly a quiet night but this was mainly due to a residential party (not the paranormal!) Again, nothing significant to report and no repeat of any temperature fluctuations which we had last time; although these were almost certainly due to a defect with the thermometer that was used.

 

4 January 2008 -  Gwrych Castle, Abergele & Churchyard in North Wales *

After the long awaited sale of the castle last year, we paid a final visit to this derelict site before the start of it's major renovation. It was very quiet and calm with not a great deal to report. On our way home we stopped off at a churchyard not far from Bodelwyddan. The group had been given information that there had been recent reports of activity here but unfortunately it was just another venue with not much action!

 

20 October 2007 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

A change from the normal vigil schedule, it was decided to have a night based on experiments and theories. We carried out an infrasound experiment, and to keep an open mind we did a 'scrying' exercise (following up from a recent experience at Plas Teg); we also tested out our new backup CCTV system which now extends our collection to three separate systems. A report on our findings will be published shortly.

 

29 September 2007 - Plas Teg, Pontyblyddyn

We followed up our investigation on the Wrexham/Mold Road with a vigil at Plas Teg.  The investigation was run by another paranormal group (there wasn't enough of our own investigators or cash to meet the minimum requirement!)  It was a little less scientific than we expected and there were far too many incidents to report mainly due to suggestion, hysteria, etc. Amidst the hype, there were some interesting experiences worthy of noting.  One member reported having their 'hair touched / played with' in the Panelled Room and many reported the room 'getting colder'.  However, there was a definite draught in this room so it was highly likely that this was a probable cause.  One of our members were witness to an interesting 'scrying' session in the Crib Room whereby the subject appeared to stoop, as well as change to their facial features.  A possible explanation for this could be that this phenomenon is almost the same as that of the more commonly known 'magic eye' pictures.  Throughout the night, some members came up with identical names which was probably the most fantastic bit of telepathy, or more likely just a coincidence.  An interesting night but disappointing that we didn't get to investigate more areas within the building.  Ideally, we would have liked to have been given the opportunity to try and replicate the incident we had in the Indian Bedroom on our previous vigil back in 2004.

 

8 September 2007 - The Hangars, Hooton Park

Our third visit to this former aircraft hangar site.  On this occasion, we investigated both Hangars 1 and 2 but unfortunately the vigil was very quiet with not one single incident to report.

 

31 August 2007 - Wrexham/Mold Road, Pontyblyddyn

We first investigated the A541 dual carriageway almost four years ago.  The hotspot in particular is situated outside one of North Wales' alleged most haunted houses, Plas Teg near Mold.  There have been many "single car" traffic accidents along this stretch of road whereby motorists have reported seeing white misty shapes, causing them to brake or swerve; the road is also said to be patrolled by phantom horsemen, normally seen at dusk during the months of September and October.  There are many signposts along this stretch of road which reflect car headlights in various directions which could explain these white misty shapes. However, we drove along the carriageway many times but could not replicate this. That is not to say that under certain environmental conditions and/or positioning of passing vehicles, this could actually be the cause.

 

28 July 2007 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Only one incident to report from an otherwise quiet vigil.  At 9:50pm, all of the investigators where located in the ground floor corridor near to the reception area when two members heard very clearly, a female voice say "hello".  We tried several ways of replicating the event but without success.

 

9 June 2007 - A Museum in Derbyshire *

There have been several reported incidents at this 16th century museum which was the venue for an investigation run by another paranormal group.  The group were very friendly and the vigil itself was well organised, but unfortunately, it was all too similar to a popular paranormal programme.  There was only one incident to report which occurred on the first floor.  Towards the end of the investigation, an unexplained mark (about 30cm) had appeared (at head height) on one of the glass display cabinets.  Members of the paranormal group were ascertain that it wasn't there earlier.  However, one of our group members had taken a photograph in the area earlier on which clearly shows that the mark "was" there beforehand.

 

19 May 2007 - The Hangars, Hooton Park

We returned to this venue for a follow-up investigation where we focused on Hangar One and the Compressor Room.  The vigil was very quiet with only one incident worthy of mentioning.  At 12:57am, two investigators heard a sound similar to heel-like footsteps emanating from the centre of Hangar One.  The Hangar is prone to a lot of "building settling" noise so it is quite possible that this was the cause.

 

25 March 2007 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Several incidents took place during a daytime vigil at the former school.  A metallic 'dink' sound was heard in the cellar (as if a nail had been thrown at the generator). Maybe the generator itself produced this sound?  When the generator re-started, we then waited a while but it failed to replicate the sound that was originally heard.  A rattling of doors was heard in the ground floor corridor.  Measurement of external wind was over 9mph so it was quite possible that this was the cause.  In the cellar again, a 'sniff' was heard at what appeared to be at close range.  However we managed to replicate this event by confirming that it was most probably someone walking past the building outside.  The final incident was probably the most intriguing.  Whilst packing away in the first floor corridor at 10:33pm, a groan/voice accompanied by what sounded like a chair being scraped along the floor was heard by two investigators.  At the same time, one other investigator heard a voice call out in an urgent manner.  Overall, quite a busy vigil, although the majority of events may just have been of natural causes.

 

3 March 2007 - Castell Dinas Bran, Llangollen

The group decided to take a break from "normal" investigations to watch the Total Lunar Eclipse, an event that was planned almost three years ago!  After a brief visit to Valle Crucis Abbey, we then ventured on a very tiresome two hour walk to the top of Dinas Bran.  There we witnessed what has been described as the best Total Lunar Eclipse in the UK for fifteen years!  And although this event was a break from the norm, one investigator did have an unusual experience on a path just off Dinas Bran.  He heard a male voice call out behind him, the words were a little unclear but sounded similar to "come 'ere".

 

26 January 2007 - A Churchyard in Cheshire *

After the "bobbing light" incident at our previous vigil here, we decided to re-visit and investigate further.  Some of the gravestones in the area of the sighting did reflect light more than others and we managed to replicate the event quite easily.  However, the investigators whom originally witnessed the event were not present to confirm that this was what they had seen.  There was a slight possibility that a couple of investigators where subject to a time slip (which is known to occur here).  But with no scientific evidence, this can only be put down as a personal experience.  And finally, on review of one of our recordings, sounds similar to breathing and the words "hallelujah" can be heard although these may just have been misinterpreted as it was quite windy. So, nothing to report of major significance but it was another eventful vigil at an otherwise quiet and remote churchyard!

 

12 January 2007 - Private Residence, Waterloo, Liverpool *  INTERVIEW NOTES

Since moving into the property a couple of years ago, the residents of the house (and interestingly, also neighbours in the adjoining terraces) have noticed an increasing number of unexplainable incidents. After the owners requested the services of a  'medium' they were advised that there are four 'presences' at the property.  The reported phenomena have centered around electrical items, the moving of children's toys and even a great deal of tidying up!  Other incidents have included an imprint suddenly appear on a leather chair as though someone had sat down on it, the sound of loud exhalations and footsteps.  Only recently those living in the house have begun to see apparitions of children.  We did not experience anything of any significance during the vigil.

 

12 November 2006 - Hoole Hall Hotel, Chester

Over the past few years, many unexplained incidents have taken place at the hotel. In particular, the corridor outside the staff headquarters in the original part of the hotel appears to be the most active.  Staff have heard unexplainable knocks upon on their doors and the sounds of children playing have been heard. It has also been suggested that a presence of a lady or young child have been sensed again within the old part of the hotel.  We did have a few minor visual incidents during our vigil which took place around the entrance to the staircase and landing; nothing could be concluded on review of our video footage. There were also some reports of cold spots in the entrance area (behind staircase).  A possible explanation could have been put down to the strong draught which was gathering in this area. Weather: Part cloudy with the odd shower.  Average temperatures/humidity: Landing 21.7ēc/52%, Corridor 28.2ēc/39%, Ground Floor 22.9ēc/46%, External 13.5ēc/87%.

 

16 September 2006 - Ye Olde Mailcoach Inn, Conwy

There have been recent reports of activity in the flats above this public house.  Objects have been mysteriously moved and doors have been heard opening and closing.  Previous occupants where also said to have been woken up by unexplained bangs etc.  Next door to the Inn is a bakery, where apparently some staff have had experiences of being touched when alone in the building.  Unfortunately, there was nothing significant to report during our overnight investigation.   Weather: Cloudy/dry.

 

15 to 16 September 2006 - A Farmhouse in North Wales *

We were contacted by ASSAP to investigate an intriguing case in North Wales whereby graffiti in the form of stains and carvings have been materialising on the walls, fireplace and other objects.  The words are all Welsh and usually of a religious nature.  Another common occurrence is that a large figurine of an owl moves of it's own accord, sometimes into another room! The owl is four feet high and weighs approximately 13 stone. A dark figure (supposedly a monk known as "Brother Doli") has been seen regularly.  Unexplained sounds such as footsteps and chanting have been heard, and there have also been reports of temperature drops.  The main focus was on the lounge so that is where we setup our equipment and spent most of our time during our weekend investigation.  We also visited the nearby "miracle field" where allegedly the Virgin Mary materialised in front of passers-by back in 1996.  The only incident to report from our investigation is that on the Saturday at 6:26pm, the owners pointed out two "new" stains had appeared on the lounge walls.  "fel-droid" appeared behind the chair to the left of the fireplace, the nearest Welsh word to this is "pel-droed" meaning "football".  "beibl" (meaning bible) appeared under the right side of the main window. Using photographic evidence, we can confirm that these stains did appear on the photo's taken shortly after our arrival on Saturday afternoon.  They do not show in any photographs that were taken before our departure on late Friday evening.  However, we do not have sufficient evidence to prove that the incidents were paranormal.  Important to note that the stains became more apparent at dusk when lighting conditions were changing rapidly.  In summary, whilst this was a really interesting case, we do have to question the authenticity of the phenomena.  Weather: Cloudy/dry with sunny intervals.

 

19 August 2006 - Private Residence, Netherley *

We received a request for help from a concerned resident after she reported strange phenomena occurring at her three bedroom house in Liverpool. The lady had moved into the premises three years ago and it was 18 months later that unexplainable events started to occur. These incidents included various bangs, thuds and tapping throughout the house.  Footsteps have been heard emanating from the master bedroom.  A dark figure has been seen in various parts of the house.  Cold spots have been experienced, particularly in the conservatory and the owner also reports the cold spots being on or around her right side.   Also, the owner reports a sudden unexplainable weakness to her right arm. The Saturday before our investigation the family were so terrified that they fled to the owner's mother's house at 2am. Several family members have been witness to various incidents. Shortly after we arrived at the house the owner showed us some unusual photographs that she had taken, but unfortunately the quality was very poor and they had been taken with an inexpensive mini digital camera.  During the setup of our equipment, we did experience some EMF fluctuations in the lounge, but as for the remainder of the vigil all was very quiet and there was nothing else significant to report. We have since kept in contact with the owner and things have been particularly quiet since our visit.  Weather: Cloudy/dry.

 

22 July 2006 - A Churchyard in Cheshire *

A year since our first visit, we decided to hold another vigil at this isolated Churchyard in Cheshire.  We had a number of incidents whereby members reported sightings of unexplainable lights.  In particular, at 11:10pm approx, two investigators witnessed a blue "bobbing" light to the north west of the church, just past the dip of the cemetery.  We immediately investigated this area but nothing could be found.  We then tried to replicate the incident and more or less ruled out any flashlights being used by investigators; the incident remains unsolved.  Weather: Dry & clear at most times.  Average temperature/humidity: 19.1ēc/85%.

 

24 June 2006 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Our second visit of the year to this venue.  Although the vigil was very quiet, a few members did report some unusual sounds/movement which appeared to come from the reception stairwell on the ground floor.  The incidents were similar to events witnessed on a previous vigil held on 25 January 2003.  Weather: Dry & Clear.  Average temperatures/humidity: Reception 20.5ēc/59%, Ground floor far end 20.0ēc/63%, 1st floor by ladies 21.3ēc/56%, 1st floor by gents 21.4ēc/62%.

 

13 May 2006 - Private Residence, Marford *

We were approached by the owner of a property in Marford and asked to carry out an investigation.  Two separate witnesses claim to have seen a male figure in a brown polar-necked jumper in the front lounge.  He has been seen leaning against the wall of the fireplace, standing by the table in the centre of the room and also by the front window looking out.  Another figure has allegedly been seen in the attic, and a third witness claims to have felt a presence at the top of the staircase on the first floor.  As far as we know, there have been no previous reports of paranormal activity at the house and it was only when major refurbishment commenced a few weeks ago that these incidents occurred.  Refurbishment is still ongoing, so the timing for our vigil was perfect as it is noted in many cases that unusual events tend to occur during this period.  Unfortunately, all was extremely quiet and even the normal building settling sounds failed to keep us awake!  However, on review of our audio recordings, we picked up some unusual sounds whilst all members were located away from the premises.  Whilst we suspect the cause was probably much more mundane, the event remains unexplained.  Weather: Dry & part cloudy.  Average temperatures/humidity: Front Lounge 14.5ēc/75%, First Floor Landing 14.0ēc/78%, Attic Bedroom 14.2ēc/75%, External 10.8ēc/95%.

 

22 to 23 April 2006 - A Victorian House in Rock Ferry *  Case Report

We returned for a follow-up vigil, extending the event to midday on the Sunday due to activity being reported during the morning hours. It was Ghanon's longest running vigil to date with eight controlled sessions taking place over a period of sixteen hours. So surely something must have happened? Absolutely not! The vigil was very quiet and once again we left with nothing significant to report. Weather: Night = Cloudy with occasional drizzle. Day = Sunny and clear. Average temperatures/humidity: Basement 14.2ēc/71%, Shop Front 16.9ēc/60%, Kitchen/corridor 16.9ēc/56%, 2nd Floor Landing 17.7ēc/56%, 3rd Floor Landing 17.1ēc/60%, External (Night=11.1ēc, Day=18.5ēc).

 

11 March 2006 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

After a year break, the group returned to their exclusive venue which marked the 65th anniversary since the fateful bomb raids on the area during World War II.  There was only one incident to report from the vigil which occurred at 1:17am.  A very distinctive knock/crack was heard possibly on an internal window in the ground floor corridor near Reception; a possible explanation could have been expansion or shrinkage due to temperature.  Weather: Windy and heavy snow.  Average temperatures/humidity: Reception 18.0ēc/37%, Ground floor far end 17.2ēc/36%, 1st floor by ladies 18.8ēc/36%, 1st floor by gents 17.6ēc/36%, External 3.5ēc.

 

17 February 2006 - Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire

Hidden and secluded down a mile long dirt track, this gothic mansion looks like everything you would expect in a classic "haunted house". There have been many recent reports of both auditory and visual phenomena throughout the building, but as usual, our vigil was very quiet. We did however have one incident when one team member claims that he heard a voice followed by footsteps whilst changing tapes in the cellar at 4:28am.  Weather: Clear and frosty.  Average temperatures/humidity: Cellar 4.6ēc/80%, Chapel 2.3ēc/87%, 1st Floor Corridor 4.4ēc/71%, 2nd Floor Corridor 4.7ēc/78%, External 0.3ēc.

 

21 January 2006 - The Hangars, Hooton Park

Used during both World Wars, it is said that the hangars and airfield are haunted by the ghost of a pilot who never returned from battle. A worker at a nearby factory claims that one night when he was driving down the road alongside the hangars, the pilot appeared in his car and then suddenly vanished. The sounds of a plane engine have been heard inside Hangar One and we actually witnessed this event during our vigil but on investigation the cause was found to be that of the auto flush system in the gents toilets - one mystery solved!  The only other incident to report occurred just before the vigil began.  All members of the group were located in a nearby portacabin when at 11:01pm, everyone heard the sound of an "engine running" which lasted for 3 to 4 seconds approx; the auto flush was not the source on this occasion.  Weather: Clear and frosty. Average temperatures/humidity: Hangar 5.0ēc/73%, External 2.6.ēc/94%.

 

19 November 2005 - A Victorian House in Rock Ferry *  Case Report

We were asked to carry out an investigation at a Victorian house in Rock Ferry were there have been various reports of paranormal activity.  Although most of the vigil was relatively quiet, some incidents were witnessed. The first took place between 10:35pm and 10:40pm when creaking/footstep-like sounds were heard in the basement/stairwell area. A camcorder placed on the floor above did not pickup any sounds so we are unsure to what the source was.  The most active period of the vigil was between 12:28am and 12:59am.  Movement of floorboards on the landing area adjacent to the lounge was felt by one investigator on three separate occasions. It was noted during the site survey beforehand that this would occur if someone was walking in the lounge but obviously during the vigil, all attendees where seated, so this was not the case. The only other possible explanation is if the floorboards adjoin to the house next door. Other events witnessed during this session where at 12:38am when two attendees both saw something move quickly in the hall corridor, an “icy cold” feeling was noted in the same area four minutes later which may possibly have been caused by a nearby draught, although another investigator also had a similar experience at exactly the same time but in a different part of the house. Weather: Misty.  Average temperatures/humidity: Basement 15.0ēc/58%, Kitchen/corridor 17.4ēc/45%, 2nd Floor Landing 19.2ēc/44%, 3rd Floor Landing 19.3ēc/47%, External 1.3ēc.

 

14 to 16 October 2005 - A Wirral Hotel *

We spent a full weekend in one of the haunted rooms of a hotel where there have been recent reports of alleged activity. One witness claimed that they refused to stay in the room after hearing a voice in the adjourning corridor, followed by a sudden drop in temperature.  Unfortunately our stay was very quiet and there was nothing significant to report.  Weather: Dry and misty.  Average temperatures/humidity: Room 23.4ēc/64%, Corridor 22.7.ēc/66%, External 12.5ēc/98%.

 

24 September 2005 - Gwrych Castle, Abergele

A return trip was made to this once thriving castle and we managed to come away with some puzzling incidents - which makes a change!  The first incident took place at 10:59pm when three investigators heard what were described as footsteps on gravel at the top of the marble staircase. Other team members also heard similar sounds later on during the vigil, some being likened to animal movement. The footsteps reported by the first three investigators were said to be heavy so it poses the question whether if an animal could have been the source or not.  The second incident occurred twice in the Chapel.  At 00:04am, an investigator announced on the 2-way radio that the session had ended, a male voice saying "hello" was transmitted but only to team members in the Chapel, but the voice did not belong to anyone in the group.  Then again at 00:45am, after an announcement to commence a session, a male voice saying "buzz" was transmitted only to the investigators in the Chapel.  We tried to replicate the event but with no similar results.  It is highly likely that these incidents were caused by interference but strange nevertheless.  Weather: Part cloudy with occasional drizzle.  Average temperature/humidity: 13.2ēc/89%.

 

1 August 2005 - Packhorse Bridge & Caergwrle Castle

There have been several alleged sightings of a figure on the footbridge which stands peacefully over the River Alyn. Shortly after we arrived, we decided to take a walk up to the ruins of Caergwrle Castle which was far from peaceful due to a large number of kids camping out. At the castle ruins, there have been reported sightings of a lady in black wearing a hat and she appears to be floating above ground. The dark figure is said to have been seen along the footpath and in the surrounding woodland. We then returned to the bridge for a while but unfortunately there was nothing significant to report.  Weather: Part cloudy and still.  Average temperature/humidity: 15.2ēc/84%.

 

16 July 2005 - Marston Moor, North Yorkshire

We made a return trip to Marston Moor where we spent most of our time at Cromwell's Clump and Elstrop Wood.  All was quiet and still with nothing significant to report.  Click here to view last year's report.  Weather: Sunny/clear.

 

3 June 2005 - A Churchyard in Cheshire *

We held a vigil at a remote churchyard where activity has been reported in recent years.  The vigil was very quiet and there was nothing significant to report.  Weather: Part cloudy with slight breeze.  Average temperature/humidity: 11.9ēc/76%.

 

7 May 2005 - Gwrych Castle, Abergele

We were invited by North Wales Paranormal Research to a vigil at the castle, a venue that they have been investigating for a number of years.  This once thriving castle was last inhabited in 1991 but has unfortunately since been badly vandalised and is now virtually in disrepair.  Many parts of the castle are said to be haunted; the most active areas being the marble staircase and the servant's headquarters.  The only incidents to report from the vigil was at 10:30pm approx when three investigators had just entered the "garage" area, they briefly saw a bright orange/white light to the side of the castle, on investigation the source of the light could not be found and no other investigators where in that particular area.  About five minutes after the event, the same group heard two dog barks.  Again there didn't appear to be anyone within the specific area, but interesting to note that the members of the group were close to where the old dog kennels were located.  Weather: Part cloudy with showers. Average temperature/humidity: 7.9ēc/89%.

 

2 & 9 April 2005 - The Old Hall Hotel, Sandbach

Two vigils were held in Room 11 which is reputedly the hotel's most haunted room. An old lady is said to sit in the chair to the left of the bed and guests have jumped out of bed at around 3am with the sensation of the bed being on fire. Two young girls believed to be prostitutes have been heard giggling and opening doors, objects mysteriously move in the night, and guests taking a bath have felt as though they have been pushed on the shoulders. The most famous sighting is that of the Beekeeper who has allegedly been seen in various parts of the hotel. As for the vigils, both were very quiet and there was nothing significant to report.  First Vigil = Part cloudy, warm and dry.  Avg temp: Bedroom 23.0ēc, Bathroom 22.3ēc (with window open).  Second Vigil = Cloudy with occasional drizzle.  Avg temp/humidity: Bedroom 17.5ēc/50%, Bathroom 16.1ēc/50%, External 8.2ēc/82%.

 

12 March 2005 - Deva Roman Experience, Chester

We were given the privilege of investigating what has recently been claimed in a local newspaper as "the most active building in Chester".  Unfortunately we were unable to confirm this statement as the vigil was very quiet.  However, we did have two incidents reported.  The first reported incident was at 11:41pm when one member of the group quietly spoke out, the lights suddenly dimmed.  This could not be replicated so possibly just a coincidence.  The second incident was reported by one of the guest attendees who claims to have seen a small light appear on the wall of the cellar at 12:59am.  Weather: Part cloudy.  Average temperatures/humidity: Main Museum Area 12.6ēc/59%, Roman Street 12.1ēc/75%, Digs 11.2ēc/82%, Cellar 10.2ēc/75%, External 4.6ēc.

 

19 February 2005 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

A windy night, so it was obvious that there would be plenty of incidents reported.  The first incident reported was at 10:40pm when various members experienced a sudden drop in temperature throughout the building. A shadow-like triangle was sighted near to the reception area, and footsteps were heard, followed by a cellar door opening/closing. These three separate incidents were witnessed by various members at the same time, surely Paranormal? Maybe not! One of the groups located on the first floor near the ladies toilets noted a gust of wind travelling up from the stairwell which leads down to the ground floor then on to the cellar. On investigation we noticed a draught under the fire doors located opposite the cellar door. On opening the cellar door, an even stronger draught was emitted. We are almost certain that all three events were triggered by this draught. At 11:39pm, one group who were located on the first floor, witnessed the EM meter (which measures change in nearby magnetic fields) sounding for 20 seconds approx. After reviewing the minidisc recording there was no such sound, although during session breaks, when people passed the meter you could clearly hear it. Looking back at the vigil notes, one member who was located on the ground floor, noted that their camera film had finished and started rewinding, a sound easily mistaken for the EM meter.  There were plenty of other sounds heard during the vigil but as mentioned previously, the source was most probably of external origin.  Weather: Clear and windy.  Average temperatures/humidity: Reception 19.8ēc/34%, Ground floor far end 18.1ēc/31%, 1st floor by ladies 19.0ēc/33%, 1st floor by gents 17.9ēc/34%, Cellar 18.3ēc, External 8.6ēc.

 

7 February 2005 - Peckforton Hills, Tarporley

We recently discovered further information about the alleged "haunted bridge" in a guide book written fifteen years ago. Apparently, the ghost of a servant woman walks from the ruins of a stone hut towards the bridge, under her arm she carries her own severed head. Local superstition says that if you see her you will die within the year! The ruins can be found to the right of the bridge, along the sandy track and up the bank on the far side. As for the vigil, there was nothing significant to report. We did leave a digital recorder at the bridge (whilst we made our way up into the hills) in an attempt to catch the sounds of the horse drawn carriage which is supposedly heard crossing the bridge; there was nothing to report after review of the recording. Weather: Cold, still and misty.  Average temperature/humidity: 4.5ēc/ 85%.

 

22 January 2005 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

There were many incidents reported (for a change!) during the vigil.  Various loud thuds and what sounded like ‘distant music’ was heard on the first floor but it was later discovered that both of these were created by a crane working on a nearby railway. One member felt that they had been touched on the back and hair (cellar).  Footsteps were heard on the far stairwell, although we are well aware that this location is prone to external sounds, and the sound of a door slamming was heard from the same location. The latter incident was witnessed by three members and was thought to originate from the ground floor, but on questioning other team members, no-one else heard the sound.  Could this also have been external?  The only other incident to note is that the old mystery of the 'heavy footsteps' sound recorded back in October 1999 has been solved and proven, see Explained Evidence in case report for details and recordings of the event.  Weather: Clear with slight breeze.  Average temperatures/humidity: Reception 19.4ēc/38%, Ground floor far end 16.8ēc/39%, 1st floor by ladies 18.5ēc/37%, 1st floor by gents 17.2ēc/38%, Cellar 20.4ēc/35%, External 2.9ēc.

 

20 November 2004 - Valle Crucis Abbey, Llangollen

A quiet night with not a great deal of activity. The only incident to report was one of our new members claimed that they felt the presence of a young confused boy. We must point out that this was a single person's experience and therefore, could not be measured scientifically.  Again, we had some problems with equipment but this may have been caused by the cold temperatures.  Weather: Cloudy with occasional drizzle.  Average temperature: 3.6ēc.

 

17 October 2004 - The Bell Inn, Thetford, Norfolk  Incident Report

Our vigil covered two rooms of the hotel, the original "haunted" room (Thomas Payne Suite) and room 11 where there has been a lot of recent activity. Although the night was very quiet we did have two incidents with equipment located in room 11. A thermometer was fluctuating for no apparent reason and we had a problem with one of the CCTV cameras.

 

11 September 2004 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Some people claim that using equipment can deter any paranormal activity and since we have previously witnessed unexplained incidents whereby equipment was not allocated, we decided it would be worthwhile running a vigil without any equipment. Due to the high winds outside, the loading bay doors in the centre of the building were constantly banging and producing very loud thuds. However, we did have one incident in the reception area at 12:10am, a short voice/breathing sound was heard by three members of the group.  Unfortunately, we cannot analyse this sound as we had no equipment!!!  But would we have witnessed this event otherwise??

 

13 August 2004 - The Woodland, Whitby, Ellesmere Port

There have been various reports of recent activity at this popular local pub. In the cellar, a shadow-like figure has been seen, beer barrels have been mysteriously disconnected and a locked winch system appears to unlock and then relock itself. On the stairs leading from the cellar to the bar, there have been reports of "something" rushing past a member of staff. Also, in the bar area, unidentified sounds have been heard and staff members have felt they are being watched whilst near the ice machine. During our vigil, there were a few reported incidents but all were found to be of known causes.

 

29 July 2004 - Peckforton Hills, Tarporley

The sounds of a horse drawn carriage have supposedly been heard along what is known to the locals as "the haunted bridge".  Four pieces of equipment failed or functioned incorrectly during the investigation.  Normally we would dismiss these failures as they tend to have "normal" explanations but we felt that it was significant to document this.  A few days after the vigil, one of the items of equipment was found to be faulty.

 

17 July 2004 - Marston Moor, North Yorkshire  Full Report

We invited members of North Wales Paranormal Research to join us on this investigation which marked the 360th anniversary of the battle.  The only two incidents to report were as follows.  At 10:15pm, we all stopped suddenly as gunshot-type sounds could be heard, this went on for approximately 8 minutes, it was agreed by all that a more plausible explanation for the sounds could have been fireworks being set off in the distance.  The second incident was at 1:15am when we all heard what sounded like "horses hooves" travelling slowly along the main road, as the sounds got closer it became apparent that the sounds heard were of a female walking home with her partner.

 

13 June 2004 - A Hotel in Liverpool City Centre *

There have been several reports of a black shadow-like figure seen walking through the bar and also in the rear service area by an old unused lift shaft.  It is said that many years ago, a worker sent the lift down not knowing his colleague was at the bottom; he was crushed to death.  The only incident to report from our vigil was two members heard miscellaneous sounds in the rear service area at around midnight, on investigation the source could not be located.

 

15 May 2004 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

The history of this case shows that paranormal activity is relatively high when the weather outside is hot.  The conditions for this vigil were perfect but unfortunately it was another quiet night with nothing significant to report.

 

17 April 2004 - Valle Crucis Abbey, Llangollen

This vigil will probably be best remembered by a group of nearby campers walking through the grounds with sheets over their heads!!  Luckily the rain started to fall which probably scared them off so we managed to hold a decent vigil without too much interruption.  There was nothing else significant to report.

 

28 February 2004 - Plas Teg, Pontyblyddyn

A medium from another paranormal group was present on this vigil whereby some of our members had some interesting experiences.  As none of these experiences could be measured scientifically, possible explanations could be that of auto suggestion or hysteria. The only other event to report is a possible sighting of a male figure in the Indian Bedroom, there were two witnesses although one of the members only "saw something in the corner of his eye".

 

      13 February 2004 - Former Banana Warehouse, Birkenhead *  Case Report

Our first vigil at this site consisted of all 12 members of the group plus 2 employees from the building who were interested to see how we carry out our investigations. Unfortunately, the night was very quiet and there was nothing significant to report.

 

25 January 2004 - Wrexham/Mold Road, Pontyblyddyn

Situated outside Plas Teg, the A541 dual carriageway has had numerous sightings reported of a lady in white.  The only incident to report from our investigation was a loud thud heard in one of the cars which on further investigation was caused by a mobile phone dropping out of one of the member's pockets; the sound was replicated to confirm this.  There was nothing else significant to report.

 

16 January 2004 - Former Council School, Birkenhead *  Case Report

This was the first vigil run by Ghanon. Nothing paranormal to report, however there were many “orbs” recorded by one of the CCTV cameras (it is worth noting that this was the only infra-red camera used, the remainder were non infra-red). As there were some new investigators on the vigil, one member demonstrated to show that these were actually dust particles or moisture reflecting the infra-red light back to the camera as they passed near to the lens. The test was carried out by waving a folder in front of the camera and thus, the “orbs” would follow the direction of the draught caused by the group member.

home - about us - code of conduct – equipment - team members - investigations - articles - local haunted inns - links