The following information is a relatively brief endeavour to place an answer at the feet of all of the interested parties who have asked the W.M.G.C.: "What sorts of 'spooky encounters' have you had over the years?"
Needless to say, as a very careful, objective group, we are not saying that any of the instances outlined below are truly 'paranormal' in nature...... we are aiming to simply outline experiences, incidents and data where a 'rational explanation' for what has been experienced appears to have evaded us, despite considerable scrutiny.
What should be emphasised here is that - for all of our 23 years of activity - there appears to be 'little returns' for most people. This fact has been pointed out to us time and again by interested parties. However, as a group who does not specifically 'go out with a view to trying to experience the paranormal' (for this is not the basis of paranormal investigation at all!) we can, therefore, only list 'strange' situations and experiences that we have come across in the course of our wholly 'objective' investigations. For those who can differentiate between striving under a 'neutral' work ethic and working to a biased agenda - and recognise all of the implications that come with both angles - the nature of 'peculiar experiences' in conjunction with an unbiased approach should potentially speak volumes(?)
And so.......
One of our favourite investigation destinations - the ruins of Richards Mansion House, in the Midlands - has also proven to be one of our most 'interesting' when it comes to the subject of potential experiences. On one visit, the group had moved to a small pathway, leading from the churchyard to the ruin, as Steve Chew had just reported seeing a round, ball of light, approx. half the size of a human head, situated in one of the tree's to the right of the moat bridge, leading to the ruins.
Needless to say, as a very careful, objective group, we are not saying that any of the instances outlined below are truly 'paranormal' in nature...... we are aiming to simply outline experiences, incidents and data where a 'rational explanation' for what has been experienced appears to have evaded us, despite considerable scrutiny.
What should be emphasised here is that - for all of our 23 years of activity - there appears to be 'little returns' for most people. This fact has been pointed out to us time and again by interested parties. However, as a group who does not specifically 'go out with a view to trying to experience the paranormal' (for this is not the basis of paranormal investigation at all!) we can, therefore, only list 'strange' situations and experiences that we have come across in the course of our wholly 'objective' investigations. For those who can differentiate between striving under a 'neutral' work ethic and working to a biased agenda - and recognise all of the implications that come with both angles - the nature of 'peculiar experiences' in conjunction with an unbiased approach should potentially speak volumes(?)
And so.......
One of our favourite investigation destinations - the ruins of Richards Mansion House, in the Midlands - has also proven to be one of our most 'interesting' when it comes to the subject of potential experiences. On one visit, the group had moved to a small pathway, leading from the churchyard to the ruin, as Steve Chew had just reported seeing a round, ball of light, approx. half the size of a human head, situated in one of the tree's to the right of the moat bridge, leading to the ruins.
Frazer (back to cam) and Steve - situated at edge of pathway, only moments after Steves incredible sightings.
Standing on the path, talking amongst ourselves casually, Steve suddenly let out an almighty, startled cry - scaring the life out of the 2-man assembly with him, who were facing in the opposite direction at the time!
Following a query as to what had happened, Steve reported having turned slightly to look over his left shoulder - whereupon he instantly spotted a 'figure' standing immediately behind him!! He subsequently describes what he saw as in excess of 6 feet tall and grey in colour. Only having had a fleeting glimpse, he could say little more on the subject, save for the fact that there was an effect like a long, 'cloak' surrounding the form and that it was standing completely still.
While Steve was still recovering from his all too apparent shock - and in the period when endeavouring to explain what he had seen - group member, Frazer Smith, clearly appears agitated about something…… Interestingly, it transpired that - just prior to the sighting - he had clearly heard a brief, rustling sound. He described it as 'akin to the sort of noise made by flapping fabric', which was seemingly originating from directly behind where Steve was standing. This occurred at 11.25 p.m.
Frazer suddenly says out loud: "If that was you with us there - please come back………"
Steve instantly reacts again and - most unlike him, as he is invariably 'cool under fire' - appears to try and flee the area in which the group are standing! It transpires that, as Frazer delivered his question, Steve saw a figure situated some 8 or so feet away, apparently moving 'quickly' towards the group……… Another group member is looking in the direction of the church / Castle gate at this exact time, but sees nothing at all of this vision.
Steve is all too evidently shaken by the encounter for some while after. A description of the figure is given as: appearing to have some form of diamond / net type pattern to it's clothing and most probably female. It appeared to be wearing something akin to a 'Dracula-esque' collar - i.e. the collar wings sticking out - and it had straight shoulders… Steve gets a feeling of the 'Tudor' period associated with the form. Because of this, it is suggested that the previously mentioned patternation of the clothing might have been reminiscent of the padded, diamond designs that you frequently see associated with the period? However, Steve says the effect wasn't padded, but more like 'engraved'… To illustrate his experience, Steve later sketched what he had seen.
In comparing both of the figures recently witnessed, Steve states that he believes they were not the same form. The 2nd figure appeared smaller than the 1st and the 1st lacked the detail that the 2nd had shown. He now laments the fact that he hadn't tried to view the 2nd figure for longer, instead of attempting to escape it! (Laugh!!) Of considerable interest is the peculiar fact that Steve says he couldn't see the head of the 2nd figure? (Note* In this, he is not stating that the form was necessarily headless, but, in the brief time that he saw it, he didn't actually 'notice' a head - i.e. as with some forms of 'partial apparition'). Of passing interest is the fact that such details evidently fit in with some of the historic figures directly associated with the site......
On a further visit to the same region, At approx. 11.20 pm, the group members present were carrying out a general 'patrol' of the churchyard site. Kevin Wallace was walking thorough the graves on the mansion side of the cemetery - towards the tower end of the building - when he felt (what he describes as) a 'vibration' in his left ear and the feeling that someone was standing close to him. He admits that he did jump slightly and instantly checked... but there was no one present. He reports having 'felt strange' for some minutes afterwards.
Moments later, Kev happened to take a head count of the group - shining his torch on the figures for illumination - while standing on the grassy portion of the house side of the graveyard. He reports having definitely counted 7 figures - while there were only 6 member in attendance that night!!!
Marianne (left) and Debs (right) relating their experience in the spot where they'd heard footsteps only minutes earlier.
On a later visit to the site (above), two female members - Marianne and Debs - were standing on the ruins side of the churchyard, when they hear a series of footsteps approaching them from behind, across the damp grass. Thinking it was a member rushing up to scare them, they turned - to find no one there!!
Within recent years, the group has conducted two charity related events at the Medieval Guildhall of St Marys in Coventry city centre. While the second of these events appeared totally bereft of potential happenings, the first - held in 2005 - happened to be a 'different kettle of fish' entirely.....
Towards the end of the fourth vigil of the night, a very exciting and dramatic event occurred, concerning the party of people situated on the first floor / armoury level of the property. Four of the girls present - non-W.M.G.C. members - had been seated at an oblong table, near the entrance to Mary Queen of Scots Room. Two members were seated one side of the table and two the other. They had been in the process of conducting a 'baiting session' (levelling questions to the room itself) when attendee Jennie Elwell had - through the open doorway - allegedly seen a tall, dark figure pass across the landing, just outside the toilet block. The figure had moved quickly from right to left, as if having come up the steps from the walkway to the main Council Building. When later questioned, she could not say whether the figure had gone into the toilets, or into a small kitchen area immediately in front of the steps. Upon seeing the figure, she instantly became hysterical and sparked off a like reaction in the other girls. When group members Nick Duffy and Darren Simpson had entered the room - alerted by the girls screams - they had found Miss Elwell clutching the edge of a table, crying hysterically and seemingly unable to move for some time.......
Within recent years, the group has conducted two charity related events at the Medieval Guildhall of St Marys in Coventry city centre. While the second of these events appeared totally bereft of potential happenings, the first - held in 2005 - happened to be a 'different kettle of fish' entirely.....
Towards the end of the fourth vigil of the night, a very exciting and dramatic event occurred, concerning the party of people situated on the first floor / armoury level of the property. Four of the girls present - non-W.M.G.C. members - had been seated at an oblong table, near the entrance to Mary Queen of Scots Room. Two members were seated one side of the table and two the other. They had been in the process of conducting a 'baiting session' (levelling questions to the room itself) when attendee Jennie Elwell had - through the open doorway - allegedly seen a tall, dark figure pass across the landing, just outside the toilet block. The figure had moved quickly from right to left, as if having come up the steps from the walkway to the main Council Building. When later questioned, she could not say whether the figure had gone into the toilets, or into a small kitchen area immediately in front of the steps. Upon seeing the figure, she instantly became hysterical and sparked off a like reaction in the other girls. When group members Nick Duffy and Darren Simpson had entered the room - alerted by the girls screams - they had found Miss Elwell clutching the edge of a table, crying hysterically and seemingly unable to move for some time.......
Jennie Elwell (far left) relates her sighting to W.M.G.C. members and affiliates in the Armoury of the Medieval Guildhall, Coventry.
During a later session, while standing in the Kitchen, Steve reports having heard very distinct footsteps descending the stairs that lead from the Great Hall. The steps, which sounded as if they were made by someone heavy set, were heard to stop - followed by a few more tentative steps - then by a loud noise, as if someone were 'rummaging' through boxes. Strangely, two other attendees were standing in the same area with Steve and one only heard the loud footsteps descending the stairs, while the other only heard the 'rummaging' noises. Two other attendees were situated in the nearby Undercroft at this point and they heard exactly the same sequence of noises as Steve. The area concerned was immediately investigated, but nothing to account for the sounds was found.
On trying to recreate the footsteps, even when stamping, Steve could not replicate the same 'hefty' sounding footfalls. It was also noticed that the steps sounded as if they were possibly on an old creaky wooden floor, not the more 'modern', supported floor that is in place today!
On trying to recreate the footsteps, even when stamping, Steve could not replicate the same 'hefty' sounding footfalls. It was also noticed that the steps sounded as if they were possibly on an old creaky wooden floor, not the more 'modern', supported floor that is in place today!
The Magnificent Guildhall of St Marys, Coventry.
Following the official end of the investigation, Kevin Wallace happened to shine his torch down the stairs from the Main Hall to the Kitchen area and saw something moving at the bottom. His first impression was that it was a female figure. Having just seen three of four girls attached to one of the groups in that area, he thought that the figure he'd seen must have been the 4th girl. Going down the stairs into the kitchen, he found no one there. As he entered the Undercroft, he found that the 4th girl was already sitting at one of the tables, with a number of other people situated at the very end of the room. He asked the girl if anyone had entered just before him, or had she possibly only just come down the stairs herself? She answered no to both questions………
One of our favourite investigation sites is the magnificent Shrewsbury Library building situated in - needless to say Shrewsbury - in Shropshire. One night, during a vigil on the topmost floor of the property, a group of investigators clearly heard a protracted 'twang' sound. No one was situated near anything that could have made such a noise - checks were made at the time - and the noise sounded very much like a 'spring door stop' being manually vibrated. In searching for a source for the sound, one group member suggested it was akin to a noise he'd used to make at school by 'twanging his ruler on the edge of the desk'. It was interesting to note, therefore, that the group were actually situated in a part of the building known to be a former school classroom!?
In a visit to the allegedly haunted Assembly Rooms at Tamworth, South Staffordshire, group members Steve and Nick were conducting a vigil in the front row of the auditorium, as the last vigil session of the night. During this time, Nick twice had an impression that someone was in the process of creeping very quietly along the corridor to their right hand side..... Nothing definite was heard, but he says he just 'had the impression of movement', as if someone were deliberately moving around, while attempting to remain as quiet as possible.
In a visit to the allegedly haunted Assembly Rooms at Tamworth, South Staffordshire, group members Steve and Nick were conducting a vigil in the front row of the auditorium, as the last vigil session of the night. During this time, Nick twice had an impression that someone was in the process of creeping very quietly along the corridor to their right hand side..... Nothing definite was heard, but he says he just 'had the impression of movement', as if someone were deliberately moving around, while attempting to remain as quiet as possible.
John Conway and Steve Chew - grinning like the proverbial idiots - at the Assembly Rooms in Tamworth!!!
Some five minutes later, Steve happened to look over his right shoulder and saw a peculiar 'shape', seemingly in the process of walking into the auditorium from the corridor..... being seen to travel a distance of some seven to 10 feet (approximately). Nick instantly turned upon seeing Steve react, but the effect had already ended by this point in time. Steve displayed a considerable problem in putting what he had seen into words, saying that it resembled an effect like looking at someone with a bright light shining onto one side of them, but with only the reflected light / highlighted portion visible. It had not been a discernible figure, but around six feet in height, blurred and having a vague khaki / brown hue to it.....
Steve was highly perturbed by this experience and went through the process of trying to re-create the happening by experimenting with lights, his vision, etc. However, he simply could not replicate the effect.
Later discussing Steves encounter, and checking details with Assembly Rooms staff about the ghost-lore of the building, it was discovered that the ghost of an old man said to be seen walking around the auditorium and corridor area is said to be that of a former caretaker. In pondering over the peculiar khaki / brown hue seen by Steve, it was suggested by group members that this may possibly relate to the same colour frequently used for the old-style 'cow gown'.... long smock-like garments frequently worn by warehousemen and caretakers in times gone by........?
In carrying out a series of investigations at another Midlands site - this time, a 400 yr. old Mill property - former group member, Frazer Smith, reported having seen (what he described as) a 'Fred Dibnah-type' apparition. A small group of members had been standing on the topmost floor of the ancient building, discussing what should be done next with regards to recording sessions and such. While engrossed in conversation, Frazer suddenly looked over the shoulders of the two people facing him and indicated that there was the figure of a old man in a boiler suit, sitting on top of some nearby grain bins, seemingly watching the huddled figures with some interest! 'Turn round quickly' he had said to his companions, but, when they did, the figure was no longer there..... The site itself was reputed to be haunted by the figure of a particularly nasty old man - a former miller at the property - and, in reporting the sighting to the then owners, we were told that Frazers description fitted sightings formerly made at the mill by other visitors.
The Manor House:
Of all the sites visited over the years - and if we are really going to dedicate part of this site to 'group experiences' - the Manor House in Stone Cross, West Bromwich, certainly deserves a small section of it's own!!
One of the most startling incidents to have 'physically' happened to the group occurred during one of our later investigations. A vigil had just taken place in the upstairs chapel room and attendees had just filtered back down the stairs and into the great hall. After a brief discussion, it was suggested that a certain experiment be conducted in the area just vacated - so some of the group members began the return journey to the room.
Steve was highly perturbed by this experience and went through the process of trying to re-create the happening by experimenting with lights, his vision, etc. However, he simply could not replicate the effect.
Later discussing Steves encounter, and checking details with Assembly Rooms staff about the ghost-lore of the building, it was discovered that the ghost of an old man said to be seen walking around the auditorium and corridor area is said to be that of a former caretaker. In pondering over the peculiar khaki / brown hue seen by Steve, it was suggested by group members that this may possibly relate to the same colour frequently used for the old-style 'cow gown'.... long smock-like garments frequently worn by warehousemen and caretakers in times gone by........?
In carrying out a series of investigations at another Midlands site - this time, a 400 yr. old Mill property - former group member, Frazer Smith, reported having seen (what he described as) a 'Fred Dibnah-type' apparition. A small group of members had been standing on the topmost floor of the ancient building, discussing what should be done next with regards to recording sessions and such. While engrossed in conversation, Frazer suddenly looked over the shoulders of the two people facing him and indicated that there was the figure of a old man in a boiler suit, sitting on top of some nearby grain bins, seemingly watching the huddled figures with some interest! 'Turn round quickly' he had said to his companions, but, when they did, the figure was no longer there..... The site itself was reputed to be haunted by the figure of a particularly nasty old man - a former miller at the property - and, in reporting the sighting to the then owners, we were told that Frazers description fitted sightings formerly made at the mill by other visitors.
The Manor House:
Of all the sites visited over the years - and if we are really going to dedicate part of this site to 'group experiences' - the Manor House in Stone Cross, West Bromwich, certainly deserves a small section of it's own!!
One of the most startling incidents to have 'physically' happened to the group occurred during one of our later investigations. A vigil had just taken place in the upstairs chapel room and attendees had just filtered back down the stairs and into the great hall. After a brief discussion, it was suggested that a certain experiment be conducted in the area just vacated - so some of the group members began the return journey to the room.
The pretty Gate House at the Manor House, West Bromwich.
One of the peculiar things about this experience was that the 'penny didn't actually drop' until later than would have been expected under such circumstances....... While walking through the remarkably small doorway at the bottom of the chapel stairs, the club members had found themselves literally 'squeezing past' an inconveniently placed chair - smack-dab in the doorway itself. One person had edged past the obstruction and a second had just started the task when the 'hang on a minute?!' moment actually struck!!
Where had the chair come from? We had all come down the stairs together not a minute and a half earlier and there had been no chair there at that time!? It should go without mention that there was no one else present in the building who could have moved the item of furniture unnoticed!
On another visit, two group members were standing just inside the door to the ladies toilet - above the main bar - when they heard another group member climbing the stairs just outside (and leading directly to) their position. They identified the member concerned by the sound made during the climb, as he had a (playful, yet wholly annoying!!) habit of emphasising the effort of such matters vocally - i.e. making mock puffing and panting noises, groans, etc.
Wondering why the member hadn't entered the toilet after the climb, but was now seemingly standing stock still and silent outside, they opened the door to find that there was no one there! The member concerned was in a completely different part of the building at that time....
Over the duration of our visits to the site, a considerable variety of different, seemingly anomalous noises were recorded or heard by group members. Incidents involving knocks and taps and noises akin to someone 'barking like a dog' were frequently reported. Investigators heard footsteps proceeding across an empty, panelled room above them and the sound of a door apparently unlatching itself and opening was detected during one stay, in the kitchen area. Something striking a metallic barrel in an empty cellar has been caught on video... The list - it has to be stressed - could go on and on.....
Our first visit to the property was on May the 31st 2004. During a vigil at 3.50 am in the function room of the site, group member, Steve Chew, suddenly informs the group that he had just seen a tall, thin figure travel - (from his) left to right - past a pair of glass doors directly opposite to where he is sitting.
He described the form as wearing a long cowl or dress, down to feet level - folds of some form of cloth visible - and being a drab, light grey in colour. It appeared to be stooping forward, as if walking against a strong wind, and he had the impression that it had it's hands held in front of it's stomach area, much like when you see monks with their hands 'tucked' into their sleeves. It's movement was described as gliding, with no discernible leg movements. He saw the shape of a head, but wasn't sure whether it was hooded or not. The fact that Steve mentions that the figure was 'moving fast' when he saw it is of considerable interest, as, just to the right of the glass doors, is a groin high fence and - beyond that - an immediate drop into the moat! Had this figure been a solid person travelling at that speed and in that direction, they would literally be a second or so away from 'flipping' the rail into the murky waters beyond......
Where had the chair come from? We had all come down the stairs together not a minute and a half earlier and there had been no chair there at that time!? It should go without mention that there was no one else present in the building who could have moved the item of furniture unnoticed!
On another visit, two group members were standing just inside the door to the ladies toilet - above the main bar - when they heard another group member climbing the stairs just outside (and leading directly to) their position. They identified the member concerned by the sound made during the climb, as he had a (playful, yet wholly annoying!!) habit of emphasising the effort of such matters vocally - i.e. making mock puffing and panting noises, groans, etc.
Wondering why the member hadn't entered the toilet after the climb, but was now seemingly standing stock still and silent outside, they opened the door to find that there was no one there! The member concerned was in a completely different part of the building at that time....
Over the duration of our visits to the site, a considerable variety of different, seemingly anomalous noises were recorded or heard by group members. Incidents involving knocks and taps and noises akin to someone 'barking like a dog' were frequently reported. Investigators heard footsteps proceeding across an empty, panelled room above them and the sound of a door apparently unlatching itself and opening was detected during one stay, in the kitchen area. Something striking a metallic barrel in an empty cellar has been caught on video... The list - it has to be stressed - could go on and on.....
Our first visit to the property was on May the 31st 2004. During a vigil at 3.50 am in the function room of the site, group member, Steve Chew, suddenly informs the group that he had just seen a tall, thin figure travel - (from his) left to right - past a pair of glass doors directly opposite to where he is sitting.
He described the form as wearing a long cowl or dress, down to feet level - folds of some form of cloth visible - and being a drab, light grey in colour. It appeared to be stooping forward, as if walking against a strong wind, and he had the impression that it had it's hands held in front of it's stomach area, much like when you see monks with their hands 'tucked' into their sleeves. It's movement was described as gliding, with no discernible leg movements. He saw the shape of a head, but wasn't sure whether it was hooded or not. The fact that Steve mentions that the figure was 'moving fast' when he saw it is of considerable interest, as, just to the right of the glass doors, is a groin high fence and - beyond that - an immediate drop into the moat! Had this figure been a solid person travelling at that speed and in that direction, they would literally be a second or so away from 'flipping' the rail into the murky waters beyond......
The chair that moved of it's own accord - the Manor House - taken at the time of the surprise discovery!
On Tuesday the 6th of August 2004, a further investigation was held at the site. At 1.56 am, all of the group members present had entered the panelled room (upstairs section to the function room) for the purpose of a vigil. Founder club member, Darren Simpson, had been travelling some distance behind the rest of the group during the move, due to the fact that he had to first retrieve a notebook from the great hall area.
As he entered the doorway to the function room - endeavouring to switch off his torch in the process - he looked up to see a dark, short, shadow-like figure moving left to right in front of him. (He describes it as being a silhouette of someone from the side. Features to the figure were clearly visible). He says that the form was already moving when he saw it, travelling in the direction of the steps leading to the lower function room area. The figure had gone - walked - out of Darrens site behind the wall of the stairwell leading up to 1st floor. Darren thought that a group member had possibly been in the process of exploring the area prior to the beginning of the vigil and called up to the panelled room to check. All of the members were upstairs at the time. He subsequently checked the upper and lower levels of the function room, but there was no one else on site.......
During an investigation on Halloween 2006, the group were taking a break in the great hall (at 5.15 to 5.20 am) and one of the members were busying themselves in collecting used coffee cups from the tables. Frazer Smith was standing in the bar area of the hall and reports having seen a small, child-like figure - some 3.5 to 4 feet high - following the group member, at some speed, down the length of the hall. He sketched what he had seen and revealed a triangular shape, as of a long dress, with a corset-like motif / pattern above it. (Not exactly laced like a corset, but ribbed). He said that he could make out hair on the figure and likened it to the young daughters of another group member. Needless to say, the member being followed was oblivious to the entire event, or cleaning up the coffee cups might have been momentarily forgotten, under the circumstances!! Laugh, laugh!!!
As he entered the doorway to the function room - endeavouring to switch off his torch in the process - he looked up to see a dark, short, shadow-like figure moving left to right in front of him. (He describes it as being a silhouette of someone from the side. Features to the figure were clearly visible). He says that the form was already moving when he saw it, travelling in the direction of the steps leading to the lower function room area. The figure had gone - walked - out of Darrens site behind the wall of the stairwell leading up to 1st floor. Darren thought that a group member had possibly been in the process of exploring the area prior to the beginning of the vigil and called up to the panelled room to check. All of the members were upstairs at the time. He subsequently checked the upper and lower levels of the function room, but there was no one else on site.......
During an investigation on Halloween 2006, the group were taking a break in the great hall (at 5.15 to 5.20 am) and one of the members were busying themselves in collecting used coffee cups from the tables. Frazer Smith was standing in the bar area of the hall and reports having seen a small, child-like figure - some 3.5 to 4 feet high - following the group member, at some speed, down the length of the hall. He sketched what he had seen and revealed a triangular shape, as of a long dress, with a corset-like motif / pattern above it. (Not exactly laced like a corset, but ribbed). He said that he could make out hair on the figure and likened it to the young daughters of another group member. Needless to say, the member being followed was oblivious to the entire event, or cleaning up the coffee cups might have been momentarily forgotten, under the circumstances!! Laugh, laugh!!!
Group founder member, Daz Simpson, imitates the figure he saw in the function room area of the Manor House.
Video Recordings:
Over the years, group members have managed to catch a number of intriguing data on video recordings, carried out during investigations. One of the most inexplicable sequences of footage was obtained during our very first overnight investigation at the (above-mentioned) Manor House in May 2004.
A video camera had been set up at the stairs end of the 1st floor, chapel / solar room, facing down towards the glass partition wall that overlooks the chapel itself. The recording session was started at 12.28 am, with group members retiring to the great hall for the duration of the session.
In reviewing the resulting footage, it was discovered that - at precisely 12.40 a.m. - the sound of someone noisily traversing the solar staircase (situated directly behind the camera position) is heard. The footsteps are clearly 'ascending' the stairs, 'towards' the camera position... and appear to halt abruptly, upon reaching the landing. No further noises are heard following this, until some 20 minutes later, two investigators are heard coming up the stairs and, on entering the room concerned, enter the field of vision of the camera.
Of some passing interest is the fact that the two club members were both in excess of 15 to 16 stones in weight, but, in comparing the two sets of sounds on the footage, made 'far less' noise in their ascent of the rickety stairs than the sequence caught at 12.40 a.m. (?) Both sets were pretty much identical, save for the fact that the former was significantly louder than the latter......
The footage involved can be viewed via this LINK, on the W.M.G.C.'s online Photo-Album.
On another investigation, group members are recorded sitting quietly in the Great Hall, talking amongst themselves. A video camera has been set up some distance from the group to survey the scene and records their casual conversation as subdued and quiet. All of a sudden, a peculiar, Monty Python-esque voice invades the footage, screeching loudly above the background noise and seemingly close to the camera...: 'Maiiiiiiiiyyy'. No one present at the time heard the voice concerned and the figures in the recording are seen to carry on their hushed conversations, clearly oblivious to what the camera has seemingly caught!!
Returning to Shrewsbury Library momentarily - a rather peculiar sound recording was obtained during the first video session of our very first visit to the site. Only Steve and investigator John Conway were actually present at the time. The former had just finished setting his camera up, facing into the upper library - the old School Library Room - while John was placing equipment next to the upper stairs, where there had previously been reports of a sighting of a little boy. (The distance between both camera's would be approx 5ft). The muffled tones of both Steve and John conversing can be heard on the resulting recording - followed by the sound of something that appears to be a 'third voice'? Some people have suggested that the voice sounds like that of a young child speaking.... And, this would be interesting - to say the least - given the cameras near proximity to where the 'boy ghost' has allegedly been seen. However, on playing the footage to others, many have said it sounded more like the voice of an old lady? A matter of tying in stories to fit results, perhaps, but it should be noted that Steves camera had been placed at a spot where the apparition of an old woman had allegedly been sighted.....?
Over the years, group members have managed to catch a number of intriguing data on video recordings, carried out during investigations. One of the most inexplicable sequences of footage was obtained during our very first overnight investigation at the (above-mentioned) Manor House in May 2004.
A video camera had been set up at the stairs end of the 1st floor, chapel / solar room, facing down towards the glass partition wall that overlooks the chapel itself. The recording session was started at 12.28 am, with group members retiring to the great hall for the duration of the session.
In reviewing the resulting footage, it was discovered that - at precisely 12.40 a.m. - the sound of someone noisily traversing the solar staircase (situated directly behind the camera position) is heard. The footsteps are clearly 'ascending' the stairs, 'towards' the camera position... and appear to halt abruptly, upon reaching the landing. No further noises are heard following this, until some 20 minutes later, two investigators are heard coming up the stairs and, on entering the room concerned, enter the field of vision of the camera.
Of some passing interest is the fact that the two club members were both in excess of 15 to 16 stones in weight, but, in comparing the two sets of sounds on the footage, made 'far less' noise in their ascent of the rickety stairs than the sequence caught at 12.40 a.m. (?) Both sets were pretty much identical, save for the fact that the former was significantly louder than the latter......
The footage involved can be viewed via this LINK, on the W.M.G.C.'s online Photo-Album.
On another investigation, group members are recorded sitting quietly in the Great Hall, talking amongst themselves. A video camera has been set up some distance from the group to survey the scene and records their casual conversation as subdued and quiet. All of a sudden, a peculiar, Monty Python-esque voice invades the footage, screeching loudly above the background noise and seemingly close to the camera...: 'Maiiiiiiiiyyy'. No one present at the time heard the voice concerned and the figures in the recording are seen to carry on their hushed conversations, clearly oblivious to what the camera has seemingly caught!!
Returning to Shrewsbury Library momentarily - a rather peculiar sound recording was obtained during the first video session of our very first visit to the site. Only Steve and investigator John Conway were actually present at the time. The former had just finished setting his camera up, facing into the upper library - the old School Library Room - while John was placing equipment next to the upper stairs, where there had previously been reports of a sighting of a little boy. (The distance between both camera's would be approx 5ft). The muffled tones of both Steve and John conversing can be heard on the resulting recording - followed by the sound of something that appears to be a 'third voice'? Some people have suggested that the voice sounds like that of a young child speaking.... And, this would be interesting - to say the least - given the cameras near proximity to where the 'boy ghost' has allegedly been seen. However, on playing the footage to others, many have said it sounded more like the voice of an old lady? A matter of tying in stories to fit results, perhaps, but it should be noted that Steves camera had been placed at a spot where the apparition of an old woman had allegedly been sighted.....?
The lovely edifice that is Shrewsbury Library, Shropshire - former school and allegedly the site of much ghostly activity.
With regards to this recording: because of subsequent media coverage of the matter, the video footage - viewable via this LINK - quickly became something of an overnight sensation?!
Our follow-up visit to the site, only a matter of a couple of months later, also resulted in some anomalous recordings. This time, the noise picked up by our cameras couldn't help but be detected by researchers at the same time, comprising of 'a loud, metallic, 'clanging' noise, followed by a very loud 'bang', seemingly from somewhere deep inside the building." While the group concerned was somewhat ruffled by the amazingly tumultuous sounds, they immediately investigated the whole area, but nothing could be found to account for the noises involved!! A group member who has, in the past, spent some time around gyms and gym equipment, likened the metallic sound to the movement of the 'metal plate' weights used in training. Most strangely, one of the rooms in the library is actually known as 'The Gym' by staff members - for whatever reason - as the area involved is a small office space and no exercise equipment of any kind is present in the entire building.....?
Sequences from both recordings obtained at the library can be heard (enhanced and otherwise) on the 'Juke-Box' section of out website - HERE.
Our follow-up visit to the site, only a matter of a couple of months later, also resulted in some anomalous recordings. This time, the noise picked up by our cameras couldn't help but be detected by researchers at the same time, comprising of 'a loud, metallic, 'clanging' noise, followed by a very loud 'bang', seemingly from somewhere deep inside the building." While the group concerned was somewhat ruffled by the amazingly tumultuous sounds, they immediately investigated the whole area, but nothing could be found to account for the noises involved!! A group member who has, in the past, spent some time around gyms and gym equipment, likened the metallic sound to the movement of the 'metal plate' weights used in training. Most strangely, one of the rooms in the library is actually known as 'The Gym' by staff members - for whatever reason - as the area involved is a small office space and no exercise equipment of any kind is present in the entire building.....?
Sequences from both recordings obtained at the library can be heard (enhanced and otherwise) on the 'Juke-Box' section of out website - HERE.
Len and Steve - placing their cameras at the site where anomalous recordings were obtained in Shrewsbury Library.
A further recording - unfortunately one our most disappointing situations to date - concerns some footage obtained during the investigation of a former government related property some years ago. The video was obtained during a recording session in a large, hall of the building concerned, using a high / broadcast quality DV cam. The room itself was said to be the site of a number of sightings of a woman in Victorian garb, who had been witnessed 'drifting' through a wall and moving diagonally across the main floor of the hall.
On re-viewing the footage, it was noticed that a 'shadow' - appearing to be in the shape of a human figure - enters the shot from left to right (and seen projected by the cams on-board night-vision unit onto a concrete pillar just off centre of image). As the form slowly moves across the pillar, it actually appears to freeze at one point - as if momentarily pausing, mid-walk - before carrying on and disappearing. Luckily, at the time that this footage was obtained, there was another video camera present in the room - facing towards the pillar and capturing the section of hall between the DV camera and pillar. Interestingly, this camera picked up nothing at all of interest!?
There was no one in the hall area throughout the duration of the recording - everyone in the building being secured in the basement throughout. All of the windows in the room opened onto a deep courtyard (the surrounding walls being higher than the windows top-most level), which had no light source in it. From scrutiny of the footage, it can only be assumed that the 'shadow' cast onto the pillar was made by something 'crossing the night-vision capacity of the camera concerned'....... needless to mention, therefore, that this 'something' was clearly not picked up 'physically' by either of the cameras running at that point in time!?
The sad element to this perplexing recording is the simple fact that the only copy that the group now has of the footage concerned is an exceptionally poor quality copy - and not the original, high-quality DV cam version. Typically, the shadow concerned could be made out in perfect detail and in exceptionally high definition in the original copy, but is hardly visible at all in the version now held by the group!!!
Some years ago, a small group of W.M.G.C. members visited Great Barr Hall on the edge of Walsall and the Birmingham area. Two of the male members present took their life in their hands and popped inside the ruin with a video camera. While exploring a part of the rear portion of the building - an area in a terrible state of preservation, much worse that the rest of the site - one member called out to the other, warning him not to walk under a particularly dangerous looking section of masonry. As soon as he spoke, on the recording, there can be clearly heard a womans, gentle voice saying (what appears to be) the word 'Carmen'. The pronunciation, however, isn't delivered like someone simply saying the name itself, but drawn out, as in: 'Carrrrrr-men'. What this could signify, we do not know, but the ruined hall is (literally) 'in the middle of nowhere' and there were no females within a considerable distance of the site. Sadly, we do not have a digitised copy of the recording concerned, so are not able to share it on the internet currently......
On re-viewing the footage, it was noticed that a 'shadow' - appearing to be in the shape of a human figure - enters the shot from left to right (and seen projected by the cams on-board night-vision unit onto a concrete pillar just off centre of image). As the form slowly moves across the pillar, it actually appears to freeze at one point - as if momentarily pausing, mid-walk - before carrying on and disappearing. Luckily, at the time that this footage was obtained, there was another video camera present in the room - facing towards the pillar and capturing the section of hall between the DV camera and pillar. Interestingly, this camera picked up nothing at all of interest!?
There was no one in the hall area throughout the duration of the recording - everyone in the building being secured in the basement throughout. All of the windows in the room opened onto a deep courtyard (the surrounding walls being higher than the windows top-most level), which had no light source in it. From scrutiny of the footage, it can only be assumed that the 'shadow' cast onto the pillar was made by something 'crossing the night-vision capacity of the camera concerned'....... needless to mention, therefore, that this 'something' was clearly not picked up 'physically' by either of the cameras running at that point in time!?
The sad element to this perplexing recording is the simple fact that the only copy that the group now has of the footage concerned is an exceptionally poor quality copy - and not the original, high-quality DV cam version. Typically, the shadow concerned could be made out in perfect detail and in exceptionally high definition in the original copy, but is hardly visible at all in the version now held by the group!!!
Some years ago, a small group of W.M.G.C. members visited Great Barr Hall on the edge of Walsall and the Birmingham area. Two of the male members present took their life in their hands and popped inside the ruin with a video camera. While exploring a part of the rear portion of the building - an area in a terrible state of preservation, much worse that the rest of the site - one member called out to the other, warning him not to walk under a particularly dangerous looking section of masonry. As soon as he spoke, on the recording, there can be clearly heard a womans, gentle voice saying (what appears to be) the word 'Carmen'. The pronunciation, however, isn't delivered like someone simply saying the name itself, but drawn out, as in: 'Carrrrrr-men'. What this could signify, we do not know, but the ruined hall is (literally) 'in the middle of nowhere' and there were no females within a considerable distance of the site. Sadly, we do not have a digitised copy of the recording concerned, so are not able to share it on the internet currently......
The section of Great Barr Hall where a mysterious, female voice was recorded on video camera.
As mentioned some distance above, our 2005 investigation of St Marys Guildhall in Coventry resulted in some rather intriguing experiences being reported. This trend also carried across the recordings made during the same evening, it seems....
While nothing of interest was detected by any of the groups concerned during the first vigil of the stay, group member Steve Chew appears to have caught - what sounds like - a section of rather rough, 'choral singing' on a video recording made in the region of the Great Hall. While there was a considerable amount of external noise coming from the streets circling the building for most of our stay, this 'singing' strikes the listener as rather 'alien' to such surroundings. While the voices are seemingly rough and uncultured, the footage gives a definite impression of a distant choir, delivering Christmas carols or some such songs….. Mr. David McGrory - local historian and a gentleman who has strong connections with the Guildhall - says that he has also heard this singing when in the building during the daytime. He has always put this down to the effect that the P.A. system in the property is apparently on the same wavelength as the nearby Cathedral security….. leading to a tentative, airwaves connection. However, while this theory might cover such happenings during the daytime, surely there was no choir practising in the Cathedral at almost 11.30 at night? And from the sound of the voices concerned - such a choir would need all the practice it could get…!?
In currently ending this section, we should say that - needless to mention - we sincerely hope that this part of the site is far from finished. We hope for many more years work - with these little 'peculiarities' cropping up, from time to time - to generally keep us 'on our toes' and steer us sporadically from the path of the mundane. The W.M.G.C. keenly look forward to adding more data to this section, as and when it may occur, to hopefully keep you thoroughly entertained!
While nothing of interest was detected by any of the groups concerned during the first vigil of the stay, group member Steve Chew appears to have caught - what sounds like - a section of rather rough, 'choral singing' on a video recording made in the region of the Great Hall. While there was a considerable amount of external noise coming from the streets circling the building for most of our stay, this 'singing' strikes the listener as rather 'alien' to such surroundings. While the voices are seemingly rough and uncultured, the footage gives a definite impression of a distant choir, delivering Christmas carols or some such songs….. Mr. David McGrory - local historian and a gentleman who has strong connections with the Guildhall - says that he has also heard this singing when in the building during the daytime. He has always put this down to the effect that the P.A. system in the property is apparently on the same wavelength as the nearby Cathedral security….. leading to a tentative, airwaves connection. However, while this theory might cover such happenings during the daytime, surely there was no choir practising in the Cathedral at almost 11.30 at night? And from the sound of the voices concerned - such a choir would need all the practice it could get…!?
In currently ending this section, we should say that - needless to mention - we sincerely hope that this part of the site is far from finished. We hope for many more years work - with these little 'peculiarities' cropping up, from time to time - to generally keep us 'on our toes' and steer us sporadically from the path of the mundane. The W.M.G.C. keenly look forward to adding more data to this section, as and when it may occur, to hopefully keep you thoroughly entertained!