Last weekend myself and my husband embarked on an exciting adventure into the realms of the paranormal at ParaMeet South 2024. Held at the historic Leigh Park Hotel in Wiltshire, this weekend event delivered a fascinating lineup of talks, encounters, and esoteric discoveries.
The event was organised by the folks behind HAPRC (Haunted Antiques and Paranormal Research Centre) from Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was part of a series of GPN (Ghost Planet Network) ParaMeet events taking place in different venues in the North, Midlands, and South of England.
This was a two-day event offering both weekend passes and day tickets and I opted on this occasion to attend on the Saturday only so I could sample the event.
The Venue: Leigh Park Hotel in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Nestled in the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, just a stone’s throw away from Bath, the Leigh Park Country House Hotel & Vineyard beckons with a warm embrace to all who seek refuge within its historic walls. Surrounded by five acres of landscaped gardens that overlook the beautiful Wiltshire Downs, this classical Georgian country house hotel exudes charm and character. The original house here was gifted to Elizabeth I by the Earl of Leicester in 1571. Since then, it has been used as a private home, a hospital, and now a luxury hotel. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere where hospitality and history intertwine, promising an unforgettable experience: the perfect venue for exploring a day of action-packed paranormal events.
The Day’s Highlights
Following a welcome from the organisers, our day commenced with a captivating presentation by my chum Emma Heard, known for her insightful musings on the supernatural through her Weird Wiltshire blog. Emma delved into the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles, weaving tales of ancient folklore and eerie encounters that left us spellbound.
Throughout the day, we were treated to a variety of talks, each offering a unique perspective on the paranormal. Barrie John, renowned for his appearances on ‘Most Haunted’, illuminated the audience with insights into mediumship, while Rachel Hayward, a seasoned paranormal investigator, and consultant, shared her intriguing research on a lesser-known Forest of Dean witch, Ellen Hayward.
One highlight of the event for me was a presentation by Neil R. Storey, a distinguished historian and writer, whose discussion on an unsolved 1940s Warwickshire witch persecution-related murder from his book “The Blackout Murders” provided a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history.
Amidst the enlightening talks, we took the opportunity to peruse the stalls adorned with esoteric treasures. From cool ghost gear to arcane artifacts, every vendor had something that made you think, “Hmm, maybe there’s more to this world than meets the eye.” It was here that we had the pleasure of geeking out with the Haunted Magazine crew, chatting about all things spooky and supernatural.
Also on offer throughout the day were ghost hunt experiences in a haunted room, past life regression sessions, Tarot readings, and mediumship readings. We could also check out a selection of haunted objects from HAPRC, including some extremely creepy dolls.
Although we regrettably couldn’t stay for the evening events, our day at ParaMeet South was nothing short of exhilarating. The friendly atmosphere among fellow attendees, the wealth of knowledge shared by the excellent team of speakers, and the allure of the paranormal made for an unforgettable experience.
Learn More
- Weird Wiltshire: https://weird-wiltshire.co.uk/
- Parameet on tour: https://hauntedresearchcentre.com/haprc
- Barrie John: https://www.barriejohn.com/
- Neil R. Storey books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Neil-R-Storey/a/3740
- Rachel Hayward’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lock-House-Haunting-influenced…/
- Haunted Magazine: https://www.haunteddigitalmagazine.com
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