Paranormal Adventures at ParaMeet South 2024

Last weekend myself and my husband embarked on an exciting adventure into the realms of the paranormal at ParaMeet South 2024. Held at the historic Leigh Park Hotel in Wiltshire, this weekend event delivered a fascinating lineup of talks, encounters, and esoteric discoveries.

Myself on the left (Ghost Catcher Isles), my husband (centre), and Emma Heard on the right (Weird Wiltshire) with the Haunted Magazine guys

The event was organised by the folks behind HAPRC (Haunted Antiques and Paranormal Research Centre) from Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was part of a series of GPN (Ghost Planet Network) ParaMeet events taking place in different venues in the North, Midlands, and South of England.

This was a two-day event offering both weekend passes and day tickets and I opted on this occasion to attend on the Saturday only so I could sample the event.

The Venue: Leigh Park Hotel in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Nestled in the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, just a stone’s throw away from Bath, the Leigh Park Country House Hotel & Vineyard beckons with a warm embrace to all who seek refuge within its historic walls. Surrounded by five acres of landscaped gardens that overlook the beautiful Wiltshire Downs, this classical Georgian country house hotel exudes charm and character. The original house here was gifted to Elizabeth I by the Earl of Leicester in 1571. Since then, it has been used as a private home, a hospital, and now a luxury hotel. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere where hospitality and history intertwine, promising an unforgettable experience: the perfect venue for exploring a day of action-packed paranormal events.

The Day’s Highlights

Emma Heard (Weird Wiltshire Blog)

Following a welcome from the organisers, our day commenced with a captivating presentation by my chum Emma Heard, known for her insightful musings on the supernatural through her Weird Wiltshire blog. Emma delved into the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles, weaving tales of ancient folklore and eerie encounters that left us spellbound.

Throughout the day, we were treated to a variety of talks, each offering a unique perspective on the paranormal. Barrie John, renowned for his appearances on ‘Most Haunted’, illuminated the audience with insights into mediumship, while Rachel Hayward, a seasoned paranormal investigator, and consultant, shared her intriguing research on a lesser-known Forest of Dean witch, Ellen Hayward.

Historian and writer Neil R. Storey

One highlight of the event for me was a presentation by Neil R. Storey, a distinguished historian and writer, whose discussion on an unsolved 1940s Warwickshire witch persecution-related murder from his book “The Blackout Murders” provided a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history.

Amidst the enlightening talks, we took the opportunity to peruse the stalls adorned with esoteric treasures. From cool ghost gear to arcane artifacts, every vendor had something that made you think, “Hmm, maybe there’s more to this world than meets the eye.” It was here that we had the pleasure of geeking out with the Haunted Magazine crew, chatting about all things spooky and supernatural.

Haunted Items from HAPRC

Also on offer throughout the day were ghost hunt experiences in a haunted room, past life regression sessions, Tarot readings, and mediumship readings. We could also check out a selection of haunted objects from HAPRC, including some extremely creepy dolls.

Although we regrettably couldn’t stay for the evening events, our day at ParaMeet South was nothing short of exhilarating. The friendly atmosphere among fellow attendees, the wealth of knowledge shared by the excellent team of speakers, and the allure of the paranormal made for an unforgettable experience.

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

‘Home Blessings’- Canon Greenwell talks to Selina Scott in radio series ‘One to One’

 

I’ve been listening to this very interesting radio series ‘One to One’ where Selina Scott finds out more about the paranormal.

In the first episode Selina talks to Canon Paul Greenwell from Ripon Cathedral. Canon Greenwell carries out ‘home blessings’ for people who believe they have encountered a ghost or spirit. Here he talks to Selina in her 15th century farm house to investigate the ghostly presence in her kitchen

It is well worth a listen and can be found here (click image below)

 

Dublin ParaCon, 7th November 2009

The 2nd Dublin Paranormal Convention took place on the 7th November 2009 in the Radisson Hotel, Dublin near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

This year we Ciaran O’Keeffe (of LivingTv’s Most Haunted), Barry FitzGerald (of Sci-Fi Channel’s GHI), Steven Parsons, Richard Jones and Damien and Dave of Blather.net were present as guest speakers.

A number of Investigation Groups from around Ireland and the UK were present including the PIGs, PRAI, Leinster Paranormal, Bumpz in the Nite, IPIC, Paranormal Ulster and SpiritFinders Scotland.

I attended the Paranormal Convention in order to meet others working in the paranormal field and to learn more about the paranormal and investigation methods from the free talks by guest speakers.

The PIGs had a very impressive stall including a psychic (Zenner) card test. The BumpzInTheNite crew were also close at hand with their stall highlighting their activities and past investigations.

I was able to attend two of the free talks. The first I attended was by Richard Jones,  author of the best-selling books Walking Haunted London; Haunted Britain and Ireland; Myths and Legends of Britain and Ireland; Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland; Walking Dickensian London; Haunted Inns of Britain and Ireland; Haunted London; Haunted Houses of Britain and Ireland; Mystical Britain and Ireland; Uncovering Jack the Ripper’s London; and Jack the Ripper:- The Casebook. I had met Richard Jones before when I attended one of his excellent London Ghost Walks. Although I missed the first half of his talk I was able to catch the second half where he spoke about theories regarding ‘Jack the Ripper’.

The second talk I attended was given by Ciaran O’Keeffe, parapsychologist of Most Haunted, and Steve Parsons, one of the UK’s foremost Psychical Researchers and Investigators. The talk was titled ‘How Not to Investigate the Paranormal’ and highlighted many mistakes inexperienced, and sometimes experienced, paranormal investigators make and how to limit these.

All in all the Dublin Paranormal Convention was an excellent event which had clearly been meticulously planned to provide satisfaction and interest to its visitors. Roll on Dublin ParaCon 2010!

Dublin Paranormal Convention 2009

I attended the first Dublin Paranormal Convention which was held last year in the very atmospheric Clontarf Castle. The Convention was marvellous, with stalls covering everything from ghosts to UFOs and guest speakers such as Steve Parsons. This year is set to be another cracker. As well as having returing speakers such as Steve Parsons, Richard Jones, Blather (Dave and Damien), Paul O’Connor (Remote Viewing), there will also be Most Haunted’s Ciaran O’Keeffe and Barry FitzGerald of Sci-Fi channel’s Ghost Hunters International (GHI).

The 2nd Dublin Paranormal Convention will take place on Saturday the 7th November 2009 in Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Do go check it out!

Tickets cost €15 and can be purchased here: http://www.dublinparacon.com/

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