Back in Halloween 2009 we interviewed the Berkshire and Oxfordshire paranormal society about ghostly activity in West Berkshire. They actually detected something very close to home at our studios!
They returned one dark night in February 2010 and were joined by Stuart McGinley and Helen Ainsworth, but how did they get on? Click on the speaker icon to find out...
Here is an extract from BOPS' official report into their investigation at our studios:
Local History:
Newbury was throughout the middle ages and Tudor times, a place of commerce and prosperity. It was ideally placed for trade and became an important town. The famous merchant, Jack of Newbury gained great influence and became something of a legendary figure.
During the Civil War, Newbury was less fortunate. The situation of the town meant that it was a meeting point for the warring armies twice. The first battle saw Charles I and Prince Rupert for the Royalists facing the Parliamentarian Earl of Essex. Although it was not a decisive victory for either side at the time, ultimately it cost the King a great deal.
In the second battle, the Earls of Essex and Manchester with William Waller were facing the King and Prince Maurice (Rupert's younger brother).There was no clear winner; both sides had incurred heavy losses to no benefit.
Newbury was also heavily hit by the Black Death from 1347-9 where a great deal of labourers (and livestock) died. Crookham was especially badly affected.
The research into the origins of 'Bone Lane' is on-going. BOPS will provide an addendum when the study is complete.
Investigation:
Initially, both BOPS mediums on arrival (20:30) picked up what seemed to be an encampment from the civil war. There were white tents but shabby, with many men and blacksmiths around. Our historian notes that "The white tents described by the medium are correct for the period."
On the walk around, the medium and a core team member picked up on a character; they were not given a name. He first appeared in the back office. In the medium's mind eye, she then "saw" what appeared to be a white pointed hat close to the floor, moving. Very much like a person wearing it was walking with his head sticking through the existing floor - there wasn't an especially good feeling surrounding the hat but the medium did not feel any malevolence. The spirit seemed to move about the place but didn't seem to like to be with people.
Evaluation of Data:
No visual or aural phenomena were captured by BOPS equipment on this vigil. However, the voice recorder batteries spontaneously discharging (and in the case on one, recharging off-site) is thought provoking.
It has been postulated that disembodied spirits may utilise the batteries' chemical energy, perhaps to produce other phenomena. It would be interesting to note if this phenomena had occurred on other occasions.
Conclusion:
The Newbury Sound Studios produced an interesting first vigil. The presence noted by the medium of the 'watching man' asked more questions that provided answers and in our opinion needs further investigation. The antlered man was intriguing - this presence has now been noted on more than one occasion.
BOPS extends our gratitude to Newbury Sound for their kind hospitality.
V Brierley BSc (Hons)
BOPS Case Manager
19th March 2010
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