Pentagrams are ancient symbols which have been used by man for thousands of years and are synonymous with bridging the gap between this world and others................
.................so therefore it makes sense to us that we use this mystical shape to form the basis of our investigations into this world and beyond.
Without going into more details about that as yet, below is a 'work in progress' report of our investigation into Acklam Hall. This section covers what was experienced on Friday 13th November and shows group reports as they were sent in. Other things such as EVP's,psychic Art and experiment results will be added to this section shortly.
There is more information we are going through,and behind-the-scenes research into this is currently underway. This will be added when confirmed.
WHERE: Acklam Hall,Middlesbrough
WHEN: Friday 13th November 2009
WHO: NGI and guest team (including mediums),Staff from The Butterwick and Acklam Hall,Richard Felix,Ian Lawman and lots of goodfolk from the North East.
WHY: To investigate reports of paranormal activity at Acklam Hall,and raise money for the Butterwick Hospice.
WHAT: It seems that a mixture of things were experienced by many.
We broke the Hall up into 9 locations,to make it more manageable to investigate. What follows (at the moment) are the group reports as received for each location,with a short brief history of each location.
9 groups spent the same amount of time in each location throughout the night,and the groups are listed below in running order for each location (not at present but will shortly be changed to that).
Each group (for the main) consisted of 2 investigators, a medium and several guests. Where there is not a report on at the moment there will be soon once everything is confirmed etc.
It seems things were experienced outside of the vigils, and information will be added regarding these soon.
Locations 1 - 3 are all situated on the second floor of the Hall. The second floor was added in the reconstruction in 1912.The carved plaster ceiling above the stairwell was lifted and the rooms built around it.The rooms on the second floor consisted of servants' bedrooms and domestic offices,and four visitors bedrooms and bathrooms.
Location 1 - A35/A36
Room History:
A35 was used as a computer room by Middlesbrough College until the building was vacated.
A36 was used as a Performing Arts classroom by Middlesbrough college until the building was vacated.
Paranormal history:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
We tried calling out from the start and got very little.
Richard felix was with us on our first location and Bernie our Medium sensed a Vortex in the room.
Richard used his pendulum and we found it reacted in the area of the vortex and didn't react when outside of this area.
One of the team felt dizzy and headachey for a short while
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
In this last vigil, Ian Lawman joined the group for a séance. Again a number of guests didn't want to partake in the séance, so the NGI member took this half of the group into the next room- A36.
As the NGI member was not present at the séance with Ian Lawman, another member of the group recorded the details, they are as follows:
Ouija Board was used. A boy spirit was felt.
David - surname possibly G.H.I.J.S. Giles??
Can't read.
Age 7.
Doesn't live there (Acklam Hall).
Goes to school here everyday, but doesn't like the teachers.
Did not hide in the cupboard but he used to be placed in them.
He playes (and loves playing with them too) with Craig and Andrew- Andrew being Fatty Watty from earlier and Andy's brother Craig (possibly).
In A36:
The NGI member had the group sit around a table with their palms on the surface, in a circle. Unfortunately, apart from a 'slight' change in temperature sporadically, nothing worthy of note was detected in this location.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
We all sat in room A36 and attempted a Ouija Board. Mark led the first group which produced no results. Christine then took a session and the planchette spelt out FIRSTC. Christine left the circle and Mark rejoined, the planchette slowly continued to move and went to the number 5 or GOODBYE. We couldn't be sure.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
Simon had to leave at this point, so the group were joined by John (from group G) as medium in this location. John was very nervous about entering this location again, as he'd had an unpleasant experience in there earlier with group G, but Claire reassured him he'd be fine and the group joined hands in a circle and Claire and John called out for whatever it was that had affected John earlier to come and affect him,and others,again. John said he felt a slight presence over near the corner where he had before, but this was nothing like what he had experienced earlier, and the room felt completely different now,in fact so much so that he said he was questioning what he had experienced in there earlier and wondered if it was down to suggestion, as it felt so different and 'flat' now.
Despite doing a white light visualisation nothing to note was experienced in this area,despite the ominous introduction and 'build up'!
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
After this, the planchette moved again away from the “6”, danced around a little bit and then came back to the “6”. With a little more encouragement, it moved once more and then came back and landed on the “7”. We tried to determine whether or not it was trying to spell out a date (ie, 1667) – but got no more response on this line of questioning.
We then began to determine a name. First the planchette moved to the “W”, then the “I” (i) and then back to the “W” another “I” and then to the “X” .. “WIWIX”
The board was very temperamental, however, and any movement was punctuated with a short while with stillness and no reaction.
To regain the atmosphere after the break Iain formed a vigil circle complete with electronic candle. Almost immediately John and one other stated they felt really ill and uneasy and left the circle. Shortly afterwards another lady started to feel uneasy. Thoughts of a woman either being poisoned or being thrown down stairs, staring out of the window up the drive. There were some names but Iain can’t recall them all. Diane had Rene or Renee. John experienced something ominous in the corner along from the door. One of the young lads went and sat there but felt nothing. Said he could easily have gone to sleep. Several people expressed feeling very warm up there.
They passed through the adjoining room but spent no time in there as heard the next group entering behind them.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve(medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED/IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Location 2 - 'The corridor'
(consisting of male toilets, female toilets and a small cupboard), Rooms A32/A33
Room History:
A33 was used as office space by Middlesbrough College until the building was vacated.
A32 was used as a psychology classroom by Middlesbrough College until the building was vacated.
Paranormal History:
There are no known reports of paranormal activity in this location.
REPORTS FROM THE 'EXPERIMENT' LOCATION ALONG WITH RESULTS FROM THE EXPERIMENT ITSELF WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.
Location 3 - A37
Room History:
A37 was used as a Geography classroom by Middlesbrough College until the building was vacated.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
No report submitted for this location.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
Richard hadn't arrived at this location at this point. But 2 of the guests commented on entering the room that, a "strong" odour of onions and Lavender/flowery smells could be smelt in this location. Another female guest who was "sensitive to spirit" felt the presence of children in the room, akin to a Day Nursery.
2 guests felt as though they were "toppling backwards" at the window (middle/centre).
A male guest felt the back of his legs been touched near the same window.
Some guests felt the following:
A feeling of anxiety from the toes up to head.
Wobbly/dizzy.
Falling backwards & shock.
A female presence about 20 years of age, looking through the 'same' window.
A female guest felt dizzy/lightheaded at the side window near the filing cabinet, near the door to a cupboard.
Extra note: This part of the location is where on 'our' previous visit (we) as a group heard a tapping from this place and banging sound !!!
Richard Felix entered the location.Richard felix- smelt alcohol /disinfectant/sweetish odour, not lavender smell.
The guests asked him lots of questions so no further data from this location was collected.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
Mark Set up digital thermometer
Christine told the group about 3 'spirit children' that had been with her since that morning. They apparently belonged at the Hall and knew that she was going to be there later that day. There were 2 girls and a boy (sisters and a brother). All 3 died before adulthood of 'the fever'. Marianne is the oldest at 11 years of age.
Although the children weren't with Christine in the room at that time, she did pick up on the energy of a man. A couple of 'sensitive' guests felt this presence and got the names 'James' and 'George'. Christine said that the man had 'breathing problems/Asthma'. She felt his name was 'Alfred' and that he was a quiet and laid back sort of gentleman. He passed in his mid 30's, was not married and lived in the Hall at some point. The man seemed reluctant to come forward.
Christine felt drawn to the cupboard in the corner of the room. Earlier on on the walk around she had closed it and it had opened again. She said she felt an 'energy' by the cupboard and also that it felt a lot colder in the immediate area. This was confirmed by another guest. The cupboard was situated by a window however.
The temperature in the room dropped by 1 degree centigrade over the course of the 20 min vigil, despite there being 16 people in the room.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
On entering everyone remarked how warm the room was,and several theories were put forward as the reason for this.Everyone said they liked this room. The group spent the first 5 mins checking the room out, as a few bangs and creaks were heard, however they were soon traced to the windows,which did rattle as people walked on the floor in certain areas slightly. Several guests felt drawn to the cupboard almost opposite the door as soon as they entered and did not know why. Claire told all present what David had experienced himself in this location.The group then divided into 2 smaller groups and both groups sat cross legged on the floor in 2 smaller circles and joined hands. John sat in a chair at the far end of the room so he could open himself up better,whilst Claire remained standing near the wondows, but also so she could move around from group to group and walk round them.Claire talked both groups through the identical 'twitch' process,which both groups did,however the group nearest to John didn't take it as seriously as the other group and soon ceased this as they felt nothing was happening.They continued to watch the other group for a while, some of whom did experience slight sensations,but nothing much,just the odd breeze or slight dizziness,which can be put down to the process.After about 10 mins the group decided that the room was flat as they felt nothing at all. John said he felt the same, and the rest of the time in the location was spent with the group talking about the investigation on the whole,what they had found interesting and about the Hall in general.
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
Ian Lawman joined us in this location but very little occurred. A couple of the group had mentioned we’d tried a Human Pendulum earlier in the night and those involved described what they had experienced and felt (“it felt like hands gripping my shoulders .. “), so Ian suggested we tried it again, which we did.
Even though Paddy again began to sway back and forwards there was no discernable information that came through and so eventually we closed it down and Ian gave his theory to people as to what might be going on (suggestion .. ).
GROUP G:
Iain, John Chadwick(medium), Diane(sensitive),Vikki(medium) and guests
We used this room to debrief what had happened with the two experiments and everyone was given the opportunity to relate their experiences – even the four people we unintentionally left in the ’light’ room. I think this proved the most interesting episode for most, including myself.
This room was described as being very friendly even though it was right next door to the room which had brought about all the negative feelings.
Fairly typical reactions to being in the dark from those who had done that. One man saying that he kept his eyes closed throughout. Nothing paranormal or unusual that I remember.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Locations 4-6 are all situated on the first floor of the Hall.
Location 4 - A25/A24/Clerks Office
Room History:
A25s most recent use was as a General Studies classroom by Middlesbrough College until the building was vacated.Although not specified other rooms on the first floor were originally used as bathrooms and bedrooms.
A24 was most recently used as a one to one Tutorial office.
The Clerks office was used as the Clerk to the Corporations Office,and more recently as a room for exams to be held in.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
In each room was placed a different item specifically used to try and get contact with spirit.
In A24 was places a luigiboard,in A25 was a plasma ball,in the Clerks office was a small light table for table tipping.
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
No report was submitted for this location.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
In A24 seance with a Ouija Board was carried out in this room. Some guests didn't want to participate with this, so were taken by an NGI member into A25 instead.
In A24:
Movement on the Ouija Board, and the name Stu, also Andrew was picked up. It was thought they might have been school pupils, age 12. Apparently they didn't die here at Acklam Hall. 6 more spirits were present at this particular time during this séance apparently.
There was a cold spot in the room that was felt by the group also.
In A25:- Plasma Ball.
In the cupboard, Lindsey (guest) felt the cupboard door being pushed as if it was "coming backwards" on to her.
2 Orbs were noticed by a male guest in the cupboard, on the shelves- It has to be noted that this was seen by the "naked eye" not via a digital camera either.
The shelf in the cupboard appeared to be "vibrating" and had a "tinny" sound too.
A guest felt the presence of a little boy, who was named Thomas. She felt he was hiding in the cupboard, which she sensed was once a "toilet".
Another guest felt a "vortex" of energy near the blackboard.
Unfortunately, there was no real changes with the Plasma Ball worthy of note.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
The group was split into two. Group one lead by Mark attempted 'Table Tipping' in the Clerks room to no avail. They then relocated to A25 to try the Plasma Ball Experiment. This also produced no results.
The other group attempted a Ouija in room A24 but this also was non productive.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
Jay,Christine,John Maunder (medium) and guests
The group split into 3. One group tried some table tipping, another group went to the Ouija Board we had set up whilst the other group stayed in the room with the Plasma Ball set up and played around with it.
In the table tipping room we tried our hardest to get some response from the table but nothing occurred. The group never tried for long though because after a night of walking around and being on their feet for hours, their backs quickly began to ache.
In the Ouija room, there was a little movement from the planchette but nothing that produced any sensible information and the movements seemed random.
In the Plasma room, people attempted the experiment with the Plasma Ball but never got any results whatsoever. The only reaction from the ball happened when someone themself touched the ball.
GROUP G:
Iain, John Chadwick (medium), Diane (sensitive),Vikki (medium) and guests
Slightly delayed start as the break had gone on longer, several girls were in the middle room doing some experiment and Richard Felix and his entourage were late joining us. Several people had seen the Ouija in Location 1 (second room) and had already made various comments about not liking it; some of the others saying they were interested in seeing more.
Iain led those that were interested into the middle room and only four people wanted to volunteer to have a go. Several did not want to even touch or examine the board or planchette. Between the four they came up with a Boy, maybe 5 years old who worked in the house or where it stood with the initials R.P.
Iain asked the other guests what they had done. Apparently nothing happened re the table tipping but a couple of comments that Richard had been really excited about the plasma sphere and electric energies.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Location 5 - A21
Room History:
Drawing Room - originally 3 seperate rooms;in the alterations on 1912,two rooms were joined.At the West end their was a third room,known in the Inventory as the ''Kings Room'' - no connection with any Royal visit,it was simply a custom in country houses. This third room was joined ot the other two in the alterations of 1928.The 2 drwing rooms have fine plaster ceilings and apinted panels,a Royal Coat of Arms and the bearings of the Hustler family. The plaster was probably made by craftsmen moving South in 1683 after working on the plaster ceilings of Holyrood House. Carved wood mantel with Hustler Arms and motto, 'Aut numquam tentes aut perfice',which was adopted by the school with permission from Moyston Hustler. This room was later changed to Acklam 6th Forms Library and then into Middlesbrough Colleges Conference Room and Art Gallery.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
In the main drawing room the group was joined by Ian Lawman. Everyone complained it was cold, but the room actually was registering as the warmest yet. Ian was complaining bitterly about the cold and nth suddenly started to sweat. He was stood to the right of the Big fireplace just near the corner of the art display. He got so warm he had to remove his jacket. It took him a good 10 minutes to cool down again.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
In this room a number of guests picked up on all sorts of sensations.
The huge fire place, seemed to turn "light blue".
A man who was into Music, possibly named Albert.
A Nun.
That the room had been separate once over at the bottom, and was divided.
However, at this point something profoundly interesting happened. One of the female guests (Kate) suddenly started "channelling" her voice towards an NGI member who was "calling out" at approx 10.25pm- 10.30pm.
She took on the "persona" of an upper class Gentleman in his late 40's. Her/his opening words were "Be gone from this house" .
He was the owner of the house (Acklam Hall) but not a school teacher - possibly named William.
He didn't want to talk to the NGI member because he felt that this person wasn't his equal.
The NGI member took umbrage to this and a "conversation" ensued.
The gentleman spirit didn't like people entering his house, and he hated the fact that things were been altered too, and destroyed.
There was a smell of pipe smoke and brandy around the room too.
He was a big gentleman, and Kate said afterwards, that she felt that her cheeks were being "pulled down towards her mouth as if she had large bushy side burns"
There was a feeling of sorrow and he "backed down" from the NGI member and went away.
A dog was felt in the room near one of the windows, and it was here that a banging sound which startled 2 of the guests occurred. The dog incidentally was a big black long haired type, but skinny.
A lady- possibly the young wife/mistress of the owner of the house was sensed too.
She was "sneaking" around giggling- proud of herself.
Protected- Rose was a name felt.
The man of the house was supposedly "watching her from another part of the room" and that he didn't trust her.
The lady was very sad sometimes, and emotional.
The end of vigil.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
Large Drawing room.
Christine immediately picked up on classical music on entering this room. She was sure the music was Strauss.
She said that this was a 'happy room'. Christine also picked up on the imprint of a man standing with his arm resting against the mantle of the fire. She 'saw' his hand first and then the rest of his body formed. He was wearing a long dark jacket and had dark hair but he had no face. She also got no sense of personality from this man as if he was just a 'shadow'.
Richard Felix talked about his views on 'Orbs' and about his 'ghost' sighting at Derby Gaol.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
We spent our last location in the large conference room on the second floor. We attempted to call out to anything that may have been present but had no joy. John said that this room seemed to be the quietest room of them all in the whole of Acklam Hall and everyone else in the room seemed to agree.
We ran a few experiments in the room in regards the shutters over the window. Stories exist from the staff at the hall of how, last thing on a night, they would make sure all the shutters were closed and then find next morning that some of the shutters would be open.
We made sure all the shutters were closed and tried our damndest to make the shutters open through various means without touching them. Walking alongside them; stomping alongside them; opening and closing doors wildly to create strong draughts – but nothing we tried managed to move any of the shutters, so that one remains a mystery.
GROUP G:
Iain, John Chadwick(medium), Diane(sensitive),Vikki(medium) and guests
A few people went to the far end of the room to do their own thing. The remainder sat around the tables and were each given the opportunity to try out a genuine ESP test using Zenner Cards. Iain then gave a brief demonstration of the use of pendulums before a couple of the guests having a go themselves. This then moved into an interesting chat amongst everyone as to what may or may not be behind such movements.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve(medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Location 6 - A20
Room History:
Contains a primitive painting of the Hall and surrounding ornamental gardens. This room was Mr Hustlers bedroom. More recently Middlesbrough College has used this room as an English Literature classroom.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
No report was submitted for this location.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
This was felt by one of the guests to be a "man's room".
The name of Jayne (not spelt Jane) was felt in here too- thought to be the Governess.
A "Human Pendulum" was carried out- 2 guests were chosen. Conversation as follows:
It was a poor relative and a teacher who was working for them.
The families/children were here too.
She doesn't like working for them it seemed.
Master treat her well (Jayne) but there was someone who didn't like her because she was pretty, which is why this person didn't like her.
The lady sensed in the upstairs location, was also felt in this location too.
Another guest felt the presence of a young child who was doing "back flips" and he apparently "broke his back" and
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
The group sat in a circle and a seance was conducted with Ian Lawman. A small boy was sensed by Ian and Christine. Christine said he was called called 'Sam'. This boy seemed to want to speak through Christine answering in quiet one word answers. He confirmed his name was Sam when he was asked and when questioned by a guest who he plays with, he answered 'Mamma'. The voice sounded like that of a boy between 6 and 10 years old. Christine soon comes back to normal.
One of the guests (Tracy) started to feel a bit 'panicky' and had a tightness across her chest. She also said she felt warm while everyone else in the room was feeling very cold.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
Jay,Christine,John Maunder (medium) and guests
Our first location of the night. Jay spent the first 5 minutes talking to the group about NGI, what happens on a ghost hunt, what to expect, any issues that may crop up, reassuring people that nothing can hurt them and what to do if they feel uncomfortable.
After a few interruptions from people in other groups we got down to business. One of the group had mentioned how she had felt faint the moment she came into the room. She claimed it could of been the change in atmosphere from the stairway and the room, or the difference between the lighted stairs and the dark room.
John picked up on a couple of women in the room and felt that the room was probably a bedroom in the past. These women were actually residual and he didn’t feel that they were actually ‘there’ as such – just a sense of them.
A few members of the group had a feeling the someone was in the room, however. Over near the bookcase. They didn’t pick up on who or what, just a feeling that somebody was there. Temperature and EMF readings in the area came back as normal for the room.
Barring a couple of cold spots that people felt and a dripping of water in the room that created a couple of false positive results during a calling out session – there was no activity to report.
GROUP G:
The group all sat around in a circle and Iain briefly recapped what we had done and experienced during the night and gave everyone the opportunity to make comment. Diane then led a relaxation and visualisation exercise. This led to one lady talking about an image of a priest in robes and having a spirit guide. We then discussed visions, feelings, dreams and precognition.
John rejoined us. Several people had noticed a green band of light above the door to Location 5 but each had put this down to possible flash photography in that room. Iain gave John his torch and he went into Location 5 and shone the light around the door and wall. The light appeared around the door edges but all agreed this was about 3 feet lower than where the green light had been and a different pattern. Car or torch light from outside was discounted as it would have cast light across the room, not just in this very specific strip. Iain has a suspicion the light may have originated from the door to the rear passage/stairwell but that would not account for its colour and there were no reports of that door being opened at any point.
As we went to leave we took another look at the connecting door and discovered it had been locked behind us.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve(medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Locations 7-9 are all situated on the ground floor of the Manor House/Hall.
Location 7 - Staircase/'Swamp' room
Room History:
The staircase was constructed from painted pine, with a bold frieze; ball-capped newel posts and an unusual double spiral baluster. Pevsner (''Buildings of England'') admired this staircase as an example of fine English woodwork.
The 'Swamp', as it came to be known, was added when the building was extended in 1912. It was until quite recently used as an overflow quiet workroom for staff.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
The Swamp room was to be used as a location where the groups were divided and the guests were asked to go in and 'assess' the room for potential (natural) things which could possibly be (and often are) mistaken for paranormal activity. The investigators would then join them and discuss their findings, along with other things which can affect people and lead them to believe they are having a paranormal experience when there is actually a natural cause for what they are experiencing. The purpose of this was to get people to approach this from an investigative perspective rather than a 'ghosthunting' one,as well as being a chance for guests to ask any relevant questions.
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
We ventured to the ground floor and were worried that nothing much was happening. We went in search of a glass and a pendulum, we got the pendulum and had to make do with a polystyrene cup. We managed to get the cup to twist during "glass" divination in the swamp room, but got the best results with the pendulum.
The pendulumn worked for both Dell and Bernie, but Anth got a negative result. No movement whatso ever. Anth used this to demonstrate to the guests how easy it is to make a pendulum move but how wild the arm movement has to be to stop it quickly.
Anth had a feeling that the spirit of the nanny had taken a dislike to me, so he left the room and waited in the corridor. Dell resumed work with the pendulum and confirmed that the spirit did not want to co-operate with Anth and had taken an unknown dislike to him.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
On entrance into this location (Swamp Room) one of the guests saw a lady in the corner near the radiator, asking for an "old fashioned telephone"- the type that has a receiver you put to your ear. Another guest saw a "bell over the junction box" too.- reminiscent of a Chief Housekeeper, who was not happy.
At this point the groups were divided in to 2 sets. 1 in the Swamp Room the other in the Stairwell area.
Those in the Swamp Room, were asked to list things to look out for before a "ghost investigation" can be carried out. They then put their findings on a sheet of paper and handed to the NGI member after the 10 minutes were up. The 2nd group did the same.
The group in the Stairwell area, felt a few things whilst there. As follows:
Where the white cupboards were in the corridor near the Swamp Room, one of the guests (Angie) felt her hair being pulled and being told.. "that it was far too long and she should have it in a bun, or out of her face to prevent it going into food". This Angie felt may have been the kitchen quarters to the house.
A recorder started playing for NO reason in one of the guests pockets.
In the entrance to the Swamp Room a guest felt the presence of a "very sad" little boy "sucking his thumb" and was a "lost soul"- possibly about
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
The group was split into two. Mark took each group in turn into the swamp room for a talk about what to look for on an investigation and a brief chat about gadgets.
Tillie and a guests stayed in the hallway at the foot of the stairs with Christine. Christine picked up on a man with a very good voice singing to his lady friend.
She also felts that the main staircase was not original and that the stairs were once carpeted.
Tillie felt her face go hot and really start to 'burn' down one side. The side of her face proceeded to go very red. At the same time this was happening another guest started to complain about the same thing, and her whole face went red also. The guest also complained about scratches on her hands which she says she had not done. These are all photographed. Everyone else's faces remained normal.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
Claire went off to find Richard Felix,who was joining the group for this location. When she returned the group had all collected in the Swamp room and were gathered round a table where Simon and 5-6 guests were attempting table tipping. Simon said he felt a lot of energy in this room,and as he called out for 'spirit' to come and lift the table it dutifully started to vibrate,then shake, and then judder,tilting a few times so that one leg was off the ground slightly for a few moments,different legs each time. Several of the guests saw this and took photos (sadly we've not received any though). It also started to 'turn' in a circular motion slightly. Some of the guests swapped round so that others could feel the table moving,Claire and Richard also joined in,with firstly Richard calling out,to which the table responded well,then Claire calling out for 'more movement' from the table, to which it responded well for a short period of about 2 mins where its movement became stronger but then it fell away to hardly moving at all. Claire suggested that Richard call out again, as it seemed to be the most consistent when he was calling out,so he did and again it moved strongly and each time he asked it to.Sadly though the group then ran out of time in tha location and had to move on to the next.
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
Jay,Christine,John Maunder (medium) and guests
Large Electrical Circuit Box (x3)
Cracked window (x2)
Reflections from Cabinet (x3)
Rattling doors on cabinet (x1)
Central Heating Radiators (x1)
Outside Lights Casting Shadows (x3)
GROUP G:
Iain split the group in two and each given a basic introduction as to what to expect, things to look out for and encouragement to participate etc. Started to elicit questions.
THE MEDIUMS INFO TO BE ADDED
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve(medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Location 8 - A13
Room History:
Its original function was as the Smoking Room. In 1935 this room was designeated as the Geography classroom by Acklam hall secondary school. This room has changed functions and has been a Vice Principals Office and has more recently been used as the Colleges exams office. This was its function until the College was vacated.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
No report was submitted for this location.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
A number of things occurred in this location.
Cigar smoke was smelt coupled with a "wet doggy smell".
Cold shivers felt down a number of guests spines, near the window on the right.
Angie took on the "persona" of a little podgy kid (male) called Andy Watts, aged about 12 years, whose nickname was "Fatty Watty" apparently".
He was stood in the corner, possibly waiting for the cane- agitation felt/impatient.
It seemed that Andy had "his hand in the cake" and he had chocolate all over his face, and the Headmaster wasn't too happy with him.
The Headmaster was sick of kids coming to his door apparently (again this was felt by one of the guests).
Lots of laughing broke out (hysterical laughter I might add) among half of the group for NO apparent reason, which THEY couldn't explain- chain reaction. The other half of the group, including the NGI member, just looked on and had NO inclination to laugh at all.
When asked, they said that it was possibly children in the school room laughing at poor Andy in the corner- plus Andy's brother Craig was there laughing at him too . A chant was heard among half of the group who were laughing .." we know what your doing"- laughing at Andy while this was being sung.
Another guest shouted out "you fat porker", which again set half of the group off again laughing. The NGI member by this time was getting a bit annoyed, unsure if this was a "windup" but carried out the charade just the same. But it became obvious when the NGI member shone a torch light over the top of Angie/Andy's head in the corner (who by the way was curled up in a ball covering her ears at this point) the group fell silent immediately, and a sadness engulfed the room...... Angie had to be comforted by a couple of meduims as she was extremely upset at this point.
The end of the vigil.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
The room made a lot of the group feel 'panicky'. Mark felt his hair stand up as if there was an electric charge in the air. There were some noises near the bay window that seem to originate from within the room. Christine picked up on a man who she felt had a stroke which affected his right side. Christine said that the man makes tapping noises with his stick as he has trouble speaking because of his stroke. Immediately there was a tap/click which we think could have the metal catch near the window banging against the wall. This sound was recorded on digital recorder and was quite loud. The atmosphere seemed to return to 'normal' after we have been in the location for a while and nothing else was reported.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
IS BEING ADDED NOW
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
Later, another girl in the group shouted out that “something” had just tapped her on the back of the head. This girl also complained about a feeling of cold on her right leg. This was confirmed and a significant difference between the temperature of her legs was recorded.
One of the guys in the group had a sense that somebody was walking backwards and forwards behind where he was sat – from one window to the other.
Constantly throughout our time in this room – people reported the distant smell of cigar smoke.
GROUP G:
With Ian Lawman
Reports of flashing lights, Cinnamon smell and something moving in the far corner from the door. Various presences felt by Ian and the psychics. Couple of guests had feelings of sickness or stomach pains. Seemed very active, especially as only just started.
Ian lawman claimed that he had the spirit of a Mr stevens, a maths teacher in the room in front of the staircase on the ground floor (don't know what number it was). He described the man as having a pock marked face from acne as a teenager or something and that the man seemed to have had a military countenance (and had served in WW2 I think.)
John saw flashes of light in here, the usual marble sized pin picks and himself and Diane and another member of the group said that we could smell cinnamon in here.
Lawman claimed that the man had a breathing condition and that his chest was tight. Several group members also felt this effect, Vicky the medium claimed that it was very uncomfortable and that she felt as though she smoked 60 a day.
Several people claimed that they saw a shadow in the corner of the room next to the window on the far right hand side (as if you had entered via the door). John stood there and felt nothing. John then brushed against a chair on wheels that made a slight noise, sending rapture into the room as loads of people claimed that something had dropped on the floor, others saying that they had seen something drop from the ceiling including Ian Lawman. John was standing there and he can honestly say that there was nothing that had happened other than him brushing back against the chair.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve(medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
Location 9 - 7110/7112
Room History:
7110 (Board Room) was originally used as the Saloon hall - entrance hall with ornate plaster ceiling added in 1912. In 1935 this was designated as the Acklam halls Secondary Schools library. This was later designated as the finance office by Midddlesbrough college and was used more recently as the Board Room until the college was vacated.
7112 (Staff Room) was an extension added in 1912 by Walter Brierley of York; part of the extensive reconstruction to make the Hall more suitable for an Edwardian family and household. Plaster ceiling of the same period and by the same craftsmen. The exterior is an echo of the Orangery at Kensington Palace. Origionally used as a Dining room later changed use to a staff room for Academic staff used intil the college was vacated.
Paranormal History:
TO BE ADDED
GROUP A:
Dell,Anth,Bernie (medium) and guests
We ventured to the boardroom (the room with all the boxes) and made contact with a little 7 year old girl who was playing hide and seek with us. We had some tapping and some light flashes. Also bernie saw an old man standing next to the fireplace and the little girls father came intot he room and stood beside me. This corresponded with Anth feeling a cold spot to his right hand side.
GROUP B:
Carol,Ged,Diane (medium) and guests
This room was very flat, as if it had NO energy in it- as one guest put it... "a dead room".
Another guest felt it was maybe a Dinning Room or Common Room at one time. She felt it was also a Breakfast Room. Servants would serve breakfast on a long table- like a buffet.
A young guest (Laura) who it has to be noted was a "sceptic", while sitting on a window ledge at the far end of the room, suddenly for NO reason started to cry- even though she couldn't explain why. Angie felt as if this was Andy "getting his own back for laughing at him earlier on in the other room".
When a guest took a photo of Laura at the time of her crying, an orb was seen on the leg of her jeans.
A white flash across the door entrance.
While Laura was crying, a male guest heard what he interpreted as a voice saying "GO".
The end of the vigil.
GROUP C:
Mark,Tillie,Christine (medium) and guests
Christine did not want to spend any time in room 7112 so moved straight to room 7110 to see what she could pick up on which turned out to be very little. Mark took a group into room 7112 to attempt an energy raising circle to try and produce some response. Regular tapping noises were heard during the circle but these were found to be drops of water dripping from the ceiling.
GROUP D:
Claire,Simon (medium) and guests
IS BEING ADDED NOW
GROUP E:
Sharon,Steve,John Fox (medium) and guests
GROUP F:
They were 2 candidates. Mike and Paddy. It was difficult to determine who was being effected most and so we dealt with the 2 of them separately.
It worked out that there was a lady who had decided to chose Mike. We determined that she lived in the 18th Century and that she in fact had worked at Acklam Hall. We tried to find out her name by going through the alphabet sequentially and asking her to push Mike forward when we got to the letter beginning her first name. Sadly, there was a debate as to whether the name began with “L” or “M” and the lady didn’t seem to want to confirm when we went back over those letters - pushing Mike forwards on both letters when they were spoken out.
The spirit working with Paddy seemed to give more information. We determined that he was a 18th Century occupant of the house and that his name was an older man called George. He claimed to have married into the family but was also the son of William (never gave a straight answer as to whether this was William Hustler). We asked George whether he would consider making a banging noise in the room for us as he was willing to communicate but he said “No” – however, shortly thereafter there was a soft bang at the bottom end of the room. We asked George if it was he who had made the noise and again he said “No”. We asked whether he was alone here or whether he could see other spirits in the room and he said “Yes” ... “3”.
GROUP G:
On entry to the room two women independently came out with similar names, Isabella & Anabella?, the spiritualist medium was very vocal and insistent there was an 8 year old girl hiding in the room. Did some calling out – passive and authoritarian. Claims of noises heard but most likely footsteps from upstairs. Spiritualist very rushed, didn’t give much time for quiet. Took the group into adjoining room and talked about shadows, feelings and tricks of the eye then allowed people to move freely between the two rooms. Back in the main room the door to the main entrance appeared to open on its own. May have been draught or air pressure suction.
GROUP H:
John Triplow,Steve (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED
GROUP I:
Kelly,Marietta, Diane (medium) and guests
TO BE ADDED - IN PROGRESS
Points of interest:
TO BE ADDED
FURTHER INFO:
AN EVALUATION OF THIS NIGHT ITSELF WILL BE ADDED ONCE INFORMATION HAS BEEN RESEARCHED,THIS WILL ALSO BE EVALUATED AS 1 PART OF OUR PENTAGONAL INVESTIGATION INTO ACKLAM HALL WITH THE BUTTERWICK,WHICH SADLY WILL END ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12TH 2010,AS THE HALL WILL THEN BE RENNOVATED.
JOIN US AS WE CLOSE THE DOOR ON THIS CHAPTER OF ACKLAM HALL AS IT BIDS A FINAL FAREWELL TO THE COLLEGE AND EMBARKS ON YET ANOTHER TRANSFORMATION.
IF YOU DARE......................................