The Lawns Report - Lee's Experiences

            
This was my first 'proper' investigation. I wasn't particularly worried or apprehensive and had high expectations based on the agenda provided by the event organiser (n.b. NOT 'Haunted Happenings', whom are excellent and to whom we switched for subsequent events). We were all disappointed that what was promised was not what was delivered. For example; use and access to EMF meters - which I had heard of and at the time, knew little about.

 

The Lawns cellar

    
That aside, we set out to enjoy the experience and we certainly had many personal experiences that intrigued us. I was very impressed by the 'taps' we experienced in the chapel room. I couldn't debunk it and as I write this, still have no answers. This was my first experience of Wayne channeling spirits (I think it surprised him too!). I was a little worried at Wayne's comments about an 'evil entity' following us from the cellar - which we later believed to be the unpleasant spirit that channeled through Wayne in the chapel room. I will freely admit that at one point I was frightened (something caught on tape - deep joy).

I was also impressed at the time with the production of a name for the spirit that came to be known as 'Charles'. Since then, I have seen many psychics in action and the two at this event were not as professional as others we have encountered. I wasn't impressed with the auto-suggestion - where we were all rocking to and fro - supposedly being pushed by spirits. But I will admit I got caught up in it as much as the next person. So, although not 'paranormal', it was quite an interesting insight into how suggestible I am - something that I need to keep in check if I am to be taken seriously in subsequent investigations. The cold spots I experienced is a tricky one. I felt a moving cold spot in the bar area and a photograph was taken showing an orb. Coincidence? I am highly skeptical about orbs (discussed elsewhere on the site) but its difficult not to leap to a paranormal explanation. So was it a draught? Or the beer pump coolers which switch on in a cycle? - well, yes, probably, not something I feel comfortable ruling out. However, I can't as readily debunk Wayne's cold hands, legs and the cool air that seemed to radiate around Wayne when he was channeling in the chapel. I spent some time checking for draughts and ensuring I wasn't just getting cold due to inactivity. There was a definite cold spot around Wayne that shifted and could be 'sensed' to be almost circling the team at that point. I also just 'felt' that 'something' was behind us. This is something I have rarely felt since but even with my rational mind - not something I can dismiss out of hand. We did buy a thermocouple based temperature probe that we used at the Salutation investigation but found it too slow in its response time to be useful. It would have been useful to corroborate the personal experience with hard evidence - but hay-ho, hindsight is the teacher that gives the test before the lesson.

The Lawns bar
  
The lights that I saw at the end of the chapel room - opposite where myself and the rest of the team were seated, were quite impressive - if short lived. So, did I see them? was it my eyes adjusting to the dark? I honestly don't know. They were like the sparks given off a 'sparkler' firework and lasted two or three seconds above the fireplace. An 'expert' in the room stated that these lights are seen when a spirit tries to manifest itself. O.K, I thought; interesting.
Finally, I was disappointed with my first foray into recording EVP's. No voices - gutted. I was about to launch the dictation machine across the room (which would have been bad, since it was Wayne's machine), when I heard the 'tap' in response to my calling out. The dictation machine was a tape based Olympus dictaphone. I have thought about this since and cannot make my mind up if it is paranormal or a leap of faith.
Make your own mind up, I would welcome any constructive criticisms and insight from more seasoned investigators out there.

Lee's Experiences

 

Wayne's Experiences

Ros' Experiences