Welcome to the twenty-seventh edition of the Borley Ghost Society Newsletter. Halloween marks the second anniversary of the Society. My mother would never say it was the second birthday, she would say the Society is now "in its third year!" October 15 marked the 70th anniversary of the Foysters move into Borley Rectory.

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits is one of two International publications to promote the BORLEY GHOST SOCIETY. In fact, Borley is the very first article in the The International Directory of Haunted Places by Dennis William Hauck. The Borley article may be one of the longest in the book. In part, the review at Amazon.com says, "Visit haunted jail houses in Iceland. Enter ghostly castles in Scotland. Or meet household spirits in Russia. No matter what your destination, this unique guide will direct you to the eeriest spots in the area. It contains more than 750 geographically arranged entries on haunted houses, sacred sites, UFO landings, and other supernatural locations in Great Britain and Europe, Canada, South America, Australia, Northern Africa, and Asia. Each entry includes a spine-tingling description plus precise travel directions, phone numbers, and, if available, internet addresses."

This October 27th Dan and Carol Gist moved the GhostLabs Research Center from Tennessee to New Orleans. "Now the public will be able to see how we analyse our investigations, and meet some of our society members," Carol reports. "Ghost hunting equipment is used on our tours. Photos, documentation, items from haunted locations, and our lab clean room will all be viewable. Find out how to investigate a haunting, or just enjoy the exhibits which will include, remote viewing, sound lab, spectrum analysis, haunted cam, and ghost footage from famous hauntings. Internet access will be available for those who are travelling and need a data station. Opening Dec. 10th. We will have a service for researchers set up in efficiency accommodations with computers in each room. I am in the process of contacting several groups of investigators which we will host displays on their work, which can include any material they wish to send. I want [to include the Borley Ghost Society] too. I love your society, and wish to keep the subject fresh. Also if you come to New Orleans, We would love to have you come down. Take care."
Carol Gist
Director, Ghost Labs Research Society
[Thank you very much. Copies of The Most Haunted House in England are on the way to the Center, along with several photographs. You have my very best wishes for unlimited success!]

You can find the new book by Stewart Evans on the Amazon pages. It's The Ultimate Jack the Ripper Companion. Carroll and Graf are publishing it in the U.S.A. This is the third volume on Jack prepared by Stewart, who is busily writing a fourth - 'The Letters of Jack the Ripper.'

Carlos S. Alvarado and I came on board as full-time employees of the Parapsychology Foundation this past July. He's the Chairman of Domestic & International Programs and the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Parapsychology, and I'm the Director of Publications and the Exec Editor of the IJP. Joanne D.S. McMahon, PhD left in February to pursue her writing/counseling activities with a new center in New Jersey. We have a new part-time librarian, and we also have (and have had for many years) Simon Pettet who is the Film/Audio Archivist. Lisette Coly is still the Executive Director and VP of the place, and her mother Eileen Coly (now in her 80s) the President. Carlos and I are delighted to have gotten these positions. And it's quite an adventure to come to New York after living in Edinburgh and Puerto Rico on a kind of rotating basis for the last 7 years.
Nancy L. Zingrone
Director of Publications
Executive Editor, International Journal of Parapsychology
Parapsychology Foundation, Inc.
228 East 71st Street
New York, NY 10021, USA
TEL: 1-212-628-1550
FAX: 1-212-628-1559

Here are my latest thoughts on the hereafter - Is There Pizza in Paradise?

I am now reading the book. . . . I must admit that it's not what I expected. So far, the content comprised a shortish section on Mr. Mayerling's childhood at Borley, during which he explains the rather eccentric environment there. He also shows how the layout of the rectory was conducive to, and often used for, playing pranks and practical jokes. Mr. Mayerling has an interesting and amusing way of expressing himself. I am looking forward to reading his comments about the 'hauntings' and about the people involved.
It looks as if the 'hauntings' were indeed faked. So is that really the end of Borley Rectory? What about Louis Mayerling's comment right at the end of the book?- 'It can now be recorded that both Borley Rectory and its church did, in truth, hold many smouldering secrets-known only to Marianne and me....' What do you think that's all about?
John Lane
[Trevor Hall and company did not put an end to the place in 1956, so I doubt this latest effort will do it. I am most anxious to establish the credibility of Mayerling first - can we take his report at face value? As for the secrets alluded to, I haven't the foggiest, which I think is exactly the way he wants it to be!]

I remember my dear old dad telling me about 20 or 30 years ago that Harry Price had faked the whole thing. So perhaps the disclosures in this book are not particularly new!
Philip Carr

I have now read Louis Mayerling's book from cover to cover, and would very much welcome your thoughts on it. The author infers that throughout the later Bull years and all through the Foyster incumbency he was a frequent (if not constant) participant to the Borley hauntings, and that if he was not himself involved he was privy to the means whereby the activities were created. It is curious, therefore, that neither Harry Price nor (to my knowledge) any subsequent writer, has seen fit to add Mayerling to the mix. If, indeed, villagers were involved in extended practical jokes, one has to assume that such japes were no closely guarded secret; that being so it seems hardly likely that servants from the village would be afraid to live in the rectory. I also have trouble in imagining Lionel Foyster being the source of the "Marianne" wall writing for it seems clear that he believed in the supernatural. A person who does so tries to understand and reach the truth, and so is unlikely to muddy the waters by adding fakery to what he believed to be true. Marianne, of course, is different and one can easily imagine her embellishing the Borley Story for amusement or profit. If, however, her promiscuity was as widely known as Mayerling suggests, I am very surprised that the Church Commissioners did not revoke Lionel's incumbency.
Mayerling appears (to this reader) as a very unreliable witness who by his own admission in the book was prone to embellishment. Not only did he change jobs; and even professions at the drop of a coin, but he also changed his name at least twice. Consequently, his curious past which he relates in bits and pieces wherever they seem to fit--regardless of continuity--leaves one wondering whether his memory has played him false or whether some of his "unmasking" stems from a long-standing resentment toward Harry Price who failed to give Mayerling the credit he thought he deserved. The books is riddled with sloppy typographical errors and its authority is badly undermined by the author's inclusion of joking comments that discourage one from taking him seriously. The cover design is attributed to him and I suspect the strangely phrased blurb on the back is also of his creation, further contributing to the book's questionable standing in the abiding enigma of Borley Rectory.
Had I the time, I would go through Mayerling's book coupling each of his statements with those made by Price and others to see whether or not they are realistic explanations. But, alas, I have too much else to keep me busy. Perhaps you should do this.
Best regards,
Ivor Noel Hume
[My word by word analysis is underway. In the process, I have created a table reflecting Mayerling's answers to all phenomena at Borley, as well as a list of questions raised by his book. The observation about Lionel losing his incumbency if Marianne was THAT promiscuous is most welcome. Hume has put into words my own thoughts that have needed voice for some time.]

Two more reviews by Borley Ghost Society associates are also posted on the web site: "Sunex Amures," and Jamas Enright.

Do you have anything on Chillingham Castle?
Ayisha Sheikh
[Fox Family Channel featured this alleged haunting during a week-long series, "The Scariest Places on Earth." The show was one of the most effective I have ever seen, BUT, I was unable to find this building in any of the standard ghost almanacs. A couple of web sites mention it as a guest lodge. Any Borley Ghost Society Associates have any tips?]

When I was an apprentice engineer working on electrostatic precipitators back in 1974 I was employed by a company called "Lodge-Cottrell Ltd" in Birmingham. As a new boy one of my early tasks involved the clearing up of a large amount of papers and letters in the cellar, boxing them up and putting them into storage. As I was, to a large extent, left on my own to do this, naturally as I was working I sat down to read them. They were a mixture of industrial papers etc, and literature on spiritialism. The older workers had teased me that one of the former directors, a man called Oliver Lodge, haunted the place, when I found a number of letters from Arthur Conan Doyle (who I had heard of regarding Sherlock Holmes) to Oliver Lodge I took interest.
I have only very vauge memories of most of this but the one correspondence that really took my interest was a letter from Conan Doyle to Lodge about a Haunted house called Borley Rectory across from Borley Church and the visitations that the young girls living there were experiencing. Having several friends with the usual teenage interests in "Ghosts", I thought of this as a great piece of "insider information". I was tempted to steal the letter but fear of getting into trouble with my new employers prevented me. Instead we planned a visit to the rectory. Remember that this was the only information we had on Borley, none of us had heard of Harry Price or knew of the events in the 1930`s so you can imagine our disapointment having made the trip from Birmingham to Borley Rectory and finding the place no longer exists!! I cannot remember much about that first trip other than it being a let down. I am sure that at that time the small Bungalows that were there on a later visit had not been built, and that the gateposts were intact. Other than that there was not a lot to see. We scrabbled about on the site opposite the Church, and my friend found a small garden edging tile which he kept (still has it).
Some time later (years?) I saw a program on the TV about Borley and this prompted a new interest, acquiring the books of which I sent you the scans and a second trip, which was as uneventfull as the first!!
Regards,
Steve Law

Parham is not recorded as an Air Force Base with an airfield? The only Parham I know of , is down near Arundel in Sussex not far from Pulborough where Harry Price lived? I have directories of Military Air fields 1939-45 and there are an excellent series called "Action Stations" which covers the various counties. Parham could have been an out station a HQ away from a larger base? I spent from 1950-1981 as an engine fitter in the RAF.
Regards,
Barry Roper
Eastgate Books
[It was quite fortuitous that Alan Roper's brother got in touch with me. To research Parham on the Internet, I came across several web sites, including the home page of the 390th Bomb Group My father was in the 563rd Postal Squadron of the 390th. I also learned of a 1947 book, "The Story of the 390th Bombardment Group," which has been reprinted. Research volunteer Carolyn Beaubien sent me a most welcome photocopy from the book. It clearly shows my father, even without the accompanying caption. I have posted that in the appropriate chapter in my on-line book, The Most Haunted Woman in England. Beaubien also sent me addresses for three former unit members, and I was very happy to hear from one of the men - Dock Gammage Jr.]

I am a press officer for the company Roadrunner Records - we have a band over from America who are very interested in the folklore of England, and I have been speaking with the magazine Kerrang! about the possibilty of running a feature with this in mind. This feature would involve being given one night (this Saturday for preference) to stay somewhere in the grounds (from 6:00pm to 10:00am), with the freedom to film using camcorders and stills cameras. There would be a representative from the company (myself), and two journalists. Kerrang! sells 45,000 copies per week, many more than the competing weekly music magazines. If this feature were to run, it would give you a LOT of publicity, and we could incorporate a question/answer session with you describing the Rectory and the Borley Ghost society. Please let me know if this is likely. Please also accept my apologies if this seems inappropriate - the reason I am approaching you is that when I was young, I bought a book about Borley, and it was the first place I thought of.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Edwards
Press Officer
Roadrunner Records
[Thank you for getting touch with me. I appreciate your interest. Unfortunately, the residents of Borley have had more than their share of publicity over the years, and do not seek for attention. (It all started with tour buses in the 30s and has not abated since.) The site of the former rectory is now occupied by three cottages - all private property. Please read my appeal to visitors. I am forwarding this message to someone who lives nearby (the villagers do not have Internet access for the most part), but I am quite sure the recommendation will also come back as rejected. Again, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.]

Please could you inform me, as to where I could obtain, a copy of the programme the ghost watcher's. It was screened by the BBC in the late 70's. Hoping you can be of help.
gary cooke
[I, too, would like a copy. I have written to the BBC, to no avail. After some research, Cooke wrote back to report, "I've been in touch with the British Film Institute archive. They have a copy for public viewing but not for general release. You have to book a viewing by writing to Kathleen Dickson, allowing a couple of week's notice."]

I visited Borley in the Hot Summer of June 21st 1981 - with 2 of my friends. We only stayed for about 24 hours then left feeling rather a strange experience. My one friend was standing outside the entrance to the church and fell to the ground saying he was punched and shoved by a invisible force. Do you now if any trips are arranged by ghosthunting groups for Borley as I would like to visit there in the future.
Christopher E Elwell.
[Borley is left off any itineraries because it is remote, and because the locals are very much against it.]

Did you know that there is piece of music called 'Light, Mass, Prayers' by a band called Porcupine Tree? Has it any connection to the Borley story?
Hugh Mellor
[Apparently the drummer wrote the song, and was definately influenced by the rectory. I have tried unsuccessfully to contact him or the band. If anyone in England would like to give this a try, please let me know.]

My name is Jon and I've been looking at your website, especially the photos. I don't know if you may be interested or not but back in 1984 I went along with three friends to Borley. I'm afraid that I was then and still am an eternal sceptic but we did take lots of photos there just to see if anything would appear on the print and in one there definitely is an odd image like a white translucent circle with two cut outs which appears above the head on one of my friends while they're posing next to the church. Although we were a little freaked at the time I've never really taken it too seriously. However, it's much clearer than many of the pictures on the site.
Regards
Jon Greaves

Most Haunted House [was] republished 1975 by Cedric Chivers, by arrangement with George G Harrap, at the request of the Library Association of England (New Portway Edition). End of Borley [was] republished 1980 by same. They were both printed in very limited editions for use only in lending libraries. I do not believe they were on general sale in stores. Both came with [unique] dust jackets.
steve

Haining, Peter. A Dictionary of Ghosts. London: Robert Hale Ltd. 1982. New York: Dorset Press, 1993. pp. 36-9. Also published as Dictionary of Ghost Lore. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1984. pp. 20-21. One photo of the burned-out rectory. ("When Price actually moved into the rectory with a team of investigators . . . . there was a noticeable decline in the manifestations." One long paragraph that once again mentions the SPR attack of 1956, but not the response by Hastings in 1956. The former "has its glaring faults," so "its fame and "controversy as to what really went on there still persist." Without mentioning names, it indicates "Although he attributed many of the strange happenings to one of the former residents, Price believed there was genuine evidence of a haunting.") ** Prentice Hall

Whitaker, Terence. Haunted England. London: Dorset Press, 1990. Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1987. Reprint of Ghosts of Old England. p. 142. ("A great deal - too much in fact - has been written about Borley Rectory. Here was a good haunting which was exploited in the most cynical fashion until it became history's most profitable ghost story. Nine mostly accurate paragraphs. Indicates BOTH Henry and Harry would "spend hours" in the summer house looking for the nun (?) The voice that called "Marianne" becomes "disembodied female voices." As with many re-tellings, this one indicates the Foysters "fled," when they actually stayed five years, and only left after Lionel collapsed in the pulpit. Puts contemporary sightings of the nun "usually on 12 or 29 July." ? ) ** Contemporary

Andrew Green wrote an article for the Ghost Club titled "Time to Bury Borley Rectory?" A excerpt of the Autumn 1998 article has appeared on the Internet. Green wrote, "Freed from the restraints of libel law and the sensitivity of relatives, revelations have poured out concerning some of these witnesses. In its history the Rectory contained at least two people suspected of murder, a serial bigamist, and a fascist inclined arsonist, the last owner Captain Gregson." The writer is referring to the Robert Wood effort, The Widow of Borley, and also mentions Enigma of Borley Rectory by Ivan Banks. "With this racy literature emerging, it might be thought the whole Borley story is now beyond the pale and is best consigned to history."

I have enjoyed looking at your website, having been interested in the Borley story for many years. I would like to join the Society. I have an additional reference. This is a chapter in Creepers: British Horror & Fantasy in the Twentieth Century, edited by Clive Bloom. Published by Pluto Press, London, ISBN 0 7453 0664. Chapter 6, by Clive Bloom himself, is entitled "Harry Price and the Haunted Rectory", and is a study from a literary viewpoint (Bloom is/was Principal Lecturer in English at Middlesex University). he leans quite heavily on Hall's book on Price, but comes up with some interesting analysis which perhaps sheds some light on Price's motives, IF he faked the whole lot. definitely worth reading. What an incredible story about how you found out about Marianne - someone we in Britain had known about for decades. Look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Joseph Boughey

Our devoted researcher Jamas Enright obtained a lengthy review of Haunted Houses by Patricia Netzley. (The Mystery Library Series). In the School Library Journal, for Sept 2000, Ann Brouse mentions this childrens book "gives only cursory attention to well-known apparitions and mysterious places such as Borley Rectory in England."

My sincere thanks to Jamas for his continuing efforts. He uncovered yet another web site that has stolen prodigiously from my own. This prompted me to locate yet a third cure for pirates, and the Borley Ghost Society Technical Expert Bill Vicars came to the rescue. Now, we will settle back and wait for the next batch of thieves to show themselves!