Welcome to the forty third edition of the Borley Ghost Society Newsletter. Midnight tonight marks the start of the final fire at Borley - 1939.

Vincent O'Neil forwarded you message to us. I would suggest that you have a look at the SPR website where you will find a page called Research Directory. I also attach a document giving a standard reply to your enquiry, which we do (encouragingly) receive regularly. I hope this helps.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Johnson
Secretary to the Society for Psychical Research
49 Marloes Road, London, W8 6LA

Vince O'Neil of the Borley Society has forwarded your message to me thinking I might be able to answer your questions.
A career in parapsychology generally entails research in the field under the guidance of a professional parapsychologist; that is, someone who is a member of the Parapsychological Association (the professional organization of parapsychologists). Jobs are few and traditionally parapsychologists work in other fields, typically academia -- professors of psychology philosophy, physics, religious studies, etc. Those who work in parapsychology full time are few and wages are usually quite low.
You mentioned the "paranormal" in your letter. That is a very general term and there are many people who would qualify to fit in that category, for example, psychics, amateur investigators, intuitives, etc. Those people have no professional credentials and are unregulated. For more information on these distinctions you can take a look at my book, Shopping for Miracles: A Guide to Psychics and Psychic Powers.
I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have,
Joanne McMahon, PhD
Parapsychological Consultation Service, Inc.

I have finished reading Borley Rectory: The Ghosts That Will Not Die. It is a very useful and organized compilation of the reported facts on the Rectory hauntings, and I appreciate your non critical presentation of them, not trying to either justify or debunk what others have experienced/theorized. I notice in the essays/letters from our Borley Ghost Society newsletters that some associates have been critical of your reporting, seemingly ignoring your clear disclaimers that you are simply presenting what has been reported, and you are not claiming that these reports are the unvarnished truth. I appreciate your integrity in showing many sides to several issues, including those involving your mother. I'm sure it is painful to present information which might show your mom in a negative light, but you have done so, nonetheless.
I especially appreciate your taking the time to sum up your own conclusions on the haunting at Borley, as well as your very touching pilgrimage there to the conference, and to Lionel Foysters grave, in the hopes of experiencing your mother's spirit. I truly hate that you have experienced so much emotional pain around the topic of Borley, and that your reunion with family members has been ambivalent at best, and that they have largely chosen to distance themselves from you. I can't imagine the pain it has cost you to write about all this, let alone experience it. I am sorry -- I hope and pray that you find healing in your search, nonetheless.
With regards to your mom's spirit -- I am sure (as sure as one can be about such things) that part of her resides in the scapular she left to you, which she had worn at Borley. Your instincts here, I feel, are correct -- she is there. I spoke on the phone with a Maryland antique dealer who has come across several "haunted" items in his career, and he spoke at length about the positive "activity" that attaches to religious items which were treated reverently by their former owners. His words really rang true with me -- I have since come to realize that a cross in my possessing, owned by a friend who died of cancer 15 years ago, had been troubling me ever since I "inherited" it. I had always assumed that my feelings of sadness and some distaste on handling it were the result of having watched her slowly die over a period of fifteen months. Now, I'm not so sure. I held the necklace, toying with a broken and displaced link in the gold serpentine chain, and burst into tears at the thought that a part of my friend's spirit might be unhappily connected with it still. Despite all my efforts, the link refused to settle back into place. Giving up on "fixing" the long broken link, I prayed for her release from any "lostness", hoping to help any hurting part of her spirit return to God. I finished the prayer, opened my eyes, and found that the link had settled back into place -- it was "fixed."
Now, I'm quite aware that there could be simple non supernatural explanations for the repair of the jewelry. After all, I had been turning it this way and that, and simple gravity may have helped it settle back into place. However, I think that a degree of faith is called for in some possible experiences of the supernatural, and seeming coincidences may mean something more. Of course, my interpretation of this experience is quite suspect, not least because I have so desperately wanted to have an encounter with a spirit. Nevertheless, I will be treating the necklace with a great deal more respect now, and will wear it to church (which I had been unwilling to do before, because the cross is bejeweled and a tad ostentatious). I placed it near two religious statues on a tiny shelf above my bed, and twice felt tentative touches on my hair that night. Again, there are simple explanations for all this which include no "taint" of the supernatural, but my instincts tell me that my friend is still connected with her necklace.
I appreciate your listening to my story, but my main purpose here is to share my deep instinct that your mom is still with you -- a conclusion you have already come to, I think, based on your writing. More than a 'relic' of Borley, the scapular is a real and tangible link to Marianne. I hope you will forgive my presumption in offering these opinions -- I have been very touched by your story, and felt the need to offer something in the way of validation (if that's the word) that your mom is there with you, even now.
Thank you for all you have shared with us -- your Borley research, research into Marianne's past, your own journey, and your honesty and integrity. I hope you will continue to experience healing in discovering more of your own story, and the effect your mom continues to have in your life.
Sincerely,
Linda Cody
[Thank you very much. I am humbled. The critics are not within the BORLEY GHOST SOCIETY. I print all pertinent letters/e-mail, whatever the source. I agree with you - for example, others "saw" my mother's light behind me in London, yet I felt nothing. Perhaps one of these days.... I also agree with your profile about being too eager - "I've slept in a haunted room (I saw and felt nothing), and slept in a rectory in Ireland where my best friend had a ghostly experience -- again, I felt nothing. But, I'm also afraid that being so eager to have a supernatural experience might attract a darker kind of spirit, so I've never mucked around with Ouija boards, automatic writing or seances." Iris Owen told me strictly to stay away from such things, and it didn't take much convincing.]

My name is Jason Figgis and I am a film-maker from Ireland. I have recently completed the critically acclaimed documentary 'The Twilight Hour - Visions Of Ireland's Haunted Past'. This film follows the internationally acclaimed photographer of the fantastic and the supernatural, Sir Simon Marsden, as he gathers new material for his upcoming book of the same name (i.e THE TWILIGHT HOUR). Simon and I will be coming to Borley sometime later in the year as we want to film some more material for a second installment of 'The Twilight Hour'. Perhaps, if it were convenient, we could meet up with some members of your Society to hear some interesting tales and perhaps be guided to areas of photographic interest. We will of course give you plenty of warning as to our arrival. As it is, I will be making a reconnoitre visit to Borley in late February, purely for my own benefit, to get the lie of the land - so to speak. Is Borley far from London, if driving? Thank you for your time.
Warmest regards
Jason Figgis
[About 60 miles. Stewart Evans has volunteered to represent the Society. You wil be in excellent hands! You are probably aware, the residents are NOT in favor of visits, but if you notify Rev. Sampson in advance, he will be more gracious - he is a very nice person. Do give my best to Sir Simon!]

Having just been reading any latest news about Borley on your website I was reading Stephen D Smiths submittence, and his photos of Borley and the area, of which one photo shows some burnt debris and states that it is the result of a fire from the Church in the eighties ? . I have not read any were that there was ever such a fire not even on your website does it mention this ....not that I can see anyway correct me if I'm wrong and accept my apologies. But could you please clear this matter up for me
Best regards
Adelaide Liney
[Buried in the Bibliography is this notation: "Firemen fight to save church after passer-by spots smoke." East Anglian Daily Times. December 1, 1986. p. 9 (Two distressing photos showing burned items lying outside. "Three engines attended, and firemen had to use breathing apparatus. . . . The fire is thought to have started in the vestry and quickly spread to the belfry, burning the timber floor of the bell tower. . . .[which] was quite seriously damaged. Vestments and old church documents were also lost in the blaze." Rector Christopher Cook and residents "strongly deny any question of the church being haunted.") A dark photocopy of the article has been added to the web site.]

I would like to read the book, and possibly visit Borley, could you tell me the address for it. I have been interested in the supernatural for quite a few years, and would love to visit there myself to feel the atmosphere.
I'd be very grateful for your help.
Thank you
Diana Ryley UK
[Thank you for your interest. I have several copies of the book available, along with other Borley-related material. The site of the rectory is now occupied by private homes, and the residents are not anxious to receive visitors. If you wish to look at the church, take the first left north of Sudbury, but don't be surprised if the road signs are missing.]

I am trying to find a legitimate, down to earth medium/channeler/clairvoyant who might help me with contacting a deceased person and also possibly to solve a crime related to the way the deceased passed on. This area of expertise is fraught with charlatans and bogus practitioners. I am looking for a legitimate , very skilled and gifted person with whom I may speak further. Do you have knowledge of any such persons with a proven track record? Thanking you in advance
Sincerely
Lawrence Tout

There was an Amos family lived in nr. by Belchamp Walter - Ib wonder if it's any connection to 'Old Amos'?
Joe Olding

My main reason for contacting you is to make sure you know about the recent publication of yet another fascinating book on Borley by Peter Underwood, which he calls Borley Postscript, and which includes some interesting material and fascinating photographs never previously published. . . .[have you] a copy of my third and probably final book, From Darkness to Light: encounters with earthbound spirits, which came out last spring?
With kind regards and best wishes,
John C. Dening

We're a group of college students studying media in Essex. We're making a documentary which will hopefully be aired on LWT about the paranormal activity at Borely Rectory. We were wopndering if you could give us any contact names and numbers of people we should speak to, specifically the current vicar at the Church. As this is also an assignment we are on a deadline and pushed for time, so if you could get back to us as quickly as possible we would be most greatful.
Thank you for your co-operation
Jaclyn Clarke
[Thank you for you interest. Your time might best be spent on another location. The residents of Borley are opposed to such projects, and visitors are asked to be respectful of their wishes. Rev. Sampson is rector of several combined churches, and can be reached at: The Rectory, The Street, Foxearth, Sudbury CO10 7JG.]

Another fine newsletter -- thank you! . . . .I continue to enjoy the little glimpses you offer us of your mom via the newsletters. I'm loving reading Borley Rectory: The Ghosts That Will Not Die, and I plan to get your The Most Haunted Woman in England soon.
Linda Cody

My name is Melissa, and I'm doing my speech on Borley Rectory. I've searched everywhere and I cannot find a list of all the owners of the house. I really need this information for my speech, so I was wondering if you had that information if you would be able to e-mail it to me. My e-mail address it I am fascinated with the house! It looks so interesting I wish I was alive before the fire in 1939, because I would have loved to go and see they house myself and tour it. Thank-you so much for your help, even if you don't have the information I still would like to thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail. Thank-you so much. also I have to present my speed very soon so the sooner I get the information the better. But I don't mean to be pushy. Thank-you again!
Borley enthusiast,
Melissa Hooper
[Thank you for sending a copy of your finished report. It has been filed with the Bibliography. It is apparent you were reading the school report by Sara Garner. Inside her quotation marks, she indicated her sources. "Ravenscroft" refers to the Ravenscroft Mansion web site. In her same report, she quoted Louis Mayerling as saying the words "Let us pray" were heard there. Unfortunately, Mayerling was making it up. Mayerling also made up the phrases, "Don't, Charlie, Don't," "Any letters today" and "Carry on, man."]
Rev. Henry Dawson Ellis Bull - 1863-1892
Rev. Henry (Harry) Foyster Bull - 1892-1927
Rev. Guy Eric Smith - 1928-1929
Rev. Lionel Algernon Foyster - 1930-1935
Sold to Capt. William Gregson, Dec. 1938
Destroyed by fire, midnight, February 27, 1939
Razed, April 1944

Hi there. Regarding recent comments about Tony Cornell's statements, please notice that the reporter distorted Tony's statement. I heard about this from Tony. Perhaps you could contact him for a statement.
Carlos S. Alvarado, Ph.D.
[Do any BORLEY GHOST SOCIETY associates have contact with Mr. Cornell? He would be welcome to set the record straight on his quotation, ". . . with the introduction of mobile phones 15 years ago, ghosts sitings began to decline to the point where we are receiving none."]

Just finished reading another excellent Borley newsletter (#42). It was nothing less than absorbing and fascinating. I spent an hour and a half reading all the links and staring at the great collection of pictures. I love your newsletter, I really do. Your little essay on entropy was very deep really, and I liked it immensely. BTW; recently on Art Bell I heard something that more or less 'clicked' with me. Its just a new little theory of mine, here goes. Art was saying to a woman that there have been many stories told of people near death who saw the rooms they were in to be filled with people, people they didn't even know. Naturally, not seen by others. I listened idly and remembered this did happen to my father, and realized I attributed it to his losing his mind to the drugs he was on for pain, but he didn't seem to behave as if this was the source. I then allowed myself to make a connection I hadn't made before; they seem to be saying these dying people see ones 'on the other side' because they are more or less letting the veil drop. They are 'leaving life' I guess, not as attached here anymore. I then wondered if that could be the case with people who have seen ghosts. I wondered how many of these people are not as 'attached' to this life. Not in the way of their being suicidal, but in the way of seeing life as more than materialistic. Having an ability to recognize all isn't what it seems, right down to their instinctual level. I think Marriane was one of these. It is obvious from her words she saw more than this life shows one with appearances sake only. Maybe for her, and others like her; it is a matter of being able to 'see' the other side because they are emotionally open to the interpretation of life as being more than what it seems, maybe the dying people reach this state because they finally allow this outlook to take shape based on their personal adventure.
Barbara Clements
[Oh, absolutely! I could not agree with you more.]

Furneaux, Rupert. the world's most intriguing TRUE MYSTERIES. New York: Galahad, 1965. pp. 192-203. Map of grounds, etching of two men trying to escape stones. ("No ghost story has ever been substantiated." Reprints Daily Mail reports of June 10-11, 1929 by V.C. Wall. Uses extensive material from the SPR attack of 1956. Written prior to the 1969 rebuttal by Hastings. Chronicles how 116 newspaper articles were published after the fire. Condensation errs by having skull fragment and piece of jaw "buried in the churchyard," wihtout detailing Liston churchyard. Focuses on exaggerations by Price. Mostly historically accurate, but has its own exaggerations to prove a point. For example: "The most remarkable occurrences took place only after [Price's] arrival on the scene. Raps were heard, lights were seen, people were thrown to the ground and bricks hurtled through the air only when he was present." Price did report phenomena from his visits, but the bulk of his material is from independent witnesses relating events when he was absent. Totally inaccurate when Furneaux states, "It was curious that the words which appeared on walls, some of which stated, 'I cannot understand - tell me more," and gave the name of 'Marianne,' appeared only when Harry Price brought up the rear of the party of investigators. . . " Edwin Whitehouse clearly stated that ". . . while the place was vacant, I paid frequent visits to Borley, examining roms, rafters, and every corner of the house. We found Mrs. Foyster's Christian name 'Marianne' pencilled up on the walls . . . in some cases there was 'please help' added. . . On June 16. . . we found some fresh writing on the wall. . ." MHH, pp. 93-4. "Underneath the message ['Marianne get help,'] is printed in capitals 'I cannot understand, tell me more.' These words were written by Mrs. Fosyter, hoping that a second message would elucidate the first." MHH, p. 146. Concludes, "Price put psychical research 'on the map,' . . . but his map was all wrong.")

The Searchers Trilogy By Chet Williamson - City of Iron, Empire of Dust, Siege of Stone. Avon Books, 1998-99. "The basic premise of the series is that three CIA operatives, who, unbeknownst to themselves, are asked by a rogue CIA director to investigate paranormal activities and claims and not to find out the truth, but to debunk them and send him reports regarding these claims. . . .Famous cases, such as the investigation into the Borley Rectory hauntings, are discussed. . . ." - Review by Timothy Binga

Bland, Celia. Unsolved Mysteries. Chicago: Kidsbooks, Inc. 1998. p.26. Part of "Eyes on Adventure" children's series. Photo of rectory. (Four sentences, including innacurate statement, "When the rectory burned in 1939, a hidden skeleton was found." Only one skull fragment and a piece of a jaw bone were found 17 August 1943.) **

Spraggett, Allen. "Most Haunted House in England." Zest The News American. February 26, 1978. p. 4. Publishing data unknown. (As part of his running column, "The Unexplained," which was turned into a book by the same name. Not able to get more information on newspaper.) ** clipping only

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