S.A.S. INVESTIGATE HAUNTED WELSH MANSION
by Bryn Young-Roberts Close to the village of Pontblyddyn between Wrexham and Mold lies Plas Teg, a Jacobean mansion where many ghostly goings-on have been reported over the years. Local Parapsychological group The Speculative Analysis Society are among the latest of curious visitors to experience these spooky happenings first hand. Images are stock photos for illustrative purposes only. |
“I felt someone pushing me” recalls ghost hunter James Etheridge, “and then pulling me in a different direction. Sharyn then had a fit and fainted.” James, a history student, then saw a shadowy figure approach him. “We were all in the Cradle room at Plas Teg mansion. I saw outlines of people walking around the room. That’s when I got really scared.” Many witnesses recall seeing the same thing. “It was strange” says Nicola Watson, also a third year history student, “I felt someone touch me on the shoulder and then all these shadowy figures that were walking around the room just disappeared.”
“Plas Teg is one of the most important Jacobean houses in Wales.” Built near the village of Pontblyddyn between Wrexham and Mold in the early 17th century, the house has a long and spooky history. “People were hung in the Indian room of the house,” says Nicola, “which is probably why the house is considered to be the most haunted in the country and why it appeals to so many groups such as ours”. That group is the Speculative Analysis Society, which is also known as the S.A.S. for short.
According to James, 21, it “takes the courage of someone in the SAS to do some of this stuff! It’s such an adrenaline rush. It reminded me of an episode of Sapphire and Steel. I would definitely recommend joining to anyone – unless maybe they have a weak heart, of course!”
“I felt someone pushing me” recalls ghost hunter James Etheridge, “and then pulling me in a different direction. Sharyn then had a fit and fainted.” James, a history student, then saw a shadowy figure approach him. “We were all in the Cradle room at Plas Teg mansion. I saw outlines of people walking around the room. That’s when I got really scared.” Many witnesses recall seeing the same thing. “It was strange” says Nicola Watson, also a third year history student, “I felt someone touch me on the shoulder and then all these shadowy figures that were walking around the room just disappeared.”
“Plas Teg is one of the most important Jacobean houses in Wales.” Built near the village of Pontblyddyn between Wrexham and Mold in the early 17th century, the house has a long and spooky history. “People were hung in the Indian room of the house,” says Nicola, “which is probably why the house is considered to be the most haunted in the country and why it appeals to so many groups such as ours”. That group is the Speculative Analysis Society, which is also known as the S.A.S. for short.
According to James, 21, it “takes the courage of someone in the SAS to do some of this stuff! It’s such an adrenaline rush. It reminded me of an episode of Sapphire and Steel. I would definitely recommend joining to anyone – unless maybe they have a weak heart, of course!”
More commonly known as the Parapsychological Group, or “The Spooks Society” by some members, almost all have experienced a brush with the paranormal. Founding member Sharyn Williams, who has seen “ghostly orbs float about the place” at Plas Teg is convinced of its ghostly reputation. “It definitely deserves its reputation as North Wales’ most haunted place”.
It would appear that at least one famous all-girl pop act would agree with her. “Last year Girls Aloud came here to film a Most Haunted special” explains Nicola, also one of the society’s founding members. “It scared the hell out of them. It scares the hell out of me too to be honest, but I always come back for more. I think the reason they decided to film here was because you’re more or less guaranteed a ghostly encounter at Plas Teg.”
The 22 year old is quick to point out that however exciting Plas Teg is “it is only one of many trips we do a year. On average I think we do about one a month, and all of them prove to be an interesting experience for the participants. Well, for the living ones at least!”
“In fact ghost hunting is only one of the things we do in the society.” Explains Nicola, “We also investigate such things as Spiritual Healing, Meditation, Local Mythology, Divination and Psychic Phenomena, so if you’re too afraid to go ghost hunting then there is still plenty to do in the society.”
James is enthusiastic to add that “this year we have decided to add UFOs to the list of our interests” and quips “so now we are being compared to Torchwood, as well as the Scooby Gang!”
“Yeah, the Scooby Gang is another of our nicknames, but believe me the society is no cartoon.” Says Nicola, “We use some of the latest high-tech gadgets and accommodate many guest speakers on paranormal affairs. Last year we had author Gary M. Rowe give a talk and a Q&A session, and some of his work was an inspiration for an episode of the X-Files!”
“We also conduct E.S.P. tests throughout the year in order to view people’s psychic abilities” adds James, “and we’re always looking for volunteers. Unfortunately so far I’ve turned out to be the least psychic member of the society!”
“The Speculative Analysis Society is a multi-award winning society, including the Society Awards 2007 Richard Branson Award for Innovation.” comments Sharyn Williams, Chairperson and member of 2 years. “We take pride in our spiritual, as well as scientific approach to uncovering mysteries of paranormal affairs, which is probably one of the reasons why the Society has been growing from strength to strength. I think people feel comfortable expressing their views in the Society, weather they are convinced of the supernatural world or if they are completely sceptical of it.”
Now in its third year the Speculative Analysis Society has “made some adaptions lately” admits Sharyn, 21, “By popular demand we now have our own Facebook site and Radio show on Storm Fm. We are also giving many more talks and activity sessions this year than ever before.”
Speculative Analysis meetings are always open to newcomers and are held on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm Main Arts Lecture Room 5, followed by a social at the Menai Pub at 8.30 pm.
The Speculative Analysis Radio Show can be heard on Wednesdays at 7pm – 8pm and the society can be contacted via Facebook as ‘Speculative Analysis’ in the Wales and University of Bangor networks.