Helen Hodgkinson
1. Can you please tell us about yourself/group and what is it that you do?
I am the Chairperson and founder member of a ghost hunting club based in Leicester known as The All Most Group. I run a subsidiary of this called AMH Midlands which organises ghost hunts for fellow ghost hunters and members of The All Most Group.
2. How and when did you become interested in the Paranormal?
It's always been something I have had an interest in. My mum has certain psychic abilities which I have witnessed and as a consequence this has led me to search for answers within this field. My mum has ESP and quite often senses presences around her.
3. Can you please give us a few examples of the best investigations you have been on and why?
There are two - Derby Gaol and The Guildhall, Leicester. Both because they produced the most startling results as you will read about further down ...
4. What is the best Paranormal experience you have had?
Whilst investigating at the Guildhall in the Mayor's Room, I witnessed a strange light float across the room towards my direction. As it got closer, it seemed to form into the shape of a leg. However, it disappeared before it came into contact with me.
5. What is the best Paranormal evidence you have captured? (EVP, Photograph etc.)
AMH Midlands has a voice captured on tape from Derby Gaol. Throughout the night, one of the psychics present was sensing the body of a woman buried under the gaol. On playing back one video taken on the night, an unknown voice states "down there" several times as the video is pointed towards the gaol floor.
6. Have you ever had a physical reaction to a specific place?
Yes. Again, at Derby Gaol, I was in one of the condemned cells. My friends always joke about how strongly I feel the cold but at 2am in the morning I suddenly began to feel extremely hot. I proceeded to take off all my layers of clothing only for the feeling to increase rapidly. I panicked and left the cell. I immediately cooled down. Later we discovered that there had been incidences of spontaneous combustion within this room.
7. Have you ever had a visitation, or experience, from a loved one that has passed away?
No, sad to say - never.
8. What are Orbs and why do we associate them with Haunted places or
Ghosts?
This is a difficult question and one that I do not feel equipped to answer. We have caught several orbs on camera and I have to admit that not many of them resemble flies etc... But who knows!
9. Besides Ghosts what other Paranormal Phenomena do you believe in?
I struggle to believe in anything without firm proof. However, surely it is impossible for us to be alone in the universe.
10. Do you believe that Ghosts can hurt us in anyway?
Yes without a doubt. If living people can physically affect someone without touching them, why not ghosts?
11. What part of Investigation equipment do you use and like most?
I like using Psychic Circles although I do have a love/hate relationship with them. I love them when they get results but hate them when they give us nothing.
12. Is it true that Ghosts become more active at night and if so why?
I think we are more susceptible to them at night. More willing to believe in them and so more likely to see them.
13. What do you think about using Ouija Boards on Investigations (if you do use one what as been the best thing you have received through the Ouija Board)
You have to conduct such an investigation with people you know and trust well. I only take part in Psychic Circles - not Ouija Boards and only take part in these with people who I trust. I have made contact with many people on a board and some of them have been quite nasty. One in particular was extremely aggressive during an investigation at Belgrave Hall. He contacted us several times, pretending to be other spirits. His attitude was threatening and he scared us all. We stopped using the board on this investigation as this spirit was blocking all others from communicating.
14. What do your friends and family think about your chosen profession or interest in the Paranormal?
Some find it interesting, some are scared of it and some laugh at me.
15. If you had one paragraph to give to a cynic or hardened sceptic
regarding your views or beliefs on paranormal phenomena what would it say?
A hardened sceptic or cynic is unlikely to adapt or alter their views. All I would say is ... wait and see.
16. If you could meet a ghost famous or not, who would it be and why?
My nana. I miss her so much. She died before I graduated and married and I know she would have loved to have been there. I always wish to contact her on a board but I think she is aware of how upsetting that would be.
17. If you could investigate any location in the world where would it be and why?
I would love to investigate my place of work. (I am a teacher in "real life!"). Children always make up stories about ghosts and ghouls at school. I would love to see if they are true.
18. Where do you see yourself/group in the next two years and what
investigations have you got planned for the future?
In two years, I would like to think that our group has collated evidence supporting the paranormal. I hope that we have expanded enough to investigate areas abroad as well as at home. AMH is currently planning investigations at Quorn Railway Station, Grace Dieu Priory and Derby Gaol.
Helen Hodgkinson
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