Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 07/02/09

Duration 22.00 - 04.30

Members : 15

Weather: Icy & Cold

What better way to kick off our investigations in 2009 with a trip to a theatre. Like the previous August we embarked upon Eastbourne, only this time for the Devonshire Park Theatre. The theatre was built in 1884 and improved in 1903. It's ornate decor has thrilled theatre goers since the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself frequented the establishment a number of times. As we arrived Dave was once on hand to greet us and let us in to our relief as we were slowly freezing!

The complex was being re-wired so a lot of builders mess around but we were all thrilled as we would have the entire building to ourselves! A few uneasy feelings were felt around the place upon entry! Clint D and Lorraine S felt a rush of energy around the front stalls near the stage, and April felt as if we were being watched from one of the royal boxes. This was before we had even set up! A few members had a quick walk around whilst we waited for the rest of the group. The base station was set up in one of the royal boxes on the ground level nearest the stage as this seemed to be a practical location. We decided to aim one camera facing up into the second tier balcony, a second camera facing a corridor that eventually leads back up to the main foyer, and another facing the stage. During setup our newest member Nick arrived and was introduced to the group and seemed eager to get stuck in. One or two members seemed slightly spooked by the toilets at the rear of the stalls and an area that led down some narrow steps which eventually led us under the stalls, this felt very unpleasant. But this may have been down to the claustrophobia feel that it had, in any case it wasn't safe enough to conduct a vigil. After setup Adel planted her trigger objects and we were ready to roll.

Angie, Liz, Clint D and Lorraine S blessed the safe room before we started. This would act as an area for anyone to go to if the felt scared or shaken through the night. It was specially blessed and cleared and all negativity in the atmosphere banished. Just before the opening prayer Angie seemed very upset and had to leave the room, an evil presence was picked up by one or two members also. After settling down is was time to get underway. Clint D, Ben, April and Adel covered the top balcony, Angie, Helen, Clint S, Amy, Nick and Lorraine S took the backstage area and corridors. Finally Liz, Emma, Lorraine N and Ed covered the corridor and foyer area. Garry was on monitor and base station.

The group backstage seemed a little on edge after their vigil. Feelings of being followed down the corridors, Angie picked up on a female presence and a very oppressive feel in one of the dressing rooms, which another group would pick up on later. The group in the gods, had an interesting hour also, there were constant shuffling noises emanating from seats close by and some unexplainable knocks. As Clint D sat in one of the seats he soon after shot up and hurriedly backed down the steps. Luckily Ben, April and Adel could validate why. They all heard a noise similar to that of a rustling bag as if someone had sat down right behind Clint D. This shook the guys in the balcony for a while. The group in the corridor had some form of activity, a few cold spots and a voice was heard by Liz that seemed to say "I'm here."

Certainly a good start. A quick break and we were ready for a swap round. Clint D's group went backstage, Angie went to the corridor area and Liz's group took the top balcony. Clint D's group were very spooked by the backstage area. It seemed to be the corridors that felt the worst, on the second floor along one of the main hallways. All the guys in the group heard what sounded like a female moan, clearly audible and putting the jitters up the guys! They then proceeded to the dressing room in question. Ben picked up upon a female in the room. Now whether or not this was a coincidence, but April started to ask out, and there seemed to be consistent replies, but through the lights around the mirror in the dressing room. Several tests were conducted however. The seemed to dim or increase upon request. The room then took on a very sad feel rather that nasty. But scary nonetheless. Ben seemed to think Phyllis was significant name. The group in the gods experienced the same noises and feelings as the first group who went up there. Female presences were again being picked up by the group in the corridor. Vigil two drew to a close so time for an extended break before setting up the séance.

The séance was set up directly behind the safety curtain on the stage. Sadly no real developments in the séance, the planchette had very weak movements. No real information for us to go on either. We decided to pack the board away and do a group walk round backstage. Nothing of any significance picked up on this walk round. The Drivers decided to get some rest, the remainders of the group, conducted other vigils where they perhaps hadn't looked at yet. An interest occurrence at this theatre is that of a tap that turns itself on in the females toilets by the main entrance, as a point of interest unbeknown to them two different members during the night had to go in and turn the tap off twice! Very interesting. Angie had put a small bell attached to a chair in one of the main corridors early on in the night. Toward the end of the night, both Angie and Clint S heard it ring, no wind or draughts involved, no one else in the corridor. Had an usher form years gone by popped by to say hello? It certainly stirred some excitement.

Once again another investigation drew to a close and it was time to pack up and head for home having been privileged to have access to such a splendid location. Thanks once again to Dave for being patient and allowing us into this wonderful location and to astral friends who stopped by to say hello. Until next time.

PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR AN AMAZING PICTURE TAKEN BY HELEN ON THE NIGHT THAT IS INCREDIBLE! WATCH THIS SPACE.

SPRG 2009