Spooky Isles interviews Richard Moody from Tamworth Ghost Hunters. Richard has been “investigating for a long time. I was 13 when I did my first one, now I’m in my late 40s”. He works mainly within Tamworth and West Midlands but has been asked to go further afield.
What was your first Paranormal encounter?
One of my first paranormal encounters was when I was a child. Where I grew up there was a castle on a hill called Gwrych Castle.
One of my friends lived at the castle and we used to play a game called chicken. We would stand in the middle of the staircase, halfway up by a door, and make as much noise as we possibly could. Then a voice from inside the room would say “somebody shut those kids up” then we would see who was brave enough to go into the room as we knew there was nobody in there.
One time, I was brave enough to go in on my own. When I got to the middle of the room and turn round to face the door (ready to make a quick exit if I have to), the door slammed shut and it was pitch black in there and a young girl’s voice whispered in my ear “why are you doing this to us?
Do you believe in ghosts, and if so, what is a ghost?
It all depends what you class as ghosts!! If you would have asked me “did I think there is something out there?” I would have said yes. People class apparitions, knocking, EVP, shadow people, objects being moved, and so on as ghosts but the truth is we don’t know what they are. We don’t even know whether they are related to each other?
What evidence have you personally uncovered that makes you consider ghosts are real?
It all depends what you’re classing as ghosts. I was in a graveyard on my own and I was knocked to the ground. I was sitting there saying all the F words I could think of. Then I heard a woman’s voice in my ear laughing and calling me a pussy.
Also, I took a small group out to some woods near my home and we had the ghost box/spirit box on. There is this one guy who comes through no matter where I am and one of the group said he was my guardian angel. I laughed and thought nothing more of it.
My partner has got a docking station for her Ipad and since that time in the woods it turns itself on and plays Robbie Williams “Angels”!!
There is no set time when it happens and even if we change the song to play something else it will always play Robbie and when the song finishes it plays the next song for a few seconds and then goes back and plays Robbie and Angels again!!!
Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?
I don’t tend to look, unless i’m asked to, then I give them my personal opinion and it’s up to them what they do with it
How do prepare for a ghost hunt?
I make sure the equipment is ready to go and I try to get as much sleep as I possibly can as it does take a lot out of me.
What tips would you give for someone going on a paranormal investigation for the first time?
Go with an open mind, and If you’re going on one of those paid events don’t take it too seriously. How can you gather evidence when there are 20+ people roaming around !! Remember when you go that they are there to make money from it, so ask as many questions as you want and question what they’re doing and why! And most important have fun!
What is your favourite piece of paranormal investigation equipment?
I haven’t really got a favourite. What works at a particular location is my favourite at the time.
Are you psychic? Do you consider being psychic a help or a hindrance for paranormal investigations?
I’m not a psychic, but I am aware of my surroundings, the best ever psychic I’ve come across is Google!!
What makes a great haunted location?
I don’t think it’s the location, I think it’s more to do with the people you go with.
If you could investigate any haunted location, where would that be?
Paris Catacombs.
What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
Nothing really scares me about ghost hunting. I think some of the people that go are more scary!!
In your opinion, what is the most haunted area in the UK or Ireland?
I think each area has its hot spots. I don’t particularly think there’s anywhere more haunted than others.
Read any good paranormal books or watched any good paranormal TV shows/movies recently?
I tend to read paranormal books for reference. I watch some of the paranormal shows but don’t take then too seriously and everybody likes a good horror film.
Tell us about your favourite moment from a paranormal investigation.
We take people out free of charge who have never been on a ghost hunt. My favourite moment is to witness their reaction when things start to happen – it reminds me of my early days many, many years ago.
