Evelyn Hollow is a parapsychologist & double academy award winning Scottish writer. Appearing in radio & TV shows such as Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist, The Witch Farm, Spooked Scotland, Spooked Ireland & Crime Files. She also presented The World of The Wicker Man.

“Scarey Fest 2024 was a pleasure to speak at, organised by enthusiastic and lovely people who made sure both speakers and attendees were well looked after. An honour to be included on such a diverse and interesting line-up, and nice to see an all-female billing! An excellent opportunity for both academics and more casual members of the paranormal community. A positive experience all round.”

Personal Website: https://evelynhollow.com/

Throughout history many objects have transcended to ethereal and mythological status. From everyday objects, such as mirrors and boxes, to the more grand, such as standing stones and trees. Some are attributed positive forces (blessings, good fortune, healing etc) whilst some become feared relics (killing those who possess them) and some are even bound to mythological creatures (protected by supernatural forces).

How do these objects gain the attributes of either positive or negative influence? Why do we assign vitalistic energy to non-conscious items? What is the base psychology of assigning emotions, consciousness, and intention to inanimate objects? What role do they still play in modern society?

This talk examines both famous and obscure objects throughout world history from a lens of cognitive psychology, parapsychology, anthropology, and folklore.

Paranormal Investigator and Researcher, part of the Jamaica Inn Paranormal Team, Paranormal Consultant for Visit Somerset, Founder Member of the UK Paranormal Society, Founder of South Bristol Paranormal, and Consultant & Advisor for the Coaching Inn Group on their Haunted Hotels

“This was my first visit, and I was so honoured to be asked to speak at the 2024 Scarey South West Conference. It was the perfect setting to unveil to the public the new, fascinating history of the Jamaica Inn. The hosts, Tracey and Mark, were friendly and professional. Their enthusiasm and friendliness make the day perfect. I cannot wait to return again.”

The Jamaica Inn has been world-famous since Daphne du Maurier visited in the 1930’s, thanks to her book of the same name and film in 1939. But there is a hidden fascinating history of how the Jamaica Inn came into being and the people who lived and died at this smuggler’s Inn, hidden away on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. Karin Beasant will unravel the truth of both its history and its ghosts!

Founder of Burials and Beyond and star of the hit TV Paranormal Show Haunted Homecoming with Jack Osbourne and the documentary Spectre or Spectacle. She also co-presents ‘Loopholes’, an ongoing discussion podcast about the Paranormal and the Unexplained. Kate also co-hosts the new series of ‘Unexplained: Caught On Camera’.

“The Scarey South West Conference was an absolute delight from start to finish. With such welcoming and passionate hosts, the conference felt more like a meeting between (many!) new friends, rather than an event with a room full of strangers. The diverse talks and welcoming atmosphere made for a unique experience whereby all attendees could share ideas, thoughts and experiences in a non-judgemental environment, which is a truly rare thing. I left the conference with a full brain, full belly and with many new friends in tow. The whole experience was very professionally organised and held within a stunning venue that was both historically fascinating, but also fulfilled all access requirements for attendees. I’d return to Scarey South West in a heartbeat!”

In 2001, an unremarkable semi-detached house in Grimsby was purchased by Kate’s family. What was intended as a warm family home soon turned into three years of terror. It began with footsteps, creaks and slamming doors. Before long, the smell of burning and freezing temperatures plagued the house before the arrival of full human apparitions that seemed less than welcoming. These experiences shaped so many lives, and eventually drove the family from their house. At last, Kate looks back on these terrifying events with the eyes of a seasoned investigator, exploring the horrors of the Toll Bar house for the first time.

Founder of Haunted Histories, Paranormal Investigator, and author of 5 books on the paranormal. Penny has repeat appearances as the local historian in “Help! My House Is Haunted”, and is also a regular feature writer for Haunted Magazine.

“I was really excited to be asked to speak at the Scarey South West Conference for March 2024, with such an amazing line up of speakers, I was looking forward to hearing their talks and it did not disappoint. The Castle is in a beautiful setting, and couple that with a fantastically receptive audience and brilliant hosts in Tracey and Mark, it was a definite high point for my year so far.”

Many times “history” is told about a location on the basis of the paranormal evidence that has been found. Penny will look into some of these cases and show how the documented facts can be used to question these accepted conclusions. Are history and the paranormal a perfect relationship or should they just be friends with benefits? Penny explores whether the two do work in harmony or if there is always going to be an ulterior motive to their liaisons. Penny will also show some of her research techniques and the academic tools she uses when she investigates for one of her books, also explaining how interpretation of evidence is always open to debate…

The UK Paranormal Society is a registered charity that was set up to support and guide the public and heritage locations in relation to the paranormal. The organisation is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who all wish to promote good ethics within the paranormal and spiritual fields, and contribute to the provision of factual, helpful, and informative guides and articles. Ultimately, the charity’s vision is “A paranormal field that progresses research whilst promoting good ethical standards, protecting the vulnerable, and preserving our history and heritage.”

To follow the UK Paranormal Society on social media :-

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LinkedIn: UK Paranormal Society

As the newest paranormal charity to launch in the UK in recent years, the UK Paranormal Society are excited to introduce Leanne and Lauren, who are thrilled to be given the opportunity to speak alongside the fantastic all-female line-up. Leanne, the Vice Chair and a Trustee of the charity, and Lauren, also a Trustee, will discuss the core values and aims behind the charity. They will be answering questions such as ‘Why was the UK Paranormal Society set up?’, ‘What have they been doing since their launch?’ and ‘What are their hopes for the future of the paranormal field’. The talk will include a ten-minute Q&A where you can ask Leanne and Lauren questions and learn more about the work of the UK Paranormal Society.