Conference_recap

ASSAP Conference 2026: 45 years

Friday evening's activities had ASSAP have exclusive hire period of The Commandary, a team of early bookers went to experience a seminar history and ghost inspired tour, Bjorn Licht our new resident editor was our ASSAP representive.  Photos coming soon! The Commandery is most famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the deciding battle of the English Civil War – the Battle of Worcester 1651.  2026 commemorates the 375th anniversary of the battle.

After many weeks of scorching heatwaves, the heavens opened up for a significant heavy downpour as the entourage returned. Coupled with a fire occurring in the oven, the arranged pizza spread, nibbles, and drinks were running late. Followed by small shallow pillows, and seagulls squarking as the sun began to rise! 



Saturday

A two-year hiatus, the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena returned with a strong opening day. Steve Parsons kicked things off with a warm welcome and a state-of-the-ASSAP address, reflecting on the organisation’s journey and current direction.

The talks began with Dr. Mike Benbough-Jackson delivering a humorous yet thought-provoking presentation on “sky sausages” and other strange Fortean accounts from the 1940s involving anomalous sky-rocket aerial phenomena. Brian Hoggard followed with a fascinating exploration of protective “witch marks” and texture marks found on historic buildings, with a particular focus on examples from Worcestershire — several of which conference-goers visited during the weekend at the Cathedral. 

Dr. Ann Winsper took us across Europe to examine legendary stories from Poland, including mermaid folklore from the western side of the continent. Deborah Hyde then dove deep into British dragon lore, unpacking the rich traditions and meanings behind these mythical creatures.

Luke Knight of the Somerset-based Knight’s Tales podcast shared some of his most intriguing local investigations, giving attendees a taste of contemporary strange phenomena happening on our doorstep. Dr. Paul Rogers followed with a deep dive into the enduring mystery of the Dodleston messages, while ASSAP President Lionel Fanthorpe explored concepts of multi-reality — the idea that parallel universes may be interacting with our own at all times, a multi-real. 

A lively panel discussion featuring Dr. Mark Fox, Dr. Kate Cherrell, Dr. Paul Rogers, and Dr. Mike Benbough-Jackson sparked plenty of conversation, before Dr. Mark Fox closed the day’s formal proceedings with his presentation on Testimony and Transcendence. Was able to finally ask the question whether Mark was the person mentioned as “Mark Fox” in Frank Earp 2 further Gnome reports, alas the answer was no!  

The evening brought a lively gala dinner complete with a hypnotist whose performance left everyone both entertained and slightly bewildered. The chaotic and colourful show had attendees buzzing with questions: were the participants truly unconscious, or were they aware of their bizarre behaviour? The night was filled with good food, plenty of merriment, and lots of laughter. Plenty of conversations continuing deep into the morning hours. 

The venue proved ideal with plenty of healthy comments — with the conference room, reception, café, student union, and accommodation all conveniently close together. This layout kept the group together, encouraging plenty of late-night conversations and socialising that really captured the spirit of the weekend.

Sunday 

Joanna Walpole followed with a fascinating insight into Chingle Hall, Britain’s most haunted house, drawing on her years as a tour guide there and sharing plenty of first-hand experiences from both herself and visitors. Dr Kate Cherrell then took us to the Binbrook Witch House, a place with a dark and notorious history that sparked a lot of discussion and interest. Karin Beasant and Lisa Dolman launched their new book focused on the Jamiaca Inn, and gave a talk on “So You Have a Haunted Venue… But Can You Trust Its Story?” It highlighted the growing need for proper historical research and paranormal consultants who get the facts right, how those aims can be aligned together. 

 

After lunch, SCIREs Andy Guy spoke assertively about evidential excellence and the importance of proper data collection and logging in paranormal research. Professor Rob Gandy followed with his presentation on the Wraiths of Rivacre Road, a stretch of road with a long reputation for strange encounters. Sarah Pilkington then explored the eerie happenings in Clapham Woods, covering disappearing people and animals, strange séances, and the unsettling atmosphere that draws certain groups to the small area. The day closed with Dr Luke Devine and Casey Maeve’s combined presentations on the occult and the mystical in classic literature, with a particular focus on Sapphos from the Island of Lesbos. The feminist archetype and the haunting figure of philosophy, whose writing and symbolry survives only in incomplete fragments. An analogy drawn for the tragedy committed against women by the centuries of patriarchal dominance. Inspiring Natalie Barnley and the Cult of Sapphos. Dr Divine mentions Sapphos by connection in his presentation. Pulling from Machen, all forms can have presence, vibrations existing in many states. Machen's writings in turn inspired many authors, including Stephen King. Their talks were praised for highlighting the strong feminine academic presence and positive LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within the paranormal community, along with the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

 
 
The formal part of the day ended with the AGM for ASSAP members only. There was no major business, but the treasurer’s accounts were discussed and the reports will soon be available on the website. Steve then officially closed the conference, followed by a big pack-down as everyone headed home. Rob Gandy raised query about bringing Anomaly to be a digital, academia .edu like publication format as they become available, through a dedicated portal. Overall, it was an accessible weekend with great speakers, friendly atmosphere, and excellent value for money. The venue and pricing got consistent praise, and it was wonderful to see the ASSAP president and so many committee members in person.