By ANNIKA SMETHURST
GHOSTS from Bendigo’s past will be revisted when the Victorian Phantom Hunters attempt to speak with local spirits over the next few months.
Former Bendigo resident and founder of the phantom hunters, Troy Williams, said his team was looking for locations in the Bendigo and Maldon area to research.
“I have always had a fascination with the paranormal, I used to sit up when I was young and watch unsolved mysteries,” he said.
“However it wasn’t until I had my own experiences in a home I lived in my fascination turned more into curiosity.”
Mr Williams said there were many Bendigo sites his team would like to investigate.
“I have always wanted to investigate Fortuna Villa, however due to the military there is sensitive material there so we haven’t been allowed. Who knows maybe one day,” he said.
“The ghost of George Lansell is said to be there, he has been seen as a bearded figure; a teenage girl appears and asks people to leave, locked doors are found open, there is a smell of roses at night, footsteps and the tapping of a cane can be heard.”
Other reports of abnormal occurrences include witnesses hearing the voice of George Lansell’s second wife Bedillia who reportedly died in uncertain circumstances. Also, in 1986 a witness is said to have seen a black shape of a head and torso without legs passing through the banister of the main staircase.
“The old St Aiden’s ophanage and the Chinese museum are also said to be haunted, but we would also like to investigate some of the old houses in the Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maldon area,” Mr Williams said.
The investigation process requires months of planning and research by the phantom hunters in order to ascertain the presence of any spirits.
During the investigation, property owners are interviewed to discover information about the history of the building and records of any strange occurrences. The team then walks through the building and get a base reading of the temperature and electro magnetic energy as they claim this is how spirits are said to manifest.
Using an electro magnetic field detector and a thermal temperature gauge, the team takes base readings and monitors any fluctuations and cold spots found on the property. Digital infrared videos are also used to locate any anomalies.
Mr Williams said residents should not be alarmed if they had a ghost in their house.
“People shouldn’t panic as there is most likely a good explanations for strange events,” he said.
“However if people are concerned or have questions for
us they can contact us through our website and if we find an investigation is warranted we would be more than happy to come by.
“We investigate buildings, private residences and cemeteries and we are very discreet. We do not charge anything for investigations.”
Visit www.victorianphantomhunters.com or email Victorian_phantom_hunters@live.com for further information.
