I am a hardened sceptic; let's get that quite clear, cynicism is virtually a way of life. I am the first one to look for the correct scientific explanation for reports of UFOs, ghosts, cryptids and the like.
My wife, however, tends to believe in everything paranormal until proved otherwise, and we have had many loud, long and interesting arguments conversations about said subjects.
So that's us sorted, you know where we stand.
About twenty years ago, my wife and I, with our collie dog, Sally, were visiting a local picnic and beauty spot known as Burbage Common and Woods, which is only a short drive from where we live. The Borough Council had just opened a previously shut-off stretch of woodland, so deciding to explore; we walked down its length to a style that led to a field. Not wishing to go further, and as dusk was falling, we began making our way back to the car park. My wife was slightly ahead as I had stopped to put Sally back on her lead when I saw something strange.
A man ran between two trees a short distance away, framing him as he moved without a sound. He had not been there previously and did not reappear on the other side of the 'frame'. The manner of his dress was most surprising; the man sported a "pudding bowl" haircut and was wearing black clothing with a square cut white collar, and knowing my history as I do, I could not help but think he was dressed as a Puritan. I did not linger after seeing this strange fellow but carried straight on, as did the usually "barky" Sally without a murmur. Seeing the look on my face, my wife asked what was wrong, and I said I would tell her at the car.
Now, as I said, my wife loves a mystery and, possessing a library reader's ticket, went to the local library the very next day to check the Parish Records where she found an entry dating from the time of the Act of Conformity (1662). It told of the parish constable and his men breaking up a meeting of non-conformists before pursuing the tub man (who would preach to his congregation from an upturned pail, or similar) through Burbage Woods. Spooky stuff, especially since I had no idea of the Common's history.
We have been back there several times on our own and with other interested people and have seen nothing since.
Did I see the ghost of this poor preacher fleeing from the constable's men, and if so, did he meet an untimely end at their hands?
Was it the recording of a dramatic event as per the Stone Tape Theory?
Was it just a magpie startled by Sally, my imagination making me see a running figure?
I remain sceptical but accept I cannot explain the sighting or the remarkable connection to the parish records.
Kyt Wright.
