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| Research department |
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Teresa Cox: National Research Coordinator: Email address |
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Teresa has been investigating anomalous phenomena for many years. Her interest stemmed from a very young age in which her family environment was very much focused in the paranormal, with her mother demonstrating psychic abilities, and living in what was described as a very ‘active’ ‘haunted’ house. Teresa’s interest in the paranormal has developed over the years towards a more sceptical and analytical approach to the subject. Teresa’s background is within academic Research Psychology (Health Psychology) in which she worked for over 10 years. She also was a researcher with the Cochrane Evidence-Based Practice and is co-author on a number of health related publications. Apart from her love of Charity shopping and producing art pastels, Teresa has a particular interest in advances in Anomalistic Psychology, and cultural influences in haunting experiences, in addition to methodological/ ethical practices in both paranormal investigations and research. Teresa’s strategy within ASSAP is to promote and develop a systematic working model of research activity, working towards a model of ‘Best practice’. She considers herself a scientist and healthy sceptic with a critical mind -“To me over 99% of reported paranormal phenomena does have a rational non -paranormal basis if investigated correctly i.e. - if the methodology is tight and valid to begin with. Only once the 99.9% can be eliminated can the 0.1% of ‘unexplained’ phenomena can be sufficiently researched”. In addition having the role of National Research Coordinator for ASSAP, Teresa is also a founding member and Paranormal Investigator with ASSAP affiliated group Anomalies Central England (ACE). |
| Training Officer |
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Nicky Sewell : Training Officer: Email address |
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Nicky Sewell is a recent psychology graduate and has a firm commitment to the scientific method. At 21 she was a charity trustee and university governor and hopes to use her understanding of charity law and constitutional matters to the benefit of ASSAP. As a qualified trainer, she is able to use these skills to help develop the organisation and its members. Research areas of interest include human factors in the experiencing of anomalous phenomena and the role of the subconscious in creating or eliciting phenomena. |
| Chairman |
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Dave Wood: Chairman: Email address |
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Dave is ASSAP's Chair. Dave is a graduate of the University of Plymouth and is co-founder of Paranormal Site Investigators (www.p-s-i.org.uk) and is co-editor of its Journal of Investigative Psychical Research. Dave's research interests are hauntings, paranormal belief, experiencer psychology and photographic anomalies. Apart from research, Dave perceives his main role in the Chair as modernising the Association. |
| Media |
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Carrie Searley: Secretary and Media Officer: Email address |
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I have always held a great interest in the perplexing world of the paranormal for over 20 years now, and even more so after having several unbelievable experiences with a local medium. I soon became an active ASSAP member 5 years ago after reading an article about our organisation in a well known woman’s magazine. It was then that I found 2 other members in the Dorset area whom I have become very fond of and have forged strong relationships with. Not only does every investigation present us with many frustrations and unexplained frivolities, we also get to meet new faces, make new friends and take a light hearted approach when the going gets tough at 3am in the morning. As well as being the new Media Officer, I have been the Equipment Officer on and off now for 3 years. In that role I keep track of ASSAP’s equipment pool and to ensure that members get what they need for their vigils. As well as being a mother of a demanding 2 year old, I work as a Private Investigator and portrait photographer. Other hobbies include song writing, boating and hold a great interest in mediumship and Ouija. |
| Treasurer |
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Wendy Milner: Treasurer & Membership Sec: Email address |
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Wendy Milner was born in an apparently haunted council house and has been sceptical ever since. However, she has retained her fascination for the anomalous and has become a seeker of a more scientific explanation for what she has experienced. A member of ASSAP for 9 years, she has been investigating and researching possible paranormal events with ASSAP for the last 5 and is also an honorary member of the Ghost Club. She is currently the Anomaly front cover artist and, in fact, most of her time is occupied with illustration these days. She was formerly Groups Officer as well as serving as Vice Chairman for a year. |
| Events |
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Clare Lewis: Events Officer: Email address |
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Clare hosts a paranormal radio show and contributes to several websites. She also runs a paranormal shop and hosts events in Cornwall. Clare takes post in ASSAP’s 30th year so as well as ensuring the smooth-running of regular events she is spear-heading promotion of ASSAP’s 30th anniversary. |
| Heritage |
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Ian Topham : Heritage Officer: Email address |
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Ian has been actively investigating the paranormal for over 19 years, most of which has been in association with ASSAP, who he became an AI for 17 years ago. Ian's key areas of research, interest and experience are within the scientific investigation of haunting phenomena and he has extensive experience in researching individual claims of the paranormal such as psychic ability, clairvoyance and mediumship. His perspective is one more from the point of view of the nature of the experience (what form they take / images / feelings, etc) and what this may tell us about such experiences, both psychologically and possibly parapsychologically. Ian co-created the MysteriousBritain & Ireland website with fellow researcher Daniel Parkinson in 2000 and when he is not abseiling into caves, trying to keep his canoe afloat and getting lost looking for ancient monuments, he can be found performing marriage ceremonies at Gretna Green |
