THE HUMAN TOUCH

David Farrant Today

Its cold. Do you know, its actually snowing now. And I hate the cold, and that includes the snow. Some people might like it as some ‘fairyland picture’, I suppose, but in reality it doesn’t do much for me, or my ability to keep writing well into the night sometimes. But its here, and I will just go on writing regardless, but having said that, I must apologise for any delays in me writing up this Blog.

I have said this before, but things have really been so hectic of late, that sometimes it makes it a little difficult to get back into a personal spell of writing. Anyway, enough of the waffle, here is what has been happening lately.

I think I have already mentioned this, but Kai Roberts’ book “Grave Concerns” on Robin Hood’s grave has just been released. I did like his assessment of events surrounding the alleged grave of the legendary outlaw, and also appreciated his narrative in chapter 6 which detailed old research about my own involvement as ‘President’ (sorry I meant – or rather he meant – Patron) of the Yorkshire Robin Hood Society.  It seems Kai spent quite a few months if not years methodically researching the book; but in reality, I was only Patron of the YRHS and not its President! (I am the President of the British Psychic and Occult Society and the Highgate Vampire Society, and that is quite enough work for one day!)

But I do wish him every success with the book, and no doubt, that appreciation should be due to other people who aided him in his research as well.

Anyway, my thanks should also go to Mike Hallowell, a former police officer turned investigative journalist who runs a paranormal column for the Shields Gazette. He has devoted his column for the past 2 weeks to a series of articles he felt motivated to write about myself and the Highgate Vampire case, after meeting me in person. The articles can be viewed here http://www.shieldsgazette.com/community/columnists/wraithscape/scary_sights_in_the_cemetery_1_4184162 and here http://www.shieldsgazette.com/community/columnists/wraithscape/reality_of_the_highgate_vampire_affair_1_4206961 I first met Mike back in 2000 when I was giving a Talk for Jon Downes’ Weird Weekend in Exeter. I travelled down there with a friend in the hot Summer months and, after a little way-searching, managed to find the old Church Hall which they had hired out for the weekend.

It was somewhat set back across the River Exe and I was greeted rather enthusiastically by Jon and some of the other speakers. I was tired. Notwithstanding I had been given a lift there in a car by a friend, but was resigned to giving a filmed Talk on the Highgate Vampire which I duly did. Its strange, but sometimes when I give Talks I have become accustomed to large groups of people questioning me extensively about facts I have raised in my Talk. It did not seem the case here, however, as the atmosphere was quiet, almost placid and I was surprised at the audience’s reaction to essential points that I was trying to convey.

At the moment Della and I are really quite tired. So many other things have been happening lately that it seems a bit difficult to put them all into an accurate contrast against those somewhat quiet Talks dating back to 2000.

Anyway, regarding more up to date events I find I have more up to date things to deal with.

I have been approached by an organisation in West Yorkshire for permission to use my involvement in a certain film. Well, as I had already signed a Release Form for this, I do not really see what the problem is, as I pointed out to them. Della and I will be in West Yorkshire anyway in June for an unrelated event which I have been asked to attend, so this coincides well with the organisation’s plans to premiere their project – which has been given more than tacit support by the local authority. I am slightly concerned because we have been offered accommodation at the Three Nuns Inn (which I understand is a highly unusual as the inn no longer offers board as a rule) but it seems that the current management have shown an interest in previous BPOS investigations of haunted taverns and would therefore like us to stay with them while we are in their neighbourhood. That is all fine, however I was rather perturbed when a regular telephone correspondent of mine from the immediate area informed me of certain developments which have gone beyond being mooted, concerning the future of the old public house, and indeed, other significant local landmarks. I suppose the wave of progress is inevitable, especially in an area with such high unemployment, but we’ll just have to wait and see. And in any case, Della has some old friends in Dewsbury who can put us up if need be.

More to follow on this forthcoming adventure I hope, but for the moment, with my apologies for the late week old Blog,

David

Its been a long and slow week. Long, because I’ve somehow lost track of real time :  slow, well, for exactly the same reason. I have always said that time is a bit of an enigma, so I am literally ‘practising what I preach’ as I write this. That said, its not as if I haven’t been busy. I have just received the edited release for the filmed Talk I gave for Atlantis Bookshop on Jan 4^th. Might have to divide that into at least 2 parts to accommodate its maximum duration of about 2 hours. So look out for that on YouTube soon.

Also I was flattered to receive an invitation to give yet another Talk in the north west of England this coming June. More of that later, but it is at a convention that appears to take the subjects of esotericism, the occult and ancient ‘witchcraft’ very seriously , and Della and myself are very much looking forward to making a weekend of it and seeing all the ‘sights’. She already has her designer wellies picked out, she’s so excited.

As well as all this I have been receiving a constant stream of visitors, many of whom are interested in my further Talks and publications. Why they seem to want to visit my humble home has always remained a bit of a mystery, but visit it they do, in abundance! And they are more than welcome. In fact I have a very special guest arriving tomorrow, who Della and myself are very much looking forward to meeting in person.

Many of you might have already seen the first part of an interview with myself by journalist Mike Hallowell. This appeared in The Shields Gazette yesterday and is to be continued next week. If not, the link is here: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/community/columnists/wraithscape/scary_sights_in_the_cemetery_1_4184162

There has also been renewed activity on the filmed project involving Gareth J. Medway, Barbara Green and a couple of other assistants on the subject of Robin Hood’s (reputed) grave at Kirklees. I understand this film is now near completion, and will be released publicly later this year. Maybe even at the Brighouse Gala? – and I cannot think of a more glamorous and appropriate setting for its debut. Many of you may remember my mentioning this film project before, but to refresh any befuddled memories, here is a still from the production taken at the graveside (see below).

But apart from all this activity I have been looking after my darling Della lately who has caught a temporary bought of flu and who has needed constant attention especially at night. Hence I am rather fatigued, from the necessity of babysitting. But, as I said at the beginning, time is really of very little consequence to myself; and to prove the point, this has been written after 3 in the morning. But Della needs turning, yet again.

So I must bid you all adieu, for now.

I think we both need a medicinal whiskey to wake us both up properly.

For the time being at least!

For the moment everyone,

David

David Farrant (left) with Gareth J. Medway at reputedly haunted Robin Hood's Grave

I have had so many enquiries from people recently, asking me to upload various interviews I have given for television programs. This can sometimes be difficult as many of the early films were only obtainable from their production companies in VHS format, and then very often had to be sent to the UK from abroad on video film. Obviously, it was often not possible to watch such films live in the UK; there was no international Sky network then, and the Internet was only just coming into its own. However, I did manage to get copies of many of these films and interviews after they had been aired in different countries. And almost without exception I was given permission to reshow these films once they had been televised.

The following film is one such example, and consisted of a variety of interviews and footage of French psychics and occultists: in particular best-selling paranormal author in France, Jean-Paul Bourre. I have not included most of this other footage in the excerpt as it is a very long and involved documentary about the Luciferian tradition in France, and, apart from which, it would necessitate getting clearance and permission from the particular people involved. Anyway, here is my own contribution to the documentary, which was televised on TF1, the main TV channel in France in 1985.

I don’t really think the film necessitates any further explanation, but I hope it satisfies at least some of your requests. The next one I have in mind, once edited satisfactorily, is an interview I gave for Italian television recently – when I say it needs editing, I literally mean that! For while this particular film involves the Highgate vampire and myself, it also covers ‘other people’s’ involvements with the same subject who may not appreciate the angle taken and footage used by the film company – especially if they were aware of the popular response by Italian viewers. Italy is (at least Rome is) the very heart and home of the Catholic Church -  whose genuine followers do not take too kindly to the somewhat morbid – if not fascinating – beliefs in ‘blood sucking vampires’.  So draw your own conclusions on that!

For the moment everyone, and enjoy the film.

David Farrant

“And now for something completely different”, as the stars of Monty Python’s Flying Circus used to say.

As a matter of fact, I knew one of the stars of the series, Graham Chapman, who used to confide in me about the series in the late 1970s.  Sadly Graham died in 1989 from cancer, but we had many a happy hour in meeting and in general chat. We often had long conversations about his film career and my own unfortunate experiences regarding my involvement in the infamous Highgate ‘vampire’ affair back in the ‘70s, and my arrest which culminated at my Old Bailey Trial for ‘witchcraft offences’ in the Summer of 1974.  I often used to be invited back to his house in Highgate for coffee, and there was no doubt he was very sympathetic regarding my experiences with the belligerent attitudes of the Metropolitan Police which resulted in my unjust imprisonment. Graham had read many of the stories in the national Press which covered my Trial, and quite frankly, he was less than impressed. A comedian by profession, but nevertheless, a person who deeply understood the more tragic sides of human nature and, as he often explained, merely sought to satirise this.

He owned a fairly large Georgian house which sat on the outskirts of Highgate Village, not far from the infamous Highgate Cemetery where the Press had maintained a ‘vampire’ existed, and all sorts of black magical activity was taking place.

He used to rest his large feet up on a pouffe in front of his favourite armchair, and pour me a whiskey, while he infrequently enjoyed a double gin.  It seems so long ago now; maybe even longer, as those times were fairly short-lived. Graham was to die of cancer not many years later after he had abandoned the house in Highgate and moved to Maidstone. But one thing I will always remember from our conversations is his attitude towards the way I had been treated. On many occasions he encouraged me to keep fighting to prove my innocence of my 1974 ‘witchcraft’ convictions. He said I should ‘never give up’ and right would always prevail in the end – but to give it a chance, which he emphasised was always essential. Maybe he was talking in part about the lighthearted attitude he used to take towards society in general; maybe he was just trying to satirise life, which he made only too clear in his comedic roles:  but with myself he was always serious, and expressed a far deeper understanding of life, than most people would ever realise.  “I think there is a great empathy between us”, he once told me. “Never give up.”

Well I never have done, and never will.

Graham’s motto always seemed to be…just publish and be damned, that way people can never accuse you of being hypocritical.

So I’ve taken his advice – at long last – and decided to make public a few experiences from the past which have hitherto remained unpublished. Nothing sensational, but events which have completely escaped the attention of the popular Press – in the UK at least.

I have just received a video of a film recording I made in 1985, for French TV. The film crew came to interview me about the occult and ‘witchcraft’ and I will be posting the film itself in the next day or so, but in the meantime, here are some stills from the TF1 transmission that apparently was so popular in France.

So watch this space tomorrow!

David

Gave another filmed Talk for the Moot last night. It was at the usual venue, upstairs at the Devereux Arms by the Temple. It was organised by Geraldine Collins of Atlantis Bookshop and introduced by Steve Wilson whom I have met before at some of the other Talks. There were some new faces there, as well as the regular ones. Gareth J. Medway conducted an interview with myself and asked quite a few questions about my involvement with the so-called Highgate vampire in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and my sentence for alleged ‘witchcraft’ offences at the Old Bailey in 1974. I also explained some of my other ‘occult involvements’ around this period, in particular the suicides of Graham Bond and Joe Meek, who had approached me prior to my Trial about the activities of the Society and my group. We also discussed the late pop singer and hopeful MP, Screaming Lord Sutch, who was planning to make a film on the Highgate phenomenon (or ‘vampire’ as it had then come to be known in the late 1960s). Della came along to give me her support, as did my son Jamie who kindly gave us a lift home afterwards in his new car. This was much appreciated, as it was a cold night, and pouring with rain, and by unexpected coincidence we actually found a place to park just near the entrance to the pub.

Arrived back at the flat around 11.30pm, but then poor Della found the job of having to cook us all something to eat. (I am seriously considering changing her pen name to Cinderella as this seems to be more appropriate to some of her activities!)

The Talk was filmed throughout by Society member and my good friend George, who has asked me to withhold his full name to prevent him going on a rival society’s blacklist. George works in the City, at a job in banking, so quite understandably he has to consider ‘respectability’ as opposed to filming somebody with a fairly infamous reputation…i.e. myself! Anyway, the film will be ready for wider distribution soon, so please keep watching this space for details.

Well, that’s all my scheduled Talks over for just the moment, but there are a couple more being planned for the Summer which, quite frankly, I much prefer to doing them in the cold dark evenings of Wintertime. On other news, I am glad to say that we now have my 3 Youtube films for availability on DVD. ‘Hoggy Hallowe’en’; ‘A Christmas Quarrel’; and the ‘Christmas Special Bloopers’. Didn’t realise these 3 moderate films are becoming so popular. But not complaining! The next film in the series should hopefully be ready for March, but you’ll just have to wait for the title!

So with that I leave you, my friends, and also a still photograph taken during the course of my Talk.

For the moment everyone,

David

The Moot Talk yesterday (Weds 4th Jan) From left to right: Gareth J. Medway, David Farrant, Geraldine Beskin and Steve Wilson.

Ham and High 29 Dec 2011

Well thank God, that whole little scenario is over!  I mean the Christmas season, in case anybody might not have guessed!  Sorry, don’t want to offend anybody, but its one time of the year that I really cannot stand, with all its pomp and commercialised hypocrisy.  People only give presents to each other – or remember each other with silly greeting cards and all that sort of thing – while millions of others around the world  are starving in poverty with little or nothing to eat or sustain them.  While we are remembering our friends or relatives; I wonder just how many give those people a thought?

Not that there’s anything wrong in being thoughtful or kind to people; but why on only a few days of the year? out of an almost compulsive obligation?  The Churches just tell you to ‘pray’ for them.  And many do – at least, pay ‘lip service’ in ‘prayers’ in the particular Church they might happen to be attending; if, in fact, they happen to attend one at all!

And ‘no’.  I am not ‘playing the hypocrite!  I recently made a film titled “The Christmas Quarrel” which involved Christmas decorations being displayed in the background of my home.  But that was  just for the set of that particular film to reflect the ‘Christmas spirit’.  If Hollywood insists on its props . . . well, at least I was only doing it for a film: not out of heart-felt sincerity for the ‘invented occasion’!  I think its what you really feel inside – not what people just pretend to feel for the sake of show.

For example, I recently saw a message board in which one proclaimed  ‘Christian person’ published pictures of himself and his partner enjoying a lavish Christmas dinner.  All lavishly cooked (for the sake of the cameras) and which, by all standards, could only have increased his dangerously increasing weight!  And what about the millions of people who might have had nothing to eat at Christmas (or any other time of the year)?  Well, no mention of them!

But getting away from that; I see the Press and other media sources are still interested in the strange case of the Highgate ‘Vampire’ (in which this author played a central part).

We are now told, that one Asa Bailey is bringing out a book and ‘fictional film’ about the activities of this so-called ‘vampire’.  The local Highgate newspaper,  the Hampstead and Highgate Express, picked up the story and decided to do a review.  I have reproduced this here (above) for the sake of all those who may still retain some interest in this 40-year-plus saga.  Some people do – indeed, still appear to do so – maybe trying to create a modern day legend upon facts which were really non-existant all those years ago.  But that’s Hollywood for you!

That’s all for now everyone.  Have a good New Year,

David (Farrant)

Well, Della and I had a very unpleasant experience today. We were in bed having an afternoon snooze when we were awoken by a loud banging on the door, and the next thing we knew a S.W.A.T. team from the Met Police were looming over us. Apparently a concerned member of the public, horrified at what he had seen on the Christmas Special, had felt it was his civic duty to report us for first degree murder!  (Technically just me, actually, Della was only charged with being an accessory).

Well, there was no deferring them to Interpol this time. We tried to explain it was all done for a gag, but the boys in blue were having none of it. They raided the flat, and seized Mr Bonky’s head as evidence. They even took our hard drives. Fortunately everything was backed up on Della’s laptop in the car, hence we are still able to communicate with the outside world (well unless our bail is revoked). That said, we were only released from custody around midnight, and even had to face the indignity of getting a nightbus home. Della was mad, I can tell you that. No Monken Hadley tantrums for her. She’s made of much sterner stuff. I think the Police were glad to get rid of her after they had questioned us separately for 8 hours. But as you shall see, we were soon in good spirits again, once we’d dried off in front of the fire (it’s been pouring in North London this evening). She was determined as soon as we got back indoors (after pouring me a whisky for the shock) to assemble this short film, to show the Police, and some misguided members of the general public, that no one REALLY got decapitated – or probed for that matter, and that we are innocent of all charges.

We hope you enjoy this little collection of rehearsals, outtakes and bloopers, and spare a thought for poor Mr Bonky’s head, stuffed into an evidence bag, most likely in a cold dark cupboard somewhere. And please, don’t have nightmares. After all, in the words of Terrence McNally – ‘It’s only a play.’ Or should that be “The play’s the thing… wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the ‘king’”…?

Sweet dreams,

David

A still from the Christmas Special

Well Its all been happening. The aftermath of the great Christmas festival I suppose. As I said before, Della and myself were working most of the way through it, and didn’t have much time to give – or even notice – the normal Christmas frivolities.  That is not really a contradiction because we were working on the completion of our much demanded film for the Christmas Special which can be viewed here:

We have had quite a bit of feedback following its final release after midnight on Christmas Day; mostly directly and on Facebook – it seems some fans are being sensible about being stalked by Mr Bonky’s head should they post their appreciation on Youtube! I suppose I can’t really blame them; that said apparently he likes it so much himself he has even kindly put up a link to the video on one of the fan sites he has taken it upon himself to dedicate to me. I should point out that I do not endorse any of these, but I suppose they are flattering in their own way, and show his appreciation for some of my numerous followers! I mean, imagine the hours and hours of thankless  effort he must put into them…

Anyway, he has done, and in doing so has given me a weird form of unsought fan adoration from the rest of the world. Some might even say cult status. On that subject I have recently received a flurry of emails from people who had never contacted me before but were asking about ordering books, and copies of the film. I’m sorry to any of you who are reading this who I have not managed to get back to yet, but I will definitely answer all your queries. I am after all only human, and its been such a hectic time. So I’ll say it again, “Cheers, Bonky!” and I hope you had a happy Christmas, even being somewhat ‘off your head’.

But seriously, there has been a lot of appreciation for the Christmas Special, and all the work was well worth it, and thank you all for your support.

On to other more mundane matters, we were just taking it easy tonight and showing the film to a few visitors. Also just catching up on a few odds and ends that have gone amiss while our time has been so preoccupied with the film. As I write, for example, Della is just relaxing by getting up to speed with her darning. I ripped a hole in my pullover the other night during the filming (accidentally) and she insisted the pullover was too good to just chuck away when a small half inch tear could be easily fixed with a bit of invisible stitching. I didn’t argue as she does enjoy sewing. She had also cooked a very delicious free-range corn-fed chicken earlier this evening, served up with Jersey potatoes, garnished with homemade garlic bread, duck eggs and asparagus, as we were having such a lazy day.   Sometimes the simple pleasures in life can be the most delicious; and certainly take much less work.

Thought you might like to see a still picture from the Christmas Special, so have posted one above. It shows Gareth, myself and the mysterious Alien. But I’ll just have to leave you all to guess who’s really playing him! (I can’t say even if I wanted to, as we are bound by contractual terms and film rights at the moment).

For the moment,

David

The Final Conflict (from the new movie)

At last, the Christmas Special is up on YouTube. Della and I have had all sorts of hang ups, both technical and involving a cocktail party in Hampstead which it would have been rude to not attend. But we did, and still managed to get the film out on schedule – albeit a few hours late. But here is the link, everyone, to make it easy for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYUr15UwO7A&feature=youtu.be

And all we can say is enjoy, and just ‘watch away’ (and we hope you do not suffer any serious brain damage from watching our little seasonal offering).

Comments would be welcome; but if you’re too embarrassed to even comment, we will understand!

Enjoy,

David and Della

Christmas Party -  All enjoying the fun!

“Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat’ – or so goes the old saying.  Actually, there’s a lot of literal truth in that old saying.  Nothing at all meaningful or profound, but it just reminds you of the days when geese were a traditional meal at Christmas, rather than the multi manufactured market of frozen turkeys.  How people can eat them en masse, I really don’t know.  But they do.  Tradition (rather modern tradition) seems to have taken precedence to taste, when the mindless masses consume platefuls of a meat so dry and juiceless that it is only disguised by varying amounts of gravy.  People stuff themselves, nevertheless; and pretend to enjoy it.  Though who knows?  Perhaps they really do!  Perhaps tradition has become so strong that acceptance of the food itself has been relegated to secondary importance.

Della and myself have decided to cook lamb for Christmas dinner.  Now there’s a meat which at least retains most of its vital juices.  And its versatile as well.  So at least no pretence there when you’re eating it; except perhaps a realisation that it is not meant to be a part of the traditional Christmas meal.  Who really cares anyway?  I just don’t like turkey, that’s all!

On another matter, our Christmas Special film is on schedule and (like our recent Hoggy Hallowe’en film) will soon be released on DVD.  That might be in the New Year, but then, it won’t really be out of date.  ‘Christmas’ might well be in the title, but the plot is really applicable to most times of the year.  It has a Christmas meaning, for sure; but its portrayed ghosts are real rather than seasonally intentional.  Blame Charles Dickens for that!

Della has a long holiday from work after tomorrow.  So I’ll have 10 days to lavish her ‘daytime affections’.  Obviously can’t do that when she’s working, but I think she’s deserved a little holiday.  We’ll probably just relax and do virtually nothing.  Well, Christmas comes but once a year,  and dear old Santa has got to have some seasonal pleasure, I suppose!

For the moment everyone,

 David.

David Farrant - Amused!

More Christmas news. I heard from one of the producers the other day, with news on their new film about the Highgate vampire and my life. The film is nearly finished, and I hope to be hosting a preview screening in the new year. Quite honestly I’ll be glad when this whole Christmas charade is over! Its not so much that I begrudge the festival for youngsters with their excitement and expectation of toys. After all we were all young once and probably all enjoyed it. I better not say any more or I’ll just be labelled asa ‘grinch’ – or at least as one of his followers. But I’ll still be glad when its over! That said, Della really enjoys it, so I suppose its not such a big sacrifice.

Other news? Well, a bit more than news, this is really a revelation. Della has just started her own Blog. She has been meaning to do this for sometime, but always stepped back from putting it into motion because of the worry of taking on more responsibility, as she is now a partner in her firm and has enough to manage as it is! I knew that the idea was there, but I never really pushed her for this reason as I wanted her to make her own decisions as and when she felt ready. She hasn’t finished the ‘About Me’ section yet, but she should have done before the weekend is out (filming permitting, and we have a LOT on tomorrow). It is beautifully laid out, and, I believe, gives a deep insight into her own thoughts and feelings. But I am not going to attempt to paraphrase her work, as it has just gone into the public domain, and any interested people can read it for themselves (and there seem to be a lot of those about!). The link is: www.dellafarrant.org. Her first 2 posts are already up, and I understand that the page she is working on, and lost some sleep over, will be really disclosing. So just keep watching that space (after you’ve watched this one, obviously!).

On another matter (but maybe not quite), there has been a lot of speculation recently about a marriage announcement that appeared online in the pages of the Ham and High. I am still not prepared to make any comment about that, despite pressure from quite a few people. All I can say is ‘Third time lucky’ – if you get my meaning! But seriously, that notification was put up by a well meaning friend, as what they thought of as a present. So in that sense it is no longer ‘secret’, but out in the public domain. But to those people, I am still saying “No Comment”. Why? Quite simply, its because its none of your Goddamn business! So I think we’ll drop that subject for now; but if anyone wants a new toaster, we’ve got about 5 of them spare, so do please get in touch! Mind you I can say that all this speculation about our private lives has given us both some cause for amusement!

Well just counting the days down now to the dreaded Christmas, although we have decided to retire from public life just for a day or two and take advantage of the holiday. Unless, of course, Della succeeds in her plan to direct and upload a short film of me giving a seasonal address to the nation on Christmas Day. I can’t really think of much to say, but as she thinks it is a good idea, and is bribing me with whiskey, I might just give it a try so my public do not think I have forgotten them completely!

For the moment everyone,

David

Well everything’s still moving fast, everyone, and I suppose before we know it we will be into Christmas week. Ironically things should slow down a bit then as everybody will have the festive season on their minds. Slight bit of amusement recently though, concerning my old friend John Bradish, and a couple of enemies he had back in 1970 who are apparently still hassling him. One particular person is trying to maintain that I was running a ‘hate campaign’ against John in the late 1960s / early 1970s, having assumed quite wrongly (I should say deliberately) that ‘fun times’ between friends can’t take place without any sinister undercurrent. I have just been reminded elsewhere of one incident of this kind that could be described as amusing, which occurred in my flat in Highgate in 1968. John was staying at the flat with my ex-wife and myself while he was sorting out alternative accommodation with the local council.

To cut a long story short, we had taken a photograph of him while he was having a bath through a faulty window. The photograph showed him sitting in the bath laughing (he just thought it was funny!). but soon after this my ex-wife Mary went away for a month or so to visit her parents who lived in Southampton. While she was away John had met a ‘wayward girl’ on his nightly travels. I was not home that particular night, but visiting a friend nearby in Highgate. Around 10 in the morning, a letter was pushed through her letterbox to the effect that I had an intruder in my flat. I thought it best to check it out, and sure enough I entered the flat to find a naked girl asleep on the sofa, with her clothes forming a trail from the front door to where she slept. I woke her up and asked what she was doing there, to which she replied the ‘owner of the flat’ had said it would be OK for her to stay there rent free until she got herself sorted out. I soon realised that it was John himself who had told her this. He’d made such a good job of it, that the girl refused to believe it was my own flat, and she even had the audacity to tell me I was trespassing! It was obviously all done as a joke. But to get ‘even’, I used some copies of the photograph we had taken of John in the bath and distributed them amongst John’s friends in the local community. He saw the funny side of it, when one of these people eventually showed him; although he wasn’t really angry, more ‘embarrassed’! So no, I was not having a hate campaign against my friend John. In fact I even invited him to my wedding reception in June 1979, and he had a really good time (see below).

John Bradish at our wedding reception in June 1979

John Bradish enjoying himself at our wedding reception!

Following this, both my second wife and myself would often be invited to his home for Christmas dinner, which continued on into the mid 1980s. In return both my ex wife and myself would invite him and his partner to our Muswell Hill flat, and in turn, cooked them dinner. I am publishing a picture (below) of one of their visits.

John Bradish and his partner on one of their numerous visits to our home, circa 1982

This was taken in 1982, and I am sure people will see from the expressions on our faces, there was no ‘ongoing hate campaign’!

So sorry to disappoint the Bonky One, but there really was no hate campaign involved, as he is now desperately trying to state on the Internet.

Christmas Special is going well (following “Hoggy Hallowe’en”) and should be released well in time for Christmas. So with that, I’ll ‘love you and leave you’ good people, and be back again very soon.

For the moment,

David.

Hi all, just a brief post for now as Della and I are getting ready to go out to a party shortly. Just wanted to make time however to show you all this – a trailer for the new Christmas Special which will be released in a couple of weeks.  We have had so much feedback from people about Hoggy Hallowe’en, requesting a sequel and further information, that we decided the numbers justified a further film for Christmas. Hoggy is still in it (see picture above) but he isn’t quite himself these days! Gareth is also in the film, see picture below, and other favourites such as the Yorkshire Dumpling and the Aliens who return to earth, and all the main characters from the Comic (and maybe even an appearance from the reclusive Della herself!). Auditions have now closed, but its not too late for anyone who would like a small supporting role to get into the festive spirit. If so, please let us know!

Well time presses on, and I have to go and make myself look beautiful for my public.

See you all soon,

David

A still from the film - Gareth J. Medway and myself

Its all been happening of late.  The new DVD has been in great demand and I heard yesterday that a supplier in the USA has offered to supply these on demand to serious occult  groups and students in America.  This will help considerably in being able to satisfy the many queries and  I have about the Highgate Vampire case from the USA and hopefully set the record straight for people who have been ‘misled’ by stories of a ‘blood-sucking vampire’ that has invariably been circulated by certain other sources.  There is a lot of nonsense out there about the case; not least about my own central involvement in it back in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s, which needs to be clarified for a few whose only source of knowledge are the claims of some ‘crackpots’ or the lurid pages of pulp fiction.  I have gone a long way in correcting much of this in the first two volumes of my autobiographies “David Farrant – In the Shadow of the Highgate Vampire” and its companion Volume “David Farrant – Out of the Shadows”, but more often than not, a visual interview is helpful to fill in the more sensational aspects of the Highgate case.

Indeed, that’s why the DVD was made earlier this year.

On another matter, I have had several enquiries about the Comic Book “The New Adventures of Bishop Bonkers”.  This was the creation of Cecil Lamont-Dwiggins (and ‘no’, I don’t know his real name, that’s a closely guarded secret!), an American who has been ‘forced into hiding’ to escape the ravings of some vengeful ‘bishop’!  Not that there is anything wrong with the comic – it is basically a satirical look at many of the false claims surrounding the Highgate saga: really, as I have already clarified above.  The characters in the Comic are, of course, all fictional and bear no resemblance to living persons (with the exception of myself perhaps, by a character bearing my real name) but that did not prevent a malicious complaint being made to Stripgenerator who designed the original cartoon characters.  It would have been the usual sort of thing naming myself as being the main perpetrator for the Comics construction.

Let me set the record straight here:  I had nothing to do with the story-line in the Comic – absolutely NOTHING! That is not to say I do not find the whole thing entirely amusing, I do!

Anyway, according to Stripgenerator the comics are of a limited commercial nature. The only request they made is to post their company credit and link, which I have now asked my people to do.  So, no ‘Seanie’ they are NOT illegal and do not contravene their terms of use. Try again.

Another very late night last night.  But I have yet another filming project coming up: a “Christmas Special” which we are trying to get completed in time for Christmas.  It all takes work  And lots of it!

Well I guess that’s about it for now: think I’m about due for a glass of wine!

David (Farrant).

What a day. I won’t even begin to bore you with everything, but we (that is, members of the BPOS and myself) have been so busy with filming details and final publishing arrangements, that as usual it has led to another late night. So I guess I better look at getting some well needed sleep (and let Della get some too!) and I’ll bring you all up to date tomorrow. I promise!

But in the meantime, just one small point I promised before that I’d like to share with you; the new Comic Book has now been listed on Amazon, Nielsens and Ebay, and if you would like to find out more about it, here is where to look: http://bishopbonkers.blogspot.com/

Sorry to be a little tired again, but good reading everyone! Sure you will enjoy the American sense of humour in respect of the whole Highgate saga.

David

Really can’t believe how much interest there is in the new Comic Book due for release this week.  It is a little overdue, but these things always materialise in the end.  If not sooner, then later!  I have already sent out some advanced copies;  anyone else interested in one, just let me know.

A little colder today,  but warm enough indoors.  At least, no ice and snow.  And Della is here again, so no need to worry about any cold nights!  Thanks for all your queries about the ‘announcement’ by the way; but I’m biding my time in regard to this.  No harm in anybody knowing,  but I’m just anxious to avoid the usual speculation and innuendo.  So, I’ll announce that when I’m ready . . . but not before!

Quite a busy night last night, and a late turning in.  But several people turned up, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, as I think they did.  Got through some wine anyway, as evidenced by the bottles this morning!  Oh, I forgot, some food as well,  so we had all we wanted! Supposed to be going back to the haunted farmhouse tomorrow afternoon, so better turn in now so that we don’t turn up late!  Took a few pictures yesterday, so adding one here (below) as I know some of you prefer to view pictures rather than read my boring text!  Till next time,

David

Just Me Again!

So  what’s news today?  Nothing really!  But the new Comic Book has now been printed.  The American film company really have done a marvellous job with it, but no doubt it will ruffle some feathers when some people get to see it.  All the old ‘stars’ are back (Mr and Mrs Teapot, ‘Trotters’,  Gareth, The Yorkshire Dumpling and Babsie, The Aliens, and me!) but a couple of new ones are featured for reference just to give everything an update.  Whatever, I found the whole thing extremely funny, even though it is a parody of some peoples’ interpretation of myself!  But no harm done.  I just wish that some people were able to laugh at certain situations (and themselves) as I and some other people can!

What else.  Oh yes . . . Yet another attempt to ‘hack into’ material on my main Website.  But we do know who the two culprits are, and their IP’s have been logged and they have been reported to the appropriate quarters.  Not really any ‘Roman Imperialism’ here; just a couple of sad people who seemingly have nothing better to do than ‘hero worshipping’ myself (in their own strange way); at least, to give me some ‘self importance’ to which I’m certainly not entitled!

As an aside, did you know that Colchester was the old Roman capital of England?  Sure that’s an historical fact, but many people would have to go ‘up hill and down Dale’ to remember that.

Been a comparatively quiet day apart from all that.  Few more letters to write, then think I’ll get an earlier night (earlier than last night, I mean).  But still time for a little more wine, then got to get ready for some more guests tomorrow night . . . then Saturday!

Anyway, the new Comic Book has now been published.  So anybody wanting a reserve copy, just let me know.  It’ll be available in shops and on Amazon soon, in any event.

So, I’ll wish you adieu now my Friends,  For the moment,

David Farrant

Very late night yesterday.   Jamie came to London with his friend Jo, and we all stayed up talking until the early hours.  There was food available, and a few bottles of wine. Della was here as well, but you can’t see her as she was the one that took the photograph!  (Sorry ‘Seaniekins’, but no doubt you will still keep trying: whoops, lets just wait for the next wild guesses!).

 In fact, just a quiet family evening, very relaxed.  Personally, I needed it after all the frenetic activity of late.  What with deadlines to meet; film scripts to study, and a host of other things, it made a pleasant change.  Just a quiet evening, and believe me, we all needed a bit of a rest!  Well, we had one!  So sorry to disappoint any of my ‘critics’ (in reality, only two of them!)  who are quick to proffer accusations of ‘drunkenness’, while admitting to consuming a whole bottle of wine solo at Hallowe’en!  (The mind truly boggles!).

 Jamie and Jo left earlier today as they still had a 2-hour drive or so to get back to where they lived.  I have to admit though, that Della and myself didn’t make it back to the ‘land of the living’ until around 4.30 this afternoon, and it was almost dark no less!  It was certainly a bit late to send a few proposed letters, but, ah well, always another day for that.

 On a another matter: Della and I have received several emails from people asking why Della has changed her Internet name to Della Farrant.  Well, there are just some questions that we are just not obliged to answer (sorry, don’t mean that to sound in any way rude),  but you’ll just have to wait and see about that!  When we’re ready we will announce the truth about that.  Its really not that we don’t want to share it with most of you who are genuine people;  but, as I said, I have one or two obsessive critics who would only pervert such personal information to their own personal advantage.  So sorry, you will just have to wait and see.  I will tell you when we are ready!

 And that’s just about it!

 Quiet night in tonight – though I expect I will still be up long after many of you have gone to bed!  For now,

 David

Well, as I said in my last Blog, Della and myself have been kept pretty busy lately. I’ve already mentioned the recent radio broadcast, and I think given you updates on the new book – I am talking the second volume of my personal autobiography, and I think that I had 2 more Talks lined up to discuss this (as it covers an important period of my life) and to answer questions from any interested parties in person. I will be getting a small fee, but this is really only a formality. I really mean this, I am not interested in a few pounds (although this does help to cover out of pocket expenses) but only concerned with setting the record straight. Apparently, many other people are also interested in this, and hence the reason for the invitations, as well as the chance to meet yet more new people.

I believe I have mentioned Trish here, and she is also another person who seems dedicated to finding out the truth behind the Highgate ‘vampire’ legend. She has been a great help to Della and myself. This interest is especially prevalent in Asia; so much so that during her studies in Thailand she made contact with a couple of other authors with an interest in the esoteric who said they would be very interested if she could complete her book giving ‘inside facts’ into the subject – as they put it. She’s in London at the moment but having some problems with a rather meagre job. Usual situation; rent has to be paid, money needed for food and living, and all things like that. Hopefully the situation does not appear so bad as it was a couple of weeks ago and her job has now been secured without her needing to leave the country for Christmas and thus avoiding any problems with her visa.

Anyway she’s much happier with the situation as she explained last night when she turned up for dinner with her boyfriend Tony. Now, we’d already told her there was no need to bring food as Della was cooking a special meal – which she in fact did! But they both turned up with a huge Chinese takeaway apparently at the insistence of Tony who had not understood the eating arrangements. So we ate that instead! And had a few glasses of wine. No real problem as Della’s meal can easily be reheated tonight and I’m sure it will not have lost any of its succulent flavours. Trish was also very pleased because I had managed to secure a scanner for her which would save her the trouble of having to use my own all the time. They left around 1am, after we’d called them a taxi. Buses had stopped and in any event I wouldn’t have trusted Tony’s ability to get her home safely. He’s a nice guy. But I just think he had one or two glasses too many of wine (Sorry Tony but you’re still welcome again as long as you don’t break anything next time!).

That’s it really, except the latest news is that the second edition of the Comic Book is now completely finished and has already started to go into circulation. I think you’ll love it! I can’t give too many details yet before it hits the main suppliers, but can give you a ‘taster page’ to give you the rough idea! (and as usual I’ll probably get into trouble for doing that!)  As well as that we’ve been working on another film for Christmas, and links will be provided to that here in good time. By the way, auditions for that are still being held, so if anybody is interested in a part please just let us know!

So, I ‘love you and leave you all’ for the time being, and next Blog in a day or so.

For now everyone,

David

Get the ear-plugs somebody!

Well, hope some of you managed to listen to the Micah Hanks Graylien Report broadcast last night, the link to which I enclosed in my last Blog. I’m happy to say that this has had a good response, and Micah will soon be sending me a link to a condensed archive of my part in it for any of you interested in my involvement.

Such a busy Hallowe’en, really! SO MUCH has happened, you would hardly believe me if I told you. Well, I’ll just keep you all guessing at this stage, but keep watching this space and it might enlighten a few of my fans about my personal relationships with the opposite sex; although having said that, that is really none of anybody’s business! But as this Blog is more or less a personalised diary, I think I would be ‘cheating my ardent followers’ if I left this out. By the way, thanks for your observations today Rose, but at the moment I still have to say … “No comment!” But all will be revealed shortly.

In the meantime, here is a little picture of some of a calmer moment from yesterday’s events. It was just to seal an earlier ‘activity’ that had taken place a few weeks before…but I’m still not going to tell you at the moment!

Enjoy anyway, and no, Hoggy, don’t even bother. You will never find out anything unless or until I choose to let people know!

David