Past Psychics & Mediums

November 2 2025

Colin Fry and the Séance Trumpet Incident

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Colin Fry and the Séance Trumpet Incident – Lessons from a Medium’s Journey by Kristian von Sponneck, Psychic Medium & Psychic Entertainer

When we talk about public mediumship in modern times, few names evoke as much recognition — or as much discussion — as Colin Fry.
For decades, Colin stood as one of Britain’s most prominent spiritual figures, filling theatres, appearing on television, and helping countless people find peace after loss.
But among the admiration and applause lies an event that would follow him for the rest of his life — the séance trumpet incident, a moment that changed both his career and the conversation around physical mediumship forever.

This post looks at that story not as gossip, but as a lesson — one that still resonates for anyone who works within the field of psychic mediumship today.

Who Colin Fry Was

Colin Fry was, at his heart, a communicator. Born in Sussex, he reportedly began showing psychic sensitivity from a young age and dedicated his life to demonstrating spiritual survival. By the 1990s, he was touring internationally, recording television programmes such as 6ixth Sense, and performing in packed venues across the UK and Europe.

He was known for his polished presentation and sincere tone — articulate, respectful, and deeply human. People who saw him live often said the experience was gentle rather than theatrical; that he had a way of making even sceptics feel at ease.

But early in his career, during the height of the physical mediumship revival in Britain, something happened that would define a turning point in both his professional life and his reputation.

The Séance Trumpet Incident

The story dates back to the early 1990s, when Colin — still relatively young and performing under the working name “Lincoln” — took part in a physical mediumship séance held in a darkened room.

The event, organised by a Spiritualist circle, was designed to demonstrate traditional forms of physical phenomena such as object movement, spirit voices, and the levitation of the so-called “trumpet” — a conical metal or cardboard device historically used to amplify spirit sounds.

The atmosphere was, as these sittings often were, deeply charged with anticipation. Participants were seated in near-total darkness; the medium was restrained in a chair to ensure authenticity, and observers waited in silence for evidence of spirit movement.

But at one point during the séance, the lights were unexpectedly turned on — and what the group saw reportedly shocked them.
Colin, who was believed to be secured in his chair, was standing in the centre of the room holding the trumpet himself.

In that moment, decades of faith, expectation, and scepticism collided. For believers, it was confusing; for critics, it was confirmation of their doubts; for Colin, it was the moment that would shadow his reputation for years to come.

Understanding the Context

To understand how such an event could happen, it’s important to remember the environment of physical mediumship during that era. Colin Fry and the Séance Trumpet Incident | Beyond Mediumship

The late 20th century saw renewed interest in traditional séance phenomena — ectoplasm, levitation, trumpet voices — all practised under controlled darkness. The intention was sincere: to recreate the conditions of early Spiritualist circles and validate the continuity of life.

But darkness also presented risk. Even the smallest lapse of protocol could undo credibility. And when that room flooded with light that night, all sense of mystery turned instantly into suspicion.

Accounts vary about exactly what occurred, but what is agreed is that the event was genuine — and devastating. The community reacted with dismay, and Colin withdrew from public physical séances shortly afterward.

Colin’s Response and Evolution

In the years that followed, Colin Fry reinvented himself.
He openly acknowledged the incident in later interviews, referring to it as a profound learning experience. He stated that it happened early in his development and that, from that moment forward, he decided to focus exclusively on mental mediumship — the form of communication that transmits messages clairvoyantly, clairaudiently, or clairsentiently, without the theatrics of physical phenomena.

That decision proved to be one of integrity.
He went on to have a long and respected career, filling theatres, writing books, and becoming one of Britain’s best-known public mediums. For many years, audiences embraced him again — not for spectacle, but for his compassion, sensitivity, and calm authority on stage.

Lessons for Modern Mediums

The séance trumpet incident isn’t simply a footnote in history; it’s a mirror reflecting the challenges of working with unseen forces under public scrutiny.
It reminds every medium — myself included — that the responsibility of this work goes far beyond performance.

Here are the enduring lessons Colin’s story leaves us with:

Transparency Is Essential

Mediumship thrives on trust. Once trust is broken, even unintentionally, it takes time and humility to rebuild it. Colin’s eventual openness about his mistake helped restore his integrity — and showed that honesty can outlast embarrassment.

Authenticity Over Theatrics

Physical phenomena can be powerful, but the true heart of mediumship is emotional evidence — the communication of love, memory, and identity. Colin’s later work demonstrated that connection doesn’t need props or darkness; it needs sincerity.

Development Requires Humility

Every medium, no matter how experienced, goes through learning phases. Colin’s incident happened in his early career, and he owned it. In a field often surrounded by ego and competition, humility remains the strongest safeguard of authenticity.

Public Perception Shapes the Whole Field

Whenever a prominent medium faces controversy, it ripples across the entire spiritual community. The trumpet incident became a talking point not just about one man, but about mediumship as a whole. That’s why integrity must always come before publicity.

A Balanced Legacy

Colin Fry passed away in 2015 after a long illness, leaving behind both admirers and critics — but above all, a legacy that continues to shape the way modern mediums present their work.

He brought mediumship to mainstream television audiences with professionalism and polish, helping to remove the fear and superstition that had long surrounded the subject.
For thousands who sat in his audiences, he represented comfort and credibility.

And yet, the early scandal that haunted him also gave him depth and realism. It showed that even mediums, like everyone else, are human — capable of error, reflection, and growth.

In that sense, Colin Fry’s journey mirrors the very essence of Spiritualism itself: progression, through experience, toward truth.

Reflections as a Working Medium

When I reflect on Colin’s story as an unguided medium — one who works directly with Spirit rather than through an intermediary guide — I see not scandal, but evolution.

Mediumship, like any human art, requires vulnerability. The power of Spirit isn’t shown in trumpets or flickering lights; it’s shown in the quiet accuracy of a message, the emotion on a sitter’s face, and the peace that follows validation.

Colin’s later years embodied that understanding. He moved beyond the need for dramatic proof and focused on empathy, humility, and the sacred responsibility of communication.

That is the Colin Fry I choose to remember — the teacher who learned the hard way that the truest evidence of Spirit is love, not levitation.

Colin Fry and the Séance Trumpet Incident – Final Thoughts

The séance trumpet incident stands as one of the most discussed episodes in modern mediumship, but its ultimate value lies not in controversy — it lies in what it teaches.

For those of us who serve the public as mediums, it is a reminder that our credibility is our craft, and our integrity is our proof.

Colin Fry’s life demonstrates both sides of the path: how quickly trust can be shaken, and how, with courage and honesty, it can also be restored.

He remains, to this day, a pivotal figure — a man who brought Spirit communication to a new generation, learned from adversity, and showed that truth and humility will always shine brighter than any trumpet in the dark.

You may like my last post, click the following to read Who Can Come Through in a Mediumship Reading

Colin Fry and the Séance Trumpet Incident

October 31 2025

Remembering Doris Stokes – The People’s Medium

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Remembering Doris Stokes – The People’s Medium by Kristian von Sponneck – Psychic Medium & Psychic Entertainer

There are names in the world of mediumship that evoke instant affection — figures who brought comfort, credibility, and compassion to the art of spirit communication. One such name is Doris Stokes.

For many in Britain, especially through the 1970s and 1980s, Doris wasn’t just a psychic medium — she was the medium. A household name. A woman whose gentle voice and sincere manner touched hearts far beyond the walls of Spiritualist churches.

Today, decades after her passing, Doris Stokes remains a symbol of what mediumship can be when it’s grounded in empathy, humility, and human warmth.

The Early Years – A Gift in Ordinary Surroundings

Doris Sutton (later Stokes) was born in 1920 in Grantham, Lincolnshire — the daughter of a working-class family. Like many natural mediums, her gift appeared early. She spoke of sensing Spirit as a child, often in ways that frightened her before she learned to understand what was happening.

Her life was not easy. She worked in factories, married, raised a child, and suffered significant personal loss. But it was precisely her life experience — the pain, resilience, and love — that shaped her compassion and made her so relatable to ordinary people.

When she later described the Spirit world, she did so without grandeur or mystery. To her, the afterlife wasn’t an abstract philosophy; it was an extension of love itself.

From Church Platform to Public Stage

Doris’s journey as a working medium began modestly, through Spiritualist church demonstrations in London and around the UK.
In those early post-war years, many sought comfort after the immense losses of the Second World War. Doris’s gentle manner and matter-of-fact approach reassured people that their loved ones had survived death and were still aware of them.

Her reputation grew through word of mouth — one heartfelt message at a time.

By the 1970s, she had become a regular fixture at major venues, including the London Palladium, where she demonstrated mediumship before packed audiences. Her shows were not theatrical; they were intimate, conversational, filled with laughter and humanity.

What made Doris remarkable was her tone. She didn’t “perform” Spirit communication — she shared it.
Viewers at home, watching her on television or listening to her radio appearances, often said it felt like talking with a kindly neighbour who just happened to speak with the departed.

Television, Books, and Bringing Mediumship to the Mainstream

At a time when psychic mediumship was still considered taboo or fringe, Doris’s sincerity helped bring it into the mainstream.
She appeared on television talk shows and in documentaries with a natural grace that won over sceptics and believers alike.

Her best-selling autobiographies — beginning with Voices in My Ear (1980) — gave an unprecedented glimpse into a medium’s inner world.
She wrote candidly about doubt, exhaustion, illness, and the emotional responsibility of her work. She made mediumship human.

Through her books and interviews, Doris didn’t preach or dramatise; she comforted. She showed that faith in the Spirit world could coexist with practicality and humour.

A Medium of the People

What truly set Doris apart was her accessibility.
While many mediums of her time sought mystique, Doris remained grounded. She spoke in plain language, laughed easily, and approached Spirit communication as service, not spectacle.

She referred to her ability not as a gift of superiority, but as a responsibility of love:

“I’m just a telephone exchange between two worlds,” she often said.

To her audiences, that simplicity was disarming — and authentic. She didn’t claim to have all the answers. She offered what she received, and she trusted Spirit to do the rest.

Criticism and Controversy

As with all public figures in psychic work, Doris faced scepticism and controversy, particularly from the scientific and sceptical communities. Investigators questioned the methods and accuracy of public mediums, and Doris was not exempt.

However, even her critics often conceded that her intentions appeared genuine. Whether one believed or not, few denied her compassion or the comfort she brought to grieving families.

To this day, she remains a reminder that integrity and warmth matter more than theatricality or fame.

Her Passing and Continuing Legacy

Doris Stokes passed away in 1987, but her influence never really faded. Her books remain in print. Recordings of her demonstrations still circulate among Spiritualists, mediums, and historians.

For many working mediums — myself included — she stands as an early model of professionalism and humility in a field often misunderstood.
She proved that mediumship could be done with dignity and without sensationalism.

She also helped bridge the gap between traditional Spiritualism and a broader public curiosity about the afterlife. In doing so, she quietly shifted public consciousness toward acceptance of spiritual communication.

Doris Stokes and the Modern Medium

Today’s generation of mediums — including those of us who blend contemporary presentation with deep spiritual ethics — owe much to the groundwork she laid.

Her style wasn’t about speed, technique, or “wow moments.” It was about listening — to Spirit, to emotion, to silence.
In that sense, her mediumship was profoundly Spiritualist — a service of love rather than proof, a bridge rather than a performance.

When I watch clips of Doris today, I’m struck not by the messages she gave, but by the feeling in the room.
There’s a softness, a tenderness, a sense of care that transcends the words. That, I believe, was her true mediumship — to make people feel seen, loved, and less alone.

Lessons from Doris for Modern Practitioners

If Doris were alive today, in an age of social media and “psychic entertainment,” I believe she would remind us of a few timeless truths:

Keep it simple. Spirit doesn’t need embellishment.

Stay humble. The work is not about the medium; it’s about the message.

Be compassionate. Mediumship is emotional work — always hold it with care.

Serve with sincerity. Fame fades; integrity endures.

Those values are as relevant now as they were when she first stepped onto the platform.

Remembering Doris – The Spirit That Endures

Doris once said,

“When I die, I shall go on working from the other side — that’s where the real work begins.”

Many Spiritualists believe she’s kept that promise. Her influence lives on through the comfort her books continue to give, the mediums she inspired, and the generations who first learned about life after death because of her gentle voice.

She taught the world that Spirit communication, when done with love and sincerity, is not about the dead — it’s about life continuing.

Remembering Doris Stokes – The People’s Medium Final Reflection

Doris Stokes opened a door for millions — a door between this world and the next, but also a door in the human heart.
She showed that mediumship could be an act of compassion, not performance.
And she left behind a legacy that continues to guide, inspire, and comfort all who believe that consciousness survives and that love endures.

For me, as a working medium in a very different era, Doris remains a benchmark of what the work can and should be: honest, heartfelt, and human.

So this post isn’t just remembrance — it’s gratitude.
Thank you, Doris, for showing the world that speaking with Spirit can be done with gentleness, humility, and grace.

And thank you for reminding us that the true message of mediumship is not death — it’s continuing love.

You may like my last post, click the following to read The History of Halloween – A Spiritualist’s View

Remembering Doris Stokes – The People’s Medium

October 24 2025

Derek Acorah and the Infamous “Kreed Kafer” Possession

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Derek Acorah and the infamous “Kreed Kafer” possession: Every profession has a moment that changes public perception—an incident that defines how people view it for years to come. In the world of televised mediumship, that moment arrived with Derek Acorah and the now-legendary “Kreed Kafer” possession.

It was supposed to be another gripping episode of Most Haunted, the popular British television series that blended ghost hunting, historical storytelling, and mediumship into a late-night phenomenon. But instead, it became one of the most controversial episodes in paranormal broadcasting—a cautionary tale that still reverberates through psychic circles today.

As a professional psychic medium and entertainer myself, I believe this story deserves to be retold honestly—not to ridicule, but to reflect. It’s a story about belief and scepticism, performance and authenticity, and how one moment of misplaced confidence can shake an entire field.

Who Was Derek Acorah?

Derek Acorah was a man who, for many, was modern mediumship. Born in Bootle, Liverpool in 1950, he began his life as a footballer before injury cut short his sporting career. His natural charisma and instinct for communication later drew him toward the psychic arts. By the 1990s, Derek had established himself as a working medium, conducting readings, demonstrations, and public shows.

When television began to take an interest in paranormal investigation, Derek was an obvious choice. He was telegenic, confident, and unafraid of the camera. His delivery was dramatic and unapologetically emotional. He became the breakout star of Most Haunted—a series that transformed late-night television in the early 2000s.

For many viewers, Derek Acorah was the real thing. He would walk into a location and almost immediately begin channelling names, stories, and personalities supposedly belonging to spirits connected to the building. His sudden “possessions” were electrifying—sometimes terrifying—and they made him a household name.

But fame brings scrutiny, and not everyone in the Most Haunted team was convinced.

The World of Most Haunted

Most Haunted was designed as entertainment, though many viewers treated it as serious paranormal investigation. Hosted by Yvette Fielding, it featured a mix of scientific equipment, historical research, and psychic mediumship.

Each episode followed the same format: the team visited a location reputed to be haunted, the historian provided context, and Derek would then attempt to connect with the spirits who “lingered” there. The results were dramatic, unpredictable, and often emotional.

However, behind the scenes, tensions existed between the production team’s sceptical members and those more spiritually inclined. Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe, the show’s resident parapsychologist, often acted as a grounding presence—someone who approached each event from a psychological rather than spiritual angle.

And it was Ciarán who would unknowingly trigger one of the biggest controversies in paranormal TV history.

The Birth of “Kreed Kafer”

During an investigation at Bodmin Gaol in Cornwall, O’Keeffe decided to test Derek’s claims. He invented a fictional character—“Kreed Kafer”—and subtly allowed that name to reach Derek through the production network. The story was that Kreed Kafer was a South African jailer who had once worked at the gaol and whose spirit was said to still haunt the site.

The name, of course, was entirely fabricated. It was, quite deliberately, an anagram of “Derek Faker.”

O’Keeffe’s test wasn’t intended as cruelty—it was a form of controlled experiment, to see whether Derek’s mediumship was genuinely independent of suggestion. If Derek was truly channelling spirit energy, the false information should have been ignored or dismissed.

But during filming, that’s not what happened.

The Possession on Camera

As cameras rolled, Derek entered his familiar trance-like state. Within moments, he announced that he was picking up a spirit presence. He identified the name: Kreed Kafer.

Almost immediately, Derek appeared to be overcome by the energy of this fictional spirit. His voice changed, his body language shifted, and he began speaking as if possessed by the South African jailer. The scene was intense—Derek staggered, growled, and delivered an emotional, aggressive performance that thrilled the audience and shocked the crew.

But to O’Keeffe, the moment confirmed his suspicion: Derek had unknowingly accepted planted information.

The Revelation and Public Reaction

After the episode aired, O’Keeffe publicly revealed the truth—that “Kreed Kafer” was an invention. He stated that the name had been introduced to test whether Derek’s information could be influenced by external suggestion.

The revelation hit the media like a storm. Newspapers called it an “exposure.” Headlines accused Derek of fakery and theatrical deception. To his fans, he was a victim of entrapment; to his critics, he was finally caught out.

The incident damaged Derek’s credibility, and he later parted ways with Most Haunted. Yet, even after leaving the show, he continued to tour the UK with his own theatre events, filling venues and maintaining a devoted fan base.

Whether people loved him or doubted him, Derek Acorah remained a cultural figure who brought mediumship into mainstream conversation—and the “Kreed Kafer” affair became part of his enduring legacy.

Why “Kreed Kafer” Still Matters

Nearly two decades later, the story continues to echo because it highlights fundamental questions about the nature of mediumship itself.

1. The Power of Suggestion

The “Kreed Kafer” test showed how easily external suggestion can influence perception—particularly in a heightened emotional state. A medium, especially when under performance pressure or deep focus, can unconsciously absorb information from the surrounding environment. That doesn’t necessarily mean deliberate fraud—it may simply reflect the human mind’s sensitivity.

2. The Entertainment Trap

Television mediumship sits at the crossroads between spiritual practice and performance art. Cameras, producers, audience expectations—all these elements can unconsciously shape a psychic’s delivery. There’s pressure to perform, to produce evidence, to make something happen. That pressure can create temptation to over-embellish or unconsciously dramatise.

As a working medium, I understand that tension. In live shows, I feel it too—the audience watching, waiting for proof. But genuine mediumship must resist performance-driven theatrics. Real communication is often subtle, gentle, and emotionally precise—not wild possession or shock-value spectacle.

3. Integrity and Accountability

The greatest challenge for any medium is accountability. When you claim to speak for Spirit, you’re asking for trust—and once that trust is broken, it’s very difficult to rebuild. The “Kreed Kafer” case reminds us that the foundation of all mediumship is integrity. If something feels uncertain, it’s better to say so.

4. The Psychological Factor

From a psychological standpoint, the episode is also fascinating. The trance state Derek often entered is known to alter perception and memory. In deep trance, the line between imagination, intuition, and external influence can blur. What we interpret as “possession” may sometimes be a combination of subconscious imagery, environmental cues, and emotional intensity.

That’s why I prefer to work consciously and clearly—what’s known as mental mediumship—where the connection is received through psychic senses rather than surrendering to unconscious trance.

Mediumship, Performance, and Ethics

For those of us who work with Spirit, this story isn’t just an anecdote—it’s a lesson in ethics. The public deserve honesty. The spirit world deserves respect.

When I conduct shows or private sittings, I always include disclaimers and encourage open-minded scepticism. I never promise results, and I never claim absolute authority over what comes through. My role is simply to bridge communication—to listen, translate, and hold space with integrity.

That’s where Acorah’s downfall began: in the shift from humble conduit to television spectacle. He became the story, rather than the messenger. Once that happens, authenticity begins to erode.

The Human Side of Derek Acorah

To be fair, Derek was not the first nor the last medium to face scrutiny. And despite the controversy, he continued working for years afterward. By all accounts, he was kind, approachable, and deeply passionate about what he did. Many audience members reported comfort, closure, and healing from his demonstrations.

That’s the paradox of mediumship—people can receive real emotional healing even when the process around it is disputed. The intention, the compassion, and the shared belief can itself create a healing experience.

Derek passed away in 2020, and regardless of opinion, his legacy remains one of influence. He brought spirit communication into public consciousness, and for that alone, he played an important role in shaping how people view the afterlife.

What Modern Mediums Can Learn

The “Kreed Kafer” episode reminds today’s practitioners—especially those working publicly or on camera—of some timeless truths:

Stay Grounded: Always enter psychic work with clear intention and humility. Don’t let external influence override inner discernment.

Be Transparent: Explain your process and limitations to audiences. Transparency builds trust.

Avoid Performance Pressure: Spirit communication doesn’t need drama. The most powerful evidence is often quiet, specific, and personal.

Hold Ethical Boundaries: Never embellish or exaggerate to fill silence. Truth has its own power.

Educate Audiences: Help the public understand what mediumship really is—and what it isn’t.

My Own Reflection

In my own work as a psychic medium and entertainer, I see the Derek Acorah story as a turning point that helped separate showmanship from spiritual practice.

I don’t perform “possessions” or theatrics because I believe true connection happens through stillness, not spectacle. When I connect with Spirit—whether during a séance, a psychic show, or a private sitting—it’s about communication, not control. It’s about love, understanding, and continuity.

The spirit world doesn’t demand performance. It asks for sincerity.

Derek Acorah and the Infamous “Kreed Kafer” Possession – Conclusion: Legacy and Lesson

The “Kreed Kafer” incident remains one of the most infamous moments in paranormal television, but it shouldn’t define Derek Acorah entirely. It should, however, remind all of us in the field that credibility is fragile, authenticity is sacred, and the public eye magnifies everything.

Mediumship, at its truest, isn’t about exposure or applause. It’s about connection—between this world and the next, between grief and comfort, between question and understanding.

And as mediums, our responsibility is to protect that connection—not exploit it.

You may like my last post, click the following to read The Difference Between a Ghost and a Spirit

Derek Acorah and the Infamous “Kreed Kafer” Possession

October 5 2025

Remembering Colin Fry

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The Rise, Exposure, and Enduring Legacy of a Psychic Entertainer

Remembering Colin Fry | Beyond Mediumship — Colin Fry

Remembering Colin Fry: In the history of modern mediumship and psychic entertainment, few figures have divided opinion quite like Colin Fry. To some, he was a compassionate communicator whose stage presence brought messages of comfort, closure, and hope to thousands. To others, he represented the dangers of blending genuine sensitivity with theatrical showmanship.

Colin Fry’s life and work serve as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale — one that continues to echo across the worlds of psychic demonstration, mediumship, and spiritual performance.

The Early Rise of a Medium

Born in 1962, Colin Fry was said to have shown psychic sensitivity from a young age. By his early twenties, he was demonstrating mediumship both privately and publicly, attracting attention for his calm demeanour and his ability to deliver detailed, emotional messages in front of an audience.

He developed a reputation as a thoughtful, professional, and well-spoken medium who could engage audiences without sensationalism. This balanced, understated approach helped him to stand apart from the louder, more theatrical performers of his era.

In time, his talents led him from small spiritualist circles to packed venues across the UK. He became a household name, appearing on television and headlining stage events that introduced mediumship to mainstream audiences in a new way. To the general public, Fry appeared as the friendly face of spiritual communication — intelligent, grounded, and articulate.

But long before his fame as a television medium, there was a moment that would permanently mark his career and reputation — a moment that has been discussed, debated, and reinterpreted ever since.

The Infamous Séance

During the early 1990s, long before the era of his television shows, Colin Fry participated in physical séances — gatherings held in darkness where participants would witness alleged physical phenomena: moving objects, spirit voices, or manifestations. These were sessions that drew on the traditions of early-twentieth-century Spiritualism, when mediums claimed that spirits could physically interact with the material world.

At one particular séance, the lights were suddenly and unexpectedly switched on midway through the proceedings. What witnesses reported seeing changed everything.

The story goes that, as the light flooded the room, Colin Fry — who at that time sometimes used the stage name Lincoln — was seen standing in the centre of the séance room holding a luminous spirit trumpet that moments earlier had been moving through the air in apparent levitation.

The shock among those present was instant. In the dark, many believed they had been witnessing spirit activity; in the light, they saw a man holding the very object that was supposed to be floating independently.

For sceptics, it was a clear moment of exposure — a supposed medium caught in the act. For supporters, there was disbelief and confusion. Some suggested mechanical malfunction, spirit interference, or simple human error. Others quietly withdrew their support.

Regardless of interpretation, the incident would come to define the rest of Fry’s career.

Aftermath and Controversy

The séance exposure created ripples that spread through both the psychic and spiritualist communities. For some, it ended their belief in physical mediumship entirely. For others, it served as a warning about the risks of performing in darkness and the importance of transparency.

Colin Fry’s career could easily have ended at that point — yet it didn’t. He went on to reinvent himself as a more traditional mental medium, focusing on intuitive and clairvoyant communication rather than physical manifestations. His warm, compassionate delivery style won over new audiences and helped repair his public image.

By the early 2000s, Fry was one of the best-known psychic entertainers in Britain, hosting television programmes and filling theatres with people eager to hear messages from loved ones in spirit. He was articulate, thoughtful, and consistently professional — qualities that won him respect even among those aware of his controversial past.

Still, the séance story never disappeared. It resurfaced in interviews, online discussions, and books about psychic history, always reminding audiences and practitioners alike of the importance of ethics and integrity.

The Lessons Behind the Lights

The séance exposure incident is more than just a scandal — it’s a case study in the psychology of belief and the delicate trust between audience and performer.

Séances are powerful spaces. People attend them with open hearts and genuine emotion. The room is charged with anticipation and faith. When darkness and expectation combine, phenomena can feel overwhelmingly real, even when later proven otherwise.

For those of us who work as psychic entertainers and mediums, this story is a potent reminder that mystery should never come at the expense of truth. Darkness, when misused, breeds confusion; clarity, honesty, and professionalism build trust.

In my own work, whether I’m demonstrating psychometry, conducting a psychic entertainment show, or working with mediumship, I make it a priority to ensure that every experience is handled safely, transparently, and respectfully. Audiences deserve authenticity — and when they give you their belief, that trust must be treated as sacred.

Physical vs. Mental Mediumship

Fry’s exposure also reignited the debate between physical and mental mediumship. Physical mediumship involves tangible effects — sounds, movements, or materialisations — often in darkness. Mental mediumship, on the other hand, focuses on intuitive communication: impressions, clairvoyant imagery, or psychic information received through the mind rather than the senses.

While physical mediumship can produce striking experiences, it also carries risks. The absence of light and the reliance on trust make it particularly vulnerable to misunderstanding — or, in some cases, deliberate misuse.

By contrast, mental mediumship — and the form of psychic entertainment I personally practice — relies on connection, communication, and emotional insight rather than spectacle. It’s transparent, interactive, and safe, focusing on the message rather than the manifestation.

Fry’s Later Career and Redemption

After the controversy, Colin Fry continued performing for more than two decades. His shows became gentler and more heartfelt, focusing on comfort rather than proof. Viewers appreciated his sincerity and composure, and many people who attended his demonstrations described him as humble, kind, and compassionate.

He spoke often about grief and hope, blending spirituality with empathy in a way that resonated with everyday audiences. While some sceptics never forgave or forgot the séance exposure, others recognised a man who had learned from his mistakes and continued to serve his audience with dignity.

Even in the wake of controversy, Fry helped shape the modern landscape of psychic entertainment. His television work made mediumship more accessible to mainstream viewers and inspired many younger mediums to develop their own approach to connecting with spirit.

Reflection from a Fellow Medium

As someone who works professionally as a psychic medium and psychic entertainer, I look at Colin Fry’s story with a mix of respect, realism, and reflection. His early mistake is a cautionary example of how fragile credibility can be, but his persistence and later success demonstrate the enduring power of communication, sincerity, and resilience.

It’s easy to criticise, but anyone who steps onto a stage to share spiritual work faces a difficult balance: creating an atmosphere of wonder while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. For me, the lesson is simple — always let authenticity lead.

When I perform psychometry or demonstrate psychic insight at shows, I rely on sensitivity, intuition, and genuine connection — never illusion. When I work as a medium, I aim to keep the energy balanced, the message respectful, and the process completely open.

The trust between audience and medium is sacred. Once broken, it can take years to repair.

Why the Colin Fry Story Still Matters

Even years after his passing, Colin Fry remains one of the most discussed figures in modern mediumship. His story still surfaces in conversations about the credibility of psychic work, the ethics of entertainment, and the importance of spiritual responsibility.

To some, he will always be remembered for that night when the lights came on. To others, he is remembered for decades of heartfelt messages that helped people heal. Both can be true. His career represents the complex duality of the psychic world — where compassion and controversy can coexist.

For those of us continuing this work, Fry’s story serves as both a warning and a motivation:

A warning that credibility can vanish in a single moment of carelessness.

A motivation to ensure every demonstration, séance, and show is held safely, respectfully, and transparently.

Remembering Colin Fry – Closing Thoughts

Colin Fry’s life tells the story of how one man rose to fame, faced exposure, and still managed to rebuild his career through sincerity and service. Whether viewed as a gifted psychic entertainer or as a controversial showman, his influence on the landscape of modern mediumship is undeniable.

For today’s practitioners — mediums, psychic entertainers, and spiritual teachers alike — his legacy is both cautionary and instructive. It reminds us that no amount of mystery or drama can replace integrity, and that the truest power in this work comes from honesty, compassion, and authenticity.

As a psychic entertainer and medium, I believe that every performance, every demonstration, and every reading should uphold those values. Audiences deserve nothing less.

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Remembering Colin Fry

August 13 2025

Remembering Derek Acorah

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A Life Between Two Worlds

Remembering Derek Acorah: In January 2020, the spiritual and paranormal world lost one of its most recognised, discussed, and debated figures when Derek Acorah passed away at the age of 69.

For some, he was a pioneering psychic medium who brought spirit communication into living rooms across the country. For others, he was a showman whose style stirred as much scepticism as it did belief. But whatever your opinion, one thing is certain: Derek made an impact. He became a household name in a field where most practitioners quietly work in the background, and in doing so, he changed the way mediumship was seen in mainstream culture.

As a working medium myself, I wanted to take time to reflect on Derek’s journey — his beginnings, his rise to fame, his challenges, and the legacy he left behind, both for those who believe in spirit and for those who simply enjoy the conversation it inspires.

Early Life – The Boy from Bootle

Born Derek Francis Johnson in Bootle, Liverpool, in 1950, Derek grew up in a working-class community. He often spoke of experiencing spirit from a young age, claiming his first encounter was with his late grandfather. That early experience, as he described it, planted the seeds of curiosity and belief in an unseen world.

But before he stepped fully into that world, Derek pursued another passion — football. In his youth, he played professionally, joining Liverpool FC’s reserves before going on to play for other clubs, including overseas teams. Football offered him discipline, focus, and an understanding of performance under pressure — skills that, in hindsight, would serve him well in his later public career.

Finding His True Calling

After football, Derek shifted his attention towards developing his psychic and mediumistic abilities. Like many of us who walk this path, he began humbly — offering private readings, appearing in spiritualist churches, and giving demonstrations to small audiences.

From early on, his style stood out. Derek combined warmth, confidence, and a degree of theatricality that could hold a room’s attention. His readings were often delivered with a mix of emotional intensity and performance flair, and this combination would eventually become his signature.

The Television Years – Most Haunted and the Rise to Fame

Derek’s career took a dramatic turn in the early 2000s when he became the resident medium on the television show Most Haunted.

Each week, viewers followed Derek, presenter Yvette Fielding, and the investigation team into historic and allegedly haunted locations across the UK and beyond. Armed with his impressions, spiritual messages, and the assistance of his oft-mentioned spirit guide “Sam,” Derek became the focal point of many episodes.

His delivery — passionate, dramatic, and unafraid to show emotion — drew millions of viewers. He made mediumship engaging for people who had never attended a spiritualist demonstration before. Whether they believed in what they were seeing or not, they tuned in. And for a psychic medium, that kind of reach was unprecedented.

A Controversial Figure

With fame, however, came intense scrutiny. Some of Derek’s televised moments became the subject of tabloid headlines, and a few high-profile incidents sparked accusations from sceptics that certain communications were staged or influenced.

One of the most publicised was an episode where Derek appeared to channel a fictional spirit planted by the crew as a test. For his critics, it was a defining moment that discredited his work. For his supporters, it was an unfair setup in a high-pressure filming environment that should not overshadow years of service.

The debates around Derek’s authenticity followed him for much of his career. Yet, despite the criticism, he pressed on — continuing to tour, publish books, and perform live. That resilience alone says something about his determination to keep sharing his work, even under a level of public scrutiny most mediums never face.

Beyond the Camera – The Man Himself

Away from the bright lights and television editing, Derek was often described as warm, generous, and approachable. Fans tell stories of him spending time after shows chatting, listening, and offering quiet words of comfort.

Mediumship can be emotionally intense work — not just for the recipient, but for the medium too. The role requires empathy, focus, and an ability to manage other people’s grief with care. By many accounts, Derek took that responsibility seriously, even if his public persona sometimes overshadowed the quieter moments of compassion that defined much of his off-stage work.

His Style and Impact

Derek’s style was undeniably his own. He had a showman’s presence, a knack for holding attention, and a willingness to lean into the theatrical elements of spirit communication. Some in the field embraced this as a way to keep audiences engaged; others preferred a more understated approach.

Regardless, Derek’s influence is undeniable. He made mediumship a talking point at a time when it was often relegated to small circles. He inspired curiosity in people who might never have considered attending a reading, and he encouraged debate — something that, love it or hate it, keeps the subject alive in public discourse.

The End of an Era

When Derek passed away in January 2020 after a short illness, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and even former critics. People shared stories of seeing him live, meeting him in person, and watching his shows with family. Many spoke of moments when a message he delivered had touched them deeply or made them rethink their views on life after death.

His passing marked the end of an era for televised mediumship. While many mediums continue to work on television and stage, few have reached Derek’s level of public recognition or left such a strong cultural imprint.

My Reflection – As a Fellow Medium

As a medium, I know how challenging it can be to do this work under any circumstances — let alone under the glare of television cameras, with every word and gesture open to interpretation by millions.

I didn’t always agree with Derek’s approach, and I know he wouldn’t have agreed with everyone else’s. But one of the most important truths in this work is that no two mediums are the same. Each of us works with spirit in our own way, shaped by our life experiences, our personalities, and the way we perceive the world.

Derek found a way to connect with people on a massive scale. He stood by his convictions, weathered criticism, and kept moving forward. That takes courage.

Farewell, Derek

Today, Derek Acorah is part of the very world he spent his life describing. I like to imagine him there, reunited with loved ones, full of that same lively energy, still sharing stories, and still eager to connect.

Rest in peace, Derek. Thank you for the conversations you started, the comfort you brought to many, and the role you played in bringing the idea of life after death into the public consciousness. Your journey here was bold, colourful, and unforgettable.

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Remembering Derek Acorah

August 21 2019

Remembering Sylvia Browne

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Psychic, Medium, Teacher, and Cultural Icon

Remembering Sylvia Browne: There are psychics who touch a handful of lives quietly, and there are those who become cultural phenomena, household names recognized even by people who never sought out a reading. Sylvia Browne was the latter.

For decades, her name was synonymous with the word “psychic.” With her unmistakable husky voice, unfiltered style, and fearless approach, she became one of the most famous — and controversial — spiritual figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her life was a blend of charisma, controversy, comfort, and contradiction. She was a best-selling author, a church founder, a television star, and to many, a spiritual teacher who offered hope where hope seemed lost.

To remember Sylvia Browne is to remember a woman who straddled the line between entertainment and spiritual ministry, who attracted devoted followers and sharp critics alike, and who embodied the eternal human longing to know: What comes after this life?

Childhood in Kansas City: A Gift Revealed Early

Born Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker on October 19, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sylvia’s earliest memories included visions, dreams, and an awareness of the spirit world. By her own accounts, she could see apparitions and sense the presence of loved ones who had passed on before she was even school-aged.

Unlike many psychic children who hide such experiences out of fear of ridicule, Sylvia was encouraged. Her grandmother, Ada, was also believed to have psychic gifts and played a pivotal role in validating Sylvia’s experiences. Ada often reassured her granddaughter: “You are not strange. You are gifted.”

This foundation gave Sylvia the confidence to embrace her abilities rather than fear them. It also instilled in her the belief that psychic gifts were not random quirks, but part of a spiritual lineage — something she would later emphasize when speaking about psychic children and generational intuition.

From Ordinary Life to Extraordinary Calling

Before she was “Sylvia Browne, Psychic Medium,” she was Sylvia Shoemaker: wife, mother, teacher, and counselor. She lived an ordinary life for decades, balancing family responsibilities with an inner knowing that her spiritual gifts were meant for more.

In her thirties, she began offering psychic readings more openly, gradually building a reputation. Her early clients spread word quickly — they spoke of her accuracy, her blunt honesty, and her ability to say things no one else could know.

These sessions, initially private and local, laid the groundwork for her later career. People sought her not only for predictions but also for comfort in times of grief and uncertainty. For many, she provided exactly that: a sense of connection to something greater, and the reassurance that life was not random chaos but a purposeful journey.

Novus Spiritus: A Church for Seekers

By the mid-1980s, Sylvia’s work had grown far beyond one-on-one readings. In 1986 she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a church and spiritual organization headquartered in San Jose, California.

The purpose of Novus Spiritus was to provide a spiritual framework for those who resonated with Sylvia’s teachings but did not feel at home in traditional religious settings. It blended Christianity with metaphysical philosophy, reincarnation, and teachings from what Sylvia described as her spirit guide, Francine.

At the heart of Novus Spiritus was a central philosophy:

Life on Earth is a school, a place where souls incarnate to learn lessons.

The Other Side is our true home, a place of beauty, love, and eternal growth.

Suffering, while painful, is often tied to lessons chosen by the soul before incarnation.

Death is not an ending but a return, a homecoming.

These teachings gave structure to people searching for answers beyond dogma. Novus Spiritus provided rituals, community, and a sense of belonging, particularly for those who felt caught between traditional religion and New Age spirituality.

The Montel Williams Show: Psychic to the Nation

Sylvia’s local fame became global recognition when she became a regular guest on The Montel Williams Show in the early 1990s. Her appearances would span nearly 20 years, cementing her place as one of the most recognized psychics of all time.

Her style was unforgettable: long manicured nails, bold jewelry, a direct gaze, and that gravelly voice that made every pronouncement sound weighty.

Audience members would stand nervously, asking questions about missing loved ones, relationships, health, or the future. Sylvia would listen intently, then deliver answers with remarkable confidence. Sometimes she offered comfort, sometimes hard truths, but always with certainty.

For viewers at home, Sylvia was mesmerizing. Whether or not one believed in her abilities, she was undeniably compelling to watch. Her partnership with Montel Williams was key: he treated her with respect, defended her from critics, and provided the platform that made her a household name.

Her segments became cultural touchstones — people still recall the tearful reunions, the shocked faces, and the unforgettable cadence of her readings.

A Prolific Author: Spirituality in Print

While television made her famous, Sylvia Browne’s books made her ideas accessible to millions worldwide. She authored or co-authored more than 40 books, many of which became New York Times bestsellers.

Some of her most influential titles include:

The Other Side and Back (2000): A guide to life after death and communication with the spirit world.

Life on the Other Side (2001): An exploration of reincarnation, soul contracts, and the journey between lives.

Adventures of a Psychic (1999): Her autobiographical account of growing up psychic and building her career.

End of Days (2008): A provocative look at prophecies and predictions about the future of humanity.

Psychic Children (2005): Co-written with her son, Christopher, focusing on children with intuitive gifts.

Her writing style was conversational and approachable, echoing the way she spoke on television. Readers often described her books as “comforting,” like sitting down with a wise aunt who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.

For many, Sylvia’s books were gateways into exploring spirituality, reincarnation, and life after death. They were passed between grieving friends, gifted to those facing illness, and read quietly in moments of doubt.

Controversy: The Psychic Under Scrutiny

With fame came scrutiny, and Sylvia Browne faced more than her share of criticism.

Skeptical investigators, most notably James Randi, frequently challenged her accuracy and methods, accusing her of using cold reading and exploiting vulnerable people. Critics documented cases where her predictions proved false or misleading.

The most infamous incident involved Shawn Hornbeck, a missing boy whose case Sylvia addressed on The Montel Williams Show in 2003. She told his parents he was dead. In reality, Shawn was found alive in 2007, having been held captive. The heartbreak of that moment led to harsh condemnation, as many felt Sylvia’s words deepened the family’s pain.

Other high-profile errors fueled further criticism, and skeptics argued she should not have been involved in missing persons cases at all.

To her supporters, however, Sylvia was human — fallible, like anyone else. They argued that her decades of comfort, guidance, and inspiration should not be dismissed because of her mistakes.

Her legacy remains a complex one: she was both a source of healing for many and a lightning rod for controversy.

Predictions That Echo Through Time

Sylvia Browne made thousands of predictions over her career, but one in particular reignited public interest years after her death.

In her 2008 book End of Days, she wrote:

“In around 2020, a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread throughout the globe, attacking the lungs and the bronchial tubes and resisting all known treatments.”

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, this passage circulated widely online, with many stunned by the apparent accuracy. Some dismissed it as coincidence, others as prophecy fulfilled. Regardless of interpretation, it thrust Sylvia Browne back into the public conversation seven years after her passing.

Cultural Legacy: A Bridge Between Worlds

Sylvia Browne was more than a psychic; she was a cultural bridge. She brought mediumship into mainstream households, normalizing conversations about the afterlife.

She paved the way for later psychics and mediums who found platforms on television, from John Edward to Theresa Caputo. She also contributed to the explosion of paranormal interest in the 2000s, influencing the rise of ghost-hunting shows and the popularization of New Age ideas.

Perhaps her greatest legacy, however, was the comfort she provided. For people navigating grief, Sylvia Browne’s unwavering message was that their loved ones were not gone — they had simply transitioned. That assurance, whether believed literally or not, gave people strength to carry on.

Final Years and Passing

Sylvia Browne continued to write, teach, and appear publicly into her later years. Health issues began to slow her, but she remained active, still commanding attention wherever she went.

On November 20, 2013, Sylvia Browne passed away in San Jose, California, at the age of 77. Her death was reported widely across national and international media. Fans mourned, sharing stories of how she had helped them through loss. Skeptics, while maintaining their critiques, acknowledged her enormous impact on popular culture.

Like her life, her passing sparked both love and debate.

Closing Reflections: Sylvia Browne’s Place in Spiritual History

Remembering Sylvia Browne is not simple. She was a woman of contradictions: a spiritual teacher and a television entertainer, a comforter and a provocateur, an icon to some and a target of skepticism to others.

But perhaps that complexity is fitting. The psychic world has always been one of mystery, debate, belief, and disbelief. Sylvia Browne embodied all of it.

For those who loved her, she was a voice of comfort, telling them their loved ones were safe on the Other Side. For those who doubted, she was a cautionary figure about the dangers of misplaced faith. For everyone, she was unforgettable.

In the end, Sylvia often said that when we die, we return to a world of love and reunion, a place where truth is clear and souls are at peace. If that vision is real, then Sylvia Browne herself has returned there — free from the debates, the spotlight, and the skepticism — reunited with those she loved, her famous voice echoing once again:

“Don’t be afraid. We never really die.”

Sylvia Browne’s name remains alive, her books continue to comfort, and her legacy continues to spark conversation. In that sense, she accomplished what every spiritual teacher hopes for: she made people think, she made them feel, and she made them believe — if only for a moment — that the veil between worlds is thinner than we imagine.

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Remembering Sylvia Browne