September Investigation - Charleville Castle, Offaly

stormkeeper

Okay, just to get the ball rolling, I'm doing the thread right now, before my internet gets cut again because that was a bloody pain in the arse! So anyway, this is the proper thread for the investigation at CharlevilleForest Castle, which is about 2-3km from Tullamore, which is the county town of Offaly. There shall be no poll this time because a date has been arranged, of which I'll post below, once I've gotten this intro blurb out of the way. Anyway, if you have any questions, please read the post below before asking me the question, be it in this thread or personally, as I am going to be updating the post as I get fielded questions.

Anyway, the post below will include the usual stuff that everyone knows, but hey, better to put everything in the same place, innit? Again, any questions not answered here, you can private message me, or ask in the thread. If anyone has any issues they wish to bring up with me, they can again, PM me or do it here. If you're on any medication, you can contact myself or Steven privately so we're made aware of this. I'll start work on the questions thread in the next while, but I'll reserve it now.

I need to go meditate for a bit so there shall be a delay, but I doubt anyone'll notice!

stormkeeper

Where: Charleville Forest Castle, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland

When: 8th September 2007

Time of arrival: TBA

Location info: Coming soon.

Maximum participants: 12 (a list of partcipants will be listed in a post below)

Team Leaders: stevenmu and stormkeeper (currently)



A mirror thread will be located here, in case boards.ie happens to go down.

Rules/Guidelines

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions - General & Location-specific

How do you get to the castle?
Well, you can either get a lift down with someone (usually people go up by car and mention if they have space), or you can go by train or bus. If you attend by car, you head in the direction of Tullamore station, which is just on the outskirts of town, but instead of taking the right, you go straight up the road for about half a km, and on your right you should eventually see the starting gates for the castle, and after that it's about 2km up the avenue in the (primordial oak!) forest and you'll reach the main gate.

Those of you arriving at Tullamore Station can either take a taxi, or walk to the castle following the same route as the car. It's walkable if you're fir enough, or have the time to! If you're going via the town (ie: bus), again you can walk it, but I'd recommend walking to the station and getting a taxi down as it's a little far to walk from the town centre, but again it's doable. Your call at the end of the day.

How much does it cost?
At present, the cost is €60 for the whole night, and about €30-€40 if you want to stay till 1am-2am. This fee includes the €10 membership fee (membership is compulsary if you wish to do anything to do with the castle), though if you're already a member, I believe there will be a discount applied, though I'll get more details on this in time. All money goes towards the Charleville Castle Trust's Restoration Fund, which as its name suggests, deals with restoring the castle to its former glory.

Is alcohol permitted and/or am I allowed to smoke?
I'll tackle the alcohol issue later on... I need to get something sorted out in this regard, but I can answer the smoking question right now.

With regards to smoking, it is permitted, and a designated smoking area will be set up away from the investigation area (and outside), usually the front of the castle. This is to prevent contamination of photos, etc as smoke can look a lot like a spooky mist. Despite smoking being permitted, this only applies to tobacco smoking. Smoking intoxicating substances over the course of an investigation is not permitted (I'm not so fussed after). Anyone found to be under the influence of intoxicating substances while an investigation is going on will have their fee refunded to them (or half of it if it is discovered after 1am-2am) and a taxi will be called to pick them up to send them home at their expense. Additionally, anything the person has experienced will be discounted and they will not be invited on future investigations.

I have regular medication that I need to take...

Okay, this isn't a question as such but it's an important point nonetheless. If you are on regular medication, then you will need to inform us (being myself or Steven at present) what it is, and any side-effects that may occur, so we don't mistake it for anything else. I'll detail more info here later, but it's important you inform us if you take medication.

What are the food/sleeping arrangements at the castle?

This one always tends to be fun! Starting with the food arrangements, what we generally tend to do (on any investigation that's arranged with boards.ie) is find a local chipper/fast food place (the definition of 'local' varies from location to location) and do runs to it and bring food back. Alternatively, we also do some shopping at a local supermarket, wher everyone chips in a few quid, and we buy food for everyone, and leave whatever's left at the castle. The arrangements are generally made on the spot when everyone has met up, hence why we meet up so early... so we can do stuff before the shops close. Alternatively, you can do a shop run before you're due to arrive, if you have some spare time.

Sleeping arrangements tends to see us all bunked up in the same room (which is why we limit the amount of people!), which is either the Octagonal or the Morning Room, both of which will be indicated to you upon arrival. What you get as part of your fee, if you're doing an overnight stay is an air mattress and quilt. Keep in mind that we may have to blow these up ourselves... I'll find out what exactly needs to be done in this regard closer to the date

Are there any special conditions that I need to be aware of?

Indeed there is. First of all, if you haven't already, you need to print off some forms and sign them, then hand them to myself or Steven at the door. Some people won't need to sign all the forms, but it will be highlighted in the post below what forms will need to be signed by all. If you are not in a position to be able to sign the forms until you reach the castle, please inform myself or Steven, as we'll have a handful of forms on-site for you to fill in. Additionally, you must have the payment ready for before we commence the investigation, otherwise entry to the castle will be denied byond the mezzanine/entrance area. This is a condition of the castle, and thus must be followed.

Although this is mentioned in the rules above, it bears mentioning again: Please respect the castle... remember that this is someone else's home that we're in and thus we need to respect the wishes of the owners. This includes staying out of certain areas. Permitted areas will be indicated after the forms have been filled in and payment has been accepted. Also, you must follow the instructions of your designated team leader. Additional conditions will follow closer to the date.

I have a complaint about the... location/conduct of an individual/conduct of the team leader/other

If you have a complaint about any aspect of the investigation, you can either contact myself or Steven in PM, or you can <email>. Alternatively, if you want, you can bring it up on the night with myself or Steven. Depending on the nature of the complaint, it may take a while to get a response, as we need to find out what exactly happened, and contact the relevant people as well, especially if it's a locational complaint. You are also welcome to contact the location yourself personally if you wish, as either way, the same information will be shared.


This post will be updated as more information is added/conditions update. If you have any questions that aren't covered above, please feel free to ask.

Below this post will be a list of names, as well as notes pertaining to this.

stormkeeper

Okay, if you're interested in coming along, I need the following from you:

Your Boards Username, your real name, your email address and a contact number. You can also list any special circumstances that we need to be aware of. You can also provide me with your IM details if you want to message me, and provided I'm on (which I usually am!), I'll respond.

Please note that we have to give a list of names to Charleville Castle 2 days beforehand, so if you find that you cannot make the investigation, it's your responsibility to inform us as soon as possible, so we can allocate the place to someone who is able to go (reserves listed below). Please note that if you inform us that you are unable to make it, then later are able to make it, we cannot reissue you with your old place, though you will be put at the top of the reserves list so we can allocate you a new place. Names that are bolded and italicised have provided all the necessary information Those that are italicised have provided some, but not all information. You will be italicised if you have provided at least a real name and contact number. Email address (if possible) is required, as the castle requests it as part of the list I have to compile. However, it can be left out if you do not have a personal email address, though ideally one would be required.

Required documents

1. Charleville Castle Membership form (PDF) - Required if you wish to do any associated castle activities. Not required if you signed one last year.
2. Castle Access Agreement (DOC) - Required signing by everyone.
3. Safety Rules & Regulations (DOC) - Set by Charleville Castle. These will overrule any rules that I have said above, if they aren't already in agreement with them. No need to sign this.
4. Public Investigation Waiver Form (DOC, Pending) - This is required to be signed before commencing an investigation.

NB: There is a 4th Charleville document which is a list of names for people going on this investigation, although it is private. What I'll be doing however is taking the information from the list and compiling it into a separate list, so I have your contact details on file, meaning that in the future, all you need to do is attend the investigation, and I'll fill in all the relevant details. Keep in mind that the information you provide will only be used by myself (or Stormrain Paranormal rather) to keep in contact with you (where needed), and also provided to locations if they require it. Keep in mind that I have to send this document 2 days before the investigation takes place so again, I need to be notified ASAP when you cannot make it.

NB2: Also required is the signing of a waiver form, although this will be uploaded closer to the date.


Places available as of 1/09/07: 10/12
Reserve slots filled: 0


List of participants

stevenmu (Team Leader)
stormkeeper (Team Leader)


Reserves

None at present.

6th

Is the other group Terri mentioned coming along?

stormkeeper

No... they're scheduled for the dates of the 15th plus. At present, our date is now fully confirmed for the 8th, which has been confirmed (and noted) by Dudley as of about half an hour ago.

6th

And will there be any other groups/volunteers staying there on the same night?

Btw if I can't make this I might lend someone (if I know them) some of my equipment.

stormkeeper

6th wrote:

And will there be any other groups/volunteers staying there on the same night?

Not that I'm aware of - haven't gotten an answer with regards to this. I'll ask Terri however. Castles volunteers are naturally excepted from the above question, as they keep the castle running. There aren't any groups scheduled for the 8th of September, I can at least confirm that... non-castle volunteers, as I said above need to be checked, though I'm assuming that there isn't at this time, given it hasn't been brought up, although I'm double-checking, seeing as it's a week to go now!

stormkeeper

Just a post to inform everyone that the relevent documents are up now.

stevenmu

I think what stormkeeper is trying to say is that we have confirmed that there will be no other groups/activities there that night. It will just be ourselves and possibly some other full-time volunteers from the castle, such as Terri, and as you know they will pretty much stay out of our way unless we need a door opened or something like that.

stormkeeper

stevenmu wrote:

I think what stormkeeper is trying to say is that we have confirmed that there will be no other groups/activities there that night. It will just be ourselves and possibly some other full-time volunteers from the castle, such as Terri, and as you know they will pretty much stay out of our way unless we need a door opened or something like that.

Pretty much. I still didn't get the volunteer question answered, but I'll call up tomorrow and find out for definate...

ghosthunter73

6th wrote:

Is the other group Terri mentioned coming along?

Unfortunately I was asked by Terri to attend but we have a private investigation scheduled for the same day. Do let me know if you find anything.....

stormkeeper

Y'know, I prolly should have considered asking how many people are actually interested in going now that the organisation has started, as I haven't a clue as to how many or who wants to go >.>

I haven't recieved any contact details or anything yet, and I've gotta send that to the castle on Thursday

6th

Well unfortuately I can't make this one.

*Edit: wow, just noticed its for this weekend!

stevenmu

I was just thinking the same thing. This is happening this Saturday people, if you're interested in going, please either confirm on the thread here or send a pm to Stormkeeper or myself so we can finalise the numbers

6th

How many are going so far? Not sure if I can get my equipment to anyone for this weekend as I have to go look at a house ... might not be til sunday night though.

stormkeeper

6th wrote:

Well unfortuately I can't make this one.

*Edit: wow, just noticed its for this weekend!

That's a shame, and also I'm a little surprised, given that I went by the date that the majority voted for... I also put the date in at the top of the second post...

Coincidentally, I've had one guy contact me to say he can't make it... wondering about the others now.

stevenmu wrote:

I was just thinking the same thing. This is happening this Saturday people, if you're interested in going, please either confirm on the thread here or send a pm to Stormkeeper or myself so we can finalise the numbers

I kinda realised it just now, given today is Wednesday, and I'd be heading out either tomorrow or Friday, hence why I had a sense of urgency about it!

Just as well I uploaded the important documents and have them signed already myself...

I'm going to have a very short list if things continue the way they do!

Edit: As to how many are going so far... just myself and Steven are confirmed... I'm partly heading out on Thursday/Friday to specifically make this trip, but I'd have no hesitation in cancelling it if I get no response on Friday afternoon, which is prolly gonna need to be cleared with Terri or Dudley.

stormkeeper

Okay, I've gotten the day extension from Bonnie and Dudley, so I've got till Friday to confirm the names now... I need a minimum of 5 people for this investigation, though would prefer more!

Edit: confirmations can be made here as well (if boards is ever down), although due to spamming, I've had to make sure that only people who have signed up can post in the forum, sorry!

Riamfada

Ill go if its free

Stoner

I'm going to see Josh Ritter on Saturday night, I would love to have made this trip, but I always said that Sep was a bad month for me.

stormkeeper

Grimes wrote:

Ill go if its free

Free, as in? O.o

And Stoner, it's a shame you couldn't come, but there should be other chances down the line

Riamfada

Whats the prices again? Would only be staying till about 1 or so.

stormkeeper

Grimes wrote:

Whats the prices again? Would only be staying till about 1 or so.

Well, if you're staying till 1-2am, I believe it's 30 Euros, although I'm negotiating a discount at the moment... I hopefully should have an idea of discounts soon, although at minimum I can guarantee 10% off.

Poltergoose

Last time I was there, a film crew for some period drama were using a few of the upper rooms which put them out of bounds.Was wondering if you heard if this is still going on? as we were very limited in what areas we could investigate.Also the numpty's from the film crew dollying around at all times of the night made it impossible to distinguish the living from the dead.

stormkeeper

Poltergoose wrote:

Last time I was there, a film crew for some period drama were using a few of the upper rooms which put them out of bounds.Was wondering if you heard if this is still going on? as we were very limited in what areas we could investigate.Also the numpty's from the film crew dollying around at all times of the night made it impossible to distinguish the living from the dead.

I haven't heard anything about the film crew, at least I wasn't told anyway... and regarding them, I'm afraid that they booked out the place in advance, so there wasn't really much that could be done anyway in that regard... I'm (hopefully) assuming that they've gone, because I haven't heard anything about them being there, and I'm sure Dudley would have told me if they were. I'm therefore assuming that they've finished filming, though I'll check that out tomorrow. However, what I do know is that the roof area is out of bounds, for safety concerns.

Just to update the post, I now have 4 confirmed people for this investigation... with a 5th pending. I'm looking at seeing if I can bring the costs down from the 10% off prices 30/60 to 27/54 to about 16.7%, which is a more even 25/50, though if you want to pay the extra 2/4 Euros, every little does help, though I was assuming that people would prefer a more tidy sum to pay with... I won't get an answer till later on today, however.

To anyone else, you have until Friday to sign up... before I send a list of names off. Again, you can either confirm here or message myself or Stevenmu. Keep in mind that it may be up to a few hours before you see your name on here, but don't worry, I do have you noted! If there are any doubts, you can contact me and I'll check to see if you're on my list. If you're not, then I'll get you added ASAP.

stormkeeper

Updates:

NB2: I know I said that there was a waiver form required, but I believe at present, the Charleville one covers us, although in future, I intend to create my own, regardless of location. I didn't think of doing one, because I thought that this investigation may not be going ahead!


Places available as of 06/09/07: 6/12
Reserve slots filled: 0


List of participants

stevenmu (Team Leader)
stormkeeper (Team Leader)
Poltergoose +1
Grimes+1

Pending confirmation (stage 2)

Monkeyfudge


Reserves

None at present.


Keep in mind that I'll try to edit my posts, but if I can't, I'll be creating an update post to cover the info change, so be sure you have read every post in this thread!

monkeyfudge

Sorry lads... I've aksed around the people I brought on my last trip to Ross Castle, but none of them can get away this weekend..

I'd like to go along myself, but I got a molar extracted yesterday evening, so I feel like I've been kicked in the face by a horse at the moment.

I'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow and let you know.

Riamfada

Ill confirm friday

stormkeeper

That's cool guys... let Steven or I know tomorrow, and I'll take it from there... something tells me that I mightn't be able to really see it till I reach Dublin tomorrow eveningish, though my new phone has proper internet, so we'll see.

6th

I have someone trying to arrange childcare for the weekend. Its alot of hassle for her so is there any chance this will be cancelled?

stormkeeper

I won't know anything till Friday at the very least, and at present, it's looking likely the date'll be rescheduled... a minimum of 5 people is needed though, although I'm not sure that's quite enough, when you factor in there's 2 team leaders...

Riamfada

Possibly Grimes + 1 .

Its not a girl this time

6th

oh ..... i see >_>

Riamfada

6th


Im only planning on going till 1 or 2 am. Wont you join ? Im drivin. She wont mind if your back around 3am right?

G

stormkeeper

Just to let people know, I'm gonna need a final answer before tomorrow evening, so I can start to put things together...

6th

I'm actually out at a Stag night ...... more cocktails!

Riamfada

ok count me out sorry

stevenmu

Fair enough, thanks for letting us know.

kshiel

Best of luck with the investigation boys, sorry I can't make it, Let us know how ye get on. its such a beautiful castle to do an investigaiton in.

monkeyfudge

Have you tried mentioning it in the photography forum?

You might find a few bodies who won't mind the paranormal aspect of the trip.

stevenmu

Unfortunatly it looks like this will have to be postponed. Altough we'll wait to see what Stormkeeper thinks when he gets to an internet connection.

stormkeeper

I'm thinking it'll have to be postponed as well... I am actually feeling a little ill at the moment from all the travelling that I've done, and with the way I feel at the moment, I dunno if I'd be able to stay up for very long... besides the point, we're kinda short in terms of people... I think the best bet is to reschedule this investigation for when more people can make it...

Apologies to all, but I don't think there's enough people available for the date to make it worthwhile... we'd need at least 8 people to make it such. This isn't a cancellation, keep in mind, more like a move to a more favourable date for more people... the investigation will be going ahead eventually, but I can't make plans till after I have seen my timetable for university, but I'll deffo make sure the investigation goes ahead within the next couple months...

Stoner

thanks for the effort you lads put in, I'd say another date would suit more people.