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Dorcas communicates
Recorded: December 1964
“I was a ghost”
Dorcas once lived in Scotland in the 18th century.
Speaking here with George Woods and Betty Greene,
Dorcas explains how she remained Earthbound
for a long time after her tragic death,
but found a new talent for scaring the locals as a ghost...
Now living in her own 'wee cottage' in the Spirit World
Dorcas offers to return to Earth
to haunt George and Betty -
who seem keen to experience some genuine poltergeist activity!
Note: This enhanced recording is over 50 years old and some interference remains.
Read the full transcript below, as you listen...
Present: Leslie Flint, Betty Greene, George Woods.
Communicators: Dorcas, Dr Charles Marshall, Unknown Female.
Greene:
Good evening friend…
Dorcas:
Can you no hear what I say?
Woods:
Yes, plainly.
Greene:
Yes, very well.
Dorcas:
You'll have to be very patient with me, ‘cause I’m no used to this.
Woods:
Oh, we can hear you...
Greene:
We can hear you…you’re Scotch aren’t you?
Woods:
...thank you for coming through.
Dorcas:
Aye. Perhaps it is nearer the truth if I said that I was Scots when I was on the Earth, but I’m no now, here. Here, we’re all one, you know?
Greene / Woods:
Yes?
Dorcas:
Here there’s no nationality or race or anything like that.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
I am not quite sure if you can hear what I say?
Woods:
Every word.
Greene:
You're talking beautifully.
Dorcas:
But you must be very patient with me, ‘cause it’s a long time since I came back to Earth to speak.
Woods:
We can hear every word.
Greene:
May we have your name, please?
Dorcas:
Ah…but my name would not convey nothing to you, but you can call me Dorcas.
Greene:
Dukkas?
Dorcas:
No - Dorcas. That's my name or at least, should I say, that was the name that my people call me by. But that was no my baptismal name.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
I find it's so strange trying to talk to you after such a long time.
Woods:
Can you tell us about something about the…your side of life?
Dorcas:
That's one of the main reasons why I’ve come to talk to you.
Woods:
Oh, very kind of you.
Dorcas:
I have been here now two-hundred odd years.
Woods:
Two-hundred odd years!
Greene:
Good gracious!
Dorcas:
Aye, that's a long time to you, but it’s no so long to me now. Here we have no idea of time in the same way that you have.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
I used to live in Dundee. But that's a long time ago, as I’ve already said. In those days Dundee was quite a small place, not like now. Although I was no born there, but I was taken there by my parents when I was quite young. I could no have been more than three or
four.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
Could you tell us; when you passed over, how you found yourself and your reactions?
Dorcas:
Aye. I was only about thirty-two. I might have been thirty-three, but not quite sure now, but I remember that, that is when I died.
Greene:
Yes.
Woods:
What in fact, uh…
Dorcas:
I was murdered you know?
Greene:
Yes.
Dorcas:
Not that that matters now, but at the time it upset me for quite a while; I used to haunt the place.
Woods:
Haunt? Did you used to haunt it?
Greene:
What, haunt your house?
Dorcas:
Aye, I was a ghost.
Woods:
Were you?
Dorcas:
Aye, I was quite happy.
Woods:
Were you?
Dorcas:
Aye, I was quite happy.
Woods:
Yes?
Dorcas:
I wasn't no miserable exactly you know, but I used to go around. It used to give me a great deal of pleasure frightening people out of their lives!
Greene:
Oh dear!
Dorcas:
Aye, but I've changed now, I'm talking about when I was…way back, you know? When I first came here for the first few years, around about forty to fifty years, I was a ghost. Does that sound strange to you?
Woods:
And, did you, uh…
Flint:
[Laughing]
Woods:
It's rather interesting actually...
Dorcas:
I'm not a ghost now, but I was for a time.
Woods:
What did you do when you were a ghost? Did you, um...
Flint:
Huh!
Woods:
...did you see the people?
Dorcas:
Aye, I could see them and sometimes they could see me too, and they used to say, ‘here comes old Dorcas’.
Woods:
Well I never, mmm, that’s very interesting....and, um, how did you...
Dorcas:
Aye, it's not important now, I realise that. You know, the man that murdered me was not my husband. I was living with him. But they
never caught him, you know.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
That's what I said. Did you no hear what I said?
Greene:
Yes I did, yes. I did hear perfectly. I did...
What are you doing now? How are you spending your time?
Dorcas:
Oh I'm quite happy now and I am quite settled over here and I'm very...I'm very active too. I have many interests here. But for a long time I could no get away from the Earth. It used to give me great satisfaction to go around the old places. And the people there, you know, they got in the habit of seeing me and taking not much notice. They used to say 'here's old Dorcas', you know. Aye, if they'd see me along the lane.
Of course some of the younger people used to hear about it and did not take it seriously. But the older people; they believed and they knew, and they saw me at times.
Woods / Greene:
Can you...
Greene:
I beg your pardon.
Woods:
That's alright.
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Greene:
Can you describe the sphere you are on now, what it's like?
Dorcas:
Aye, it's very beautiful and it's very colourful too, and we have a very nice house and beautiful scenery; beautiful lakes and forests. And I
go a-riding now. I'm very fond of horses; I always was. You know, I used to live with a man who used to steal horses. He was a rough man, but he was alright until he'd some drink, and that's how he came to do me in.
Greene:
Oh.
Woods:
Oh yes.
Greene:
I see, uh-hmm.
Woods:
Have you met him?
Dorcas:
No, I've no desire to see him now.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
But we were no quite suited or anything...it's just one of those things.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
Oh well, that goes for the present time to sometimes doesn't it?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
And, uh...what did you, um...what are you doing now on that side?
Dorcas:
Aye, it may surprise you if I tell you now, but I'm teaching.
Woods:
Teaching are you?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
Teaching?
Dorcas:
Aye. I had no qualifications on Earth; I could hardly speak, let alone read and write.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
Are you teaching children?
Dorcas:
Aye. I'm very fond of children here, and I have a great deal to do with them and I teach, now.
Greene:
Yes, and what do you teach them?
Dorcas:
All kinds of things that are essential to their education. I teach them about life and how to live, and how to treat other people, and how to be kind to animals and birds. And also, I've talked to them about history because I was always most interested in history myself. Not that I knew much about it on Earth, as I say, my education was sadly lacking. But, you know, I've learned a great deal since I've been here and I'm able to impart my knowledge to the children.
Greene:
That's lovely.
Woods:
That is.
What are the birds like there? Are they...
Dorcas:
Ahh! All kinds. All kinds of birds here.
Woods:
Very colourful?
Flint:
[Coughing]
Dorcas:
Some are very colourful too.
Woods:
Yes. And what the, uh...
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Woods:
...animals like? Are they much about the same as the Earth animals?
Dorcas:
Aye. I've seen all kinds of animals here, just the same as you have on Earth, and they're all friendly.
Woods:
They're all friendly.
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
And are they the same colours or a different colour?
Dorcas:
Much the same.
Woods:
Much the same. Oh yes.
Dorcas:
I don't think people realise that animals have a soul. Especially domestic animals; they're much more highly developed too.
Greene:
Horses are.
Woods:
Horses are very highly developed. They even know what you're saying.
Greene:
Do you go down to the lower spheres at all?
Dorcas:
I've been down there. I was quite there for a while myself, but I did not dislike it all that much. Now of course, I could no be there and be happy, but at the time I was no so unhappy there. It was not so bad.
Greene:
How did you manage...how did you...did somebody come and help you to get into the plane you're in? Or how did you...?
Dorcas:
Well not exactly that in a way. It was a gradual state of change and process, I suppose, of thought; a change in my outlook. But at first I was very Earthbound, and I could no, sort of, find any satisfaction, only in being near the Earth and the people that I'd known. Besides I was quite happy being Earthbound. I enjoyed watching other people and seeing what they were up to and keeping my eye open, you know?
Woods:
Yes...
Dorcas:
Aye, and I used to cause a bit of mischief at times too. I used to play pranks. I used to do all sorts of things. I used to get quite a great deal of fun and pleasure out of that; opening and shutting doors, and throwing coal and all sorts of things, breaking mirrors, and frightening people.
Greene:
Half to death...
Dorcas:
Aye, but what was wrong with that?
Flint:
[Laughing]
Dorcas:
I made them know I was around, and they used to say, 'that's old Dorcas here again' and they took it for granted, and they no worried so very much about it either. After a time when they were no more frightened of me, I got a bit fed up with that, and I decided to...to quit.
Flint:
[Laughing]
Woods:
And, uh...
Greene:
How did you get help in the end? What...who helped you?
Dorcas:
Ah, various people came to help me, but I'd no listen to them at first. And then eventually my mother came, and she appealed me to go away, and I thought, 'well, I might as well, there's no point in staying here.'
So I went away with my mother. But I'd no stay with her very long, because we were not, you know, we had nothing in common. We were quite different in outlook. My mother was a very religious woman, and she used to get on my nerves when I was on Earth, talking about the Bible and singing hymns and all the rest of it. She was always at the Bible classes and that sort of thing, but it was no my cup of tea.
But I suppose now, I realise now, I was a bad lot. I deserved what I got, you know. But I'm alright now, I got past all that. I'm not exactly a good person, now I wouldn't say that. I'm not...well, like some of the people that come around to these meetings who are very highly evolved. But I'm not a bad person either. Besides, I've got the interest to come and talk to you people.
Woods:
Yes, very interesting.
Greene:
Yes...jolly interesting...
Woods:
Yes. It's very nice of you to come.
Greene:
You are interesting.
Woods:
And uh, what are the, uh,...you've, um...your, what do you dress, what do you dress on that side and uh?
Dorcas:
Oh, I dress in what I feel inclined.
Greene:
What are you dressed in now?
Dorcas:
I've got a blue gown, and I've got a shawl, not that I need a shawl, because there's no cold, but I like a shawl. I don't feel dressed unless I've got one.
Greene:
You've got a plaid shawl?
Dorcas:
Aye, and my hair is long too. I've got red hair.
Greene:
Yes.
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
One day I'll show myself to you, if you like, if it would give you a bit of pleasure. I'll come and let you know when I am around. I'll do things to really let you know I'm there. And then you'll start saying, 'it's Dorcas'!
Flint:
Huh!
Woods:
In our house could you do it?
Dorcas:
Aye, would you like to be haunted for a few weeks?
Woods:
Yes.
Flint:
Huh!
Greene:
Oh, right. Mmm...
Woods:
Well, we shall know it's you.
Dorcas:
But I mean pleasant, I don't mean unpleasant.
Woods:
No, I know.
Dorcas:
Because I'm no harm, you know.
Greene:
Can you give me some idea what you are likely to do?
Dorcas:
Oh, don't get...don't get worried about things. You're alright.
Woods:
I shan't be worried.
Dorcas:
Oh I'll just do things to let you know I'm there. I'll rattle and knock or I'll drop things for you, but I won't break anything.
Woods:
No, well that's very nice of you to do it. I...just...be very interesting.
Greene:
Do you know where we live Dorcas?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
Have been there?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
You have?
Dorcas:
I've been brought there by your friend.
Greene:
You have?
Dorcas:
Aye
Greene:
Have you been brought there by mother?
Dorcas:
Who's mother?
Greene:
My mother?
Dorcas:
No.
Greene:
You haven't.
Dorcas:
I don't think your mother would bring me.
Woods:
She was Scotch, she came from Edinburgh.
Greene:
Yes. Why I asked that Dorcas, is because she is helping with children as they pass over, you see?
Dorcas:
I know about your mother. She must have been there when I've not been present.
Greene:
Oh really...
Dorcas:
But I've been around, some odd times recently. Well, I thought, if the opportunity arose I might come and speak to you here.
Greene:
I'm very glad you have. We're very, very pleased to hear you.
Woods:
Very pleased to hear...and, uh, tell us a lot more if you can.
Greene:
Yes, tell us all you can.
Woods:
All you can.
Dorcas:
Well I'll tell you about my husband; he was a horse thief. Aye, and he was a bit of a footpad* too. A very precarious kind of living now. But sometimes he'd do quite well and other times he'd not do so well and he'd go hungry. And then once we had to move away from the district because people got suspicious.
Greene:
And did you have any children, Dorcas?
Dorcas:
No. Well no, I had one still-born child, but I never had a child that lived. Which is probably just as well.
Woods:
How did you lift things, uh...
Dorcas:
What did you say?
Woods:
...throw them about...you know, how were you able throw things about?
Dorcas:
Oh, there's lots of different ways when you know how to do it. Providing the power is there, but you've got to find someone who's got the power and vitality, usually when there's children present it's easier. It's no good [unintelligible] old people, as a rule. They've got no vitality or power. You can't draw from them at all.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
Still, you're not that old; I might be able to manage to do a few things with you.
Woods:
Well that's very kind of you.
Greene:
You won't make us jump, will you Dorcas?
Dorcas:
No I not make you jump. What about that boy of yours?
Greene:
Uh, my boy?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
Angus…um, he's coming home, uh, Christmas time.
Dorcas:
Aye. He might supply enough power to doing something at Christmas time.
Greene:
I suppose he would actually...
Dorcas:
If I can no do anything now, at the moment, it's only because I have no the power. But maybe when your son is there, then I might be
able to use something.
Greene:
Yes, he's quite...I should imagine he would have some power.
Dorcas:
What are you doing with that wall?
Greene / Woods:
Wall?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
Yes, oh yes. Do you know...
Dorcas:
Aye, of course I know all about it.
Greene:
What wall is that?
Woods:
That one we've got up in front.
Greene:
Do you mean the back garden wall?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
Oh we had some great fun over that...
Dorcas:
I know. I was very amused when I was watching you. I thought I'd pick a few bricks up and throw at you, but...I thought I'd better not.
Woods:
You saw us do that did you?
Dorcas:
Aye, I was standing around watching you.
Greene:
...interesting, isn't it George? What else have you seen us do, Dorcas?
[Break in recording]
Dorcas:
Oh I've seen you working.
Greene:
Oh I mean, in the house, in the building. What else have you seen us do?
Dorcas:
Aye, I've been seeing you doing a bit of whitewashing. Well, at least, you've got a brush and you've got some colour.
Greene:
That's right.
Woods:
Yes, that's perfectly true.
Greene:
Yes, quite true.
Dorcas:
Aye. And then again you had a door and you were having a bit of trouble with the door. It wouldn't fit properly.
Greene:
[Laughing] Oh that's quite right!
Woods:
Yes that's right.
Dorcas:
And you were saying something under your breath about it which was not so polite!
[Laughter]
Dorcas:
And you're saying about this door never fitting properly and you were cutting it, you was.
Woods:
Yes. That's right.
Greene:
That's right.
Dorcas:
And then again you were putting up some hooks up behind the door too.
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
Another thing you were doing, you were trying to stop the draft.
Woods:
Yes. That's perfectly true.
Dorcas:
You've got two chairs and you're sitting on one and you're putting your foot up on the other one, which is not the right thing to do.
Woods:
Oh yes, that's perfectly true, I often do that.
Greene:
George?
[Laughter]
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
Well, well, well...
Dorcas:
Another thing I can tell you too: you want to put the mirror back where it belongs.
Woods:
Oh yes. You know, I put it in the...you know that mirror I took off the...ablutions.
Greene:
What, do you mean...oh I know!
[Break in recording]
Greene:
Have you seen...[unintelligible] Dorcas? You know, the way...
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Huh!
Greene:
Well it's interesting George.
Woods:
It's very interesting.
Dorcas:
I've seen you doing quite a lot of things, but I'm trying to think of something unusual. I think too, I'm right in this, but I'm not quite sure, but you have the curtains hung the wrong way around.
Greene:
That's quite right, I did, in the bedroom.
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
Put them upside down.
Dorcas:
Upside down...and you're saying to yourself, 'well, I don't know what it is about these curtains, they don't look right.' And then you had to rearrange them, when you realised you'd got them the wrong way round.
Greene:
I haven't done it actually though, I've got nice new ones.
Dorcas:
Aye.
Greene:
Quite right.
Dorcas:
Another thing too, that centre fitting's a bit too high.
Greene:
Centre fitting, now which room is that?
Dorcas:
It's what you call it, is it not? The light.
Greene:
Is it in the sitting room?
Dorcas:
Not in your house. I mean, your place, in his.
Woods:
Oh mine.
Greene:
Mr Woods place?
Woods:
Oh my house you mean, yes.
Greene:
Oh you know it quite well?
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
You've been talking about getting that lowered for a long time.
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
But you've not done anything about it.
Woods:
No we haven't had it mended yet, but we're going to alter it.
Dorcas:
Aye. I'd have to say, that's the last three or four weeks.
Woods:
So you've been round there quite a lot have you?
Dorcas:
Aye. It's not the only thing I can tell you too.
Woods:
No?
Dorcas:
I know where you keep your money on the quiet too, but I'm not saying.
Woods:
Yes, where do we...where do we...where do I keep it?
Flint:
Huh!
Greene:
Oh! [Laughing]
Flint:
[Coughing]
Woods:
Where do I keep it?
Flint:
[Coughing loudly - Laughing]
Woods:
I'd like you to say that.
Greene:
Come on Dorcas, where does he keep it?
Flint:
Oh dear, oh dear!
Woods:
I don't mind.
Greene:
[Whispering to Woods]
Woods:
[Whispering to Greene]
Greene:
Oh she's not gone has she?
Dorcas:
What about the books?
Woods:
Oh the books, yes. There are a lot of books. Oh, you mean I put it in the books? I put the money in the books. That's perfectly true!
Dorcas:
I saw you putting the notes in the books.
Woods:
That's perfectly true!
Dorcas:
That's not a very safe place to keep money.
Woods:
Well, when I...[unintelligible]
Flint:
Huh!
[Coughing loudly]
Woods:
...obviously, I keep these books in the library you see.
Dorcas:
Aye, but supposing you forgot where you put it or you lent some of your books?
Woods:
That is the trouble: I often forget.
Dorcas:
Aye. You've got a bad memory. If you take my advice, you would not put money in books.
Woods:
No. [Laughing]
Dorcas:
Your books will become too valuable.
Woods:
Yes.
Flint:
Huh!
Woods:
Now, you know...
Dorcas:
I'm only telling you all these trivial things to let you know I do exist and that I do come around.
Greene / Woods:
[unintelligible]
Dorcas:
I know, but people that listen to your recordings, they'd say 'well, that's something', because I put you through everything.
Woods:
Yes and I hope you - when we are playing the recordings or any time - I hope you'll come and, well, shift something around, make people realise that's it's a great...
Dorcas:
Your wife has a coat, a new coat.
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
But I don't think she's quite happy about it.
Woods:
No. No.
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Dorcas:
By the way, it's about time you bought yourself one.
Flint:
Huh!
Woods:
Well...
Flint:
[Loud coughing]
Woods:
...I'm not bothered about one for myself, not in that way.
Dorcas:
I think you should.
Woods:
Hmm?
Dorcas:
I think you should.
Woods:
Yes. Well...and uh, what you're...it's very nice if you're coming round like that...
Greene:
It's nice...
Woods:
I think it's very good of you to come round...and...but I wish you would let us know you're there.
Dorcas:
Don't worry. I'm going to.
Woods:
Good.
Dorcas:
I thought I better warn you first.
Woods:
Oh well, it'd be very nice...we shall....for you to come.
Greene:
Can you, um, Dorcas...you know my little flat, don't you?
Dorcas:
I do.
Greene:
Can you sort of, uh, see anything in your mind's eye now that you could move and I'll probably look out for it?
Dorcas:
Aye, some of the ornaments, no doubt, some of the things that are no so heavy.
Greene:
Have you seen the vase on the coffee table?
Dorcas:
Aye...and the bird.
Greene:
The bird? The bird?
Gosh...where's this bird?
Woods:
[unintelligible]
Greene:
I haven't got a bird Dorcas, have I?
Dorcas:
You will see what I am talking about in a few weeks - less than a fortnight's time.
Greene:
Well.
Dorcas:
I'll be responsible for the bird.
Greene:
You'll be responsible for the bird.
Flint:
Huh!
Greene:
I had a sparrow in my room the other day. That's the only bird I can think of. Alright Dorcas, well you be responsible for the bird.
Woods:
And, uh, it'd be a very great help, uh...if you would, uh...just when we're playing to, uh...parties of people round (if you would)...these recordings, if you would...uh, move something...right and drop in the centre of the floor or something like that. It just gives them a little bit of...break it up, sort of thing..
Greene:
[unintelligible]
Woods:
Hmm?
Dorcas:
I'll see what I can do, but I won't promise.
Woods:
No, no.
Greene:
Well, Dorcas can you tell us any more now about your life over there? Are you happy?
Dorcas:
Of course.
Greene:
Are you happy? Good.
Dorcas:
I am very happy now, but I was no so happy at first, but [unintelligible] and I've progressed.
Greene:
Yes.
Dorcas:
I'm alright and I'm very happy indeed with the children and the work. And also I paint too.
Greene:
Oh do you?
Dorcas:
Aye. It's a very interesting thing that I found to do for myself and of course, I knit. Does that sound silly?
Greene:
No, because probably you did so on Earth, didn't you?
Dorcas:
No.
Greene:
You didn't?
Dorcas:
But I'd like to have done. I used to do a bit of weaving when I was quite a wee girl, but it was quite a long time ago.
Greene:
You're doing now, the things that you...
Dorcas:
I'm doing things now that I could no do when on Earth but had no opportunity to do. But you know, I've had some very happy times in many different ways since I've been here.
Greene:
Yes? Well won't you tell us about them?
Dorcas:
I like to ride horse. Here, I have my own horse.
Greene:
How lovely.
Woods:
That's lovely.
Dorcas:
It's a beautiful creature and I call it Dandy.
Greene:
Yes?
Dorcas:
And I ride and ride. I love to do that. Who knows, I might bring my horse down to you!
Woods:
Oh, good.
Dorcas:
And then if you can hear it neighing in the centre of the room you'll know it's me there with my horse!
Woods:
Oh very good.
Greene:
Alright Dorcas, we'll know. What colour is your horse?
Dorcas:
White.
Greene:
Oh lovely. All white?
Dorcas:
I'm going to do something to make you all sit up and take notice.
Woods:
Oh that's very good.
Greene:
[unintelligible]
Dorcas:
I've been used to that kind of thing. Some of these other people here, they don't know the first thing about it. I'll show you how it's done.
Woods:
Yes.
Flint:
Oh dear!
Woods:
Well that's very nice.
Greene:
Thank you Dorcas.
Dorcas:
You'd be surprised...
Greene:
How do you spell your name?
Dorcas:
...but I've got an idea your wife would be very...very nervous.
Woods:
No she wouldn't. No...
Dorcas:
My name is D.O.R.C.A.S - Dorcas.
Greene:
D - Dorcas...D.O.R...oh yes of course.
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Dorcas:
I'll have to try and do things when she's not around.
Woods:
I think she wouldn't mind, I don't think she'd mind that anyway.
Dorcas:
You're very fond of red velvet.
Woods:
Hmm?
Greene:
You love red...she said, 'you're very fond of red velvet'.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
It's the red...it's probably the cherry colour in the house or something...
Woods:
Yes, that is...yes. The cherry colour, yes.
Dorcas:
I like the white walls...
Woods:
They're all white aren't they, yes...
Dorcas:
...and the white paint.
Greene:
Did you see us painting those white walls at the back?
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
They're all...
Greene:
Oh blast!
Flint:
[Loud coughing]
Greene:
When we were painting what were we wearing? Can you remember? Something unusual.
Dorcas:
What was that you're saying?
Greene:
When we were painting those walls at the back, in the house, I mean. What p...what were we wearing - both of us? Something rather unusual you may not have seen before.
Flint:
[Loud coughing]
Greene:
Is that light too much Mr W...uh, Mr...?
Flint:
No, it doesn't worry me.
Dorcas:
You don't mean those two transparent things?
Woods:
Yes?
Greene:
Mmm? Well...no, uh...no...[unintelligible]
Flint:
[Coughing]
Woods:
I don't think she knows what you mean, to be honest. And uh...
Greene:
We were wearing something Dorcas, that we occasionally took off.
Dorcas:
You don't mean the glove things?
Greene:
No, you're getting there...
Woods:
She couldn't have...It was the things we were wearing around our mouths...
Greene:
Masks...to cut the fumes.
Woods:
Fumes, you see?
Dorcas:
Oh, I never thought of that, I thought you meant the way of wearing clothes.
Woods:
No.
Greene:
I wondered if you noticed that, because you wouldn't probably have seen those before, you see.
Woods:
We've done it in a special way, this room.
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Woods:
It's how we want it and uh...that's very interesting.
Greene:
It was interesting wasn't it? Mmm...
Woods:
And what sort of house have you on that side?
Dorcas:
Quite a wee cottage, but I'm quite happy in it. It suits me.
Woods:
What is it like inside? Is it...
Dorcas:
Oh, it's quite [pretty]. It's beams and walls are coloured washed, and I have a roof of straw.
Woods:
Do you do any...do...oh, you have a roof of straw do you?
Greene:
Oh it's like a highland cottage, isn't it...?
Woods:
Yes. Uh, do the...you do the work in there yourself, like the...
Dorcas:
Of course. Why should I have anyone else to do my own work, if I'm quite capable of doing it and I'm quite happy?
Woods:
I fact it's like a...the world you're in is exactly the same...it's almost very similar to the Earth world, only much better...is that so?
Dorcas:
There was a place exactly the same on Earth and I liked it so much, I decided if it was possible I'd have one the same.
Woods:
Oh yes.
Dorcas:
And when I was able, I did.
Woods:
Mmm...
Greene:
Oh, lovely.
Woods:
...and uh, many friends have you there?
Dorcas:
Uh, crowds! I have many friends here. All kinds of people that I've met here and a few that I knew on Earth too.
Woods:
Oh yes...
...and I suppose you can see all the things that, uh...were, uh...things on Earth like the, uh...coronations and things like that...do you come to see...
Dorcas:
I have been to some of your affairs, but I'm not really that much interested now. At one time I was.
Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
I was very interested years ago in that sort of thing. I remember the coronation of...of George III.
Woods:
You do? Oh yes, that's going back some years isn't it?
Greene:
Before our time...
Flint:
[Loud coughing]
Woods:
And, uh...
Dorcas:
Ah, I can remember the days when we used to...have a gibbet** on the roadside. They used to hang men and highwayman.
Greene:
Yes.
Woods:
Those were terrible days, weren't they?
Dorcas:
Aye, they're no worse than yours when you drop bombs on people.
Woods:
Oh yes.
Greene:
You're right there Dorcas, you're perfectly right there.
Dorcas:
And then you have excuses and you'll make explanations and you do it wholesale.
Woods:
Yes, I think it's terrible.
Greene:
In fact, Dorcas, I think our days are far more cruel.
Woods:
Yes. Do you think we shall...
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Woods:
...have another war...
Dorcas:
Oh, I hope not.
Woods:
No.
Dorcas:
I don't know, but I should have hoped not. I could no imagine what it would be like.
Woods:
It would be terrible, wouldn't it?
Dorcas:
The last one was bad enough, I'm told.
Woods:
Yes, oh yes.
Dorcas:
I've only just started to come back to Earth again, you know.
Greene:
Have you?
Dorcas:
I've been away for over a hundred-odd years. And I just got the urge to come back and see if there's anything...that I might do, and I was advised to come and see you here.
Greene / Woods:
Yes. Awfully kind of you...
Dorcas:
That's when I first met you two here in this house.
Greene:
Did you?
Dorcas:
Aye, some six months or so ago.
Greene / Woods:
Yes.
Dorcas:
And I've been since and been around to see how you're getting on.
Woods:
Oh that's very nice of you.
Greene:
That's very nice of you, Dorcas.
Dorcas:
I hope you'll come and talk to me from time to time.
Woods:
I will.
Greene:
Of course we will.
Dorcas:
And I hope you no get your rheumatism again.
Woods:
No, I...
Dorcas:
I'll have to see if I can come and cure that.
Woods:
Oh, that's very kind of you.
Greene:
An old-fashioned remedy, Dorcas.
Dorcas:
Aye.
Woods:
And if you come around the house, let us know that you're there.
Dorcas:
I will.
Woods:
We'll talk to you.
Dorcas:
I will.
Greene:
Oh we like to talk, we'll talk to you...
Dorcas:
Don't worry. I'll give you some signs alright in the next few weeks. I'll make you sit up and take notice and know that I'm there. And if you hear the neighing of a horse, you'll know it's mine.
Woods:
Yes.
Greene:
Alright Dorcas, we will [unintelligible].
Dorcas:
Goodbye.
Greene:
Good bye Dorcas and thank you.
Woods:
Goodbye and thank you...
Dorcas:
...and a happy New Year!
Woods:
Thank you. The same to you.
Greene:
The same to you dear. Thank you very much.
Flint:
Huh!
Woods:
That's very nice [unintelligible].
Greene:
[unintelligible].
Dr. Marshall:
As a matter of fact, there are many people that naturally do want to talk to you from time to time. Actually, the one who has just spoken,
Dorcas, she's quite a character, as you can well imagine, and no doubt she'll become quite familiar to you.
She'll probably come from time to time and talk to you, but you'll find her most amusing and most interesting. In fact, she knows far more than she'd probably let on at the moment, but, um, she certainly, presumably, from what I can gather, has quite a power, but you should find some manifestation taking place, 'ere long, in your own place.
Greene:
Good.
Woods:
Yes.
Dr. Marshall:
It'll probably be of much interest to you, and may I make a suggestion? It might be a very good idea if, when you occasionally having a sitting, you try to take some psychic photographs.
Woods:
Yes, we definitely will.
Dr. Marshall:
Just set up your camera [unintelligible] during the session, and, um, don't be a bit surprised if you get some extras.
Woods:
Yes. Certainly we'll do that.
Dr. Marshall:
It's worth trying, in any case.
Greene:
Is it Dr. Marshall...[unintelligible]
Dr. Marshall:
Yes, yes. Nice to see you here tonight, Mr. Woods.
Woods:
I'm very pleased to come Dr Marshall.
Dr. Marshall:
Missed you last time.
Greene:
Yes, he did.
Woods:
Dr. Marshall, have you, uh, met my father on that side at all?
Dr. Marshall:
I've seen your father here various times when you've been present, yes. As a matter of fact, um, I've met quite a number of your relations, um, on this side or they say they've been present at seances when you've been here.
Greene:
Have you met my mother?
Dr. Marshall:
Yes, yes.
Woods:
Hmm. Is he getting on alright there, is he?
Dr. Marshall:
I should imagine so, as far as I know. I haven't had much conversation with him, but I should think so, judging by the condition that I get with him: his auric emanation. I should say he's obviously quite happy.
Woods:
Yes, yes.
Dr. Marshall:
By the way, I don't know, it's not my business to ask probably but, your parents...were they very, sort of, at difference?
Woods:
Oh yes.
Dr. Marshall:
I should hardly think they're together, judging by the fact that, having seen them here several times, that I should hardly of thought they
were adjusted to each other, I doubt very much. I maybe wrong on this, but I can find out definitely. But I should imagine they were hardly suited to one another and I should think it most unlikely that they're together on this side.
Woods:
No. They were quite, quite different...uh, my father, uh...they didn't altogether get on together.
Dr. Marshall:
No...it was one of those marriages, you know. It wasn't an ideal one, they made the best of it, I suppose.
Woods:
They made the best of it, but my father was...
Flint:
[Sniffing]
Woods:
...a lovely character, was my father. My mother was, in her...in her way, she was a [unintelligible]...in her way. And father was a...he was very clever in writing and a student, kind of thing, he was. We...I got...we got on wonderfully well together my father and myself. I was wondering how he...
Dr. Marshall:
I do wish you the compliments of the season.
Greene:
Thank you.
Woods:
Oh thank you so much.
Dr. Marshall:
And hope to see you again soon. Goodbye.
Woods:
Yes. Goodbye
Greene:
Goodbye Doctor Marshall. Thank you.
Unknown Female:
Hello? Ah!
Greene:
Hello?
Unknown Female:
I just come to talk to you for a...[unintelligible].
Woods:
Oh yes.
Greene:
Yes....who is that?
Unknown Female:
You're asking about your people you know. Your mother and father are here, with all of us here. You know?
Woods:
All that's very kind, yes. But what I wondered...uh, uh...some people went to a direct voice circle a little while back. No, not so long ago...
Greene:
My family.
Woods:
...and they said my father came through, but...and the message he gave, I didn't think it was my father, you see? And I...I just wanted to, really to ask you if it was...if he did give that message, but I can't imagine him giving a message like that.
Unknown Female:
I will try to find out for you.
END OF RECORDING
* Footpad = an 18th century roadside thief.
** Gibbet = an 18th century gallows designed for suspending the body of criminals.
This transcript is courtesy of Russell Symonds
Edited by K.Jackson-Barnes