Ghost of a chance for new home.
A mother who claims her daughter has befriended a ghost called Percy is asking to be rehoused. Mrs Nichola Griggs, who says 20-month-old Jasmin has even picked up the northern accent of poltergeist Percy, called in a priest to bless the terraced house and drive him out.
But Percy could not be persuaded to quit the housing association home at Buckland, Portsmouth, says Mrs Griggs, and now she wants to leave him to his ghostly activities. These are said to include cups of tea snatched from people’s hands and thrown into the fire; Neatly piles clothes strewn over the kitchen; A kitchen chair thrown at Mrs Griggs; Hands on a clock suddenly moving forward.
“I can’t stand it any longer,” said 23-year-old Mrs Griggs. “Jasmin often answers me in a clear northern accent. No one round here says ‘ay-up’ to Jasmin, but that’s how she answers me.
A spokesman for Portsmouth Housing Association confirmed the family had asked for a move from the house. They had been advised to continue seeking advice from the clergy.
Birmingham Daily Post, 28th August, 1992.
Haunting warning about Hallowe’en.
By Simon Rushton.
A mum who believes her Portsmouth home is haunted by a poltergeist today warned against dabbling in the occult. Nicola Griggs, of Agincourt Road, Buckland, issued the stark warning as children prepare for a Hallowe’en night of trick or treating. She claims her life has been made hell by a poltergeist called Percy from northern England. Her 22-month-old daughter Jasmin has even picked up a northern accent from the poltergeist, she says.
Miss Griggs, who celebrated her 21st birthday yesterday, warned: “Steer clear of dabbling in the supernatural. I have never used tarot cards or the ouija board and did not believe in ghosts but what has happened in my home has changed my mind.” And Nicola is worried that she may have to stay in her haunted house alone during the witching hour tonight. She said: “I am not looking forward to it. If I can’t get out I will try and get a few friends round for a drink to take my mind off things. Recently Jasmin has been rolling around on the floor and screaming as if she was being strangled. It’s really weird. It has to be seen to be believed.”
Nicola says Percy’s other tricks have included: Snatching tea cups from visitors and throwing them in the fire. Hurling a chair at Nicola. Moving the hands of a clock several hours forward.
Even calling in a priest to bless the home failed to exorcise Percy, she said. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth the Right Rev Crispian Hollis said that using tarot or ouija boards could cause great distress and difficulties. He said: “It is dealing with things beyond normal comprehension. I would advise anyone not to get involved.”
Portsmouth Evening News, 31st October 1992.