I always enjoyed playing Toccata in D minor, otherwise known to some people as the theme tune from Phantom of the Opera, on the parish church organ. The organ had thirty two-foot long tuba pipes that blasted out the tune with fearsome gusto.

I relayed the story to my brother about one occasion where I practised alone at night. The church was dark save for the organ. Just to my right there were eight rows of connected chairs facing the Lady Chapel. Without any warning I witnessed every row of chairs fly up into the air to come crashing down in front of the altar. It was enough for me to get off the organ and make my way hastily out of the church.

Was this a true story? Absolutely not. It was complete rubbish but it had my brother going for years!

People will invariably come across stories like mine and wonder if they are all made up. What I encountered along with my mentor Keith from 1990 to 1991, however, were events that I witnessed first hand. You may, of course, believe what you wish.

My first encounter was with a couple who believed that they were not alone in their house. There was never a clear sight of any physical presence but hints of movement on the periphery of one's vision or odd noises at night. The couple were in their late twenties and childless.

I had very little part to play on this occasion. I had the impression that the man of the house was 'sensitive'. This was a term used for people who, it was believed, had some psychic ability. Sometimes one came across a person who had psychic ability but knew nothing of the esoteric or spiritual worlds. As a consequence they were susceptible to 'picking up' non-physical visions or simply picking up of atmospheres. You can imagine what it must feel like to notice things that your conscious mind tells you is not there.

Walking The Path is now available in paperback See http://www.shaneward.co.uk for details