31/10/2026
👻🏮 **All Hallows' Eve in Padstow — 36 brave souls, four dogs and a rather spooky coincidence!** 🎃
What a splendid Halloween evening we've had!
Our **6pm Ghost Walk was completely sold out**, with 25 intrepid souls arriving from some rather curious places. Indeed, an extraordinary number of them began with the letter B!
**Bodmin, Bath, Bridgend, Bury and Bridgnorth!** And just to spoil the pattern, we had visitors from Gloucester too!
I cannot explain this mysterious gathering of the B's. Perhaps some unseen hand was at work... 👻
Amongst our company were three faithful hounds, **Wilbur, Lolly and Pippin**, who seemed entirely untroubled by the spirits of Padstow.
But a particularly special welcome went to **Brenda and Michael, both 91 years young**, who have been visiting Padstow for over 60 years!
Indeed, I felt they deserved a photograph of their own, which you'll find amongst tonight's pictures. We all pulled together to help Brenda up the hill, whilst Michael managed the rest of the walk under his own steam. What a remarkable pair! And proof, if ever it were needed, that you're never too old for a good ghost story.
I suspect they could tell me a few tales about how Padstow has changed over those six decades. Perhaps I should be asking them to lead the next walk!
Our first photograph captures the 6pm gathering beside the harbour.
Then, at **8pm**, another 11 intrepid ghost hunters ventured into the darkness, accompanied by **Mia**, our fourth canine companion of the evening. 🐾
Our second photograph was taken in Duke Street, thanks to a kindly passer-by who agreed to press the shutter and capture us all for posterity.
And our third photograph is, of course, dedicated to **Brenda and Michael**, two rather special guests on this All Hallows' Eve.
And so another Halloween draws to a close. The streets grow quiet, the lantern is extinguished, and Padstow's restless spirits may return to their slumbers.
My heartfelt thanks to all 36 of you who chose to spend part of your Halloween with this long-departed merchant. You've made it a most memorable evening.
**Until we meet again, dear friends... in this world or the next!** 👻🏮
*Your humble and obedient servant,*
**Thomas Rawlings**
*Merchant, former High Sheriff, and deceased these past two centuries.*
