The Toastmaster Inn Ghost

The following photo was taken by local resident Keith Thompson on New Year's Eve 2001 in the Toastmaster Inn, Burham.  At first glance it appears to be just an ordinary photo of a group of revellers at a New Year party.  But take a closer look at the picture on the wall at the extreme right hand side of the photo - can you see the face in it (the blow-up at the bottom of the page shows this section in greater detail)?  Nothing strange there, until I tell you that the picture is actually that of an old corner pub (if you don't believe me go to the pub and check it out for yourself)!

There have been rumours about the pub being haunted for some time.  The snug bar in the pub used to be a separate cottage owned for many years by a lady named Mabel.  Mabel used to frequent the pub, and would sit at the bar in the corner by the picture cleaning the glasses for the Landlord.  According to one former Burham resident: "I knew Mabel and her husband Sam very well and Mabel never missed a day, lunch time and evening on the same stool.  Mabel was a real character, a larger than life lady, with a laugh to remember with Sam being the quieter of the partnership."  After she died her cottage was acquired by the pub and converted into the snug bar and second kitchen, and a plaque (still there today) was placed on the wall above the bar in the corner where Mabel used to sit, proclaiming it to be "Mabel's Corner".  Since then there have been numerous reports of strange sounds, glasses moving of their own accord and sightings of a ghostly figure.

So, is the mysterious face in the picture actually that of the late Mabel?  I shall leave you to form your own opinion...

Blow up of the face in the picture...

If you have anything interesting to add to this mysterious event or wish to express an opinion, please use the Feedback facility.  I shall pass any relevant information on to the pub...