Famous psychic medium Tony Stockwell comes to The Brook in Soham this month

Tony Stockwell, one of the country’s most well known and respected mediums will bring his psychic talent to The Brook in Soham on February 25. Here, he talks to Ben Jolley about his special gift, sceptics and more …

When was the first time you knew that you had a gift?

I was aware of spirit from a very young age, as long as I can remember really, but never had a name for it or even knew I was that different from everyone else. I can recall seeing Spirit from as young as 4. However, when I was 16-years-old and went to my first Spiritualist Church it all became clear. I realised what I was seeing, and that not everyone was the same.

What or who inspired you to go into spiritualism?

It really just happened! I had been a weird kid and started seeing and hearing things from a child. When I first became involved as a teenager I knew very little about it or what I was getting into. In the years since the people who have inspired me are (the late) Gordon Higginson, medium Mavis Pittilla and actress and author Shirley MacLaine.

What do you love most about being a medium?

The diversity of the work and the characters you meet, in this world and the next.

What makes you want to perform to people and families who have lost loved ones?

It was never a case of me wanting to perform, and it was certainly never my need to work in theatres or on television, as I am actually quite shy. I wanted to communicate with Spirit and the rest just took its own path.

From the moment I started to develop my gift, it was as natural to me as eating and breathing. When you are able to pass on a message to a person or family that has lost a loved one there really is no going back, as the feeling of what has happened is immense.

What do you feel recipients and the rest of the audience get from one of your demonstrations of mediumship?

Hopefully, closure, healing, upliftment and, for some, a new belief that life goes on and for others a validation of their long held belief.

What would you say to anyone who is wondering whether to come to see the show?

If people haven’t seen a Medium work before, come along with an open mind, you may be surprised. The phenomenon of Mediumship is a powerful thing and has the ability to change lives, so why not give it the benefit of doubt?

Any advice for someone intending to attend an evening of mediumship for the first time?

Be relaxed and have no great expectation. Also, do not make your mind up about ‘mediumship’ after one demonstration.

What makes you happy in your work?

Getting that one ‘golden nugget’ of information and seeing the faces light up upon receiving it. It’s an amazing feeling.

What is the best thing about having this ‘gift’?

My life is dedicated to something I absolutely love and absolutely believe in. It’s so gratifying when you see the change the work of a Medium can have on some people. It’s a privilege to help them come to terms with their loss.

What do you say to people who are sceptical?

I don’t really say anything, they are as entitled to their opinions and beliefs as am I and those that do believe. It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same now, would it? There is a difference between those that are sceptical and those that are open minded but sitting on the fence, as the latter will enquire and will often come along to a show. Some will go away convinced and some will not, that’s just how it is. For the hardened sceptic no proof will ever be enough and they will always find a way to explain away what they have witnessed. That’s fine with me as that’s their path in life and this is mine, but I have the pleasure in knowing they will one day find out the truth about life after death, but in the meantime them being sceptical is fine with me.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Well, I can remember my old Nan saying to me once never to forget to moisturise you neck and elbows as they are always the first to go, and she was right about that.

In regards to my mediumistic work I can remember my old tutor, Joan, saying to me that you can only ever do your best and then you have to let it go.

It’s natural to always want that message to be a little clearer, or you want that one last piece of information in any one message, but at the end of day you have to accept some messages are more concise and evidential than others, and that also what is proof for one person is not for another. You can’t always worry about each spirit contact after it’s over, as you end up tying yourself up in knots.

What is left for you to achieve both personally and professionally?

Professionally I have never had clear goals or major ambitions. I never aimed to do this work full time, the same as I never aimed to work on television or write books. The opportunities I have had on nearly everything I have done came to me and I just went along with it, sometimes reluctantly. I guess I just want to keep on doing what I do for as long as I am able and for as long as I am enjoying it.

Personally in the coming years I want to address the work/home balance – as this has been tilted towards work of late and I want to be able to spend more time at home in my own bed. I do feel I have neglected my friends and family a little in the past 3 or 4 years, spending more and more time working away – so it’s is a personal aim to correct that.