Powys paranormal enthusiasts mark Ghostbusters turning 40

This Saturday, June 8, is Ghostbusters Day across the world, celebrating 40 years since the first movie was released in cinemas, and the Mid Wales Ghostbusters have a busy weekend.

Katy Craddock and Matthew Davies, from Crickhowell, are two of the Mid Wales Ghostbusters' nine Powys members, and will be making an appearance at the Risca Beach Party this weekend.

Tech wizard Matt has been fascinated with the movie since he was a kid. He creates all the props; they even have an Ecto-1 and life-size terror dog.

“I’ve worked alongside the air ambulance several times over the years and they do an incredible job,” said Matt, an ex-retained firefighter.

They ain't afraid of no ghosts: Matt Davies and Katy Craddock (2nd and 3rd left) of the Welsh Ghostbusters. (Image: Supplied)

It’s also a cause close to his heart, because his son, now aged 11, needed help when he was a baby. “He used to suffer febrile convulsions and it's not something we knew about until he had his first one. But the first one was particularly bad,” said Matt.

“He would not stop fitting, so we called the ambulance and that they could not stop him, so he was airlifted by the Wales Air Ambulance to Shrewsbury Hospital.

“If it had not been for them he would not be here now, because he stopped breathing on route to the hospital. They had to revive and intubate him.”

Katy added: “We all feel very passionately about the work the air ambulance does.

“Another member of our group, Gareth Mates, his father suffered a heart attack and sadly nothing could be done to save him.

“But the air ambulance did come to him and did their best. So, we all want do fundraise as much as we can to ensure those who need the service get the right care when they are in a critical condition.”

The Mid Wales Ghostbusters members have a busy summer ahead, attending events the length and breadth of the nation.

OTHER NEWS:

• 'Active community member' banned after drink driving from Powys football match
• Plans to extend Welshpool sausage factory refused by Powys County Council
• Fourteen arrests after drug and money laundering raids in Powys and Shropshire
   

This weekend there’s an extra special line-up at the Risca Beach Party, with the Mid Wales Ghostbusters joined by similar groups from Preston, Bristol and the Carmarthenshire Ghostbusters.

Already this year, the Mid Wales Ghostbusters have appeared at their first comic con, they’ve appearance in Swansea, Barry and are headed to the ICC in Newport in August.

They’ve worked alongside Visit Caerphilly and made appearances at shows in Ystrad Mynach, Blackwood and Bargoed, as well as a four-day event in Cardiff, all fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance.

They hope they can put smiles on faces as well as raise awareness about the lifesaving service.

“People just love it and have such a great time. We literally have hundreds of photos taken with us,” said Katy.

“Over the past few months we have done a lot of events and built-up a following. It is really helped having the new films coming out because there has been even more interest in us.

“First generation of kids who followed the original are now adults and the younger generation are really into 1980s films.”

The Welsh Ghostbusters made an appearance at the Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells earlier this year. (Image: Supplied)

Matt added: “We’ve raised around £1,000 so far for the air ambulance and we hope to keep adding to that throughout the summer.

“The charity provides a vital service, you’re safe in the knowledge that you know they are there and what they can do.

“I’ve seen them in action time and time again. They have saved the lives of people I know and this is our way of saying thank you.”

Wales Air Ambulance head of fundraising Mark Stevens said: “It’s wonderful to have the support of the Mid Wales Ghostbusters as the movie marks 40 years.

“We cannot thank the team enough for raising funds and awareness about the work we do as they take part in events across Wales this year.

“Our charity relies on the kindness of our fundraisers to ensure that our pan-Wales service continues to provide the lifesaving service that we do.

“We help thousands of patients in life-saving situations and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”