International Paranormal Investigators

United Kingdom

Head Rep – RIPSW-Gareth Mates

Areas Covered:

Wales & Southern England

Gareth is the founder and Lead Investigator of R.I.P. South Wales, The group was originally called R.I.P. – (Research and Investigation into the Paranormal) when it was formed in 2003.

“I formed R.I.P. at the age of 17; I had some friends who were also interested in the paranormal to help me investigate. Originally the group was about thrill seeking and was quite amateurish in its actions. Eventually the group split and only I remained to investigate on my own.

I formed the group because, as a young boy, I wanted to become a “Ghostbuster” but as I grew older I realized there was no such thing; however I still researched the paranormal and found out about Paranormal Investigators. This interested me so I aimed to become an Investigator.” 

After his first Investigation, Gareth became more interested in the paranormal and the methods of investigation and researching how other investigators investigated including Maurice Grosse, Andrew Green and Harry Price. Gareths methods of investigation evolved and he approached his investigations with a more scientific and professional attitude.

In 2005 Gareth met another investigator from another group who was interested in going to another group due to the fact the current group he was in became more like a public ghost hunt group that had over fifty people attending one location. This new investigator joined with Gareth and they formed R.I.P. South Wales. Since this time another three investigators have joined the group.

In September 2008, out of curiosity, Gareth Joined IPI when he received an email invite by Mary Cunningham- IPI Rep Coordinator.

In May 2009 Gareth was made Head Rep for Wales and Southern England.

“I found the website very useful and it was really great to see how other groups investigated and I benefited from receiving help with any queries or questions I had. I feel that I have joined a new team who are dedicated to advancing the understanding of the paranormal and making the paranormal accessible to everyone.”