(Original headline: Vampire active again, claims occult expert )
The Highgate Vampire Society has been revamped and come back out of its coffin with a new website.
David Farrant, president of the British Psychic and Occult Society, founded the Highgate Vampire Society in 1997.
By 2000, the society had 374 members but pressure of work forced Mr Farrant to disband the group.
Last month he returned to Highgate Cemetery, after a reported sighting of a 'vampire-like' figure in April.
Following the visit he decided to relaunch the society.
Mr Farrant said: "We will easily surpass the previous membership total.
"One of the main reasons we have relaunched it is because we have been inundated with interest, and not just from this country, from USA, Croatia, France and Germany.
"The story has spread by word of mouth. It has been copied around the internet and taken on its own momentum.
"The Highgate vampire has had the effect of completely overshadowing all my other investigations.
"If the current interest is anything to go by, I can see it really taking off."
Mr Farrant, from Muswell Hill, first became known for his exploits in search of the 'Highgate vampire' in the 1970s.
He was charged with 'vampire hunting', but acquitted at Clerkenwell Magistrates' Court.
The publicity the case attracted led to an increase in vandalism at Highgate Cemetery.
Last month's tour to the cemetery was Mr Farrant's first in more than 30 years.
He said: "None of the people I have ever been involved with have ever caused damage at Highgate Cemetery.
"I was surprised at how much good has been done. In 1973 it was like a tip, but the trees have been trimmed and graves resealed.
"Some areas are still out of bounds, but they show you the most important historical and architectural sites."
Members will get an updated magazine called the Highgate Vampire Casebook Files, with up-to-date photos of the cemetery.
Many members have offered to help edit the magazine.
Mr Farrant aims to break even, and needs members' help so that the society does not collapse under the weight of work.
Mr Farrant said: "The sighting of a tall, black figure in April on Swains Lane makes me think the vampire is active again.
"On my visit, I saw the bricked-up vault, which some occultists say is inhabited by the vampire.
"I am not really welcomed at the cemetery, but I am not barred as such. I am sure many members will be going on tours of the cemetery."
Membership is £12-a-year and the new website is at
highgatevampiresoc.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk.
.:Story originally published by:.
Hampstead & Highgate Express London / England I Marc Mullen - Sep 02.05
