In 1982, a medium at the College for Psychic Studies in London, named Marie Cherrie, received a message during a sitting with Paul Beard, the college president. The message came from Maurice Barbanell, the medium known for channeling the spirit entity Silver Birch. Barbanell had died the previous year.

During the 1970s, Beard and Barbanell agreed that whoever died first would try to report back to the other. The Barbanell Report, the result of this pact, is based on some thirty sessions, held over four years.

It was thought that because of his work and understanding of life after death Barbanell would be prepared for what came next. But when he arrived, he discovered it wasn't that simple. His relationship with Silver Birch, who is referred to as the Old Man or the Old Fellow, had changed. His guide had stepped back and he was left largely to his own devices.

He explained to Beard: "It's much more exciting than I expected. The possibilities are endless and quite daunting. Still some confusion with realities. So much depends on what you want to see. ...

"One of my first recollections when I passed over was to rid myself of a dream-like feeling. I can see now why it would be so easy for people to exist in this state and find it difficult to come out of it."

The report is an intriguing read for enquiring minds, curious about what lies ahead.