There is one thing we can all be certain of in this uncertain world and that is that, sooner or later, we are all going to leave it. We do indeed, as Shakespeare wrote, have our exits and our entrances. But is it to an undiscovered country that we must all, in time, depart? As Spiritualists, i.e. believers in the truth of communication between those alive in this material world and those alive in the world of spirit, we accept that insights into the nature of the next life have been given through mediums.

But we are far from being the first to seek the truth of life after life. Since time immemorial mankind has sought the answer to what lies beyond the dark doorway that we call death. There have been many versions of an answer to that ultimate question, the problem is, who and what do we believe?

The list of possible answers ranges from the acceptance of a specific faith as the only key to eternal life, to the grim materialistic viewpoint that death of the physical body is the absolute end. Spiritualists believe that we are incarnated spirits alive in human form and that when we die we progress into the spirit world. From this next country we may communicate, through mediums or otherwise, with those who remain alive in the material world.

Many of us will have felt the anguish and almost tangible sorrow of losing a loved one. I know that I have, and it hurt me deep inside, far more than I could say. For myself I was fortunate enough to see the materialisation of my dear father, some three months after his physical death. It is an experience I shall never forget. Since that day, some 26 years ago, I have never doubted the truth of eternal life. Indeed on rare occasions I still see my father, though recently he appears now as he was in his early thirties, looking young and full of life.

In March of the year 1998 I went to interview a medium in the town of Scarisbrick, near Southport in the county of Lancashire. His name was Derek Acorah. This man had constantly asked to see me as he said that he himself had received a message from a fellow medium that told him that I was to lead him to his destination. Quite how I was supposed to do this he did not know. However, when I went to see Derek, I was sufficiently impressed to agree to write about him. The book is published this month by Piatkus title 'The Psychic World of Derek Acorah'.

Within the pages of Derek's book there is a section devoted entirely to the nature of life after physical life. Derek refers to this as The Psychic World or the land of our immortal souls. As Derek told me of his visions of this world I felt that he was speaking the truth in a language that was not cluttered with confusing esoteric terminology. To me it made sense and I must admit that his erudite and insightful visions convinced me. Let me offer you some examples from his book:

ENTERING THE NEXT WORLD: 'It is the most natural thing to physically die': In this section Derek offers his personal insights into the nature of the world immediately beyond this physical realm. Derek believes that we create our own destiny in the next life by our deeds whilst incarnated on earth.

A SPIRITUAL RECKONING: 'There is for all a kind of spiritual reckoning in which we are invited to look at the meaning of our lives': This section of Derek's book deals with the period of transition between the two worlds. Here the deeds that we have done and the truth of our lives are weighed in the balance by evolved souls whose duty is to guide the newly arrived spirits into the next phase of their eternal lives.

THE DARK SIDE: 'There is an alternative offered to those who decline the selfless help of the enlightened spirits': Derek offers his understanding of the option available to those spirits that seek to deny the truth of the next world. By refusing to accept the destiny they themselves have prepared for their spirit the dark side awaits.

CONTACTING THE PHYSICAL WORLD: 'Should you wish to walk besides loved ones you have left behind, then you will be given the opportunity to do so': Here Derek explains that in the next world, as in this, there are mediums. These mediums will assist the newly discarnate soul to communicate with their family and friends alive in the physical world.

The entire section of the book, which deals with the next life, is both easy to read and understand. Derek's visions come, he says, from a lifetime of meditation and communication received through his spirit guide 'Sam'. As his biographer and writer I found within him a natural truth that confirmed many of my own beliefs. Of course there is far more to 'The Psychic World of Derek Acorah' than his visions of the world beyond, such as his accounts of meeting the rich and famous whilst appearing on international television. Those of you who have Sky TV may have seen his weekly show 'Psychic Livetime' on Granada Breeze each Friday 1 p.m.

If you yourself have ever wondered, as I have, just what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, then I can recommend Derek's book to you. Should you have any thoughts on this immense subject that you would like to share with the readers of this column then please do write to me. Perhaps you disagree with the idea that we all get a butcher's bill at the end of our lives and have the account to meet. Whatever your personal ideas or insights are, if you want me to consider them in this column, then put them in writing to me.

'The Psychic World of Derek Acorah' By Derek Acorah with John G. Sutton is published by Piatkus at £9.99 available at all good bookstores from mid September. In the U.S.A. the book is scheduled for publication in July by the publishers: LONDON PRIDE.

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