A Coincidence Over Tea and Biscuits

In 1994, after publishing my book Forbidden Science (titled Alternative Science in the U.S.), I was invited to speak at the British Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in London. The talk took place on October 18, 1994—a date that soon became significant.

Afterward, I joined a small group for tea and biscuits, including the SPR Chair, the society’s marketing officer (a young woman), another writer, and a vocal skeptic. This skeptic, who seemed determined to challenge my every word, brought up birthday coincidences. He explained that in a group of 23 people, there’s a 50-50 chance two will share a birthday.

I smiled and said, “Oddly enough, today is my birthday.”

The marketing officer immediately added, “It’s mine too.”

This moment stood out for several reasons:

1. The skeptic had introduced the topic of birthday coincidences to dismiss their improbability.
2. Out of a group of just four, two of us shared the same birthday—a far smaller group than the 23 in his example.
3. The coincidence occurred on the very date being discussed.

That it all happened in the headquarters of the SPR added an ironic twist, as if the universe—or the Imp of the Perverse—was having a bit of fun. Sometimes, even skeptics must pause and marvel at the unexpected.