Annals of the Enquiring - 1992 Vol 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNALS OF THE ENQUIRING
Issue: Vol 3 No 4
Date: Oct/Dec 1992
Price: £1.25

This issue of ANNALS OF THE ENQUIRING, published quarterly, covers a wide range of topics including Forteana, UFOs, Earth Mysteries, Paranormal, and Bizarre occurrences. The cover features a striking illustration and lists the main themes.

Editorial and First Word

The "First Word" editorial by Gerry Lovell welcomes readers to the final issue of Volume 3, expressing relief that it was published despite technical difficulties with disks. He outlines plans for 1993, including a move to an inkjet printer, a new DTP software program, an increase in pages from 20 to 24, and a slight rise in subscription charges. Lovell also touches on the failed doomsday predictions by two churches in South Korea and notes a CNN/TIME poll where only 32% of Americans believed in space aliens. A story from China about a fake 100-year-old sturgeon is also mentioned.

Contents

The contents page lists a variety of articles, including:

• Editorial
• Nostradamus And The Balkans
• Reptales
• Visitors From The Unknown
• White Witch Black Magic
• Shocking Stories From Japan
• Hair-Raising Story From Japan
• Did Charles II Attend 20th Cent Ball?
• It's A Wacky World
• Facing Facts About Life On Mars
• In Orbit
• Ghost With Murder On Its Mind
• More Blarney Among The Barley?
• Nought But Crosses
• Castles In The Air
• Mystery Of The Winding Stairs
• Soul To Soul / Phantom Limb
• Visions At Holy Well
• Irish Animal Mutilations
• Death From Devil Worship
• Premonition Or Prophesy
• Aurora Shaking The Heavens
• Letters To The Editor
• Next Issue

Nostradamus And The Balkans

This article by Des Ekin explores Nostradamus's prophecies concerning the Balkans. It suggests that the region may be targeted for a major nuclear or chemical war, possibly involving a Moslem invasion through Turkey. The author links these predictions to the current conflicts in Bosnia and the potential for a 'king of terror' to emerge. The article discusses Nostradamus's foresight regarding the collapse of communism and the alliance between the USA and former Soviet states. It also speculates on a future war in the mid-1990s, culminating in 1999, with potential involvement of Middle Eastern states and a 'warlike Arab prince'. The prophecy mentions a 'burning torch' in the sky and a devastating invasion into Europe.

Reptales

This section reports on two unusual incidents involving snakes:

• A man in Seremban, Malaysia, was hospitalized with severe stomach ache after swallowing a snake that bit him.
• A South African farmer killed a 12ft python in a battle after it dropped on him from a tree and tried to crush him.

Visitors From The Unknown

Brian Bignall recounts a childhood memory of an invisible playmate he called 'Chamber', who was dressed in a striped outfit and helmet. He also describes a vivid dream from about ten years ago where he saw a silent, traditional-style flying saucer approaching him.

White Witch Denies Black Magic Mutilations

This piece reports on an incident in Baltonsborough, UK, where a farmer found a dead fox and crow with suspicious markings. A local white witch, Rollo Maughling, dismissed the idea of black magic, suggesting it was a burial ritual.

Shocking Stories From Japan

Two short reports from Japan:

• A teacher in Japan gave electric shocks to pupils for not bringing textbooks.
• A Japanese pharmaceutical company claims a cure for baldness using Mozart's French Horn Concerto No.3 combined with their hair products, though it has not been proven.

A Hair-Raising Story From Japan

This is a continuation of the previous section, detailing the claim of a Japanese company discovering a cure for baldness using Mozart's music.

Fangs For The Memory

This short piece discusses the prevalence of vampires, noting that 650 out of 850 worldwide live in North America. It references the Vampire Research Centre in New York and author David Skal's observations on the current public fascination with vampires.

Did Charles II Attend 20th Century Ball?

Lynn Picknett recounts an experience at a fancy-dress ball in York in 1971. She and her companion encountered a couple dressed in authentic 17th-century attire. Later, she saw a painting of King Charles II that bore a striking resemblance to the man she had seen, and the painting depicted him holding a King Charles spaniel, similar to a dog that had approached her. The article also mentions a hotel night porter who reported a man fading into thin air.

Man The Water Baby

This brief article mentions the theory that humans are descended from aquatic apes, citing a British Association Science Festival where it was claimed that humans evolved from apes forced to adapt to flooding. It notes similarities between humans and marine mammals, and that human babies resemble baby dolphins.

Welsh Family Does Not Lack Spirit

This report details a family in Treherbert, Mid-Glamorgan, UK, who were driven from their home due to paranormal activity, including a ghost and electrical disturbances.

It's A Wacky World

This section contains several short, quirky news items:

• Kinky Jabber Nabbed: A man in Shanghai was arrested for stabbing women with knitting needles.
• Is It Sonny Bono?: A Ugandan woman reportedly digs up her husband's corpse to 'enjoy the sunshine'.
• Pot Puffing Granny: A 71-year-old Zimbabwean grandmother was fined for smoking cannabis, claiming a witchdoctor recommended it.

Facing Facts About Life On Mars

This article discusses the Viking missions to Mars and the lack of evidence for life. It then explores theories about a potential ancient civilization, focusing on the 'Face on Mars' in the Cydonia region and other symmetrical formations. Computer engineers Vincent Dipietro and Greg Molinaar enhanced NASA photos, revealing details like an eyeball. Dr. Michael H. Carr, a geologist, suggests these are natural formations. NASA's next mission will include photographing the 'Sphinx-like head'.

Toys R Sussed

This short piece reports two incidents: police investigating sightings of a kangaroo-type animal in Durham City, and officers in Peckham finding a stuffed toy tiger in a park.

In Orbit

This article reviews several television programs related to paranormal and UFO topics:

• Phantastische Phanomene (German SAT 1): Featured Uri Geller-like abilities and levitation.
• On Aura Tout Ou (French TV5): Showcased footage of the alleged water monster of Lac Memfremagog, Quebec.
• Sky News Report: Featured Timothy Good, Roy Lake, Roy Dutton, and British abductees discussing UFOs and alien abductions. Experiences of Linda Taylor and Alan Godfrey are mentioned.

The article also notes an annual conference, Quest International, held in Leeds, and mentions a Soviet video of a 'giant saucer' and an amateur US video of disk-shaped objects near a military base.

Ghost With Murder On Its Mind

John Macklin details the case of Elaine Barber, a ten-year-old girl from London who, in 1960, exhibited signs of possession by an 18th-century murderer named Jack Hay. The possession involved speaking in a cockney accent and recounting details of a murder. Seances were conducted, and Elaine provided accurate historical details. The possession eventually subsided after psychiatric help.

Could It Be More Blarney Among The Barley?

This article discusses the 1992 Crop Circle Making Competition held in Buckinghamshire, UK. It highlights the competition's aim to test the theory of crop circles being man-made and notes that entrants struggled to recreate complex patterns. The piece also mentions that some British cereologists are becoming disillusioned and considering moving to the United States.

Nought But Crosses

This short piece recounts an event in Wells Cathedral in 1596 where thunder and a bright light were followed by the imprinting of crosses on the bodies of attendees, including the Bishop's wife. A similar occurrence in 790 AD is also mentioned.

Castles In The Air

Michael J. Webster explores the phenomenon of 'cities in the sky' or phantom islands, referencing historical accounts from Ireland (O Brasil, Hy Brasil) and other locations like Sanday in the Orkneys, Western Greenland, and Alaska. The article discusses various theories, including reflections of real cities, atmospheric illusions, and divine manifestations like the New Jerusalem. It notes that these sightings are often described as wonderful and unforgettable, and that many reports indicate ancient cities.

UFOs: fact, fraud or fantasy?

A flyer announces an international UFO conference at Sheffield Polytechnic on August 14-15, 1993, featuring speakers like Budd Hopkins, Jenny Randles, and Linda Moulton Howe.

More Mutilations

This short report mentions seventeen horse mutilations in Hampshire, UK, in 1992, with injuries suggesting sexual orientation and a history of similar incidents over ten years.

Total Eclipse

An advertisement for a publication called 'Total Eclipse' focusing on occult, bizarre, and unusual topics.

The Mystery Of The Winding Stairs

O.J. Robertson details the mystery of the winding staircase in the Chapel of Our Lady of Light in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Built in the late 19th century by a mysterious stranger who disappeared after completing the work, the stairway is circular, has no visible center support, and is constructed from wood not native to the region. Architects are baffled by its stability and construction.

Soul To Soul / Phantom Limb

• Soul To Soul: Reports that Bob Marley communicates with his family from beyond the grave through dreams, offering comfort and guidance.
• Phantom Limb: Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen discusses his phantom limb after losing his arm, noting that others could feel the missing limb when he directed them.

DELVE Magazine Advertisement: An advertisement for a new magazine exploring Forteana, caverns, and inexplicable happenings.

Visions At Holy Well

This article by Fred Bradley describes a Dublin security guard who claims to be a faith healer after an alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary. He states he can cure illnesses and has helped many people, refusing payment and directing donations to Dublin hospitals.

Irish Animal Mutilation Is Linked To Satanists

This report connects the mutilation of a child's pet donkey in Ireland to Satanic practices, with evidence found at the scene and speculation that wealthy individuals may be involved.

Death From Devil Worship

This piece details the case of Margaret Robson, whose mother believes her daughter committed suicide after falling into the clutches of a witches' coven. The article describes the farmhouse setting and peculiar marks on Margaret's arms, with the coroner ruling suicide while the balance of her mind was disturbed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of ANNALS OF THE ENQUIRING consistently explores the unexplained, the paranormal, and the mysterious. Themes include prophecy (Nostradamus), supernatural encounters (ghosts, possession), UFOs and alien contact, unexplained phenomena (crop circles, phantom cities, mysterious constructions), and unusual or bizarre incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into these subjects, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and natural explanations.

Title: Annals
Issue: Vol 3 No 5
Date: September 1992
Publisher: Top Secret Production

This issue of Annals magazine covers a range of unusual phenomena, from alleged secret aircraft to personal psychic experiences and bizarre human cases.

Premonition Or Simple Prophesy

Mari-Anne Draffin shares personal anecdotes about experiencing 'seeing things' before they happen. She recounts knowing when her husband would call, anticipating a miscarriage, and having a premonition about her car not starting, which later proved true. She questions whether these are 'gifts' or simply coincidences, pondering the origin of the word 'Seer'.

Acting The Goat

A brief report from Port-Vendres, France, mentions Ringo, an 18-month-old billy goat that produces milk nightly. The goat is described as a rare hermaphrodite with two small nipples near its male genitals, a phenomenon confirmed by a local veterinarian.

Big Red Little China

This short piece notes that tourists are flocking to a national park in Hubei, China, to see a 'giant, man-like beast covered with red hair' that is said to roam the area.

UNABLE TO PASS CUTLERY

This article details the case of Allison Johnson, a 47-year-old man facing a terminal illness in jail due to having ingested cutlery. He had undergone approximately 30 operations, with doctors giving him a year to live. The court heard that Johnson had eaten eight forks and metal sections of a mop-head. His defense lawyer explained that Johnson would order meals, then tell owners to call the police, consuming the cutlery while waiting. This behavior stemmed from a lack of self-esteem, leading him to punish himself.

AURORA SHAKING THE HEAVENS

This feature discusses reports of sky quakes and earth tremors in northern Holland, blamed on America's top-secret 'Aurora' aircraft undergoing test flights over Europe. Similar mysterious rumblings were reported in California in June, also attributed to sonic booms. Analysts from Jane's Defense Weekly suggest the 'Aurora' is a new spy plane capable of speeds up to 4,000 mph, with revolutionary design and propulsion, able to fly both slowly and at great speed with minimal noise. However, the US Air Force denies the existence of such an aircraft.

OPTICAL DELUSION

A brief report from Moscow highlights a potential epidemic of eye problems among wealthy young Russians who refuse to remove labels from their trendy sunglasses. The fear is not going 'boss-eyed' but being perceived as wearing 'Russian sunglasses'.

NOTED ARTIST

This short piece mentions a young boy in Moscow who drew 500 Rouble notes with a ballpoint pen and had them accepted, indicating artistic talent.

Dead Lucky

This article recounts the case of Delphine Barbiaux, a 19-year-old waitress from Tamise, Belgium, who was mistakenly declared dead. After she vanished, police found a battered body in a ditch, which her stepmother identified as Delphine. A death notice was placed, and the coffin prepared. However, Delphine called home, alive and well, stating she was staying with friends. A police spokesman attributed the incident to a 'muddle' because the identified body was badly disfigured.

Letters to the Editor

Mrs M Maitland, Lollhouse: Writes to praise the magazine and mentions a local monolithic folly in North Yorkshire called Ilton Temple, constructed by William Danby.

John Michell, Editor The Cerealogist, London: Thanks the magazine for its content and specifically praises Ian Campbell's serial 'Circles of Time'. He notes that his drawing of Crosse was not well-received.

Paul Fuller, Editor The Crop Walcher, Romsey: Expresses concern about crop circle hoaxes, stating that they are 'marr made' and perpetrated by 'travellers'. He notes that an expose in The Independent Magazine has revealed hoaxers in Wiltshire and that the Butleigh Wootton circles of 1990 and 1991 were hoaxes. He requests information that could lead to prosecutions.

Doris Dickson, Newcastle: Ponders the theory of evolution, objecting to the idea that humans were merely 'worked on' from apes. She proposes that God took the best qualities from various creatures to create man, citing examples like the intelligence of dolphins, swimming ability of fish, building capacity of ants, work ethic of bees, cunning of foxes, sharpness of lynx, and strength of lions.

Dand & Taylor, Shaftesbury: Describes an incident where a loud roar of a jet aircraft was heard multiple times overhead on a clear day, but the aircraft was never visible, leaving them and others perplexed.

Next Issue

The 'Next Issue' section previews upcoming articles, including 'BROTHERS FROM OUTER SPACE...', 'WEYMOUTH SEA MONSTER...', 'LUNAR MADNESS...', 'THE HOUSE THAT DIED...', and 'REVIEWS...'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, including UAP (Aurora aircraft), psychic abilities, and unusual biological or human cases. There's a clear skepticism towards crop circles, with editors actively exposing them as hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the mysterious, while also critically examining claims and debunking fraudulent activities. The letters section showcases diverse reader perspectives, from personal experiences to theoretical ponderings on evolution and unexplained aerial events.