Annals of the Enquiring - 1993 Vol 4 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNALS OF THE ENQUIRING
Issue: Vol 4 No 1
Date: January/March 1993
Price: £1.50

This issue of "Annals of the Enquiring" delves into a variety of forteana, UFO, and paranormal subjects, reflecting its commitment to exploring the unusual and unexplained.

Editor's Introduction

The editorial, penned by Gerry Lovell, opens with a reflection on the recent passing of a predicted doomsday on February 2nd, attributed by French astrologers to a conjunction of Neptune and Uranus. Lovell notes that while this particular prediction failed, a similar conjunction is expected in August. He then shifts focus to the ongoing issue of horse mutilations in Hampshire, suggesting that media attention has unfortunately encouraged copycat incidents. The most recent cases involved horses in Burford, Oxon, and Wroughton, Wiltshire, where animals were severely injured. The editor also briefly mentions a palindromic date, 29.11.92, and its historical associations.

Featured Articles and Reports

The Brothers From Outer Space

This article recounts the story of Wilbur and Ralph Torres, two young men in the early 1920s who claimed extraordinary telepathic abilities. They advertised their powers in the New York Times, stating they were "free beings" from another galaxy. Despite public skepticism and attempts to attribute their feats to radio technology, rigorous tests conducted by the American Academy of Sciences in 1921 reportedly showed a 100% success rate in transmitting messages, identifying colors, shapes, and playing cards. The brothers eventually disappeared, fueling speculation about their origins and the nature of their abilities.

Out Of This World

This piece highlights Professor David Jacobs of Temple University, who teaches a course on 'Unidentified Flying Objects in American Society.' Despite some controversy, his colleagues support his open-minded approach. Jacobs uses hypnosis to interview individuals who report alien abductions, medical procedures, and a feeling of anxiety. His research suggests that millions of Americans may have been abducted, often without conscious memory, and he concludes that extraterrestrials may be seeking human sperm and eggs. The article likens the acceptance of his work to the initial disbelief in Copernicus.

Jesus Was Here - It's The Glastonbury Connection

Broadcaster David Young presented a television program suggesting that Jesus lived in Glastonbury, England, for three to five years and that the Virgin Mary was buried there. The theory, based on research by a chap who had spent 30 years investigating, posits that Joseph of Arimathea journeyed with Jesus to Glastonbury. The article mentions that the Druids were believed to be the lost tribe of Israel and that they fled Palestine after the Crucifixion with Mary. The claim is supported by a stone inscribed 'Jesus Maria' and a 1086 record of land given to Joseph. However, Glastonbury's deputy mayor dismissed the suggestion as 'a load of rubbish.'

Messenger Of Doom

Charlotte Lindgren explores the historical fascination with comets, which were once believed to be omens of disaster. The article references Halley's comet and its depiction on the Bayeux Tapestry, as well as the panic caused by the prediction of Earth passing through Halley's tail in 1910. It includes reminiscences from an 82-year-old man who recalled a comet in 1863 that allegedly caused intense heat and burnt vegetation, linking this to Ptolemy's ancient beliefs. The piece also notes that comets were understood in 5000 BC.

Has The Front Man Been Up-Front About Loch Ness?

This article examines TV newsman Nicholas Witchell's attempts to distance himself from his past involvement with the Loch Ness Monster mystery. Witchell, a former spokesman for 'Project Urquhart,' downplayed the monster-hunting aspect of a recent sonar survey. The piece recalls his youthful conviction about the monster, his five months spent camped by the Loch, and his authorship of 'The Loch Ness Story.' Witchell expresses cynicism about the mystery and concerns about his professional credibility. However, he acknowledges eye-witness accounts, including one from Alastair and Susan Boyd who saw a '20-foot-long solid, dark hump' in the water.

A Whale Of A Tale

An extract from a letter dated October 2, 1752, describes the capture of a 'monstrous large fish' near Weymouth, estimated to be over fifty feet long and twelve feet thick. The description includes details about its jaws, throat, teeth, and eyes. The fish's belly contained thousands of smaller fish, and its tail was twelve feet wide. The creature was so large that it could overwhelm men and break cables. The proprietors expected to extract 120 hogsheads of oil from it.

A Chinese Puzzle Of A Continent

James Fairhurst discusses the possibility that the Chinese may have been the first to discover America, citing Chinese records of crossing the ocean in junks. The article explores the Polynesian colonization of ocean sites and the Viking voyages to North America around 986 AD, mentioning Bjarne Herjulfsson and Eric the Red. It details Leif Erikson's expedition to 'Markland' (likely Labrador) and 'Vinland' (likely Newfoundland), and subsequent voyages. The piece also touches upon the naming of America after Amerigo Vespucci and mentions a plaque at Fort Morgan, Alabama, suggesting Welshman Prince Madoc landed in Mobile Bay in 1170.

More Maxwell Nightmares

This short report details a chilling nightmare experienced by Verdun Besley, who had a wartime encounter with Robert Maxwell. Besley, a young soldier, mistook Maxwell for a German during a siege and tried to shoot him, but Maxwell rescued him. Besley felt it was eerie to relive this moment just before hearing of Maxwell's disappearance and presumed death.

Death Dream Confession

A former army officer confessed to killing his parents after his aunt reported seeing a vision of his mother the night she died. The bodies of Nicholas and Elizabeth Newall have not been found since their 1987 disappearance from Jersey. Roderick Newall was arrested on his yacht and is awaiting extradition.

Atlantis And The Theory Of Thera

R. Farrelly examines Plato's account of Atlantis, suggesting its origin lies in the volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (near Crete) around 1,470 B.C. The article discusses geological evidence ruling out the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans as locations for Atlantis. It explains the theory of tectonic plates and continental drift, concluding that the Thera eruption, which predated the Greeks and caused a decline in Minoan civilization, likely survived in folk memory and formed the basis of Plato's story, despite his placing Atlantis in the Atlantic.

No Hope Beyond Two More Popes

This article discusses Archbishop Malachy O Morgair's list of 112 Latin phrases, allegedly predicting the nicknames of Popes from 1130 onwards. It highlights successful predictions for Popes like Leo XI, Clement XIII, Leo XIII, Benedict XV, John XII, and Paul VI. The article notes that the current Pope, John Paul II, is described as 'From the toil of the sun.' It predicts the next Pope will be 'Glory of the olive branch' and the final Pope, 'Peter Of Rome,' will preside over 'great tribulations' leading to the destruction of Rome and the end of the Papacy.

'Weird' Object Found Underground

Excavations for a new Kwik Fit depot near Bristol's Temple Meads railway station uncovered underground rooms and a strange 10ft long metal object. Local history sleuths are unable to identify the rooms, described as large and featuring lancet windows. A former railway worker claimed to have seen similar buried rooms in the 1930s. The metal object remains a mystery.

A Devil Of A Job In East Africa

Gerishon Kibarabara recounts a series of events in Ngong, Kenya, in 1977, where a home was reportedly plagued by demons. Despite attempts by church groups and government officials, the disturbances continued. Kibarabara intervened, claiming authority over the demons in the name of Jesus Christ. He recounts casting out the demons, who claimed to be from New York, and healing a boy's broken leg that had repeatedly been injured by the alleged demonic activity.

The House That Died

John J. Dunne recounts an eerie tale from Dublin about a house that no longer exists. Students renting the house heard unexplained footsteps and felt a disquieting atmosphere. A local grocer warned them the house was haunted, linked to the Invincibles society who allegedly met there to plan the Phoenix Park murders. The haunting seemed to emanate from the basement. The house eventually crumbled to the ground during a severe gale in 1903, burying its secrets.

Nosing Ahead

A brief report about a 45-day-old baby in Amritsar, India, with a long nose, believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Ganesh.

The World Of Quirk

• This section presents a series of short, unusual news items:
• Red Pharoah's ants invading a UK politician's office.
• A 14-year-old girl saved by a pile of uncollected rubbish in Macau after jumping from a 15th-floor apartment.
• German footballer Franz Beckenbauer's belief that he was a plant in a past life and wishes to return as a woman.
• Japan agreeing to return 20,000 Korean noses, taken as trophies in the 16th century.
• Scientists investigating a light show over Pittsburgh, possibly caused by a meteor or space debris.
• A man winning £2 million plus after mediums predicted bags of money over his head.
• Police in Hengshu smashing a gang that abducted people to sell their blood.
• A judge in Holland ordering a man to muzzle his noisy cockerel.
• An escaped convict surrendering because he believed his fellow escapees were cannibals.
• A NASA expert suggesting Earth's rotation might be 200 hours if not for a Mars-sized impact billions of years ago.
• Three walkers in New Zealand claiming to have seen a large, extinct Emu-like bird.
• Children in the Philippines believing they saw the devil in their playground.
• Elephants in Assam, India, forming roadblocks and demanding bananas from motorists.
• African elephants disrupting a power project in Namibia by pulling down pylons.

Mankind: The Cosmic Receiver

This article explores the 'Transylvania hypothesis,' suggesting a link between lunar phases and human behavior, including madness and criminal activity. It posits that the moon's gravitational pull affects the Earth's fluid mantle and human bodies (composed of 70% water), potentially influencing behavior. Research indicates increased crime rates during full moons, particularly offenses against family and children. The article also notes the moon's distance from Earth varies, affecting its influence, and mentions Swiss scientists discovering tunnel distortions due to lunar gravitational pull. It concludes that modern science is beginning to support the idea that humans may be 'cosmic receivers' influenced by extraterrestrial events.

UFO Spy Plane Takes Shape

This report identifies America's ultra-secret spy plane, the Aurora, as the likely cause of many UFO reports. Jane's Defence Weekly published a drawing of the craft, described as arrowhead-shaped and capable of flying at Mach 8 (5,000 mph) at 130,000 feet, powered by liquid methane. Eyewitness accounts from the Shetland Islands describe a mysterious white light moving at a consistent level with a long orange wake, but without noise.

Strange Black Cloud

A report from May 31, 1946, describes a small black cloud, about the size of a cottage, approaching at 'cycling speed.' It uprooted two elm trees and damaged a hedge before disappearing. The incident occurred during heavy rain.

Short Fort

A brief anecdote about a boy who fell off a ladder, landed on his feet, sprang backwards, and tumbled into a well, but was ultimately rescued unharmed.

Angels AA

Bernard Cornwell's column recounts a tale told by Mrs Dorothea Sargent about encountering three young men in white suits who changed her car's tire in Iowa. The men and their vehicle then vanished in a shimmering light, leading Mrs Sargent to believe they were angels. The article notes that such sightings are reported to a self-styled Angelologist in Washington D.C., and suggests that Americans may be seeking outside agents to solve societal problems.

Witchcraft Fear Regarding Horse Mutilations

This report details the death of a horse, Mountbatten, in Hampshire, after being sexually assaulted and stabbed. Police did not rule out witchcraft as a motive, a theory supported by the British Horse Society and a self-proclaimed 'white witch' Kevin Carlyon, who stated horses are considered sacred in occult circles. Despite numerous attacks on mares in the region, no perpetrators have been apprehended.

Mystery Of The 'Invisible' Rustlers

Hundreds of animals are disappearing from farms on Dartmoor and Exmoor without any trace of the perpetrators. Farmers have lost significant numbers of sheep, and vigilante patrols have been organized. Some cattle have been found butchered on the spot, with only the head remaining.

Arthur's Stone

This article discusses theories about the location of King Arthur's court, Camelot, and his burial site. Authors Graham and Phillips propose Camelot was in Shropshire, near a lake named Avalon. The piece references historical accounts placing Arthur's remains at Glastonbury Abbey and mentions other suggested locations like Winchester, Colchester, and Tintagel. It highlights Cadbury Castle as a popular site backed by archaeological evidence. The article also recounts a Victorian antiquarian's encounter with an old man who claimed Arthur's grave was near the River Camel, marked by a stone with the inscription 'Hic jocet Arturus Rex'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, paranormal phenomena, historical mysteries, and alleged encounters with the extraordinary. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, as indicated by the disclaimer that "The opinions and views expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Editor."

Title: CHECK OUT
Issue: 20
Date: Undetermined
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Not specified
Language: English

This issue of 'CHECK OUT' presents a collection of reviews for various niche publications that delve into subjects often considered on the fringes of mainstream interest, including Ufology, paranormal phenomena, Forteana, and crop circle research. The magazine itself appears to be a platform for sharing personal accounts and exploring alternative viewpoints.

Publication Reviews

The issue begins by reviewing several magazines available through subscription:

• ENIGMAS: A bi-monthly publication from Scotland, noted for its willingness to tackle any subject within 'Strange Phenomena' and offering readers the opportunity to draw their own conclusions. It is edited by Malcolm Robinson.
• THE GATE: Covers the paranormal, UFOs, and Bigfoot, featuring worldwide news and articles by American contributors. Stan Gordon of PASU is mentioned for his reports on strange events in Pennsylvania. It is edited by Beth Robins.
• TOTAL ECLIPSE: Described as 'alternative reading,' it explores magic, the occult, and the bizarre. Edited by J Taylor Block, it blends attitude and style.
• THE CROP WATCHER: Focuses on crop circles, aiming to get to the 'root of reality.' The latest issue provides a reference list of pre-Doug 'n Dave circles dating back to the 16th century. Edited by Paul Fuller.
• THE UFO DEBATE: An A5 magazine that explores alternate views in Ufology, edited by David Barclay.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Offers straightforward reporting on UFO events worldwide and in Britain, featuring the views of editor Jenny Randles, affiliated with BUFORA.
• DELVE: A relatively new Canadian magazine exploring the inexplicable, Forteana, and caverns/inner earth theories. Edited by Gene Duplantier, it has been publishing in this field for over 30 years.
• THE CEREOLOGIST: Professionally produced and edited by John Michell, it serves as a forum for discussing crop circles, debating hoaxing versus natural or supernatural forces.

Feature Story: The Lady in Grey

The main feature, titled "The Spirit Is Willing" by Rachel Humphries, recounts the legend of the 'Lady in Grey' who is said to haunt the Thatched Cottage Inn in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The ghost is believed to be that of a quakermaid who died of a broken heart over 300 years ago, waiting for her aristocratic lover, possibly the Duke of Monmouth. The story details sightings and experiences, including a shadow seen by Kim Moon and a cold hand felt by the inn's manager, Susan Barugh. Children are noted as being particularly sensitive to the ghost's presence, with instances of objects moving on their own.

Reader Letters

Three letters from readers share personal experiences with the unexplained:

• Jane Windsor from Taurdon, Somerset, recounts an incident where a picture fell off the wall, followed by a car crash, which she interprets as a warning.
• Mrs Eileen Owens from Northampton shares two experiences: a Wendy house in her son's classroom levitating slightly, and a coffin that felt weightless when carried, possibly related to her mother's death.
• Jim Morton from Bath, Avon, describes unexplained lights appearing in his family's isolated country house at night, which ceased after neighbours mentioned a previous inhabitant killed by a fallen tree.

News and Discoveries

• Underground 'City' Reveals Treasures: Archaeologist Ivan Koltsov claims to have discovered an 'underground city' near Moscow, on the site of a 16th-century royal palace, containing art and a library. Children were reportedly found playing with gold artefacts from tunnels opened by landslides.
• Palestine Prophecy: An old Turkish prophecy concerning the flow of the Nile into Syria and the coming of a new Prophet is discussed in relation to the end of Turkish rule in Palestine, linking it to Allenby's conquest and the construction of a pipeline.
• Nature's Art: A piece of black ash from a timber company's yard showed a sketch of a bulldog's head formed by the grain.
• News Briefs: Two short news items are included: a police officer in Thailand taking a ghost to court, and a police inspector in Lincolnshire searching for a kangaroo seen bouncing down the road.

Next Issue Preview

The 'Next Issue' section teases upcoming articles, including "Is Britain's Prime Minister A 'Grey'?" and "Solar Miracle: Sun's Effects Bring Disaster To Royal Family."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a focus on the unexplained, personal testimonies of paranormal events, and reviews of publications that cater to these interests. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. The inclusion of reader letters and diverse publication reviews suggests an aim to create a community around these subjects. The magazine also touches upon historical mysteries, prophecies, and unusual natural phenomena.