Annals of the Enquiring - 1994 No 21

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNALS
Issue: #21
Date: July/September 1994
Frequency: Quarterly
Price: £1.50

This issue of Annals, subtitled 'UFOs Forteana Paranormal Cryptozoology Bizarrerie', delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings and alleged government cover-ups to cryptozoological reports and paranormal encounters.

First Word - Editorial

The editorial section begins with an apology from the editor, Gerry Lovell, for the poor quality of printing, attributing it to printer malfunctions. He then shifts focus to the ongoing issue of farm animal mutilations in remote areas of the south-west of England, questioning the official explanation of rustling. Lovell highlights the scale of the problem, involving hundreds of animals, and quotes Kate Bennett of the National Farmers Union who suggests animals are 'carted off to an unscrupulous slaughterhouse'. However, Lovell finds it implausible that rustlers would choose to kill and butcher animals in fields, especially citing an instance of cow's heads and hoofs being found hacked off. He announces that the next issue will be delayed as he plans to travel to Canada and the US in October, intending to visit Lake Champlain, Vermont, to investigate reports of a water monster.

Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, listing articles on UFOs, cryptozoology, paranormal events, and other Fortean topics. Notable articles include 'UFO BRIEF', 'What If...?', 'New Spacecraft Idea', 'Circles Lack Ring of Truth', 'Tales of Big Cats', 'Feigning Cats & Dogs', 'Big Cat Study', 'Tales From The Veil', 'Findings Regarding... False Memory Syndrome', and 'Devil's Work?'.

UFOs and Space

Somerset 'Hotspot': The town of Taunton in Somerset experienced intense UFO activity over a ten-day period in June, with approximately 60 reports of sightings. The Somerset UFO Research and Investigation Network received numerous calls. One sighting involved a 'horseshoe-shaped' object with flashing green, orange, blue, and red lights hovering above the Blackdown Hills.

UFO Haunted Isle: Millport, Scotland, became known for UFO sightings and alleged hauntings, leading locals to believe the island possesses a supernatural power.

'Cover-Up' Campaign: John Holman of the Alien Acknowledgment Campaign claims a 'massive cover-up' by the US, Russian, and British governments regarding UFOs. He is campaigning for the public to have access to official files.

Elusive Response: Defence Minister Lord Cranborne stated that the Government remains open-minded about unexplained aerial phenomena but did not commit to opening official files.

Hypersensitive Response: Author Albert Budden's new book, 'Allergies And Aliens', suggests that electrical 'hot spots' cause people to hallucinate alien encounters. Maria Ward, an abductee, strongly refutes this, stating her experiences were real and painful.

Corny Music: Sixties pop star Reg Presley of The Troggs is reportedly investing his earnings in UFO and crop circle research, with the band's music videos featuring UFO imagery.

Guardian Angels: Ron Carroll is researching a TV program about people who have seen angels and is seeking personal accounts.

Healing Being: Jean Ford, a 48-year-old woman, claims an alien being visited her before a mastectomy operation, leaving her feeling marvellous.

UFO Conference '94: A conference was scheduled for August 27/28 at the Station Hotel, Blackpool, with speakers including Albert Budden and Jenny Randles.

What If...? This section discusses the UK Ministry of Defence's stance on UFO reports, emphasizing their concern is primarily with national security. It notes that while the Ministry acknowledges strange aerial phenomena, they believe most can be explained. The article references an incident from June 10, 1970, where two Italian pilots flew 'Starfighter' jets low over London undetected by radar. It also details the structure of the UK Air Defence Region (ADR) and the sophisticated radar systems in place, including the BMEWS site at North Yorkshire Moors.

New Spacecraft Idea: Professor Terence Nonweiler has designed a spacecraft called 'Waverider', capable of travelling at 50 times the speed of sound, originally developed for a cancelled 1960s British space program. NASA is now interested in its potential for interplanetary travel.

Star Trek Trivia: The issue includes trivia about Star Trek, mentioning that Mr. Spock dolls are banned in Britain as 'non-human' and that fans are planning to translate the Bible into Klingon.

UFO Books: Philip Mantle's book 'Without Consent' deals with missing time and abductions in the UK. Richard L Thompson's 'Alien Identities' explores UFO visitors through ancient Sanskrit writings.

UFO Videos: Two videos, 'Visitors from Space: The Evidence' and 'UFO: Miracle of the Unknown', are available.

UFO Software: The PC game 'UFO: Enemy Unknown' by Microprose is highlighted.

UAVs = UFOs ... SOMETIMES: The US Army is exploring the use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield reconnaissance.

'Warp Drive' Possible: Miguel Alcubierre of the University of Wales is researching faster-than-light travel using a 'warp drive' concept that modifies spatial direction.

Radar Systems: The article details the Raytheon FPS-115 radar system and the UK BMEWS facility, which will soon integrate with the National Air Traffic System. It also mentions the RAF's AWACS system and its Beyond-The-Horizon (BTH) mode radar.

1956 Incident: A report from 1969 details an incident in 1956 where two RAF jet fighters encountered a saucer-shaped object that appeared on radar and performed a rapid, evasive maneuver.

Cryptozoology

Crypto Corner: This section focuses on unusual animal sightings.

Quality Monster Sighting: A woman reported seeing the Loch Ness Monster in March, describing it as a monster resembling an upturned boat. David Cawton of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre stated this sighting conformed with other 'reliable' reports, estimating between 6,000 and 8,000 sightings of 'Nessie' over 60 years, with 60 considered 'credible'.

Strange Winged Creature: An animal resembling a cross between a hedgehog and a squirrel with wings was spotted on the shores of Lake Windermere, nicknamed 'Tizzie-Wizzie'. The Lake District National Park Authority confirmed it was not a joke.

Canadian Sea Monster: A twin-humped sea creature was reported near Victoria, British Columbia, described as snorting and having a round body, estimated to be four to six metres long.

Skippy Goes Ape: Australian scientists discovered a new species of tree kangaroo in the Maokop mountains of New Guinea, called 'bondegezou' by locals.

Unicorn's Horn: A legendary 'unicorn's horn' (likely from a narwhal) sold for £441,500 at Christie's.

Rare Mammal Find: Scientists in Vietnam discovered a new mammal species, the sao la, a goat-like animal with spiralled horns.

Quagga Rebirth: A project is underway to clone the extinct Quagga, an animal striped like a zebra and chestnut-coloured like a horse, using DNA from a preserved foal skin.

Tales of Big Cats: Sightings of big cats, including puma-like and black panthers, have been reported in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Witnesses described animals as 'the size of a calf' and 'like an Alsatian dog, only longer'. John Stronge of Belfast Zoo expressed skepticism about the Tyrone sightings, suggesting they would have to be leopards or jaguars if black.

Feigning Cats & Dogs: In Hampshire's New Forest, five sightings of a black panther were reported, which police later identified as a black collie-labrador cross.

Big Cat Study: Cornish police officer Peter Keen studied North American cougars in the US, convinced that pumas are responsible for killing dozens of cows in recent months.

Paranormal and Other Phenomena

Tales From The Veil: This section covers various paranormal accounts.

Haunted Hotel Scare: Staff reportedly left the five-star Lanesborough Hotel in London due to poltergeist activity, attributed to the building's past as St George's Hospital.

Ghost Hunters Clash: A rival group tipped off police about the Ghost Club of Great Britain's meeting at Beaulieu Abbey, leading to a terrorist alert. The Ghost Club was reportedly waiting for the appearance of a 17th-century spectre.

Amorous Phantoms: Two women claim to be harassed by amorous ghosts climbing into their beds.

Spook, Line & Stinker: A Canadian professor is suing over his new home, Chingle Hall, which was advertised as haunted but found not to be. The alleged ghost was of a Catholic priest, John Wall.

Video Nasty: A village shopkeeper spotted a ghost on her store's security camera, described as having a black moustache.

Fearful Firefighters: Firefighters in Tynemouth claim their station is haunted by the ghost of a medieval monk.

Dream to Nightmare: A couple discovered their new home in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was once used as a devil-worshipping temple.

Bob's Bizarre Back Yard: Rock star Bob Geldof's yard near Faversham, Kent, was reportedly used by Satanists for devil worship rituals.

Grave Matter: Eleven gravediggers and two priests in Italy were jailed for a corpse-robbing scandal.

Virgin Territory: A coven in New York is disbanding because the chief warlock cannot find virgins for sacrificial rituals.

Witch Facts: The article discusses historical beliefs about witchcraft, noting that spells were sometimes thought to be recited backwards and that knowledge came from Arabic or Hebrew sources.

Movie Repeat: Actor Don Henderson noted a 'chilling coincidence' between a thriller about a serial killer and real-life events in Gloucester.

Hamster Vamster: A man in Nuremberg was jailed for eating a pet hamster and drinking children's blood during a satanic ritual.

Sole Supporter: Psychic Bryan Gibson claims to be controlled by a Sioux chief named Running Foot.

Death by Rite: French police detained three Muslims pending an investigation into the death of a teenage girl during an exorcism rite.

Devil's Work?: This section highlights controversy over ritual abuse, detailing three high-profile cases in Nottingham, Rochdale, and Orkney involving allegations of Satanic abuse. It references a government-commissioned study by Prof. Jean La Fontaine, which found no evidence of Satanic abuse but acknowledged that rituals occurred in some cases as secondary to sexual abuse. The article also discusses criticism of social workers' interviewing techniques and the influence of evangelical Christians.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Annals are UFOs, cryptozoology, and paranormal phenomena, with a consistent focus on unexplained events and alleged cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, questioning official explanations and encouraging further investigation into mysterious occurrences. The magazine aims to present a wide range of reports and theories, inviting readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. There is a clear interest in government secrecy and the potential for hidden truths regarding UFOs and other phenomena.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated May/June, is published by A Quest publication and priced at £1.75. The cover prominently features the headline "JUNK MAIL FROM MARS" with accompanying artwork, suggesting a focus on extraterrestrial and unusual phenomena.

False Memory Syndrome and Ritual Abuse

The magazine begins by discussing the concept of 'false memory syndrome,' noting the significant interest in its connection to the rise in alien abduction stories. It cites a US survey where one in four therapists believed clients' memories should be accepted, regardless of age, and four in ten believed trauma was the sole reason for forgetting childhood events. Psychologist Michael Yapko is mentioned for his research, which found therapists blurring the distinction between metaphor and fact, and that repressed memories are too readily diagnosed. Research involving children who were asked about fictitious events showed that after repeated questioning, two-thirds claimed the events had happened. The issue highlights a trial in Teesside where a man was acquitted of rape charges after his daughter developed false memory syndrome, a case influenced by therapy sessions. Mr. Justice Owen's summing-up is quoted: "You will bear in mind that the mistaken witness is often the most compelling witness."

Dr. Elle MacDonald is cited regarding trapped false messages entering the unconscious during emotional stress, leading to behavioral problems. The "Rapid Eye Movement Process (REMP)" is introduced as a claimed revolutionary technique to discharge unwanted thought and behavior patterns by eye movement during recall of traumatic events.

The magazine also touches upon ritual abuse, referencing cases where La Fontaine found evidence of organized abuse led by a single male perpetrator who sexually abused children during rituals. While descriptions of altars were confirmed by victims, La Fontaine remains adamant that these cases did not involve Satanist rituals. Phil Mollon, head of clinical psychology at Lister Hospital, dismisses the idea that evangelists are spreading such ideas among professionals as a simplistic explanation.

Strange Phenomena and Unexplained Events

Several short reports detail unusual occurrences:

• Green Icebergs: Ships in Antarctica have observed rare emerald icebergs. A new study suggests these icebergs are turned upside down, and their green color results from seawater frozen and adhered to the bottom of freshwater ice shelves over centuries, containing algae and plankton, which mixes with the blue tint of the freshwater ice.
• Sprat Splat: In Grodno, Russia, sprats inexplicably fell from the sky during a heavy downpour, leading locals to collect them.
• Black Wind: A "black wind" (cataclysmic sandstorm) swept through an area of northwest China, killing at least 43 people, mostly children, by whipping up sand and pebbles and blowing victims into water channels.
• Get a Grip: A California woman narrowly avoided injury when a pair of pliers, believed to have fallen from a plane, struck the roof of her mobile home.

Space and Orbital Debris

The "TRANSIENT PHENOMENA THREAT" section discusses the increasing clutter of space debris. The NORAD catalogue listed 5,500 space objects on January 1, 1987. This debris compromises astronomical research, including radar studies of meteoroids. An example is given of optical flashes observed in the constellation of Perseus, initially thought to be natural, but later attributed to Sun glints from a Soviet spy satellite (Cosmos 1400). Lunar transient phenomena (LTP) are also becoming harder to record due to this clutter. The problem of space junk is significant, with the US Military tracking around 150,000 objects. The total mass of junk exceeds three million kilograms, and the rate of new satellites and debris injection exceeds natural removal. NASA is incorporating safeguards into space station designs to protect astronauts from collisions.

Science and Technology Shorts

Several brief science and technology news items are included:

• Shell Power: British scientists at Keele University are studying sea shells to develop a high-performance ceramic material for potential use in power stations and car engines.
• Musical Overtones: A new radio station in Poland, Radio Zet, uses an ultrasonic sound to repel insects, but its initial transmission caused cats distress.
• Turnout & Turn On: Streetlights in Delhi, India, are to be powered by human excreta, with the project also providing cooking gas for families.
• Fuelish: A conman in Belgrade, Serbia, was selling pills claimed to turn water into motor fuel, but the vehicle actually ran on gas.
• In the Soup: Japanese police arrested a guru who claimed his vegetable soup could cure cancer. Kazu Tateishi, 60, was alleged to have sold medication without a license and authored "The Original Vegetable Soup Health Diet."
• They Came From Outer Space!: Violet Charles of Tiverton, Devon, found strawberries inside three home-grown tomatoes. Professor John Beringer of Bristol University stated that tomatoes cannot cross with strawberries, deeming it genetically impossible.

Arthur Rules OK

The magazine features a story about Arthur Pendragon, who claims to be the reincarnation of the sixth-century King Arthur. He dresses in Celtic robes, carries a sword called Excalibur, and has changed his name by deed poll. Pendragon is reportedly seeking to cross swords with English Heritage, having led the Glastonbury Druids to Stonehenge. He claims to have known he was a Celtic chieftain since 1986 and that he was destined to return. He states he has Excalibur and uses it to knight people, with the Crown Prosecution Service permitting him to carry it for ceremonial purposes. Pendragon, a MENSA member, is currently homeless and has lived in unconventional places.

Conferences and Publications

Announcements are made for the South Wales 1st UFO & Crop Circle Conference in Cardiff on August 13th, featuring speakers like Colin Andrews and Busty Taylor. The conference is held at the Power House Community Education Centre.

Several UFO and paranormal publications are reviewed:

• UFO Magazine: The reviewer expresses skepticism about the magazine's premise, questioning why organizations still regard the public as uneducated on UFO matters after 50 years of coverage.
• Enigmas: This issue features a four-page report and photograph of a UFO incident at Craigluscar Reservoir.
• Magonia: The reviewer praises its irreverent attitude towards the "suits" running BUFORA and highlights the contributions of Martin S Kottmeyer and Peter Rogerson.
• Nexus: Described as a remarkable magazine designed to make readers think, it is now available in the UK.
• GEM: This publication has expanded its focus beyond Earth Mysteries to include EM themes, with issue 18 featuring reports on Big Cat sightings and articles on Bristol leys and Bredon Hill.
• The Cerealogist: The summer issue discusses crop circle interpretations by German cerealogists, including "experimental formations" created by "Burgers from Berlin." Editor George Wingfield's paranoia is noted regarding alleged CIA and MI5 infiltration of the crop circle scene.
• Northern UFO News: The Spring issue is mentioned, with the editor taking a swipe at the "Elite" group for circulating disinformation within the UFO community.

Leftovers

This section contains a collection of brief, miscellaneous news items:

• The Substance: Neapolitans venerate the congealed blood of a saint, believed to be a miracle.
• Face in the Mountain: Shadows and terrain at Lindis Pass, New Zealand, are said to reveal a Christ-like bearded face.
• Carp in the Sea: Darren Stirrat caught a 5lb freshwater carp in the sea in Hampshire.
• Mugger: A mugger in Rome forces victims to cut their fingernails before stealing the clippings.
• Nail Gun Accident: Burt Hanson accidentally fired a nail into his own head.
• Leapt from Coffin: Jane Eldridge, 67, ran from her coffin during her funeral in Melbourne due to a heart defect.
• Chemical Reaction Fire: A fire started in a casket due to a chemical reaction in embalming fluids in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Meteorological Storm: A storm over the south coast of England brought emergency calls, with reports of colored lights.
• Giant Petunia: A petunia in Lincolnshire grew to nearly 20 feet tall.
• Lucky Horseshoe: Otto Brecker collected £170,000 from winning the football pools 1,200 times after hanging a horseshoe on his door.
• Twin Accidents: Identical twins suffered broken collar bones in two separate accidents.
• Monster Tumour: Chinese doctors removed a 16lb tumour from a nine-year-old boy.
• Massive Ovarian Cyst: A surgeon removed a 66lb cyst from a Moroccan woman.
• Massive Ovarian Tumour: Doctors in Texas removed a 156lb ovarian tumour from Evelyn Geffers.

Global Alignments and Transformation

This section features a talk by Terry Walsh on alignments of sacred sites and their significance in global transformation. Walsh, a scientist in electronics, nuclear physics, and transport research, was encouraged to study earth alignments by a paranormal encounter. The talk is scheduled for Friday, August 26th, at The Glastonbury Experience in Somerset.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and alleged conspiracies. There is a critical stance towards mainstream explanations and a willingness to investigate fringe topics, as evidenced by the reviews of various UFO and paranormal publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by conventional science and media, encouraging readers to question established views and consider alternative possibilities. The "Junk Mail From Mars" cover and the "Leftovers" section suggest a broad interest in oddities and curiosities from around the world.