APRA Bulletin no 2 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: APRA Bulletin
Issue: #2
Date: February 1999
Publisher: APRA (Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the APRA Bulletin delves into various anomalous phenomena, including UFO sightings, crop circles, and Earth energies. It features investigative updates, witness reports, and critical analyses of media coverage.

Cover Story: FT's - Military Stealth, Or ET Technology?

The cover prominently features images of advanced aircraft, including stealth bombers and delta-shaped craft, posing the question of whether these are military technology or extraterrestrial in origin. The main headlines highlight 'FT's - Military Stealth, Or ET Technology?', 'Sightings Update', 'Crop Circles In The News', and 'Earth Energies'.

UFO UPDATE: Swindon Sightings

The bulletin provides an update on two flying triangle (FT) sightings over Swindon. The first, an illuminated FT, was reported in September 1998. The second, a classic black FT, was sighted on October 19, 1998, by James Hill, an APRA co-ordinator. Hill described the craft as jet black, triangular with approximately 200ft sides, possessing a bright white light at each tip and a green light at the rear right wingtip. It was observed moving fast but silently at an estimated height of 6000-8000 ft and a speed of 150-250 mph. A colleague corroborated seeing a black delta-like craft. Investigations into these sightings, along with the September incident, focused on the proximity to military zones like RAF Lyneham and RAF Brize Norton. Initial inquiries to military stations and the Wiltshire Police yielded no response. A second round of inquiries, referring to the objects as 'low flying, delta-shaped craft', received a response from RAF Lyneham stating that none of their aircraft were flying at the times of the sightings. The bulletin notes that RAF Fairford was active with USAF B-52 bombers during the Kosovo crisis at the time of the October sighting, and mentions past sightings of 'black, delta-shape aircraft' at Fairford, possibly similar to the Northrop B-2, and the use of Fairford as a base for American TR-3 spyplanes.

Other Sightings and Investigations

A report from June 28, 1995, details a sighting over Earley, Reading, of a circular object moving in a slow straight line and revolving clockwise. A drawing accompanies the report. The bulletin also follows up on a 'fireball' seen over Abingdon during the Draconid meteor shower, which has not been confirmed as a fireball or bolide, but acknowledges the possibility of corroborative sightings being obscured by cloud.

WHAT METEORS?

This section discusses the Leonid meteor shower, noting that many astronomers missed the peak display which occurred earlier than predicted. It recounts amusing anecdotes of people expecting a larger show. The article describes spectacular fireballs seen, with one observer comparing them to 'luminous seagulls'. It details the challenges faced by observers due to mist and fog, and the brief window of opportunity for viewing the shower's maxima on the night of November 17th-18th. Remarkable footage of a meteor appearing to come 'head-on' is mentioned, along with its residual train dissipating like a smoke ring.

CROP CIRCLES

The bulletin critiques a BBC 'Countryfile' program from January 3rd that focused on crop circle hoaxers. The article expresses surprise that the entire program was dedicated to the 'efforts' of hoaxers, using the term loosely. It highlights the BBC's reliance on old-time hoaxers Doug Bower and Rupert Segar, who attempted to create formations while evading 'croppies'. Segar claimed his efforts at Milk Hill were his first, though he had previously been involved with Bower in 1997. The program also featured Matthew Williams, who admitted to hoaxing. The bulletin asserts that no credible researchers were impressed by these formations. It notes that Bower now claims to have been making circles for years prior to his previously claimed start date and believes he was prompted by a 'higher force'. The article contrasts this with Dave Chorley's claim that he was inspired by UFOs in the 1960s. The bulletin criticizes the BBC's approach as biased 'entertainment', questioning their motives for spending license payers' money. A recommendation is made for Terry Wilson's book, 'The Secret History of Crop Circles'. The article suggests that crop circles may have had a stronger UFO connection in earlier years, citing 'saucer nests' and the Tully, Australia events of 1966, and mentions Billy Meier's claims. It notes the connection between circles, EM interference, animal deaths, and mutilations, questioning the disappearance of structured metallic craft associated with circles.

CK, a 50 year-old engineer, has recently related a number of experiences to our investigators.

This section details the experiences of an engineer referred to as CK. In his childhood, CK had recurring dreams of being in a strange room with pulsating lights, experiencing laboured breathing, and a thin, large-headed 'man' entering, which he now regards as an abduction experience. These experiences evolved into 'paranormal' and 'astral' encounters. Since 1992, CK has had more conscious recollection of 'dreams' and astral travels. A peculiar 'dream' involved seeing a shining metallic domed disc with a blue-white beam of light hitting him in the forehead. He experienced intense pain and believes he screamed. He woke up with a severe headache for two days. CK insists he is not an 'abductee' in the conventional sense, as he feels these encounters are not against his will, but rather a form of 'monitoring' with his spirit's consent before his physical incarnation. He suggests that the conscious mind forgets its purpose. The article questions whether terms like CE3K to CE5K are sufficient to cover the differences between physical and astral encounters.

EARTH ENERGIES

This section distinguishes Earth energies from ley lines, stating that while they may run concurrently, Earth energy flow is more important. These energies are believed to have existed since the dawn of mankind and are connected to crop circles, UFO events, and PSI encounters. The Michael and Mary lines are highlighted as major Earth energy lines running through Britain. The article notes that these lines are connected to a leyline alignment of churches dedicated to St Michael, with one such site in the Thames Valley at Clifton Hampden, Oxfordshire. Sinodun Hill near Dorchester is identified as a nodal point where these lines cross, used for skywatches and known for 'strange forces'. Similar nodal points exist at Glastonbury and Avebury. The Michael line passes through two Iron-age hillforts in South Oxfordshire: Castle Hill at Wittenham and Blewburton at Blewbury. A future photo feature on the Michael and Mary lines through the Thames Valley is promised.

FUTURE EVENTS

This section lists upcoming events for APRA, Abingdon Astro.Soc., and BUFORA. APRA is holding open meetings in East Hagbourne on January 27th, February 24th, and March 31st. Abingdon Astro.Soc. has speaker meetings in Abingdon featuring G. Sallitt on CCD Imaging (Feb 8th), R. Dryden on Planets (Mar 8th), and I. Khan on The Universe (Apr 12th), along with regular observing evenings. BUFORA is hosting lectures in London, including Robin Lindsey on Video Footage (Feb 6th), John Spencer on 'Motifs of Abduction' (Mar 6th), and Gloria Dixon on UK Investigations and Brian James on Crop Circles (Apr 10th and May 1st respectively).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the blurring lines between military technology and potential extraterrestrial craft, the critical examination of media reporting on controversial topics like crop circles, and the exploration of less conventional concepts such as Earth energies and astral experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to investigate anomalous phenomena while questioning official narratives and media portrayals. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the pursuit of evidence, even when faced with unresponsiveness from official bodies.