Area S1 - No 4 - 1996 08

Magazine Overview

Title: AREA S1
Issue: Volume 1, Issue 4
Date: August 1996
Publisher: SUFORA (S1 Publications)
Country: UK
Price: £1

This issue of AREA S1, the official magazine of Sheffield SUFORA, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring news, investigation reports, personal theories, and critiques of debunking efforts. The cover art depicts a reptilian alien figure with spiky hair, holding a smaller grey alien, with a human-like figure in the background, setting a tone of extraterrestrial encounters.

World UFO Newsround

The "World UFO Newsround" section reports on a disturbing incident where three members of a UFO group in Riverhead, New York, were charged with plotting to assassinate Suffolk County officials with radioactive materials and seize control of county government. District Attorney James M. Catterson stated that the group leader, John J. Ford, believed aliens had crashed on Long Island and that authorities were covering it up. The plot involved introducing radioactive radium into the food of county officials and burning down the Republican Party headquarters. The investigation was uncovered during an illegal gun sales probe, with taped conversations between Ford and another defendant, Joseph Mazzuchelli, providing evidence. The article also touches upon the Unabomber case, drawing parallels in the bizarre nature of the plots.

In other news, a prototype US unmanned spy plane, the Darkstar, crashed on takeoff at Edwards AFB in California. The futuristic flying wing was designed for high-altitude reconnaissance.

A conference news item announces the first international UFO conference to be held in Scandinavia, sponsored by UFO Sweden and FMA, taking place in Gothenburg on Sunday, October 27th. Speakers include Jenny Randles and Nick Pope.

The "UFOs - Australia" section details a significant UFO flap in Australia during June 1996, with numerous reports of bright orange UFOs sighted over Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The sightings included objects described as "strange bright orange lights" and a group of 10 orange UFOs in a triangle formation. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) announced the formation of a commission to study these mysterious lights.

Investigation Report

The "Investigation Report" section features several cases:

• North Allerton, North Yorks (July 13, 1996): Eric Christoffersen reported seeing a silver object, about a third the size of a plane, change direction instantly and hover at high speed. Teeside airport had no radar contact, and pilots declined to comment. The object's behavior was compared to a weather balloon, but the Leeds Metrological Office also had no information.
• The Manor (Last year): John Wilkins reported a hovering circular craft with flashing blue, red, and yellow lights over his back garden. The object moved slowly and then disappeared rapidly.
• Barnaby Hill, Doncaster (January 1, 1979): Following a period of bad weather, reports emerged of a cigar-shaped object flying over South Yorkshire. Radio stations received calls about a crashed cigar-shaped UFO on Barnaby Hill. The MOD was present at the scene, and locals were reportedly told to keep quiet about the incident. The area was a no-go zone for a month.

The David Baker Article: Debunking the Debunkers (Part Two)

This article continues the critique of UFO debunkers, distinguishing them from skeptics. David Baker argues that debunkers actively seek to explain away UFO reports using conventional means, often resorting to misinformation, lies, and ridicule. He questions the motivation behind this behavior, suggesting that some debunkers may be driven by a need to maintain their public profile or financial interests. The article examines figures like Dr. Susan Blackmore, Arthur C. Clarke, Phillip J. Klass, and Carl Sagan, analyzing their explanations for UFO phenomena and abductions, such as sleep paralysis and false memory syndrome. Baker criticizes their dismissal of physical evidence and witness reliability, citing cases like the Trinadade Island photographs and Mexico City videos as examples of unexplained evidence.

The article also discusses the controversial Majestic-12 papers and the alleged double life of Dr. Donald Menzel, a prominent debunker who may have been involved in government UFO investigations. It highlights the Kaikoura, New Zealand, radar/visual sighting from December 31, 1978, which was filmed and tracked by radar. Debunking explanations for this case, such as mutton birds and spruce budworm moths, are presented and implicitly dismissed.

Further cases examined include the Boianai, Papua New Guinea, sighting in June 1959, where Reverend William Bruce Gill and 37 witnesses reported UFOs and "men" emerging from them. The article notes that Donald Menzel attributed this to Venus, while Gill was wearing spectacles and correctly identified Venus. The article also mentions Carl Sagan's vehement attack on ufology in Parade magazine, where he dismissed UFO sightings and abductions as dreams and hallucinations, questioning the lack of physical evidence.

The Monster That's Stalking Puerto Rico

This extensive article by Scott Corrales investigates the phenomenon of the Chupacabras, a creature reported in Puerto Rico. The article details a new wave of mutilations involving animals, characterized by bloodless carcasses and neat perforation marks. It describes encounters with humanoid creatures, some with orange-yellow eyes, and a police officer's pursuit of such a being. The article recounts Jaime Torres's encounter with a round-headed creature with elongated black eyes and chameleon-like pigmentation. It also mentions a UFO sighting over Patillas and an incident where an elderly sugar cane cutter was attacked by a winged creature.

Further reports include the discovery of dead goats with puncture marks and completely emptied of blood in Humacao. The article explores the possibility that the Chupacabras is a "Fortean Monster," potentially related to other winged creatures like pterodactyls and Mothman. It describes an encounter with a being resembling a three-year-old boy with a large head and flattened nose. The creature fled when the woman felt faint. The article also touches upon the "Creole Bigfoot" phenomenon from the 1970s cattle mutilation wave, describing Bigfoot-type creatures with humanoid appearances and a penchant for destroying plantain and banana trees. Another incident involves a monster that ripped apart rabbits, leaving puncture marks.

The article also includes the story of a dog named Suki that reportedly held off a Chupacabras. It recounts Maria de Gomez's encounter with an ashen grey creature weighing 75 pounds and standing four feet tall, which she confronted with a baseball bat. The creature eventually fled.

The Chupacabras phenomenon is linked to environmental and ecological issues, with a mention of a pond used for dumping chemicals and sightings of greys running toward it. The article concludes by stating that the Chupacabras belongs to the same phenomena surrounding the El Yungue rainforest and other UFO manifestations on the island, suggesting a possible genetic experiment or paranormal origin.

Surgeon Tells First Results of Implant Analysis

This section reports on findings presented by hypnotherapist Derrel Sims and physician Roger Leir regarding alleged alien implants. Two abductees had objects surgically removed, which preliminary testing suggests could be hard evidence of alien abduction. Dr. Leir removed three objects: two from a woman's toe and one from a man's hand. These objects were discovered via X-rays and were not associated with pain or any visible entry scars. The implants were detected using a gauss meter and stud finder. The objects were described as flat and triangular, covered in a dense gray membrane that was difficult to cut. Inside, a shiny black metallic material was found. The membrane was later found to be composed of blood and keratin. The implants were also fluorescent green under ultraviolet light and highly magnetic. The article notes that if medical science could replicate this membrane, it could solve transplant rejection problems. Preliminary lab reports on the metallic material were described as "mind-boggling."

My Theory

Leigh Arkwright presents a speculative theory suggesting that Earth might be at war with an alien race or that another planet is at war with yet another. He posits that governments are kept in the dark, with ultimate truths known only by secret services and military personnel. Arkwright believes that at least one extraterrestrial race is visiting Earth and has been given land by someone. He questions their purpose: to help humanity overcome its downfalls or to bring about mankind's oblivion. He suggests that those who see UFOs or are abducted are deliberately chosen as "fifth columnists/collaborators" for a final move. He speculates that aliens might be searching for natural resources, acting as scientists exploring Earth, or pursuing something more sinister.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, alleged evidence of extraterrestrial technology and biology, and the ongoing debate between believers and debunkers. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting evidence and theories that support the reality of UFO phenomena and alien visitation, while critically examining and challenging the arguments of debunkers. The editorial stance is one of open investigation into these topics, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The magazine also promotes SUFORA as an organization dedicated to spreading the truth about the UFO phenomenon.

Title: SKYWATCH RESULTS
Issue Date: Saturday 8th June 1996 (with a second report dated Saturday 29th June 1996)
Publisher: Sheffield UFO Research Association
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "SKYWATCH RESULTS" details two distinct skywatching events conducted by members of the Sheffield UFO Research Association (SUFORA), primarily focusing on sightings in the Redmires Reservoir area near Sheffield. The magazine also includes information on upcoming events, a helpline, and a note about photographic anomalies.

Skywatch: Saturday 8th June 1996

The report from Saturday, 8th June 1996, describes a skywatch held at Lodge Lane, Rivelin, which was later moved to Redmires Reservoir car park due to suggestions from members. Redmires is noted for its paranormal activity, including reports of ghosts, UFOs, and even a Pterodactyl sighting.

Upon arrival at Redmires, several members experienced sensations of electricity, eeriness, and fear in the woods. Four individuals were later seen in the woods wearing blue 'all in ones' and black boots.

The first sighting occurred at approximately 10:10 pm, when a large amber light appeared hovering in the direction of Sheffield. Through 20x50 binoculars, the object was described as round and not star-like. It disappeared after ten minutes.

At 10:40 pm, while scanning the reservoir, a huge light emerged from the clouds. This object was observed travelling at high speed and lasted for about five minutes before vanishing. Some members confirmed this sighting upon their return from a walk.

The sightings paused for a period, during which time the road was busy with young drivers. At 11:10 pm, a shout of "UFO!" was heard. An amber ball rose slowly over the hill. Many witnesses noticed a discharge like snow underneath it. After hovering for a few seconds, it began to travel towards Manchester. A blue light was visible behind the amber ball, but the intensity of the amber ball was most striking. The amber object moved jerkily across the sky, passing a plane that was also travelling towards Manchester. The amber ball traversed the sky in less than half the time it would take a plane. This sighting lasted less than two minutes but was electrifying.

Suddenly, another amber ball rose above the hill, following the same flight path as the first, and disappeared over the horizon rapidly. In their excitement, the witnesses ran towards the UFOs and found themselves in a bog. After wading back to the car park, they shared their experiences and had hot tea.

Later that night, as members were packing up, a strange white light flew from the woods and ascended towards Sheffield. This UFO travelled at tremendous speed and was visible for only a minute, prompting the group to stay for another hour. The night concluded with the observation of moving stars that appeared to change direction at distinct right angles. The overall atmosphere was friendly.

Skywatch: Saturday 29th June 1996

The skywatch scheduled for Saturday, 29th June 1996, was initially cancelled due to bad weather but later proceeded with four attendees after the weather cleared.

While waiting for sunset, several skyflashes were observed, leading to speculation about seeing a flying triangle, though none appeared.

At 10:35 pm, an amber ball was seen hovering over Sheffield. It approached closer, and witnesses identified it as a glowing flying saucer, resembling the typical Adamski type. Simultaneously, a plane flew in front of the UFO, heading towards East Midlands airport. After the plane passed, the stationary UFO began to move towards the plane at an alarming speed. It manoeuvred to a close distance and flashed, with the flash emanating from the bottom of the saucer. This flashing occurred twice. Lindon then noticed three white lights rising from the trees towards the UFO. The UFO was stationary again, and together, the lights and the UFO shot up into the clouds.

Two more skyflashes were observed at 11:05 pm and 11:10 pm, also seen by Eileen Fletcher in Bradfield. Nothing further happened that night, but the attendees were happy with what they had witnessed.

Photographic Evidence

Lesley Parkin took six photographs of the incidents on 8th June. However, upon receiving them back from the developers, the photographs were missing, and the negatives were completely clear, as if wiped. The author of this section also took 12 photographs, but these, along with 12 taken before and 12 taken after the skywatch, developed normally, except for the 12 taken during the skywatch itself.

More recently, the author and four other witnesses saw a flying triangle over Redmires. Six photographs were taken, but again, they did not develop. The author states that their camera is not faulty, nor is Lesley's, leading to speculation about whether this could be due to 'radiation' from the UFO or a government cover-up. The author vows to continue investigating.

Stonehenge Crop Circle

A photograph is included showing a crop circle at Stonehenge, dated 7th July 1996. The image depicts a complex circular pattern within a field.

Sheffield UFO Research Association (SUFORA) Information

Page 20 provides contact details and information for the Sheffield UFO Research Association (SUFORA).

Address: 87 Hawley Street, Sheffield S1 2EA
UFO Hotline: 0114 275 6144

Next Meeting: September 10th at the Nelson Mandela Building, Pond Street, Sheffield, starting at 7:00 pm.

Skywatches: An International Skywatch weekend is to be announced. Scheduled skywatches include 31st August 1996 (meeting at The Sportsman Pub on Redmires Road or Lodge Moor Road) and 7th September 1996 (same arrangements).

Helpline: SUFORA is seeking humorous stories relating to skywatches from other groups.

WANTED: Old UFO magazines, unwanted issues of UFO magazines, and anything related to UFOs for the SUFORA resource library. Contact SUFORA for collection.

Translation Assistance: SUFORA is seeking individuals who can translate foreign languages to help with translating foreign documents.

Special UFO Night: SUFORA will be holding a meeting at a local cafe with internet facilities, costing £2 for 2 hours, to explore information on the 'net. Experience is not required, and help is available.

Director of Investigations: Martin S. Jeffrey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly those involving amber lights and unusual aerial objects observed in the Sheffield area. The magazine also touches upon the broader paranormal context of the Redmires location. There is a clear focus on witness testimony and the collection of data through skywatches. The issue highlights unexplained phenomena, including photographic anomalies that suggest potential interference or cover-ups, and expresses a commitment to continued investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation and information sharing through SUFORA's activities.