Awareness - 1968 - Q1 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS JOURNAL OF CONTACT (UK)
Issue Date: Spring 1968
Publisher: CONTACT (U.K.)
Price: 2/6d

This issue of Awareness Journal of Contact (UK) delves into various aspects of UFO research, extra-terrestrial life, and consciousness. The cover features a striking graphic and the journal's title, setting a tone of inquiry and exploration.

Reflections

The editorial, titled 'Reflections,' outlines the core purposes of CONTACT (U.K.): to research flying saucers, promote greater awareness, and foster universal friendship and truth. It emphasizes the importance of both external research into UFOs and internal self-improvement, aiming for higher thinking and enlightenment. The movement seeks to make contact with evolved beings from other planets, believing this will elevate human consciousness. The editorial also touches upon the current global climate, suggesting that a greater inner realization and widening of individual horizons are necessary to face future challenges.

Contents

The issue presents a diverse range of articles, including:

• Take Higher Ground by Brinsley Le Poer Trench: This article examines the tendency to label 'Sky People' as hostile and argues against this view, citing the lack of direct harm from advanced civilizations. It discusses the Mantell case and the dangers of approaching UFOs due to radiation, framing it as a matter of ignorance rather than hostility.
• Is There Life on Other Planets? by Alison Brown: This piece explores scientific opinions on the existence of life beyond Earth, discussing the fundamental unity of life based on DNA and the theories of life's origin, including panspermia.
• A Lesson to Learn by Ken Rogers: This article advocates for a holistic approach to UFO research, integrating various aspects and overcoming pride and one-sided attitudes. It stresses the need for a union of concepts and a move beyond sensationalism.
• Science and the UFO by Colin McCarthy: This article discusses the increasing respectability of UFO research and examines the physical characteristics of UFOs, including their size, shape, speed, and advanced propulsion systems, suggesting that a physical explanation may be inadequate.
• The Truth of the Matter by Peter Coleman: This article posits that the UFO phenomenon is linked to humanity's current crossroads, with advancements in science and global political tensions creating a critical decision point for mankind regarding survival or destruction.

Other articles cover topics such as the rise and fall of UFO societies, UFO sightings in specific regions, and the mystery of the Green Children.

Editorial Stance and Membership

The editorial board includes Johan Quanjer, Ken Rogers, John Henderson, Peter Coleman, James Goddard, and Silvia Staples. Membership in CONTACT (U.K.) is available for 10/- annually (5/- for students and apprentices), which includes the magazine 'Awareness' and other information. William Herschell handles membership inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a positive and open-minded approach to UFO research, emphasizing the importance of consciousness, spiritual development, and universal understanding. It advocates for a holistic research methodology, moving beyond sensationalism and embracing a 'Golden Middle Path.' The overarching theme is that of 'Contact' – both with extra-terrestrial intelligence and within humanity itself, aiming for a future of peace and harmony. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging potential dangers but ultimately focusing on the possibility of positive interaction and human evolution.

This issue of 'UFO' magazine, published in the 1960s, features a range of articles exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon. The cover headline highlights UFOs examining military strength and space efforts, suggesting a period of intense observation and potential future action by extraterrestrial intelligences.

UFOs and Military Strength

The opening article posits that UFOs have been closely observing Earth's military capabilities and space endeavors, indicating a strategic interest in humanity's progress. It suggests that after decades of surveillance, these intelligences are awaiting a significant event before initiating a new phase of operations. The author links this to humanity approaching a crossroads, with the UFO presence being elusive until mankind undergoes a change. The article also hints at a 'perplexing' and 'disturbing' aspect of UFO research concerning 'evil influences' in Part Two.

Personal Sighting: Captain H.F. Kirkwood

Captain H.F. Kirkwood, a retired airline pilot, recounts a vivid sighting from December 1953. While flying the Belfast-London service, he and his crew observed an unidentified light on the airway that irregularly changed brilliance and color. Airway Control confirmed no other traffic, and the light was not a reflection. The object appeared to be on a collision course, then suddenly ascended and accelerated away at high speed, changing to a vivid green. Shortly after, the aircraft's engines momentarily lost power. The Civil Aviation Ministry attributed the object to a 'weather balloon'.

The Rise and Fall of UFO Societies

Desmond Leslie discusses the cyclical nature of UFO societies, noting their initial boundless enthusiasm often devolves into rival factions and schisms. He contrasts these groups with more stable organizations, suggesting that UFO groups are a direct challenge to negative forces that rely on maintaining human fear and ignorance. Leslie highlights the White Eagle Lodge as a model of harmony and cooperation, emphasizing the power of positive thought to counteract negativity.

Religion and Flying Saucers

Rev. Frederick Harrison explores the intersection of religion and UFOs. He asserts that UFOs postulate the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence and that these beings, like humans, are children of the same Creator, possibly more advanced and loyal. He dismisses the idea of UFOs being involved in a 'second coming' but suggests they might assist God's plan by acting as missionaries. Harrison also examines biblical accounts, such as Enoch and Elijah's ascensions, as potentially analogous to UFO transit, but cautions against using the Bible to establish UFOs as fact. He notes that intelligences directing UFOs may be concerned about humanity's use of nuclear fission and its potential effects on the 'spirit world'. He concludes that extraterrestrial contact is likely intended by 'wiser people' at a time judged proper.

The Origin of Mankind?

Richard Garton speculates on the connection between UFOs and the origin of mankind. He proposes that humans might have been 'shipped' to Earth from other planets due to dissatisfaction with universal laws. Earth's atmospheric conditions were once suitable, but natural changes caused catastrophes. He suggests that 'space brothers' warned humanity, citing Noah and the great flood as an example of heeding such warnings. As humanity now possesses the capability to destroy the planet, Garton believes that people with a 'Contact' attitude will help provide the way forward, referencing biblical prophecies of change and a coming 'Great Peace'.

Russia Calls for World Study of UFOs

Assistant Professor Felix Zigel of the Moscow Institute of Aviation advocates for an international effort to study UFOs, citing the establishment of a committee to analyze reports. He notes that while only about 200 sightings were reported, preliminary analysis indicates a need for thorough investigation. Reports from the Soviet Union in 1967 described luminous orange-coloured crescent-shaped UFOs, approximately 15-20 ft. in arc, with jets and sparks. The article details the characteristics of these objects and mentions that they could not have been man-made.

UFO Skims Beside Plane

This section features two incidents involving airliners. The first describes a D.C.4 flight over Chiclayo, Peru, where passengers and crew observed a UFO approximately 230 feet in diameter that skimmed beside the plane for an hour, dimming lights and cutting the radio. The UFO then reappeared with another craft, again affecting the plane's systems before accelerating away. The second incident involves an IL-18 airliner near Tiksi Bay, where the crew experienced a similar phenomenon with a disc-shaped object and surrounding balls.

The Mystery of the Green Children

Jimmy Goddard recounts a story from the East Anglian magazine about two green-skinned children who emerged from ancient excavations in Woolpit, England, during King Stephen's reign. They spoke an unknown language and described a land of perpetual twilight. The boy died, but the girl survived, her green color fading, and eventually provided a vague explanation of their arrival. A similar account from Spain in 1887 is also presented, involving green children emerging from a cave. The striking similarity in the 'place of origin' and the presence of a 'great gulf' is noted, along with the identical names of individuals who befriended the children in both cases, adding to the enigma.

Significance of Leys & Orthoteny

Ken Rogers suggests that 'ley points' might be 'beacons' strategically placed by 'Sky People' for navigation, akin to landing lights for aircraft. These points may have been associated with celestial phenomena by primitive peoples. He also discusses 'beacon points' as potential driver-mechanisms for automatic triangulation. The article mentions a case where UFO intelligence reportedly removed a 'beacon' from South Mountain, Arizona, which had been causing interference with TV equipment. The vortex created by this mechanism is described as causing TV-radio interference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs, often linking it to spiritual, religious, and even evolutionary themes. There's a strong emphasis on the idea of advanced intelligences observing and potentially interacting with humanity. The magazine appears to lean towards a belief in the reality of UFOs and the existence of non-human intelligence, encouraging open-minded investigation while cautioning against misinterpretations or sensationalism. The 'Contact' group is presented as a positive initiative for potential future interaction. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, integrating it with broader questions about humanity's place in the universe, spiritual development, and the nature of reality.

This issue of 'Awareness' magazine, published by Contact (U.K.), focuses on the organizational growth and activities of the Contact U.K. movement, alongside a significant scientific report on a potential extraterrestrial signal.

'Round Up' of Branch Activities

The magazine details the substantial expansion of Contact U.K. over the past six months, with membership rising from 300 to over 900. The number of branches has increased from four to a dozen, with an additional eighteen in the process of formation. Each branch is autonomous and encouraged to elect its own officers. The article provides examples of dedicated members working to establish new branches.

Notable Branch Formations and Activities:

• Hull: Geoffrey Shearsmith, a 13-year-old 'Junior Secretary', is actively recruiting junior members with leaflets.
• Orkney Isles: Harvey MacGillivray, aged 17, is coordinating Sky Watching activities for Scotland and working to establish a branch in Kirkwall.
• Reigate Junior: Neville Kemp, aged 11, formed a UFO club at his school, where a questionnaire revealed that 101 out of 241 children believed in Flying Saucers. This led to the conversion of the UFO Club into a Junior Branch of Contact, with the support of the Headmaster, Mr. C.I. Price.
• North Herts. South Cambs. Town & Village Branch: Organizer Allen Webb, aged 16, has successfully recruited new members using leaflets and plans to expand his efforts.

Branch Secretaries List:

The issue includes a comprehensive list of branch secretaries and their contact details for various locations including Birmingham, Bognor, Bristol, Cambridge, Hull, Lea Valley, Liverpool, North Surrey, Reigate Junior, Southend, West Somerset, and West Wilts.

Branches 'In the Making':

Contact information is also provided for individuals working to form new branches in areas such as Bradford, Cardiff, Daventry, Dundee, Epsom, Grimsby, Leeds, London (Eltham), Luton, Manchester North and South, Newcastle Under Lyme, Oldham, Orkney Isles, North Herts South, Sheffield, Solihull, and Wimbledon.

The West Wiltshire Branch

This section details the evolution of the Trowbridge branch, now known as the West Wiltshire branch, to reflect its wider geographical coverage. Membership has grown from five to over thirty since May 1967. The branch focuses on its local area, including Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and Cradle Hill, and holds fortnightly meetings. They are planning an excursion to Glastonbury and a 'sky-watch' event.

Birmingham Branch Progress Report

The Birmingham branch reports continued expansion in membership and activities, attracting young people interested in UFOs. They are planning a well-publicized public meeting with the Rector of Aldridge, Rev. Cartmel, hoping for local press and television coverage.

A Signal From Outer Space

This article reports a groundbreaking discovery by scientists at Cambridge University. They have detected a regular signal, repeating every 1.337 seconds, from a peculiar star nicknamed 'LGM' (Little Green Men).

Scientific Discovery:

Sir Martin Ryle, Professor of Radio-Astronomy at Cambridge, stated that their initial thought was that it could be another intelligence trying to contact them, a possibility they cannot rule out. The star's behavior does not conform to traditional theories. The discovery was made accidentally by Dr. Anthony Hewish and Mr. Jocelyn Bell of the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory while they were studying 'quasars'.

Collaboration and Further Research:

Dr. Hewish, Mr. Bell, Dr. J.D. Pilkington, Dr. P.F. Scott, and Mr. R.A. Collins pinpointed the star's location within the Milky Way. The Cambridge team has since identified three other similar 'heart-throbs' in the sky, prompting radio-telescopes worldwide to search for more LGMs. The report is credited to Peter Fairley of the London Evening Standard.

Recommended Books

A list of recommended books related to UFOlogy and related subjects is provided, including titles like 'The Flying Saucer Story', 'Forgotten Herstage', 'The Warminster Mystery', and 'My Contact With Flying Saucers', along with their prices and authors.

Poetry

Two poems are included: "To A Sleeping Unicorn" by Camilla Erne, and another untitled poem by Camilla Erne, reflecting on a 'Nemesis' and a celestial steed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the growth and organization of Contact U.K. as a movement, emphasizing grassroots efforts and the involvement of young people. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of both anecdotal accounts and significant scientific findings like the 'LGM' signal. There is a clear effort to connect the public with information through recommended reading and reports on branch activities, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.