Awareness - 1973 - Vol 02 No 1 - Spring

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, published by Contact (UK) as Vol. 2, No. 1 in Spring 1973, is a publication dedicated to UFO research and related phenomena. The issue features a variety of articles, reports, and discussions, reflecting the organization's commitment to investigating and disseminating information about UFOs.

Editorial: THE REAL CONTACT INTERNATIONAL

The editorial, written by Ricky Roebuck, addresses the recent hectic period for Contact International (United Kingdom), attributing it to increased membership following the publication of books by Brinsley Le Poer Trench. The editor apologizes for any delays in processing new memberships or renewals, explaining that the Membership Secretary was ill. Roebuck emphasizes that Contact International is not a large, corporate organization but a voluntary one run by dedicated individuals. He highlights the need for practical assistance from members in areas such as typing, translations, administration, and investigations, stressing that all contributions are voluntary.

The editorial also touches upon the magazine's production. Previously printed by commercial printers, AWARENESS will now be produced in-house using a professional duplicator to reduce costs, although this may limit the use of illustrations. The organization also has aspirations to launch a more professional, glossy periodical in the future.

Roebuck concludes by encouraging new members to engage with the magazine's content and invites all readers to submit their opinions, suggestions, or original articles. He announces that future issues will feature contributions from prominent writers in the ufology field and that AWARENESS will be published quarterly.

STOP PRESS

A 'Stop Press' announcement reveals that Ricky Roebuck has regrettably retired as editor due to serious illness, and J.B. Delair has taken over supervision of the late production stages of the current issue. Delair also notes that the paper shortage, which caused delays, has been resolved, and the Summer issue is already in advanced editing, expected for mailing by the end of September.

NEWS FROM DATA RESEARCH

Derek Mansell reports that the number of UFO sightings for 1973 has been relatively low so far, but highlights a particularly interesting sighting and filming of a 'fireball type object' on January 11th at Thame, Oxfordshire, which is featured in more detail elsewhere in the magazine. The section also details a significant UFO 'flap' that occurred in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic between August and December 1972. This 'flap' was characterized by numerous sightings, landings, 'contact' with occupants, animal reactions, written messages, and even a 'healing' by a UFO. The report notes that September saw the most sightings in the Dominican Republic, while October was most prolific in Puerto Rico. The activity was considered intense and of greater density compared to previous UFO activity in other areas, bearing resemblance to flaps in the United States (1965-66) and Spain (1968).

SELECTED UFO REPORTS

This section, also compiled by Derek Mansell, lists several UFO sightings from late 1972 and early 1973:

• 10.11.72 (Ludlow, Shropshire): Two school children reported two orange discs moving in circles.
• 10.11.72 (Near Redditch, Staffordshire): Three lights were seen hovering for four hours, changing color and moving erratically.
• 14.11.72 (Tong, Nr. Shifnal, Shropshire): Pulsating green lights were observed, unexplained by air traffic control.
• 04.11.72 (Rossendale, Lancs): Four schoolboys saw a red and green glowing object near the moon.
• 11.1.73 (Ickford/Chilton/Cuddington, Bucks): An orange, glowing object, described as larger than the sun or moon, was filmed at an estimated speed of 600 m.p.h. and height of 2000 ft. This is linked to 'The Thame Fireball' report.
• 19.1.73 (Winsford, Cheshire): Two school girls reported a circular, brilliant white object that turned red before disappearing.
• 28.1.73 (Winsford, Cheshire): Seven school children reported a semi-circular or dome-shaped object with red and white lights hovering over a pond.
• 08.2.73 (Portsdown Hill, Hants): Two school boys saw a large shining object moving in circles.
• 09.2.73 (Portsmouth, Hants): A workshop manager (ex-policeman) observed two white star-like objects with red/orange glows that flickered and throbbed.
• 21.2.73 (Winsford, Cheshire): Twelve children reported a semi-circular object with red and white lights.
• 23.2.73 (Winsford, Cheshire): Seven women observed an object with a bright throbbing light that hovered, ascended, and then returned, glowing with a green light before shooting off. It was visible for over an hour.

BETWEEN YOU AND ME

By Brinsley Le Poer Trench, this article focuses on the puzzling phenomenon of 'Angel Hair'. Trench discusses two famous identical sightings in France in 1952 at Oleron and Gaillac, where UFOs left abundant trails of this substance. He notes that while these events are old, they hold significant lessons that have not been fully learned. Trench suggests that 'Angel Hair' might be superfluous materialised energy left over from UFO materialisation from another dimension or space-time continuum. He draws a comparison between 'Angel Hair' and 'ectoplasm' encountered in seance rooms, suggesting they might be related or 'cousins', and that this line of thought could open new avenues for ufological research. He references his own book, 'The Eternal Subject', which compares 'Angel Hair' with 'Ectoplasm', and cites Professor Charles M. Maney's article on 'The Phenomena of Angel Hair' from Flying Saucer Review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of AWARENESS revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings and phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for objective UFO research and encouragement for those involved in it, framing it as a significant global issue. The magazine also highlights the practical challenges and voluntary nature of UFO organizations like Contact (UK). The phenomenon of 'Angel Hair' is explored in depth, suggesting a potential link to extraterrestrial activity and interdimensional theories. The editorial stance is one of earnest inquiry, urging readers to engage critically with the subject matter and contribute to the collective understanding of UFOs. The publication also demonstrates a commitment to improving its own accessibility and production quality, while maintaining a focus on substantive content over mere aesthetics.

AWARENESS, Volume 10, Spring 1973, is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena and related topics. This issue features a report on the 'Thame Fireball' incident, historical accounts of aerial phenomena, and reviews of several books on ufology.

The Thame 'Fireball'

This section details a sighting on Thursday, January 11th, 1973, around 9 a.m. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, a school-teacher, reported seeing a circular, orange, glowing object, the size of a football at arm's length, hovering low over the horizon and rotating at tremendous speed. She was driving near Ickford, Buckinghamshire, when she observed the object.

Simultaneously, about 5 miles north-east of Mrs. Thompson's location, children at Chilton Church of England Primary School witnessed an 'orangey' ball of fire tracing an unusual flight path across the sky for approximately 30 seconds to one minute.

Mr. Peter Day, a surveyor, was driving from Thame along the A418 towards Aylesbury just before 9 a.m. that same morning and also noticed the 'fireball' low in the sky. Being an amateur filmmaker, he recorded 12 seconds of the object's motion on an 8 mm. film camera. A copy of this film is held by Contact International Data Research Centre. Mr. Day estimates he observed the object for about 30 seconds. The film shows the fireball moving rapidly and steadily, then taking on an elongated shape before disappearing.

The report notes the correlation of details and time factors, suggesting the witnesses saw the same object. A Science Research Council spokesman unofficially commented that it was a local phenomenon, possibly a 'rocket experiment', and not related to satellite activity. The Ministry of Defence was contacted and suggested it might be an aircraft with afterburners, but the evidence in hand appears to eliminate this theory. Enquiries are being made regarding military or research centres in the area.

The report elaborates on the characteristics observed:

1. 'Fireballs' are phenomena with unknown causes and origins, subject to contemporary research.
2. The children reported the 'fireball' hovered, descended, and climbed, becoming partially translucent and spinning anti-clockwise, with varying brightness.
3. Mr. Day's film confirms a steady, horizontal flight path at high speed, though the object was not 'performing' manoeuvres during the filmed segment.
4. The sudden disappearance might be due to receding into heavy cloud, as the sky was overcast. No electrical storms were recorded by the local Met. Office.

Contact International Data Research Centre is continuing its investigation, in co-operation with B.U.F.O.F.A., and consulting experts to identify the 'fireball', which is classified as a UFO.

A UFO Rescues the Legion of Rome by W. Raymond Drake

This article recounts a historical event from 73 BC where Consul Lucullus led Roman legions against Mithridates of Pontus. As the armies were about to engage, a 'huge flame-like body', described as being like a wine jar and in colour like molten silver, descended from the sky between them. This event, occurring in Phrygia at a place called Otryae (near the Dardanelles), astonished both sides and caused Mithridates to avoid battle, leading to his army's disintegration and Roman victory.

The author draws parallels to other historical accounts, including a light over Salamis in 480 BC, a 'celestial beam' over Cnidus in 394 BC, and 'globes of fire' following Hannibal in 217 BC. The article suggests that in 73 BC, 'Spacemen' were studying the campaign, and their 'spaceship' burst through the sky, paralyzing the armies. It also mentions two 'Flying Shields' saving the Knights of Charlemagne at Sigiburg in AD 776.

The article references George Adamski's description of a 'Flying Saucer from Venus' from 1952, noting how many witnesses have since imitated this description of 'Spaceships'.

A publication note states that 'Mystery of the Gods' is published by Raymond Palmer, and a series of articles featuring W. Raymond Drake's writings will appear in future editions of AWARENESS.

That Mystery Photograph

This brief note refers to a photograph published in the last edition of AWARENESS showing an unusual object flying over the Malaysian jungle. Progress in locating the original negative is hampered, and the film may be in Malaya, Singapore, or Australia.

Book Reviews

The Eternal Subject by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

Reviewed by J. B. Delair, this book is described as a significant contribution to UFO literature. It expands on hypotheses that UFOs, their occupants, and extraterrestrial intelligences were involved in the creation and development of primordial Man and early cultures. Chapters like 'The Manufacture of Humanity' and 'Are We a Hybrid Race?' suggest a cosmic system or 'lattice' interlocked with humanity. The book also covers UFO bases on Earth, animal reactions to UFOs, materializations, 'cloud' UFOs, teleportation, mystery airships, 'ghost' rockets, and UFOs in the Bible. It is updated to include events as recent as June 1972. The reviewer notes the book includes a useful bibliography, a catalogue of UFO shapes, and original drawings by Yugoslavian ufologist Kiril Terziev. The book is published by Souvenir Press at £2.50p.

UFOs – A Scientific Debate, edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page

This 378-page book is considered a milestone in UFO literature, presenting the views of fifteen experts from diverse fields like physics, meteorology, astronomy, psychology, psychiatry, and sociology. The editors, Carl Sagan (Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University) and Thornton Page (astrophysicist at NASA), are commended for their impartiality. The book discusses radar sightings, emotional reactions of eye-witnesses, and 'unexplained' cases, with a section on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. It adopts no final stance on the nature or origins of UFOs but highlights gaps in current scientific frameworks and suggests a less dogmatic approach. It is priced at £5.65p.

Investigating UFOs by Larry Kettelkamp

This 96-page book is recommended for young readers interested in UFOs and space exploration. It covers significant aspects of UFOs in a lucid and readable style, avoiding sensationalism. The book includes well-documented cases presented soberly, complemented by photographs. It is priced at £1.25p and published by Ronald Stacey Ltd.

Re-entered Satellites

This section lists satellites that have re-entered Earth's atmosphere since the last list was issued, providing catalogue numbers, satellite source names, and decay dates and times. It also includes a list of estimated decay dates for other satellites.

Supplementary data provides statistics on man-made objects in Earth's atmosphere as of February 11th, 1973, detailing the number of Earth-orbiting payloads, Earth-orbiting debris, space probes, and space debris, broken down by country of origin (USA, USSR, UK, CAN, FRA, ESRO, CHINA, OTHERS).

Appointments and Retirements

A new post, Research Enquiries Officer, has been created at Data Research due to the increasing number of enquiries received.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both contemporary sightings and historical accounts. There is an emphasis on scientific investigation and documentation, as evidenced by the detailed report on the Thame 'Fireball' and the inclusion of satellite data. The book reviews suggest a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging further study and discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, bridging the gap between eyewitness accounts and scientific analysis, and acknowledging the historical context of such reports.

This document is page 20 of the magazine "Contact", published by Data Research. It details administrative and personnel changes within the organization and its associated activities, particularly concerning UFO research and membership services.

Personnel Changes and Service Updates

The issue announces that enquiries previously handled by Derek Mansell will now be processed by John Sears. This change is due to Derek Mansell's new appointment, which has increased the size of his duties, requiring him to relinquish his previous role to devote more time to his new, exacting, and time-consuming task. All enquiries should henceforth be addressed to John Sears, who will operate this service from Data Research's headquarters at Cumnor. The address for Cumnor is stated to be printed on page 1 of this issue.

The post of Public Relations Officer, currently filled by Tony Riebold and David Baxter, remains unaffected by these changes.

On a somber note, the magazine reports the enforced retirement of Maureen Russell from her position as Membership Secretary. This decision was prompted by a relapse into ill-health that has long affected her. The publication expresses well wishes for her speedy and thorough recovery and acknowledges her sterling work for Contact (UK). Maureen Russell intends to remain a member of Contact (UK), with the possibility of her returning to an administrative capacity in the future.

For the interim period, the post of Membership Secretary will be held by Derek Mansell. His extensive energy is noted as qualifying him for this demanding job. As of this issue, all membership-related enquiries and subscriptions should be sent directly to Derek at his home in Cumnor. His address is also indicated to be on page 1.

Future Research Initiatives

The magazine discusses a potential future development within Data Research: the establishment of a new post dedicated to supervising the collection of UFO and related phenomena accounts from provincial and local newspapers. The immense challenge of tracking these reports from the numerous newspapers and journals published across the country is highlighted. To address this, a widespread team of newspaper scrutineers is required.

Individuals interested in contributing to this project by scrutinizing their local papers are invited to write directly to Bernard Delair, the Research Programme Co-ordinator, at Data Research's Cumnor headquarters.

Editorial Notes

The issue is signed off by the "Editor." A footnote clarifies that the information provided supersedes that given on page 2 of this issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary themes in this excerpt are organizational management, personnel transitions, and the ongoing efforts in UFO data collection. The editorial stance appears to be one of transparency regarding internal changes and a proactive approach to expanding research efforts by engaging the public. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of systematic data gathering and the need for dedicated personnel to manage such tasks.