Awareness - 1975 - Vol 04 No 1 - Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 4, No. 1
Date: Spring 1975
Publisher: Contact (UK)
Editor: J.B.Delair

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, a publication of Contact (UK), is dedicated to exploring UFO activity, with a particular focus on the Teesside region of Northern England. The editorial highlights the significant increase in membership and public interest in UFOs, which, while positive, presents administrative challenges in handling the volume of incoming reports and correspondence. The magazine aims to document and research these phenomena.

Contents

The magazine features several articles and sections:

• Editorial: Discusses the growing interest in UFOs and the administrative burden it creates for Contact (UK).
• Advertisement: A general advertisement.
• A PRELIMINARY ACCOUNT OF RECENT UFO ACTIVITY OVER TEESSIDE: By Brian Straight and David McGroary. This is the main feature, detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena in the Teesside area during 1974, with a background of 1973 events.
• WHIRLWINDS ASSOCIATED WITH ANCIENT "CELESTIAL SHIPS" AND MODERN UFOs: By Kiril Terziev.
• BOOK REVIEWS: By J.B.Delair.
• Advertisements: Further advertisements.
• The Contact (UK) Directory: Lists key personnel and their contact information.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by the Editor, J.B.Delair, addresses the substantial growth in membership for Contact (UK), indicating a widespread and increasing interest in UFOs. This success, however, leads to significant administrative challenges, particularly the inability to personally respond to every letter or acknowledge every press clipping received. The editorial expresses gratitude for the continuous flow of reports and press-cuttings, assuring readers that all contributions are valued, recorded, and filed in their archives, which now contain over 60,000 UFO reports. The sheer volume of reports is seen as a measure of the persistence of the UFO phenomenon and the growing interest in it. The editor humorously appeals for a spare computer to help manage the workload.

A PRELIMINARY ACCOUNT OF RECENT UFO ACTIVITY OVER TEESSIDE

This extensive article, authored by Brian Straight and David McGroary, serves as a preliminary report on UFO activity monitored in the Teesside region during 1974. It is presented as an example of valuable research that can be conducted within a limited geographical area, encouraging similar local investigations elsewhere.

Introduction: The article summarizes recorded UFO activity in Teesside during 1974, set against a backdrop of significant events from 1973. The writers have personally investigated many of the 1974 reports, concluding that there was an unusually high amount of UFO activity in the region, observed by individuals from all social levels.

1973 Background: UFO manifestations in Teesside were not new in 1974; considerable activity was recorded in 1973 throughout Teesside and adjacent areas. The 1974 activity is seen as an extension of this.

• March 24th, 1973: Alan Blades, a greengrocer, reported seeing a glowing red oval shape at low altitude near Hawes, which suddenly accelerated away. The object's underside was seen to be spinning.
• April 15th, 1973: Three perfectly circular scorch marks, arranged in a triangular pattern, appeared on a field near Neasham. The grass was scorched, not burnt, and no chemicals had been used. The marks were geometrically perfect.
• April 24th, 1973: Mrs Joy Roughton, landlady of the "Punch Bowl" Inn, reported a red light outside her window, followed by a hissing noise. The next morning, three scorch marks were found on the lawn. A piece of white rubber found nearby was sent for forensic analysis and deemed not of alien origin.
• Same night: An unnamed female staff member at the "Punch Bowl" saw a very bright red light flying across the valley.
• Second half of April, 1973: Mr and Mrs Calvert heard a rumbling or throbbing sound and saw a "sort of light" over a nearby farmhouse. Mrs Calvert described the noise as "unvarying" and the light as "bright like a searchlight". A neighbor, Mrs Lavinia Thwaites, also heard the noise, which she described as "rather frightening".

1974 Activity: The article then details UFO activity in 1974:

• February 24th, 1.00 am: A silent, slow-moving, bluish-white object was seen travelling west to east above cloud base near Redcar. It made a 45° turn to the west.
• June 14th, 10.15 pm: Mrs McCallum and her daughter saw a glowing saucer-shaped object, golden-pink in color, which moved and then became stationary, changing shape several times.
• Mid-night, June 14th: An employee at ICI Works in Redcar saw a noiseless, golden-silver starlike object passing east to west, which appeared to get bigger before becoming stationary and then shooting off at a right angle.
• July 2nd: Mr Michael L'Anson and his wife reported seeing a "a huge flying saucer" from their bedroom window, described as a "dull yellow-orange thing with black markings", flat, dome-shaped on top and dish-shaped underneath.
• July 19th: Two Hartburn teenagers, Wendy Abercrombie and Julie Griffiths, reported seeing an object shaped like a rugby ball topped by a bubble, brilliant white with grey dots, which was silent and had no tail.
• July 20th: Mr Michael Batty reported an object travelling due east from Norton towards Hartlepool.
• July 26th, 3.25 pm: A child drew its mother's attention to a silent, metallic-silver object of indefinite outline below cloud base, moving rapidly towards Darlington.
• August 16th, 1.30 pm: Albert Fry saw a stationary object of indefinite shape for 5-6 seconds, which was photographed.
• August 30th, 9.23 pm: Amateur astronomer Mr G.E.Ollis and three others observed two white star-like objects moving near Jupiter at an altitude of 22,000 feet, which were unidentified by civil and military airports.
• June 21st, 11.0 pm: Ian Schubert saw a moving "star" that increased in apparent size, took on an eye-like shape, and was silvery in color. It approached at a low altitude before heading towards Saltburn, moving slowly and silently.

WHIRLWINDS ASSOCIATED WITH ANCIENT "CELESTIAL SHIPS" AND MODERN UFOs

This article by Kiril Terziev explores a potential connection between ancient accounts of "celestial ships" and modern UFO phenomena, possibly involving whirlwinds or atmospheric disturbances.

BOOK REVIEWS

J.B.Delair provides book reviews, though the specific titles are not detailed in the provided text.

The Contact (UK) Directory

This section lists the key personnel of Contact (UK), including:

• National Chairman: F.W.Passey
• General Secretary: J.B.Delair
• Treasurer & Membership Secretary: D.N.Mansell
• Public Relations Officer: W.Oldershaw
• Research Enquiries Officers: J.Sears and L. Dudley
• Senior Research Officer: D.N.Mansell
• Research Programme Co-ordinator: J.B.Delair
• Librarian and Archivist: E. Cox

Addresses and telephone numbers are provided for these individuals, primarily located in the Oxford and surrounding areas.

Advertisement

An advertisement for "ECLIPSE", a fine art reproduction from an original painting by space artist C.J.Spicer, is featured. The painting depicts a planet eclipsing a star as viewed from its surface. The price is £2.50p (post paid in U.K.), and orders can be placed with GALACTIC ART, 96 Hood St., Northampton, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the documentation and investigation of UFO sightings and related phenomena, particularly in the Teesside region. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor, is one of enthusiastic engagement with the subject matter, despite the logistical challenges posed by the growing interest. The magazine positions itself as a platform for collecting, archiving, and disseminating information on UFOs for the benefit of future researchers. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings, including witness accounts, object descriptions, and any physical evidence or associated phenomena. The publication appears to be a serious effort to catalogue and understand UFO activity.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 14, dated August 1974, focuses on numerous UFO sightings reported in the Cleveland area of the United Kingdom during that month. It also delves into ancient texts and biblical narratives to explore potential historical parallels with modern UFO phenomena, particularly concerning 'whirlwinds' and flying craft.

UFO Sightings in Cleveland

The magazine presents a series of witness accounts from August 1974. An 11-year-old girl named Carol from Norton reported seeing a silver object moving rapidly on July 21st. Anne Hepburn of Hutton Rudby described a bright, circular, spinning object that 'faded away' a few weeks prior to the report. Subsequent checks revealed no known satellite matches.

Several mysterious aerial lights were also reported over the Cleveland Hills. On August 16th, Mr Fitzpatrick of Redcar observed a bright white light moving due east at a 'fair rate' for 7-8 seconds. Mrs Moore and her husband, also from Redcar, reported a similar object, described as 'brighter than a star' and red, which appeared stationary. They later viewed the same object from their bedroom window.

On the evening of Friday, August 19th, at 9:30 pm, the Keighleys and neighbours at Saltburn spotted a flashing object coming from Skelton, described as 'like something out of Star Trek'. Mrs Keighley's account, which led to a newspaper report, detailed the object hovering over fields near Brotton for about 5 minutes before moving off at 'terrific speed'. Despite these reports, Teesside Airport air traffic control stated they had no record of such sightings, and Cleveland Police had received no reports.

Further confirmation came from Mr Derek King of Redcar, an astronomer, who saw a flashing white light moving fast, appearing to be outside the Earth's atmosphere. The 'Evening Gazette' reported over 20 calls regarding a single bright light in the sky. The Meteorological Office stated there were no atmospheric conditions to explain the phenomenon.

On Saturday night, a sighting was reported in Middlesborough. On August 23rd, five residents of Great Ayton claimed to have seen a mysterious 'white light' crossing the sky from north-west to south-east, above cloud level and without blinking.

Finally, on August 24th, Miss Pauline Lowe, driving near Trimdon, saw a large, red-crimson, egg-shaped object moving silently and quickly at about 4:00 am. She described it as self-luminous and not reflecting sunlight, estimating its speed and noting it disappeared into low cloud.

Ancient Cases: Whirlwinds and Celestial Ships

Kiril Terziev's article explores the association between whirlwinds and ancient 'celestial ships' or modern UFOs. He references numerous myths, legends, and early literature, including biblical characters like Enoch, Elijah, and Ezekiel, who were described as being taken up into the sky, often by a 'whirlwind' or 'chariot of fire'. Terziev suggests that these descriptions might be early interpretations of flying machines or 'flying saucers'.

He highlights the 'Book of Enoch', which describes Enoch being carried off in a whirlwind, and the prophet Elijah's ascension by a whirlwind. Terziev posits that the word 'whirlwind' in these contexts could refer to the effect produced by a flying machine.

The article also examines the ancient Sanskrit work 'Samarangana Sutradhara', which contains descriptions of 'vimanas' (flying craft) and their construction, mentioning 'Mercury engines' and 'driving whirlwinds' that enabled travel in the sky. Ancient Indian epics like the 'Mahabharata' and 'Ramayana' are also cited for descriptions of 'vimanas'.

Whirlwinds Associated with Modern UFOs

Terziev then connects these ancient accounts to modern UFO phenomena, noting that ufos have often been described as producing whirlwinds or similar effects, such as raising dust, sand, water, objects, animals, and even people. He attributes these effects to forces that attract objects upwards or to an anti-gravitational principle operated by ufos, rather than actual whirlwinds.

• A selection of cases is presented:
• Twin Falls, Idaho (1947): Tree tops twisted as if in a typhoon.
• Lake Wanaque, New Jersey (1966): Water rose towards a sphere-shaped object, and tree tops were pulled together.
• Annan, Scotland (1950): A disc-shaped object dipped towards water, causing a large splash.
• Palanur Ource, France (1952): A luminous object and disc provoked a whirlwind of dust.
• Andean Highway, Venezuela (1961): A metallic disc caused a truck to rise and overturn.
• Lusaka, Zambia (1966): A small metallic object caused a dustbin to be whisked skywards and rotated.
• Diamantina, Brazil (1962): Two large ball-shaped objects discharged smoke and dust, enveloping a man who was never seen again.
• Cier-de-Riviere, France (1954): A pan-shaped machine caused a mare to be lifted into the air.
• McMinnville, Oregon (1950): A parachute-shaped ufo caused a gust of wind strong enough to 'about knock you over'.
• Santa Anna, California (1965): A saucer-shaped ufo created a circular patch of rising dust and debris beneath it.
• Puncey, France (1954): Examination of a landing site showed earth spread as if 'sucked out by a gigantic vacuum'.
• Woodmansterne, England (1968): A dark circular shape left a huge keyhole-shaped mark where grass and roots were 'sucked away'.
• Coventry, Connecticut, USA (1967): An orange ball of light caused a grassy area to be swirled flat.
• Saint Stanislav de Kostka, Canada (1968): A globe-shaped object landed, and at the spot, grass was crushed and flattened in a circular motion, as though by a whirlwind.

Terziev concludes that examining these whirlwind-like effects may illuminate how some UFOs operate, potentially relating to their propulsion and hovering systems, possibly linked to principles demonstrated in the Helmholtz experiment.

Book Reviews

J.B.Delair reviews James M. McCampbell's book 'Ufology', subtitled 'New Insights from Science and Common Sense'. Delair finds the book to be a well-researched, balanced appraisal of UFO behavioural patterns, praising McCampbell's technical knowledge and the logical, scientifically sound answers presented, along with extensive background references. He notes that such a formulation might demystify the subject for some.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of contemporary UFO sightings, particularly in the Cleveland area, and the exploration of historical and mythological accounts that may describe similar phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative stance, presenting witness testimony and attempting to find rational explanations or parallels, even when linking them to ancient texts and potential extraterrestrial technology. The editorial stance seems open to the possibility of advanced technology, both ancient and modern, being responsible for these phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and avoiding sensationalism, as evidenced by the positive review of McCampbell's book.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, identified as issue number 20, focuses heavily on UFO literature and related publications, with a significant portion dedicated to reviews and listings of books and magazines. The content suggests a publication from the 1970s, given the prices and the mention of events up to June 1975.

Book Reviews

"Ufology" by James McCampbell

The reviewer introduces "Ufology" as a "slim but highly important contribution to the ufo literature." The book is praised for replacing the "glamour" of ufos with abundant evidence supporting their reality and for its technical approach to the subject. The chapters on UFO occupants and their recorded activities on Earth are described as "masterly" and setting "new standards in presenting unusually difficult material." The reviewer's main criticism is that the book is "too short" and hopes for a "much enlarged version" in a second edition. The text is described as "eminently readable," "unusually taut," and "devoid of typographical or other errors," enlivened by "well chosen line illustrations." The book is available from the Jaymac Company in Belmont, California, for $3.95c. or sterling equivalent, or from Miss Susanne Stebbing.

"Mystery of the Ancients" by Eric and Craig Umland

This book is largely dismissed by the reviewer as being "littered with factual inaccuracies" and having an "absurd" main theory that the ancient Maya race were extraterrestrials from a disintegrated planet (Planet X) who mined ores on the Moon. Specific factual errors cited include the claim that Mt. Erebus is higher than Everest at 32,450 feet, and the assertion that Col. James Churchward became ordained as Rev. Churchward. The reviewer also notes "cryptic references" to other authors whose works are omitted from the bibliography. The book, published by Souvenir Press, costs £3.25p.

"The Bermuda Triangle" by Charles Berlitz

In contrast to the previous review, "The Bermuda Triangle" is highly recommended. The reviewer states that this book "more than makes up for" less acceptable publishing ventures from Souvenir Press. It is described as a "highly readable account of the many inexplicable disappearances of ships and aircraft that have occurred down the years in and over the general area of the Sargasso Sea." The book is "excellently documented," proceeds at a "spanking pace," and is "altogether very absorbing reading." It is replete with photographs and line drawings, and includes a useful bibliography. The only criticism is the "lack of an index," which is deemed "far outweighed by the general excellence of the text and the unbiased manner in which Berlitz presents it." The book is priced at £3.25p. The reviewer notes that the section on UFOs as an explanation for the disappearances will be of particular interest to those interested in such matters. A minor error in the bibliography is noted, where H.T. Wilkins is credited with writing "Strange Mysteries of Time and Space" instead of H.P. Wilkins.

UFO and Space Age Publications for Sale

Pages 21 and 22 list a wide array of books and magazines related to ufos and space age phenomena, available for purchase. These include:

• Page 21:
• "Weird Unsolved Mysteries" by Eric Norman (60p)
• "Minds Through Time and Space" by Brad Steiger (60p)
• "Supernature: Natural History of the Supernatural" by Lyall Watson (£3.60p; paperback 65p)
• "The Link" by Matthew Manning (£3.80p)
• "UFOs: The Whole Story" by Jim and Coral Lorenzen (60p)
• "Superminds: Scientific Analysis of the Paranormal" by John Taylor (approx. £4.00p)
• "Black Holes; End of the Universe?" by John Taylor (£2.80p; paperback 65p)
• "Psychic Magazine" (Uri Geller issue, 60p)
• "Life Among the Stars" by V.A.Firsoff (£2.55p)
• "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact With UFOs" by Ralph and Judy Blum (65p)
• "The Men in Black Report" by Kurt Glemser (65p)
• "Flying Saucers and the Inner Earth" by Kurt Glemser (65p)
• "Dramatic Prophecies of the Great Pyramid" by Rudolfo Benavides (£3.40p)
• "Inside the Spaceships" by George Adamski (£1.80p)
• "Ufology" by James McCampbell (about £1.75p)
• "The Utah UFO Display" by Frank Salisbury (£3.50p) The list also includes books on Atlantis, vanished civilizations, monsters, the occult, and unexplained facts.

• Page 22:
• "The UFO Experience" by J.Allen Hynek (10 photos., 276 pages, £2.70p)
• "UFOs From Behind the Iron Curtain" by Ion Hobana and Julian Weverbergh (Numerous photos.and diagrams, 320 pages, £3.25p)
• "UFOs Here and Now" by K.Gosta Rehn (12 photos., 200 pages, £3.15p)
• "Secret of the Ages" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench (8 plates, 190 pages, £2.80p)
• Paperbacks: "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by Jacques Vallee (8 plates, 215 pages, 45p), "Challenge to Science" by Jacques Vallee (8 plates, 280 pages, 45p), "Invisible Residents" by Ivan T.Sanderson (Underwater entities?, 50p), "Spaceships of Ezekiel" by Josef Blumrich (Well illustrated, 60p). Also books by Fort, Keel, Le Poer Trench, Lorenzen, Steiger, Velikovsky.

Requests for free lists of UFOs, ancient mysteries, gods and spacemen, sea and lake monsters, strange events, etc., can be sent to LIONEL BEER at Freshwater Court, Crawford Street, London.

BUFORA (The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association)

Founded in 1964, BUFORA is an amalgamation of LUFORA (1959) and BUFOA (1962). The BUFORA JOURNAL is published quarterly. Mr. Norman Oliver retired as editor in October 1974, and exchange journals should be sent to the Hon. Secretary, Miss Betty Wood.

BUFORA holds London Lectures on the first Saturday evening of each month, featuring distinguished speakers and providing an open forum for discussion. Programme cards up to June 1975 are available.

Its Research Headquarters is the Newchapel Observatory in Staffordshire. A Research Bulletin is published periodically for members by the Research Director, Anthony Pace. Current UFO reports are initially notified to the National Investigation Co-ordinator, Ken.Phillips, in London.

Membership is open to all supporting the Association's aims, subject to NEC approval. Reduced rates are available for students and pensioners. Information leaflets are available from Miss C. Henning, Publicity Secretary.

Other Listings and Notices

• FOR SALE OR TRADE: An immense world-wide UFO newspaper clipping collection (1,000 different items dating 1950-1973) is available. Clippings are in English. Trade is sought for Japanese samurai swords, gold coins, or hard cover UFO books and older UFO magazines. Enquiries require a stamped addressed envelope or 3 international postal coupons for a reply. Contact Mr. Albert Onori in Clifton, New Jersey, USA.
• IMPORTANT NOTICE: Members are asked to notify Mr D.N.Mansell of any change of address to ensure prompt receipt of "Awareness" magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the burgeoning field of ufology and the publication of related literature. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information about UFO books, research organizations, and notable cases. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious engagement with the subject matter, as evidenced by the detailed reviews and the promotion of research associations like BUFORA. The inclusion of a wide range of publications, from academic-sounding analyses to more popular accounts, suggests an aim to cater to a broad spectrum of interest within the UFO community. The emphasis on documentation and factual accuracy in reviews (e.g., criticizing "Mystery of the Ancients" for inaccuracies) indicates a commitment to a certain standard of reporting, even within a subject often associated with speculation.