Awareness - 1975 - Vol 04 No 3 - Autumn

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, Volume 4, No. 3, published Autumn 1975 by CONTACT (UK), is a publication that delves into various aspects of the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO phenomena and related theories. The issue features a mix of investigative reports, theoretical discussions, and organizational updates.

Editorial

The editorial section addresses a minor issue with the magazine's prehistoric typewriter causing occasional letter imperfections, apologizing to readers for any inconvenience. It also announces the vacancy of the Public Relations Officer post, previously held by Walter Oldershaw, and invites applications from interested readers, specifying that applicants should ideally reside within 100 miles of Oxford for potential committee involvement. The editor expresses gratitude to Walter Oldershaw for his past efforts and wishes him well. Furthermore, the editorial highlights the growing cooperation between UFO study groups, noting established liaison with NUFON and ongoing negotiations with BUFORA to improve data exchange and streamline activities, emphasizing that no merging of groups is planned but rather an elimination of duplicated effort for the benefit of the ufological community.

Articles and Features

REPORT ON ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS CONFERENCE, by Lionel Beer

This article discusses the growing interest in "astro-archaeology" and the proliferation of books on the "spacemen in prehistory" theme. It introduces the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS), founded in 1973 by Gene Phillips, which aims to explore the possibility of a highly developed civilization visiting Earth in prehistoric times. The report covers the AAS's second World Conference in Zurich in May 1975, attended by various authors and speakers, including Raymond Drake, a British representative. Beer notes Raymond's unique writing style and extensive research, highlighting his successful 50-minute talk at the conference.

YOU AND ME, by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

Brinsley Le Poer Trench explores different theories regarding the origin of UFOs. He contrasts the long-favored extra-terrestrial (ET) theory with the extra-dimensional (ED) concept, referencing Dr. Meade Layne. Trench suggests that the ET theory is becoming less dominant in ufological circles but believes both ET and ED theories are valid. He also introduces the controversial hollow earth theory and the idea that many UFOs originate from beneath the Earth's surface. Trench posits that UFOs may have multiple origins: extra-terrestrial, extra-dimensional, and from within the Earth. He discusses the possibility of faster-than-light travel, refuting the common interpretation of Einstein's theories. Trench also delves into his book "The Sky People," proposing that humans are a hybrid race, with "Galactic man" (Elohim/Angels) interbreeding with "animal-man." He suggests the Garden of Eden might have been on Mars and that the creators of humanity, the Elohim, were expelled to Earth and became the gods of Atlantis. He infers that Atlanteans, who were skilled in constructing tunnels, may have inhabited subterranean realms and utilized UFO technology.

PERIPHERAL UFOLOGY: No:4 TIDYING UP THE RECORD, by J.B.Delair

This article examines the phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion (SHC), distinguishing it from UFO-related events. Delair references Brad Steiger and Joan Writenour's book "Flying Saucers are Hostile," which suggested SHC instances were acts perpetrated by hostile UFOs. Delair argues that SHC is a phenomenon with a long history and well-understood medical explanations, primarily linked to excessive consumption of spirituous liquors. He cites historical cases from the 17th to 20th centuries, detailing instances where victims were reduced to ashes with minimal damage to their clothing or surroundings. Delair concludes that these cases should be removed from the UFO field and relegated to medical science. He briefly mentions two other incidents (Joao Frestes and the Maracaibo injuries) that may have connections to unexplained aerial agencies, suggesting they should be retained within the UFO field for further investigation.

MORE NEWS FROM YOUR FIELD AGENTS' CO-ORDINATOR, by John Sears

John Sears, the co-ordinator for CONTACT (UK)'s field investigators, reports on the need for new investigators in various regions of the British Isles, including Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cornwall, Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cumbria, parts of Scotland, and Eire. He explains that due to investigators retiring, moving, or going abroad, there are shortages in these areas. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by writing to the provided address, detailing their qualifications and personal information.

SOME INVESTIGATED UFO ACTIVITY OVER NORTHERN BRITAIN DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1975, by Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles reports on investigations conducted by groups within the Northern UFO Network (NUFON) during January-June 1975. She details a specific case from November 24th, 1974, involving three objects described as tubular, cigar-shaped, or sausage-like, observed over Haslingden, UK. The objects, estimated to be 80 feet long, moved in an arc, glowed like burnished gold, and were visible for up to 15 minutes. The report is based on the testimony of eight independent witnesses.

Book Reviews and Notices

The issue includes a section on "BOOK NEWS AND BOOK REVIEWS" by Lionel Beer, Brinsley Le Poer Trench, and J.B.Delair. It also features an advertisement for "Eclipse," a Fine Art Reproduction by C. J. Spicer, priced at £2.50p.

The Contact (UK) Directory

A directory lists the key personnel of CONTACT (UK), including the National Chairman (F.W.Passey), General Secretary (J.B.Delair), Treasurer & Membership Secretary (D.N.Mansell), Public Relations Officer (post vacant), Research Enquiries Officers (J.Sears and L.Dudley), Senior Research Officer (D.N.Mansell), Research Programme Co-ordinator (J.B.Delair), and Librarian and Archivist (E.Cox), along with their addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple theoretical angles, including scientific, historical, and speculative perspectives. There is a clear editorial stance on distinguishing between phenomena with plausible scientific explanations (like spontaneous human combustion) and those that remain unexplained and potentially linked to UFOs. The publication also emphasizes the importance of organized research and cooperation within the ufological community, as evidenced by the directory of CONTACT (UK) and the call for new field investigators. The articles suggest a belief in the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations and non-terrestrial or extra-dimensional influences on Earth's history and present.

This issue of Awareness magazine, Volume 4, Number 2, published in Summer 1975, focuses on UFO activity and related topics in the United Kingdom. It details numerous sightings, investigations by various UFO research groups, and includes reviews of relevant books and publications.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine reports on a series of UFO events occurring in early 1975. In January, a "ufo storm" hit the Oldham area, with a notable landing investigation near Leek, Staffordshire, where a brightly lit domed disc was observed. On January 19th, NAPRA investigated a report from Gwalchmai, Anglesey, Wales, of a large red fiery cartwheel-shaped object. By January 31st, an astronomer reported an inverted white ellipsoidal object.

February saw RIGAN investigating a previous sighting location in Haslingden, where two boys reported a silver cigar-shaped object with white lights. In March, the Wirral UFO Society (WUFOS) looked into a report of a yellow oval shape seen by school children, which resisted natural explanation. April brought reports from Rochdale, investigated by MUFORA and RIGAP, of fiery orange balls or orbs, suspected to be hot-air balloons. May featured two significant cases investigated by MUFORA: on May 13th, three observers in Royton, Greater Manchester, saw a yellow crescent-shaped object that absorbed silver spheres; and on May 31st, a security worker in Rochdale photographed a large white light hovering over fields.

The most recent case detailed occurred on June 2nd in Bootle, Merseyside, where witnesses reported a black disc-shaped object to the British Youth UFO Investigation Group (BYUIG).

UFO Research Groups and Collaboration

The issue emphasizes the value of inter-group communication, particularly through NUFON, for building a comprehensive picture of UFO phenomena. It encourages groups to share information rapidly and widely, suggesting that filing data away is a waste of time. The article highlights the existence of data exchange and relay networks, urging for more to be organized.

Book Reviews

Several books and publications are reviewed:

• UFOS: NAZI SECRET WEAPONS? by Friedrich Mattern is described as a fascinating and controversial book suggesting the Nazis developed flying saucers and other advanced weapons, possibly escaping to Antarctica. It raises questions about Hitler's survival and Admiral Byrd's expedition.
• "THE NEWS" is a magazine edited by Robert Rickard, focusing on Fortean phenomena. Issue number 9 is noted for covering topics like vanishing animals and people, ghost lights, and the Surrey Puma.
• UFOs: INTERPLANETARY VISITORS by Raymond E.Fowler is lauded as a near masterpiece, detailing hundreds of UFO episodes from the New England states of the USA. It is praised for its factual, nonsensational style, numerous drawings, distribution maps, and an appendix of chronologically arranged sightings. The book also covers electromagnetic effects, animal reactions, and landing cases, with a notable mention of the Salem, Massachusetts power station.

Publications and Events

The magazine also lists "UFOS AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS", offering a comprehensive stock of books and magazines on UFOs and related subjects, with prices and ordering information. It mentions specific titles like "WEIRD UNSOLVED MYSTERIES", "SUPERNATURE", "THE LINK", "UFOS: THE WHOLE STORY", and "PSYCHIC MAGAZINE".

An "IMPORTANT NOTICE" confirms CONTACT (UK)'s Annual General Meeting on December 6th, 1975, at Caxton Hall, London, featuring lectures by Professor John Taylor and the Hon.Brinsley Le Poer Trench, along with an exhibition and book sales. Admission requires a valid membership card.

BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association) is highlighted, with its journal being published bi-monthly. The article details BUFORA's founding in 1962, its structure with liaison officers for different regions, a successful Midlands Conference, and London lectures. Details for BUFORA can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and investigation of UFO sightings across the UK, the importance of collaboration among UFO research groups, and the promotion of literature and events related to UFOs and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open dissemination of information and supporting serious research into unexplained phenomena, while also expressing disdain for frivolous reports or actions that waste investigative resources.