Awareness - 1976 - Vol 05 No 3 - Autumn

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 5, no:3
Date: Autumn 1976
Publisher: Contact (UK)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of "Awareness" provides a comprehensive look into various UFO phenomena, featuring detailed reports, observations, and analyses from different regions and time periods. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing and investigating unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial section, penned by J.B.Delair, addresses the increasing volume of enquiries received at Data Research's headquarters, which has moved to Wheatley, near Oxford. It highlights the need for assistance in Contact (UK)'s research program and expresses gratitude for offers of help. The editor notes the growing involvement in the UFO subject and the challenges of keeping up with correspondence. Plans are underway to produce limited-edition scale models of UFOs based on eyewitness descriptions and photographs, to be retailed through Contact (UK). Readers interested in purchasing these models are encouraged to indicate their interest to the editor. The editorial also announces an important two-day convention on UFOs by BUFORA in Birmingham, featuring American ufologist Ted Bloecher, with details available from Jenny Randles.

Important Notice

An important notice announces the Annual General Meeting for Contact (UK) to be held at Caxton Hall, London, on Saturday, December 4th, at 3.00pm. The event will feature speakers including Leonard Cramp, author of books on UFOs, and will include the screening of two scientific films about Mars. Members are advised to arrive early due to anticipated high attendance.

Notes and Observations on the UFO-Prone Woking Family

This article by J.B.Delair revisits the UFO-prone household in Woking, Surrey, previously reported on by C.C.Warren. It focuses on the startling detail of headless or faceless entities with six fingers. The author notes that supernumerary fingers and toes are not unique, citing historical examples from the Old Testament, Roman writers like Pliny, and documented cases of polydactyly. The article also mentions reports of six-toed giants in pre-Columbian California and a giant sarcophagus discovered in Crittenden, Arizona, with six-toed hands and feet. It acknowledges that while such phenomena are rare in UFO occupant reports, the Woking case shares elements with other UFO records and aspects of human evolution, suggesting a potential substratum of fact for theories of interbreeding between humans and alien visitors.

Two Early UFO Cases from the Middle East

Wing-Commander G.R.Leatherbarrow (Retired) contributes two previously unrecorded UFO cases from 1942 and 1945, communicated via Lord Clancarty. The first case, from mid-1942 over Cairo, describes a brilliant white stationary light that appeared without warning, lasted about 15 minutes, and did not register on radar. The second case, from 1946 in Istanbul, details four reddish lights in line abreast crossing the sky very quickly at an estimated 50,000 feet. The editorial comment notes the value of these cases, particularly the Cairo sighting's lack of radar detection, and suggests a link to the "ghost rockets" phenomenon of Autumn 1946. It highlights the difficulty of tracking down reports from non-English newspapers and the potential for further discoveries in Middle Eastern press archives.

Some Little-Known UFO Reports from Finland

Compiled by A.Mauritz Hietamaki, this section presents several UFO sightings from Finland that are not widely published in English ufological literature. These include:

• Case I (July 9, 1946, Turku City): A rocket-like object flying at high speed from South to North, bright red, casting shadows, with a short trail.
• Case II (July 1948, Alajarvi): A large cigar-shaped object with shiny metallic sides and a reddish-bluish glow, seen flying at moderate speed, larger than an airliner, wingless, and noiseless.
• Case III (July 19, 1952, Helsinki): A large lens-shaped disc observed at approximately 5,000 feet, which stopped, hovered, dived vertically, climbed rapidly, and then shot away at high speed, wobbling before disappearing.
• Case IV (May 10, 1962, Pihlava): A thick cigar-shaped object, wingless, noiseless, of metallic aluminium colour, emitting a narrow flame-jet, observed flying at low altitude towards the North.
• Case V (August 31, 1965, Helsinki): An object resembling two washbasins with rims pressed together, about 20 feet in diameter, with a translucent upper portion and lights, observed silently and appearing grey.
• Case VI (July 1, 1966, Lieksa): A sighting by the Turunen family, investigated by the Finnish Border Army Forces, involving a disc-like object hovering near a water tower before accelerating and disappearing.
• Case VII (March 3, 1971, Helsinki): A flat disc-like object seen hovering with a wobbling motion for half an hour before shooting away at great speed horizontally over the Gulf of Finland. It appeared aluminium-coloured and changed shape.
• Case VIII (March 13, 1974, Mikkeli): Two circular white glowing objects with yellow rings were seen flying horizontally by airline pilots and ground observers.

The article notes a comparison with a sighting by pilot Waldo Harris over Salt Lake City in 1961.

Another Submarine UFO?

J.B.Delair explores reports of luminous lines and circles of light rotating under the surface of the seas over the past hundred years. He references Charles Fort's conclusion that these phenomena are artificial "constructions." The article mentions a compass going haywire simultaneously with the appearance of large rotating lights under the sea near Groote Eylandt, Australia, in 1964. It discusses Sanderson's suggestion of an unknown submarine civilization and other theories of biological origin. A recent observation of a luminous wheel-like body below the sea off the coast of Tagula Island in 1969 is detailed, noting its proximity in time and location to other reported submarine UFO sightings in Papua. The article acknowledges the contributions of Rupert Drew and Colin Isles in providing information.

UFO Activity in Northern Britain: Summer 1976

Miss Jenny Randles reports on intriguing UFO cases from the Summer of 1976, focusing on "contactee" experiences. A case from 1964 in Bolton involves Mrs Lainchbury, who reported a glowing ball of light that burst into pieces, followed by strange chattering noises. The following morning, the window frame, door, and drain-pipe were found to be burnt or scorched, with residual paint damage evident years later. Mrs Lainchbury also reported seeing a small humanoid figure in her room and later an orange ball floating past her window, which she interpreted as the stranded humanoids being rescued. The article also details incidents concerning a Mrs Hamilton from Belfast, who claims to have been visited by ufonauts and to have been aboard their craft since 1972. Her accounts include descriptions of the beings, their craft, and alleged "predictions" about public figures and global events.

UFO Signs and Symbols

This section, by M.Waters, is not fully provided in the scanned pages, but its title suggests an exploration of symbolic aspects related to UFO sightings.

Monitoring and Processing UFO Data

This section, also by J.B.Delair, is not fully provided in the scanned pages, but its title indicates a discussion on methodologies and systems for collecting and analyzing UFO data.

Advertisements and Important Notice

The issue includes advertisements and an "Important Notice" which is a repeat of the announcement for the Annual General Meeting.

The Contact (UK) Directory

The directory lists key personnel of Contact (UK), including the National Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer & Membership Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Research Enquiries Officers, Senior Research Officer, Research Programme Co-ordinator, Librarian, and Archivist, along with their addresses and contact details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings and related phenomena across various geographical locations and time periods. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while maintaining a critical approach to data analysis. The magazine aims to document and explore the complexities of the UFO subject, including historical cases, alleged encounters, and potential explanations, while also promoting the organization's activities and research efforts.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, Volume 5, Issue 3, published by NUFON in 1976, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. It features reports on alleged alien encounters, physical characteristics of UFOs and their occupants, and the collection and analysis of UFO-related data. The magazine also touches upon the broader implications and potential extensions of the UFO enigma.

Reported Encounters and Sightings

The issue details a recent event in West Yorkshire involving a male witness, referred to as "L," who requested anonymity. "L," described as a prominent official, claims to have been visited by alien beings on three occasions. During the last visit, around February 1976, two beings allegedly used a method akin to astral projection to help him float off his bed and into a golden glowing, "bathtub"-shaped UFO. The beings are described as tall (6'6" to 7'), wearing one-piece white suits with high collars, and possessing long, ashen grey faces with narrow eyes and four-digit hands. Inside the UFO, "L" was examined by a large purple-red eye-like machine and was chastised for asking questions, with the aliens stating that "a thousand of your years are but a day to us." He was returned to his bed, immobilized for several minutes.

Another case investigated by the West Yorkshire UFO Research group and evaluated by Trevor Whitaker of BUFORA (Yorkshire) and a psychiatrist, suggested "L's" experiences might be hypnagogic hallucinations, similar to the Betty and Barney Hill case. However, the article notes that the shared experience of astral projection-like transport between "L" and Mrs Hamilton (mentioned previously) is significant. The aliens' perception of humans as insignificant and their different timescale are highlighted as potentially shedding light on why aliens might not communicate openly.

The magazine also reports on a case from May 11, 1976, in Leigh, Greater Manchester, where a middle-aged lady saw a strange figure in a gleaming silver suit with a helmet and cloak standing by a silver sphere atop a slag-heap. The figure and sphere had vanished by 06:40 hours.

Bedroom visitations are noted as being on the increase, with references to Mrs Appleton's experiences in Birmingham (November 1957) and incidents at Woking from a previous issue of "Awareness." The possibility that these are part of a phenomenon manipulating human consciousness is raised.

UFO Signs and Symbols

An article titled "UFO Signs and Symbols" by M.Waters compiles reported markings and symbols found on exterior surfaces of UFOs or received from alien beings. Examples are presented from various cases, including "Martian" signs from Geneva (1894-1896), symbols on a photographic plate returned to George Adamski (December 1952, California), and symbols from the Villas Boas case (Brazil, 1957), Aguiar case (Brazil, 1957), Sao Paulo (1959), Willoughby case (USA, 1964-1965), Socorro (New Mexico, USA, 1964), Ballard (Washington, USA, 1966), and a message allegedly dropped by a ufonaunt near Brooksville, Florida (March 2, 1965). The article suggests these markings could be identification marks or messages, and their decipherment might reveal insights into the origins of UFOs and the thought processes of alien visitors.

Monitoring and Processing UFO Data

J.B.Delair contributes an article, "Monitoring and Processing UFO Data," originally presented as a lecture. He emphasizes the need for abundant base material to study the UFO phenomenon, regardless of whether one believes it is real or not. The article reviews methods for monitoring and processing this data, highlighting past inadequacies such as studying only selected elements or alienating readers with bizarre content. Delair suggests that the UFO phenomenon is typified by objects of unknown origin and associated effects, which can be interpreted as either physical or paraphysical, or a combination thereof. He notes the wide variety of UFO shapes (over 100 known) and sizes, their luminosity, and reported features like windows, nozzles, and landing gear. UFOs are described as operating singly or in groups, capable of high speeds (up to 40,000 mph), instantaneous stops, and complex maneuvers. They can be silent or emit various noises and appear to materialize and dematerialize. Sightings occur globally under all meteorological conditions, and even in space. Historically, UFOs have been sighted for centuries, possibly millennia. Their behavior includes surveillance and examination programs, and sometimes they land, disgorging humanoid or other entities. Communication with these entities is reported to be possible through spoken language or telepathy.

Peripheral Ufology and Possible Extensions

Delair introduces "Peripheral Ufology" to encompass unexplained recurrent aerial events that might be related to the UFO phenomenon. This includes sky-blasts (unexplained noises), sky-falls (showers of various substances), abnormal ground marks, and aberrant botanical effects near alleged landing sites. The article also discusses "Possible Extensions" of the UFO enigma, such as sudden appearances and disappearances of unusual creatures (e.g., "Mothman," "Surrey Puma"), inexplicable animal mutilations and disappearances, unexplained disappearances of persons, abrupt disappearances of ships and aeroplanes, and legends concerning early aerial devices and airborne travel.

Physical Effects and Encounters

The issue details physical effects produced by UFOs, including electromagnetic disturbances, magnetisation, voltage reductions, and localized environmental changes. It also notes the impact on animals, causing alarm and fear. Permanent effects can include alterations to natural flora, ground depressions, and damage to animals or electrical systems. The article distinguishes between accidental encounters with UFO occupants and those of apparently prior design, suggesting that deliberate contacts may be further categorized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the empirical study of UFO phenomena, the detailed documentation of sightings and encounters, and the analysis of physical evidence and symbolic communication. There's a consistent emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation and data collection, acknowledging the challenges and potential biases in the field. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that the UFO phenomenon is real and significant, warranting serious study, while also presenting different interpretations and the complexities involved in understanding it. The editorial stance encourages a broad approach to data collection, including phenomena that might be on the periphery of direct UFO sightings, to better grasp the full scope of the enigma.

This issue of The UFO Register, Volume 2, Part 2, published in 1971, delves into the critical human and sociological elements underlying UFO reports. It argues that while the phenomenon itself is perplexing, the way ufologists conduct their research and present their findings significantly impacts the study's credibility and scientific acceptance.

The Human and Sociological Elements

The article begins by acknowledging that some categories of reported phenomena may ultimately prove unrelated to the UFO problem. However, it stresses the importance of continued monitoring until universally acceptable interpretations are reached. The core of the discussion then shifts to the 'human element' behind every report, emphasizing that 'raw data' is derived from eyewitness accounts and experiences submitted by individuals.

The reliability of the eyewitness and the integrity of those who disseminate the accounts are paramount. The text notes that sincere witnesses have sometimes refused to publicize their experiences due to media sensationalism, such as the persistent obsession with 'Little Green Men' or 'Bug-Eyed Monsters.' While this sensationalism has diminished, it was once prevalent and contributed to a lack of seriousness in UFO reporting.

Field investigators are also scrutinized. The article points out that the calibre of investigators often falls short of the ideal, with many lacking expert interviewing training. This can lead to witnesses being upset or confused. The piece laments that individuals with little formal training, such as vicars or schoolboys, have often engaged in 'spot of interviewing,' sometimes antagonizing witnesses and inadvertently reinforcing the stereotype of ufologists as a peculiar, unserious group.

Improving Ufology's Image and Methodology

The author contends that ufology deserves better treatment and that a consistently remodelled public image is overdue. This improvement, it is suggested, will come from better methods of presenting ufology to the public, cultivating more responsible attitudes among field investigators, and adopting a more professional outlook in ufological publications. Correct thinking at every stage is deemed essential.

A major area for improvement is the handling and processing of 'raw data.' The article criticizes the common use of vague and ambiguous expressions in reports, such as 'round,' 'big as a house,' or 'very fast,' which lack scientific precision. Such generalizations are seen as a significant deterrent to scientific engagement.

Ufologists are urged to ensure that future UFO records are models of clarity and factual accuracy. The text also highlights the importance of the eyewitness's interest level and the conditions surrounding the sighting, noting that a person in a crowded train has less control than someone walking in a field.

Eyewitness Variability and Object Identification

The issue of eyewitness observational variability is explored. Even when three schoolgirls described the same UFO, their individual drawings differed significantly, despite their verbal agreement on details. This raises questions about whether the object presented different guises or if eyewitness perception is inherently variable. The phenomenon of some people being unable to see UFOs while others can, or seeing more UFOs over time, is presented as an emerging fact, suggesting a form of 'eyewitness selectivity' or 'receptivity' on the part of the UFOs or the percipients.

The article also touches upon the possibility of UFO sightings being holographs, beamed to individuals by unknown agencies. However, it questions how holographs could produce physical effects like dehydrated vegetation or scorched ground circles, concluding that a high percentage of observed UFOs are likely physical and tangible.

Data Processing and Cataloguing

The collection and filing of UFO reports are deemed meaningless without a systematic method. The author proposes that collections should be organized for instant retrieval of specific cases, especially given the existence of over 100,000 known reports. The 'raw data' comes in various forms, including newspaper and magazine cuttings, books, periodicals, eyewitness letters, questionnaires, and field investigators' reports.

It is suggested that newspaper and magazine cuttings be pasted into scrapbooks chronologically, with proper documentation of dates and sources. Books and periodicals should be arranged alphabetically by author or title. Original material should be filed in strict date-of-observation order.

The article critiques the common practice of using a continuous numerical system for filing reports, especially for geographically widespread collections, as it can lead to confusion when files are amalgamated or data is exchanged. A punched-card or computerized system is considered superior but often inaccessible to individuals or small groups.

International Cooperation and Future Research

An international effort is advocated for the systematic acquisition of UFO reports, with organizations like Contact (UK), Nufon, GESAG, and LDLN already transmitting reports to Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Centre for UFO Studies in Chicago. This cooperation aims to create a comprehensive catalogue that will enable patterns of UFO activity to be identified, potentially explaining phenomena like UFO 'waves' and specific sighting clusters.

By arranging reports systematically, the global activities of UFOs can be better comprehended, as UFOs operate without regard to international boundaries. This global coverage, though difficult and expensive, is seen as crucial for in-depth investigations and for defining the actual parameters of the UFO phenomenon.

Catalogues and Research Tools

The creation of catalogues is presented as a vital tool for serious ufologists, demonstrating responsible scientific research and potentially attracting the interest of the scientific community. Specialized catalogues, such as those for low-level sightings, electromagnetic effects, or animal reactions, are also proposed.

A detailed catalogue, composed of organized columns, is described as an effective system for recording comprehensive facts about each case. This includes information on numbers, types, behaviour, effects on objects and beings, and eyewitness reactions. The catalogue should also include a column for a rating system (e.g., A, B, C, D) based on the detail and reliability of the component information.

Alphabetically arranged card indexes are also recommended for tracking UFO visitations to specific localities, which could reveal patterns and attract attention to local features or phenomena that might explain recurrent sightings. This could aid in studying orthoteny and ufocals.

Conclusion

The author concludes by urging ufologists to 'put their house in order,' stating that the ingredients for marvelous discoveries already exist but are in disarray. Purposeful teamwork and the energetic promotion of information exchange are essential. Hoarding local reports is discouraged, and coordinated efforts are needed. The article highlights the potential for uncovering numerous previously unknown reports from provincial newspaper archives, emphasizing that diligent research can yield significant contributions to the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for scientific rigor, systematic methodology, and improved professionalism within ufology. The editorial stance strongly advocates for a more organized, data-driven approach to research, emphasizing the importance of reliable reporting, careful analysis, and collaborative efforts to elevate the study of UFOs to a more respected scientific discipline. There is a clear call to move beyond anecdotal evidence and sensationalism towards a more structured and evidence-based understanding of the phenomenon.

This document is page 29 of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, dated March 1975 (Volume 5, Issue 5). It primarily functions as a catalog and information resource for UFO and paranormal literature, alongside details about a UFO research network.

UFOS AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS

The main section of the page is dedicated to "UFOS AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS," offering a comprehensive stock of books and magazines related to UFOs and associated subjects. The listings include:

• SUPERNATURE: NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SUPERNATURAL by Dr Lyall Watson (£3.60p., paperback 65p).
• URI GELLER: MY STORY by Prof. Uri Geller (£3.60p.).
• THE SHAPE OF MINDS TO COME by Prof. John Taylor (Paperback edition, 67p.).
• SUPERMINDS: SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF THE PARANORMAL by Prof. John Taylor (£4.45p.).
• BLACK HOLES: END OF THE UNIVERSE by Prof. John Taylor (£2.85p., paperback 76p.).
• THE UTAH UFO DISPLAY by Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (foreword by Dr J.A.Hynek) (£4.20p.).
• UFOLOGY by James McCampbell (£2.00p., Special hardcover edition £5.10p.).
• THE NEW UFO BREAKTHROUGH by Brad Steiger and Joan Whritenour (50p.).
• THE WORLD'S STRANGEST STORIES by Rupert Furneaux (75p.).
• STRANGE CREATURES FROM TIME AND SPACE by John A.Keel (£3.35p.).
• THE SCORITON MYSTERY by Eileen Buckle (£3.30p.).
• THE WARMINSTER MYSTERY by Arthur Shuttlewood (£3.30p.).
• WORLDS BEYOND: THE SEARCH FOR LIFE BEYOND OUR PLANET INCLUDING STUDIES OF UFOS by Ian Ridpath (£3.30p.).
• OTHER WORLDS by Carl Sagan (65p.).
• THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE by Richard Winer (70p.).
• IS ANYONE OUT THERE? by J.Stoneley and A.T.Lawton (70p.).
• UFOS: WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING? by J.Weldon and Z.Zolan (£1.90p.).
• Ufo Contact: An illustrated journal edited by Major Hans Petersen (55p. per copy).
• Psychic Magazine: Special illustrated Uri Geller issue (65p.).
• Fate Magazine (U.S.edition): Thick, illustrated issues (60p. each).

The publication notes that prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Full stock lists are available free with orders, or by sending a stamped addressed envelope. Overseas customers are advised to send international reply coupons or unused American stamps. Orders and inquiries should be directed to Miss Susanne Stebbing at 87 Selsea Avenue, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 8SD, ENGLAND.

BOOKS FOR SALE (DIRECT FROM STOCK)

Page 30 continues the list of books available for purchase:

• THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE by Charles Berlitz (Photos. and maps, 203 pages, £3.75p.).
• GOLD OF THE GODS by Erich von Daniken (Well illustrated, 216 pages, £2.70p.).
• PIECE FOR A JIG-SAF by Leonard Cramp (Well illustrated, 388 pages, £2.50p.).
• THE UFO EXPERIENCE by Dr.Allen Hynek (10 photos. 276 pages, Good, £3.00p.).
• URT - AMAZING BIOGRAPHY OF UPI GELLER by Andrija Puherich (285 pages, £3.00p.).

Paperbacks:

• AGES IN CHAOS by Immanuel Velikovsky (History revised, 360 pages, £1.00p.).
• GOD DRIVES A FLLING SAUCER by R.L.Dione (UFOs and the Bible, 140 pages, 45p.).
• GODS AND SPACEMEN IN THE ANCIENT WEST by Raymond Drake (240 pages, 60p.).
• OPERATION EARTH by Brinsiey Le Poer Trench (8 plates, 143 pages, 50p.).
• THE SPACESHIPS OF EZEKIEL by Josef Blumrich (Illustrated, 180 pages, 65p.).
• TIMELESS FARTH by Peter Kolosimo (Good value, 40 plates, 255 pages, 75p.).
• NEW LANDS by Charles Fort (Strange serial and psychic phenomena, 222 pages, 65p.).
• WILD TALENTS by Charles Port (Strange facts and events, 222 pages, 65p.).

Prices include postage and packing. Remittance should be enclosed with the order. A 9" x 4½" (DL) S.A.E. can be sent for FREE book lists on UFOs, Mysteries, Monsters, etc., to Lionel Beer, 15 Freshwater Court, Crawford Street, London, WLH LHS.

FOR SALE OR TRADE

Albert Ondri offers a large collection of world-wide ufo-newspaper clippings (over 1,000 items dating from 1950-1974), all in English. These can be bought or traded by arrangement. For more information or to offer items for trade, send an S.A.E. or 3 international postal coupons to Mr Albert Ondri, 71 St.Andrews Blvd., Clifton, New Jersey, U.S.A.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The headquarters of CONTACT (UK) and Data Research will be moving to new premises on September 4th. All correspondence and items normally sent to the Cumnor address should be mailed to 48 Crown Road, Wheatley, OXON, from that date onwards. This new address will also be used for all correspondence for members of Data Research and for future membership renewal subscriptions.

NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)

NUFON is described as a communications and liaison medium for serious-minded research groups and independent researchers in Northern Britain. Its aim is to foster closer harmony within the UFO community through regular meetings, conventions, a monthly newsletter, and other publications, as well as joint investigations and research work. Further details can be obtained from Miss Jenny Randles, 23 Sunningdale Drive, Irlam, Greater Manchester, M30 6NJ.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication strongly supports the study of UFOs and related phenomena, acting as a central hub for information dissemination and community building. It actively promotes books, journals, and research initiatives within the UFO field, catering to a dedicated audience interested in the paranormal and extraterrestrial subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of facilitating access to information and connecting researchers.