Awareness - 1980 - Vol 09 No 2 - Summer

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), presents its Summer 1980 issue, marking a transition under a new editorship. The publication acknowledges the efforts of its former editor, Bernard Delair, and chairman, Fred Passey, who were instrumental in producing previous editions. A new editorial team has been assembled to ensure future publications. The issue highlights the impact of inflation on the organization's finances, with increased subscription costs aimed at improving liquidity, though cost-saving measures in presentation are noted. The editorial team appeals to the membership for article contributions to ensure the magazine's continued interest and viability.

The 1980 UFO scene is described as less impressive than the start of 1979, but the journal continues to investigate enduring enigmas such as government 'cover-ups' and alien encounters. Readers are encouraged to submit UFO sightings from press clippings, ensuring full date details are included.

Selected UFO Reports by D. N. Mansell

This section details several UFO sightings from March 1979:

• March 4, 1979, Welling, Kent, England: A husband, wife, and son observed a round, metallic object, possibly rotating, the size of a football, which disappeared on a straight course.
• March 5, 1979, Long Wittenham, Oxon., England: A 22-year-old electrician witnessed an orange object that changed shape, appearing like a new moon, and then moved at immense speed.
• March 6, 1979, Cleave Hill Common, Glos., England: A very bright white, large round object was observed for approximately sixteen seconds.
• March 7, 1979, Radway, Warwickshire, England: A young man saw a yellow-orange light rotating, followed by a smaller light shooting upwards, after which the main object moved off with a sound like a low-tone jet.
• March 12, 1979, Renown Park, Australia: A large yellow sphere was observed hovering for about 30 minutes, emitting a whirring noise.

"Probing the Psychic Factors" by Stephen W. Banks

Stephen W. Banks, a member of the Wolverhampton-based PARASEARCH team, explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and parapsychology. He notes that concepts linking UFOs with psychic phenomena are often met with either hostility or uncritical acceptance. Banks argues that a more rational approach is needed. He discusses how authors like Pierre Guerin have proposed unifying theories for UFOs and poltergeist phenomena, suggesting 'Extra-Terrestrials' might be a modern manifestation of an ancient phenomenon. Banks became an investigator in late 1977 and began incorporating questions about witnesses' psychic backgrounds into his investigations. He posits that many witnesses exhibit archetypal psychic experiences, often unaware of their connection to UFO sightings, while others show no such factors. Repeater witnesses and contactees consistently display 'paranormal' traits. Banks concludes that nearly all close encounter witnesses of genuinely unidentified phenomena possess undeniably psychic characteristics.

The article details a car-chase event from Werrington, near Stoke-on-Trent, on March 5, 1979, witnessed by step-brothers Stanley and Tommy Austin. They observed a large orange disc that maneuvered, stopped, and then flipped out of sight, seemingly dematerializing. Further investigation revealed that Stanley had previously seen a human form shrouded in mist, and Tommy had witnessed a disc-shaped object causing a temporary blackout. The family's history includes other disturbing paranormal events, including a spectral encounter.

Banks also recounts investigating a London-based electronics engineer whose experiences spanned from 1946 to 1978, involving three UFO sightings and numerous psychic events, including precognitive dreams, poltergeist phenomena, and electromagnetic effects. A meeting with a family in Little Haywood cemented these postulations, revealing a history of mysterious phenomena, presences, and Ouija board predictions, alongside UFO sightings, including a large glowing disc and 'angel hair' forms.

He contrasts these cases with a sighting in Stafford on September 16, 1979, of a red disc with lights, which moved erratically and sped off soundlessly. The witness felt only surprise, typical of impersonal sightings, unlike events with psychic overtones that often involve a sense of enlightenment.

Banks describes a particularly satisfying case from Northants. involving a woman who underwent regression by C.S. Phillips. This revealed a potential abduction experience involving a scanning procedure in her stalled automobile. The witness, lacking previous sightings or a paranormal background, felt she had been "selected, scanned and rejected." Banks questions if the absence of psychic symptoms contributed to the premature annulment of her experience, comparing it to the Avis family's abduction case.

He concludes that individuals with psychic abilities, or those who are 'sensitives', are often the focus for inexplicable events. Research suggests that UFO percipients share archetypal experiences and traits. Repeater witnesses and contactees strongly exhibit these characteristics.

Banks emphasizes that while some events may be external, others might stem from a collective unconscious. He asserts that witnesses to true unknowns often possess or claim psychic abilities. He urges investigators to probe the psychic claims of witnesses to further understanding, warning against adopting pre-chosen hypotheses that hinder progress. He advocates for an objective approach to all facets of the phenomenon, including the psychic aspect, suggesting that a substantial parapsychological base is likely, rather than exotic extraterrestrial sources.

"Fact or Fiction?" by Derek Mansell

This article recounts a peculiar incident that occurred on a foggy day in May 1951, at a lonely airfield in Southern England. Three men in the Control Tower heard an aircraft circling slowly, despite the weather conditions and lack of radar or radio contact. They initially dismissed it as a small aircraft piloted by a lunatic.

The aircraft, an antiquated biplane with unrecognized markings and a gun mount, circled for about 30 minutes before landing on the grass. Two figures dressed in old-fashioned leathers emerged and approached the tower. They were French, and communication was difficult, requiring an interpreter from intelligence.

Upon questioning, the Frenchmen stated they had taken off from an airfield in France at 8:00 a.m. on May 21, 1917. This date was met with laughter, as the current date was May 21, 1951. An expert later confirmed the aircraft was a genuine World War 1 combat aircraft. Intelligence and immigration officers were baffled.

Arrangements were made for the aircraft to return to its base, with a British escort. A special fuel was developed, and a suitable slow pursuer aircraft was found. Two patrol boats were stationed in the channel. On May 23rd, the Frenchmen took off with escort. A fog bank caused the British escort to drop back. When the fog cleared, the French aircraft had disappeared. The patrol boats searched the area but found nothing.

Meanwhile, intelligence confirmed that such an airfield existed in France in 1917 but was now built over. The crew members, a Lieutenant and a Sergeant, were found to have been lost in action in 1917. The article concludes by questioning if the two crew members are still flying, hoping to locate their landing site.

The Contact (UK) Directory

• The issue includes a directory of Contact (UK) officials, listing:
• National Chairman: J. Sear
• Hon. Secretary: J. Loveridge
• Hon. Treasurer: D.N. Mansell
• Hon. Membership Secretary: Mrs. S. Robb
• Public Relations Officer: P. Flatman
• Research Enquiries: G.E. Ambler & J. Sear
• Senior Research Officer: D. N. Mansell
• Librarian: J.B. Delair
• Archivist: E. Cox

Addresses for correspondence are provided, mostly centered around Wheatley, Oxford.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial and the article by Stephen W. Banks, leans towards an open-minded yet critical investigation of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the potential link between UFO sightings and psychic abilities, with the journal encouraging research into this area. The publication also addresses the practical challenges of running such a journal, including financial constraints due to inflation and the need for member contributions. The historical perspective is evident in the inclusion of older cases like the 1951 biplane incident, suggesting that understanding UFOs requires examining a wide range of evidence and historical context. The recurring themes are UFO sightings, the paranormal, psychic phenomena, and the investigation of unexplained events, with a call for objective research rather than adherence to preconceived theories.

This issue of 'UFOs THE 20TH CENTURY ENIGMA' (Volume 19, Issue 19, dated 1980) features a prominent article titled 'THE GREAT PARADOX OF THE FLYING SAUCERS' by Philippe Scheyder, President of C.N.R.O.V.N.I. (S). The editor notes that while accounts of 'time-lapse' happenings associated with World Wars I and II, often filed as 'ghost-stories,' are considered true, locations are kept secret, and these may be related to UFO encounters.

The Great Paradox of the Flying Saucers by Philippe Scheyder

Scheyder identifies a central paradox: the flying saucer phenomenon is arguably the foremost problem of our time, yet humanity, including those who should be concerned, does not give it the importance it deserves. He outlines four principal points to explain this situation.

Point One: The Mass-Media

Since the term 'flying saucer' was popularized after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, there has been a growing separation between journalists and the truth. Scheyder claims that, with few exceptions, news reports and journalists have failed to deal seriously and honestly with the UFO problem. He attributes this partly to the media's tendency towards mockery or a 'space opera' style, which he notes is not solely the fault of journalists.

Point Two: Intellectuals

Intellectual spheres and the scientific community have long refused to engage with the UFO phenomenon, often dismissing it as a myth or phantasm. Scheyder cites the example of Dr. David Michael Jacobs' thesis at Indiana University, which faced resistance. He notes that American and European intelligentsia only gradually began to examine the issue, suspecting it might be a 'diabolical trap.' He mentions Jean-François Gille's article on 'The intellectuals' great fear of flying saucers' and the views of astrophysicist Pierre Guerin. Scheyder criticizes the 'immovable, sceptical and anthropocentric spirit' of 'Masters of thought,' who preferred to discuss inter-stellar communications via radio telescopes, relegating 'little green men' to distant galaxies, rather than addressing the immediate phenomenon. He contrasts this with Pierre Benoit's fictional 'Atlantide' in the Sahara, which caused no controversy.

Point Three: Secret Services

This point explains the discredit suffered by the UFO phenomenon due to the actions of secret services. The CIA and KGB, particularly the CIA, are accused of pressuring military and governmental authorities to prevent information about the 'nuts and bolts' of UFOs and their occupants from reaching the public. This is cited as the reason for the 'intentional and premeditated failure' of American investigation boards like 'Project Sign' and the Condon Committee.

Point Four: Camouflage

Responsible ufologists agree that the UFO phenomenon, referred to as 'AGENT X,' intentionally leads us astray. Its evanescent, fleeting, and remanent quality is typical. Scheyder mentions cases of 'landings' with traces like 'fairy rings,' which seem to point to a 'magic phenomenon.' However, he acknowledges that the phenomenon can be picked up by radar and photographed, leaving indelible traces. He quotes Bertrand Meheust, stating that the phenomenon is 'unyielding to the human psychism' and 'plays with us by trying to be accepted for what it is not: an ILLUSION.' The master-word is 'CAMOUFLAGE,' and understanding what lies behind this 'curtain of smoke' is key to approaching the truth. He notes nearly 90 million observations over 30 years and suggests these are of capital importance for future generations. He also mentions the 'sinister black-out' on M.I.B. (men in black) potentially cracking soon.

Review of the UFO Study Course by Lionel Beer FRAS

Morley College in London is highlighted as the first to offer a full UFO study course, following similar initiatives in Bristol since 1974 and other parts of the country. The author expresses surprise that such a significant subject lacked attention in London for so long, especially when American universities offered introductory courses. Ufology was recognized as an established study area as early as 1947, following Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The Morley course received attention from 'New Scientist' and 'Illustrated London News.' A TV crew filmed the first evening, and the footage was broadcast on BBC News the same evening. Initial interest was high, with attendance averaging 25-35 students after the first 'one-nighters.' The one-term syllabus covered defining parameters, historical analogues, government research, and controversial aspects like UFO occupants. Notably, 'bug-eyed monsters' are absent from witness accounts; occupants are described as anthropoid, wearing light-weight or heavy-duty suits, popularly dubbed 'humanoids.' A two-term course would be needed for a basic introduction and in-depth study of case histories. The review also notes that Anthony Pace FRAS ran a UFO course in Crewe in 1979.

The UFO Phenomena and ESP by Clive Morris

This section details the author's appearance on a Tyne-Tees television program called 'Friday Live' on May 2, 1980, which discussed UFO phenomena and ESP. The program featured actress Jenny Linden ('Doctor Who and the Daleks') and magician David Burglass, alongside various experts. Presenters were Joan Shenton and Chris Kelly. The program began with a demonstration of television technology. Timothy Drake, an expert, stated that UFOs have been appearing for hundreds of years. Mrs. Margaret Kilford described a sighting on September 24, 1979: she saw a bright light, eight times the size of a plane, moving west to east, then rearing north. It was described as fluorescent white and disappeared after two minutes. The official explanation given was a low star. Chris Kelly then interviewed Mr. Hinshaw, who described a pink-purple light during the Queen's Jubilee, which caused his motorbike and a Jaguar to cut out. Professor Paul Davies of Newcastle University discussed the vastness of the universe, stating that while life is likely throughout, contact might be via radio rather than physical visits. Dr. Carl Sargent of Cambridge University considered communication with highly evolved beings via ESP 'highly possible.' David Burglass performed card tricks, and a film of a UFO shot by an ATV crew over an Oxford farm was shown; the object was cylindrical, moved in a zig-zag, and left a smoke trail. It was authenticated and backed by over a dozen witnesses. Ian Ridparth believed in Extra-Terrestrial life but found UFO sightings lacked sufficient evidence. Policeman Mr. James Lowrie reported seeing two joined lights, one red and flickering, the other white and constant, with no explanation from the Civil Aviation Authority or RAF. Professor Davies cautioned that unexplained phenomena do not automatically prove Extra-Terrestrial spacecraft, highlighting human error in estimating distance and speed, using the Sun-covering object analogy (shirt button vs. orange). Alan West, author of 'Close Encounters: The Strange Truth About UFOs,' stated he wrote the book for money but was initially genuinely interested, later feeling deluded by the 'serious, deep and mystic' nature of UFOs. He believes in a physical, genuine Extra-Terrestrial Phenomenon but also in a government cover-up, as they don't know how to handle UFO reports. Raymond Drake, author of 'Gods or Spacemen,' theorized Earth was colonized by spacemen long ago, preceding four civilizations that destroyed themselves with missiles. Mrs. X, from Washington, Co. Durham, formerly of the MOD Royal Observer Corps, claimed to have seen files indicating investigations into UFO sightings and instructions not to contact the press. Richard Laurence of the Aetherius Society claimed MOD UFO files were destroyed in 1962, providing taped proof. Dr. Carl Sargent believed governments cover up UFO reports defensively. Dr. Molyneux suggested sightings were secret military aircraft. Dr. Sargent countered that skeptics like Molyneux are 'ignorant' for not examining evidence. Jenny Linden described seeing a cigar-shaped object with a 'V' on top in Bedfordshire. A song by Hot Chocolate, 'No Doubt About It,' was based on a UFO sighting by songwriter Mike Burns over Hampstead Heath in January 1980. Mr. Bill Franklin, ex-American Army, reported seeing a bright light in Suffolk in 1952 that deflected like a ping-pong ball, with objects tracked at 10,000 mph, and military instructions to remain silent. Chris Boyce, a science fiction writer, suggested UFOs are modern interpretations of ancient 'Gods or Spirits' and that ET life will be found within 30 years, but not via UFOs. Dr. Molyneux questioned if people just wanted romance, to which Boyce replied UFOs are 'boring.' Professor Davies reiterated that ET travel would require faster-than-light capability, challenging current physics. Raymond Drake suggested UFOs could materialize from other dimensions. Ken Rogers proposed UFOs are time travelers from our future. Professor Davies found Rogers' theory pure speculation without evidence.

At the program's end, a vote showed 50% believed in life on other planets and 40% in UFOs.

Editor's Notes

The editor notes that unsolicited telephone callers are revealing, potentially sharing unknown sightings. Data Research cannot vouch for many sightings but states the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) has not investigated UFOs, focusing on nuclear warfare. Confusion with 'Unidentified Flying Aircraft' of Russian origin is possible. The editor disagrees with the Aetherius Society's claim about MOD file destruction but is interested in hearing Mr. Laurence's taped call.

Reviews

The issue includes regular book reviews, a TV play, and a general release film review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the paradox of UFOs being significant yet ignored, the role of media and intellectuals in shaping public perception, alleged government cover-ups, and the nature of UFO sightings themselves. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while questioning the reliability of some reports and the motivations behind secrecy. The editor expresses skepticism about the ROC investigating UFOs and doubts the destruction of MOD files, indicating a desire for verifiable evidence and transparency.

AWARENESS, Issue 20, is a publication focused on UFOs and strange phenomena. This issue features book and film reviews, selected UFO reports, and advertisements for related literature and media.

Book Review: "Alien Animals"

The issue begins with a review of "Alien Animals" by Janet & Colin Bord, published by Paul Elek, Granada Publishing. The book, priced at £7.95 and containing 258 pages, is characterized by informed texts and excellent illustrations. It examines numerous accounts of creatures not officially recognized by science, reported globally for centuries. These animals often share traits such as sudden appearance and disappearance, imperviousness to bullets, and the ability to move at unnatural speeds. The review categorizes these creatures into mystery lake animals, giant birds, black dogs, the "Surrey Puma", flying "men", Mothman, and Sasquatch/Bigfoot types. The Bords meticulously document each case with a bibliographic section and maps of sightings. The book includes photographs and old prints. The reviewer, J.B. Delair, notes that the parallels drawn with UFO phenomena are extremely interesting and recommends the book for those with an enquiring mind. His only criticism is regarding the "largely unrealistic instructions given to would be monster watchers."

Film Review: "The Bermuda Triangle"

This section reviews the film "The Bermuda Triangle", a 'U' Certificate colour production by Sunn Classic Productions, directed by Richard Friedenberg and written by Stephen Lord, featuring Brad Crandall, based on Charles Berlitz's novel. The film uses a "dramatized documentary" approach to review historical incidents in the triangle. It depicts Columbus and his crew encountering UFOs, 19th-century ghost ships, and a detailed account of a 1945 aircraft incident, emphasizing the unknown. The review mentions the appearance of the narrator, Brad Crandall, being compared to Alan Whicker and Dr. Hynek. Explanations for the phenomena range from Atlantis to UFO activity, with some UFOs described as "overlit chandeliers." Well-known cases, not necessarily linked to the Bermuda Triangle, are examined, including the Mantell aircraft incident of 1948 and the Philadelphia experiment. The reviewer, G.E. Ambler, found the film extremely entertaining, offering new facts and ideas, though the authenticity is open to interpretation. The film is supported by another documentary, "Encounter with Disaster."

T.V. Play Review: "Friends in Space"

This review discusses the TV play "Friends in Space" by Ray Hassett and John Ratzenberger, aired on ITV. The play is about the "Friends of Space Society," dedicated to making contact with extraterrestrials. The review notes that Norman Oliver, Editor of BUFORA Journal, received a phone call regarding an article in the TV Times supporting the play. The play features eccentric characters like the society's president, Rex G.X. Thornton, and members like Mr. Babcock. A plot point involves a shuddering cigar-shaped object crashing, leading to the retrieval of a green, glassy-looking alien. The play is described as a parody, possibly of Steven Spielberg's "CEIII", with an inconclusive ending. The reviewer, Lionel Beer, suggests the play might reinforce the opinion that some ufologists are "wellmeaning crackpots" and states he would not watch a repeat.

Selected UFO Reports

This section provides a chronological list of UFO sightings from March and April 1979:

• March 16, 1979, 8:55 a.m.: Adelaide Airport, Australia. A large object travelled northeast very fast, stopped for 20 seconds, then moved off again very fast.
• March 21, 1979, 7:45 p.m.: Elizabeth Downs, Australia. A red sphere-object hovered, pulsated, and then moved fast on a straight course.
• March 22, 1979, 3 a.m.: Solihull, West Midlands, England. A police constable observed a brilliant white light surrounding a saucer-shaped object, approximately 30 feet in diameter, descending behind a car park.
• April 13, 1979, daytime: Warrington, Cheshire, England. A married woman and her husband saw two round, stainless steel objects, the size of a small pea, high in the sky, which disappeared where vapour trails met.
• April 16, 1979, 4:50 p.m.: Wheatley, Oxon., England. A family observed a shining silver, slightly oval object with a flat top, moving easterly at about 10 m.p.h. at an altitude of about 200 feet. It was estimated to be about 3 feet in size.
• April 18, 1979, 9:10 p.m.: Cambridge, Canbs., England. A young man saw a cone-shaped object, the size of a sixpence, which flashed silver, seemed to wobble, and then appeared to float. It made no sound.
• April 21, 1979, 9:50 p.m.: Liverpool, Lancs., England. A young man and his brother observed a bright yellow-orange-white light moving across the sky. When flashed with a torch, the light intensified to bright white. The object was the size of a golf ball and moved silently.

Further reports are promised for the next edition.

Advertisements and Publications

The latter part of the magazine contains advertisements for various publications and services related to UFOs and the paranormal:

• Lost Knowledge: Offers reproductions of a lecture on "Ever-Burning Lamps" and a monograph on "God's Weapon" (Ark of the Covenant).
• Books and Magazines for Sale: A stock list includes hardbacks and paperbacks on topics like "Aliens on Earth," "Phantom Ladies," "UFOs," "The Hynek UFO Report," and "UFO Experience." Prices are listed, and orders can be sent to Lionel Beer.
• UFO Directory: Advertises a guide to UFO groups and publications.
• Some Close Encounter Cassette Specials: Offers twenty-four audio cassette titles featuring witness excerpts of sightings, humanoids, and contacts, narrated by Norman Oliver.
• Fortean Times: The Journal of Strange Phenomena: Described as packed with oddities and anomalies.
• RES BUREAUX BULLETIN: A monthly journal covering scientific anomalies, UFOs, and astronomical discoveries.
• Space Age Publications: A list of books available directly from stock, including titles by authors such as W. Fowler, J.G. Fuller, Travis Walton, Arthur Shuttlewood, J. Allen Hynek, Jacques Vallee, I. Velikovsky, Hans Holzer, and David Tansey. Prices are provided, and orders should be sent to Miss S.R. Stebbing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the examination of unexplained phenomena, including cryptids ("Alien Animals"), historical mysteries ("The Bermuda Triangle"), and UFO sightings. The reviews offer critical perspectives, with "Alien Animals" being praised for its documentation but criticized for its instructions, and the "Friends in Space" TV play being labeled a parody. The "Selected UFO Reports" section presents factual accounts of sightings. The extensive advertising for books, journals, and audio materials indicates a commitment to providing readers with resources for further exploration of these subjects. The overall stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous phenomena, while also acknowledging the potential for sensationalism and parody within the field.