Awareness - 1980 - Vol 09 No 3 - Autumn

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), Autumn 1980 issue.

Editorial

The editorial notes that 1980 has been a 'lack lustre' year for high-profile UFO sightings, suggesting that the economic recession might be affecting reporting levels. However, Contact (UK) has evidence that the number of sightings may be as high as in previous years, but these are not being reported. The editor theorizes that UFO activity might remain constant, but public interest influences perceived activity levels, noting a pattern of 'boom' years (1973, 1977-8) and 'slump' years (1975-6, 1979-80) in UFO activity, potentially correlating with economic trends.

A general guide for investigators has been written by the Chief Research Officer to ensure maximum coverage of sightings during this 'quiet' period and to maintain liaison with the UK team. A major Close Encounter reported in the Sunday Mirror in September, occurring in June 1978 near Standford-in-the-Vale, Oxon, is mentioned. This report was not received by Data Research and did not correlate with existing files, despite the witnesses claiming contact with 'Janos People'. The location is noted as being at the intersection of Leylines, considered a potential UFO hotspot.

Arrangements for the 1981 Annual General Meeting (AGM) are announced, with a change of venue from Oxford to St. Neots near Cambridge on Saturday, 24th January 1981. Bill Goldby and Jerry Hooper are organizing the event, which will feature investigator presentations and a special guest speaker, Mr. Peter Paget. Data Research will have displays. The committee also welcomes proposals for future meeting venues around the country.

Difficulties in producing the stencils for this edition are mentioned, requiring two machines and resulting in variations in type-face, but publishing the Autumn edition on time was prioritized.

Investigations by Chief Research Officer

D.N. Mansell, Chief Research Officer, outlines the structure of the investigation team, comprising Co-ordinators, Investigators, and Data Research. Reports are received through various channels, but most information is gathered locally by investigators from newspapers, radio, or police.

Starting in January 1982, the most efficient investigator will receive a trophy (a cup or shield) with an engraved replica for permanent retention, to be announced at the AGM. A major challenge identified is the lack of reports from some investigators, despite the conviction that sightings are occurring in their areas, especially when other UFO groups are actively reporting.

Mansell acknowledges a lack of liaison between himself and the investigators and seeks individuals who can independently check and seek out reports. He requests all co-ordinators and investigators to send a letter every two months to Data Research detailing activities in their areas, even if there is nothing to report.

Specific rules for investigators are laid out:
1. Check local police, radio stations, newspaper offices, and other local sources for reports, including young farmers' associations for animal/bird mutilations. Utilize newspaper archives.
2. Verify every report with the police, coastguards, civil and military airfields, and potentially the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Defence, attaching replies to the report.
3. Provide a written personal account of the sighting and witnesses.
4. Type reports if possible; otherwise, write clearly and correctly.
5. For landing incidents, proceed immediately with caution, wearing rubber-soled shoes, rubber boots, and disposable rubber gloves. Check the area thoroughly, collect samples (earth, grass, plants) in sterile plastic bags, and forward them to Data Research. Look for burnt patches and crushed grass/plants, noting any animal or bird carcasses. Conduct radiation checks if possible, with Data Research offering assistance with Gieger counters.
6. Investigators should report anything unusual, including animal/bird mutilations, disappearances, missing persons, ships, boats, cars, ghost stories, and unusual dreams.

Data Research is a data bank collecting material globally, with UK cases investigated by the team. The work is done for the 'real love of the subject' due to a lack of financial aid. Investigators are described as 'very special persons' crucial to the task. Investigators who wish to cease their involvement are asked to notify the organization promptly.

"Was H. G. Wells an Unwitting Contactee?" by B. J. Burden M.A.

This article explores a potential connection between H.G. Wells's science fiction, particularly "The Time Machine", and UFO phenomena. Burden notes that Wells's interest in the 1897 airship phenomenon led him to "The War of the Worlds", and he was fascinated by the synchronicity between airship reports and the novel's serialization, wondering if Wells was inadvertently picking up a 'broadcast on the cosmic waveband'.

While Wells was an agnostic and ridiculed formal religion, his fantasy fiction shows knowledge of 'occult phenomena' and 'Altered States of Consciousness'. Examples include parallel universes in "The Wonderful Visit" and "The Plattner Story", and the time distortion factor found in UFO lore. Burden suggests Wells's imagination might be linked to experimentation with hallucinogenic drugs like Mescaline and Fly Agaric, prevalent in the 1880s.

The author assumes readers are familiar with "The Andreasson Affair" and "The Time Machine". Mrs. Andreasson's 1967 abduction by tiny aliens, recalled during an hypnotic session, is compared to Wells's "The Time Machine". The entities in both accounts share similarities: diminutive build, lipless mouths, and pointy chins. Wells's 'Eloi' (pronounced 'El-oh-ee') are compared to the 'Elohim' (gods), and the Andreasson entities also claimed to be angels and gods. However, their conduct is described as naive and lacking empathy, similar to Wells's Eloi, who are given a mental age of four due to a world that no longer requires intelligence.

Burden argues that advanced civilizations are not necessarily morally superior, using Nero as an example. Mrs. Andreasson described encountering 'headless monkey-like bodies' with 'huge eyes on stalks' which she called 'lemurs', creatures the aliens were unwilling to discuss. Wells's Time Traveller also encounters similar 'lemur'-like entities, the Morlocks, who inhabit an underworld and are feared by the Eloi.

Parallels between Wells and Andreasson are drawn concerning the treatment of Time. Mrs. Andreasson's family was found frozen in suspended animation or time had stopped. Wells's "The New Accelerator" also features a similar experience. The Andreasson entities' relationship to Time is enigmatic, with John Keel noting the alien catch-phrase "see you in Time". In Wells's story, Time Travel is not just a gimmick but a pervading theme, with the world of 802701 likened to the Golden Age of classical myth, ruled by Cronos, or 'Father Time'.

Burden concludes that if Wells's story has a basis in real experience, it was filtered through his intellect and transformed into a polemic about social divisions in 19th century Britain. He invites comments from readers.

"Hysteria, Poisoning or What?" by G.E. Ambler B.Sc.

This article details a strange incident at a jazz festival held at Hollingwell, Notts., on Saturday, 13th July 1980. A large group of girl drum majorettes collapsed, with over 300 victims requiring hospital treatment for stomach, eye, and throat pains, initially attributed to noxious fumes.

National press and TV reports initially suggested 'mass hysteria' as the cause, brought on by the young ladies standing rigidly for an hour on a hot afternoon. However, some witnesses insisted fumes from a crop sprayer were responsible. Investigations into local farms found no recent crop spraying, and gas/coal board officials had no outstanding work in the vicinity.

A full Environmental Health report found no contamination. A BBC "Medical Express" program reviewed the incident, presenting the report and interviewing experts. The manager of the girls' band was convinced mass hysteria was not the cause, presenting medical reports for one victim citing 'Organic Poisoning', though this report was disowned by the hospital.

Anomalies in newspaper reports included adults and horses also being affected, and even babies, who are considered immune to mass hysteria, being victims. On 26th July, the Daily Telegraph reported a UFO landing in an adjacent field at the time of the collapses, which was investigated by officials with no subsequent findings. The author suggests that if a UFO landed nearby and its occupants emerged, the release of a noxious nerve gas, possibly used as an 'atmosphere' by the aliens, could have caused the mass collapse. Such a gas, invisible and carried downwind, could create nausea and collapse effects, similar to how aviation fuel odour can be smelt from a distance.

The article further cites evidence corroborating the alien atmosphere theory, including an encounter by Mr. Bob Taylor in West Lothian, Scotland, on 9th November 1979, who reported robot-like entities and a 'very powerful odour' that was 'choking'. Mr. Terry Bingham, an adjudicator at the Hollingwell festival, also reported experiencing eye watering and chest pains, likening it to 'nerve-gas poisoning' after rushing children to hospital.

Ambler suggests that if aliens are visiting Earth, they might require an unknown atmosphere for survival, similar to the hostile gases found on other planets. He prompts readers to consider unusual experiences involving fainting or odours affecting eyes, nose, or throat as potential evidence in UFO investigations.

"UFOLOGY AND LEY - LINES" by Terry Mills *

Terry Mills discusses ufology as an interesting but sometimes worrying subject due to the psychological and physical effects on witnesses. He notes that theories about UFO origins are varied, and the fringe nature of ufology leads to grouping it with other unexplained phenomena like Atlantis, ghosts, and telepathy.

Mills's personal interest evolved from the extra-terrestrial hypothesis to a romantic inclination towards the idea of ancient civilizations surviving cataclysms and rebuilding society. He suggests that survivors used their intellect to restart in a primitive world.

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

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting from investigators and exploring unconventional explanations for events, such as the potential link between H.G. Wells's fiction and alien contact, and the possibility of alien atmospheric contamination causing mass hysteria-like symptoms. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of diligent investigation and data collection through the Data Research initiative. The organization operates on a passion for the subject due to a lack of financial support, highlighting the dedication of its members.

AWARENESS, Winter 1979, Issue 14. This issue explores the concept of Ley Lines, their connection to prehistoric sites and ancient civilizations, and their potential links to UFO phenomena. It also features several reported UFO sightings, book reviews, and reader letters discussing various aspects of ufology and related topics.

Ley Lines and Prehistoric Sites

The article "Ley Lines are alignments of prehistoric sites" introduces the concept of Ley Lines, which are alignments of ancient sites such as mounds, barrows, cairns, dolmens, henges, standing stones, and stone circles. These sites vary in distance and are believed by some to form a complex pattern around the world. The lines were discovered by Alfred Watkins, who initially thought of them as old trackways. The article notes that these sites were adapted over time for burials, defense, and later by the Church. Further confirmation points include ponds, hill tops, and aligned roads, notably Roman Roads. The original purpose of these sites is unknown, but their alignment and geometric patterns suggest a connection to precise mathematics, possibly for astronomical calculations like those at Stonehenge.

The text suggests that the age of these sites goes back several thousand years, challenging the notion of primitive Britons. Dowsers are mentioned as having an active interest, claiming the stones channel energy. Folklore abounds with tales of fairy dances and hidden treasure. Some ufologists believe UFO incidents occur over ancient sites and stones along Ley Lines, suggesting UFOs might draw power from Ley Energy or use them as navigation beacons. Warminster in Wiltshire, a known 'ufocal' area, is highlighted for its abundance of earthworks and stone circles.

Ley Lines can be plotted on Ordnance Survey maps, and research is described as rewarding. While a definitive Ley Line could not be confirmed in the author's own area (Twickenham) due to extensive development, evidence of prehistoric earthworks was found. The article recommends "The Ley Hunter's Companion" by Paul Devereaux and Ian Thompson for further information.

Selected UFO Reports

This section details several UFO sightings from 1979:

• May 21, 1979, Midnight, Warrington, Cheshire: Witnesses saw a bright light, described as stationary and the size of a dinner plate with red and green lights. It moved away with a faint humming sound.
• May 27, 1979, 11:06 pm, Foulney Island, Cumbria: Two white pulsating lights, possibly from one large object, were seen moving erratically south-west over Walney Channel and Morecambe Bay. It was silent and disappeared into cloud cover.
• May 31, 1979, Midnight, Basford, Staffs: A bright white object was spotted, which banked at fantastic speed and rolled over, described by a wartime aircrew member as certainly not an aircraft.
• June 14, 1979, 11:55 pm, Darsbury, Cheshire: A large, very white stationary light, about 200 feet above a field, paced a car. It then emitted a very bright light and later approached slowly, appearing as a massive cross shape with blue, green, and white lights. The silent object flew off very fast, estimated to be larger than a double-decker bus.
• June 19, 1979, 8:50 pm, East Ham, London E.6: A large light moved along at roof height, slowed, and stopped. It was long with nine silver, pink, and blue lights, surrounded by a pink aura. It moved away very fast.
• June 27, 1979, 10:35 am, Hammersmith, London W.6: A round silver object, bright and revolving clockwise, was observed moving at aircraft speed. It had a shaded area and was estimated to be the size of a Puma Helicopter at 800 ft.
• July 3, 1979, 8:00 pm, Preston, Lancs: A silvery-grey object, appearing to climb in a widening spiral, accelerated in a straight line and disappeared. Its shape was a short vertical cylinder, the size of a ten pence piece.
• July 15, 1979, 1:24 am, Lisbon and other parts of Portugal: A very blue, intense light lit up the night, described as a large glowing blue light with a red-orange point. It caused power failures and was also seen over Valencia de Alcantara, changing color.

Book Reviews

• "Signs of the Gods?" by Eric von Daniken: Reviewed by J.B. Delair, this book is noted for breaking new ground by investigating the original "Ark of the Covenant" and citing passages from the Ethiopian epic "Kebra Nagast" about flying machines. It also covers other ancient mysteries like Maltese structures, Zimbabwean ruins, and Sumerian king lists. Von Daniken interprets these as extraterrestrial in origin. The reviewer finds the book offers welcome new material and is copiously illustrated with a bibliography and index.
• "UFOs - The Starting Facts" by Tim Furniss: This glossy booklet is described as superficial, though it does cast doubt on claims by Adamski and Fry. It publishes large, colorful pictures of UFOs, some of which are noted as having dubious backgrounds or lacking documented information. The reviewer suggests it may mislead uninformed readers, especially the young. Pages 6 and 7 feature a "UFO recognition chart" copied from 1960s material, which is considered out of date. The reviewer concludes that while the booklet is factually dreadful, its glossy veneer might awaken interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Readers Letters

• David Medina, London S.W.19: Medina responds to an article by J.B. Delair, referencing Dr. Richard Niemtzow's assertion that paralysis by aliens is caused by an unknown energy field. Medina suggests Dr. Niemtzow may be unfamiliar with Georges Lakhovsky's work on cellular electrical circuits and the "Multiple Wave Oscillator." Lakhovsky's research from 1926 proposed that diseases are caused by cellular oscillatory disequilibrium and that cures can be effected by simple open-ended copper wire circuits. Professor Sordello Attilj reportedly cured cancer cases in Rome using such circuits in 1928. Medina implies Lakhovsky's work may have been suppressed, noting that expensive equipment is promoted while simple, inexpensive cures exist.
• Tom Johnson, Caerphilly, S. Wales: Johnson states his interest in ufology and his application for an M.A. in cultural studies at Birmingham University, focusing on fringe religious cultist belief and "UFO" contactee groups. He agrees with Jacques Vallee's assessment that such movements, whether occult or spiritual, are based on authoritarian belief systems, citing "Anti-human" values and espousing Divine or Extraterrestrial intervention. He lists organizations like Aetherius, Sun Myung-Moon, the Korean Unification Church, and Scientology as examples of those employing repressive ideologies. Johnson believes the UFO phenomenon is part of a wider debate on the historical and sociological nature of these ideologies, which cannot be separated from their socio-historical context.

Other Features

• Our Phantom Postal Service: This section discusses issues with mail delivery from Data Research headquarters, affecting sighting forms, magazines, and reply letters. Enquiries to GO authorities have yielded no satisfactory results regarding the mail's whereabouts.
• TV Serial Review: "The Mysterious World of Arthur C. Clarke": This review notes that the series, despite criticism, attracted high viewing audiences. It covered various "unknown" subjects, often using archival footage. The reviewer found Arthur C. Clarke's reactions to unexplained phenomena to be like a "wet blanket," diminishing viewer enthusiasm, which seemed a reversal of his imaginative science fiction work. The series is described as over-commercialized, with excessive build-ups and location flashes. It is deemed suitable for Ordinary Level students as revision notes but insufficient for Advanced Level or Degree students.
• Lost Knowledge: This section advertises reproductions of a lecture by William Wynn Westcott from 1885 on "ever-burning lamps" and a monograph by David Medina, "God's Weapon," exploring the history of an electronic and radionic weapon attributed to Moses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, ancient history, and modern mysteries. There's a clear interest in UFO sightings, ancient sites, and alternative theories, often presenting information from a ufological perspective. The reviews and letters sections indicate a critical engagement with popular authors like Erich von Daniken and a concern for the suppression of potentially significant scientific or historical discoveries (e.g., Lakhovsky's work). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints within the ufological community. The magazine also shows an awareness of the potential for cult-like behavior within certain fringe belief systems.

This document presents issue number 20 of 'FORTEAN TIMES: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA'. Edited by Bob Rickard, the journal is characterized as being packed with "fascinating and often little known oddities and anomalies of every description," offering "extraordinary good value, and fully referenced throughout." The publication is promoted as indispensable for serious-minded ufologists and students of the abnormal.

RES BUREAUX BULLETIN

A section titled 'RES BUREAUX BULLETIN' highlights what is described as "probably the very best extant monthly journal covering scientific anomalies and inexplicable events." This journal reportedly includes coverage of sky-falls, UFOs, strange animals, sky bangs, and other astronomical discoveries. Subscription details are provided for a Mr. "X" in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, with rates noted as reasonable and delivery usually prompt.

UFOS AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS

A substantial part of the document is dedicated to a list of 'UFOS AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS' available for purchase. This list includes a wide array of books, with prices indicated in British Pounds (£) and pence (p). Titles range from 'Animal Magnetism and the Life Energy' by Jerome Eden, 'UFOs Interplanetary Visitors' by W. Fowler, and 'Signs of the Gods' by Erich von Daniken, to 'Roots of Consciousness & UFOs' by Jeffrey Mishluv, 'The House of Lords UFOs Debate', 'Science & the Supernatural' by Prof. John Taylor, and 'The Welsh Triangle' by Peter Pajet. Other listed books include 'Gods of Aquarius' by Brad Steiger, 'UFOs' by Robert Chapman, 'Strange Stories of UFOs' by Len Ortzen, 'The UFO Guidebook' by W. Briazack & S. Mennick, 'UFOs & Other Craft. Special Page Report.', 'The UFO Page Newsletter', 'Mysteries of the Gods' by Stuart Holroyd, 'Extraterrestrial Civilisations' by Isaac Asimov, 'Flying Saucers, a modern myth' by Dr. Carl Jung, 'The Crack in the Universe' by Jean-Claude Bourret, 'The Scoriton Mystery' by Eileen Buckle, and 'Sungods in Exile' by Karyl Robin Evans. The list continues on the following page with titles such as 'UFO Magic in Motion' by Arthur Shuttlewood, 'The Andreasson Affair' by W. Fowler, 'Search/Flying Saucers Magazine. Recent issue.', 'The Romeo Error' by Dr. Iyail Watson, 'UFOS God's Chariots?' by Ted Peters, 'UFO Project Bluebook' by Brad Steiger, 'MIB Aliens Among Us' by Timothy G. Eeckley, and 'Psychic Power of the Pyramids' by Bill Schull & Ed Pettit. All prices are stated to include postage and packing. Enquiries for lists of books and other items should be sent to Miss Susanne Stebbing in Herne Bay, Kent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONTACT (UK) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1981

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for CONTACT (UK) has been arranged for January 24th, 1981, commencing at 2 p.m. at Ernulf School, Parford Road, Eynesbury, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. Mr. Peter Paget is scheduled to address the meeting, with other speakers being arranged. A special note mentions a BBC television release on January 23rd on 'WEEKEND' for those in East Anglia. The admission charge is approximately 50p for members and 75p for non-members (unconfirmed). Detailed travel information is provided, including train times from Kings Cross, London, to St. Neots, with a necessary change at Hitchin. The town of St. Neots is described as being about 17 miles west of Cambridge.

2ND LONDON INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS

The British UFO Research Association will host the 2nd London International UFO Congress on May 24th-25th, 1981, at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch, London W.1. Details can be obtained by sending a SAE to the Hon. Secretary, Miss Betty Wood. Guest speakers from the USA and Europe are expected, and CONTACT (UK) will be represented by members of Data Research.

PRIZE ESSAY COMPETITION

A prize essay competition, previously announced in the Spring 1980 edition of 'Awareness', is being reiterated. The deadline for entries is January 1st, 1981. The competition is open to all paid-up members of CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UK). Essays must be submitted by January 1st, 1981, and will be judged by the National Committee between that date and the Annual General Meeting. The winning essay will be printed in a future 'Awareness'. Essays should not exceed 1500 words and may include references. Submissions should be sent to 48 Crown Road, Wheatley, Nr. Oxford, Oxon., accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope for acknowledgement. Author's membership numbers are required. The copyright of the winning essay will become the property of CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UK), with the author responsible for factual accuracy. Illustrations must be high quality. Members of the National Committee and officially appointed officers (except field investigators) are not permitted to enter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly UFOs, strange phenomena, and anomalies, as indicated by the title, the featured publications, and the announcement of the UFO Congress and essay competition. The editorial stance, as presented through the descriptions of the journals and the content highlighted, is one of serious investigation and documentation of unexplained events and phenomena, with a focus on providing information and resources to enthusiasts in the field. The emphasis on 'fully referenced' publications and the essay competition's themes suggest a commitment to exploring these topics in depth, even if some aspects, like government cover-ups, are presented as subjects for debate and evidence-based discussion.