Awareness - 1981 - Vol 10 No 1 - Spring

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), Spring 1981 issue, Volume 10, No: 1. The journal is published by Contact (UK) and is based in the UK. The cover is a plain red with the title 'AWARENESS' and the publication details.

Editorial

The editorial addresses the perception that UFO sightings have reduced, refuting this claim and stating that sightings continue unabated. It mentions several phone reports from the Oxford area in February 1981, including an object with red, green, and blue lights seen at Shipston-on-Stour and Radley. Press reports of sightings from various UK locations and the USA are also noted. The editorial touches on the second UFO congress in London, criticizing the media's focus on sensationalism. It thanks members for purchasing car stickers and reminds them that subscriptions are due. The editor also mentions the awarding of a trophy for the investigator who performs most effectively and announces that the winning prize essay entry is published in this edition.

Report of the Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday, January 24th, at Ernulf School, St. Neots, Cambs. The meeting was attended by members, guests, and investigators. The agenda included the reading and acceptance of the 1980 AGM Minutes, a Treasurer's Report indicating sound finances but a depleted surplus, and the election of the Committee for 1981-82. Mrs. Paula Fenton was elected to the Committee. Mr. Graham Birdsall from Leeds suggested more dynamic recruitment methods. A new relationship between CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UK) and the CONTACT INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE was announced. The winner of the Prize Essay competition was also announced. Following a break, lectures were given by Lionel Beer of BUFORA on the International Congress, John Sear on UFO sightings over the past year (including a police chase in Yorkshire and close encounters in Cumbria), and Bill Goldby on UFO incidents in the Cambridge area. Lionel Beer raised an interesting point about the low incidence of UFO sightings in 1980 despite high sunspot activity. Mr. Goldby's presentation included details of a triangular formation of red lights seen south of Cambridge in November 1979, a "boomerang" shaped craft, and a large object described as a "railway carriage". Severe radio interference was also reported. A suspected landing at Fen Drayton in early 1980 with reported burn marks was also mentioned. Investigator Mrs. Margaret Fry presented a talk and slide display on major sightings she had investigated. The principal guest speaker, Mr. Peter Paget, author of "The Welsh Triangle" and "UFO-UK", lectured on "The Spirit of Research", emphasizing the need to assess what is happening rather than getting lost in technical data. He discussed the division of reports into natural phenomena, psychic phenomena, and actual machines, and the possibility of UFOs using gravitational forces. He questioned the purpose of UFOs, suggesting surveillance or commercial pursuits. He noted that UFO occupants might be biologically similar to humans but that radiations from their craft could be dangerous. Mr. Paget also spoke about social investigations with children and the mentally disturbed to discern real from imaginary events, categorizing close encounter witnesses into lucid, in shock, or those with psychic links. He concluded by warning of potential planetary alignments in 1982 causing severe earthquakes and UFO interference in international situations. The meeting concluded around 19:00 after a question and discussion period.

Prize Essay Competition 1980: Winning Entry

The winning entry for the 1980 Prize Essay Competition is titled "HOW I WOULD REACT TO A PERSONAL CONFRONTATION WITH A UFO OCCUPANT" by M. J. Craig from Berlin, W.Germany. The essay explores the author's belief in the existence of extraterrestrial spacecraft and intelligent life in the galaxy. Craig posits that these beings are more advanced, utilizing metaphysics and thought propulsion for travel. He views humanity as being in a spiritual emergence, with increasing interest in psychic powers and occult subjects. The essay then describes a personal encounter: a bright light appears outside his window, followed by a pulsating, immense saucer hovering above his garden. He experiences a mix of emotions, including fear and shock, but ultimately feels a sense of understanding from the alien being. The alien leaves a message: "You cannot come with me, for you must know that you have work to do here, and if you fail there will be no point in my returning, for the likelihood will be that YOU will no longer exist and nor will your planet."

Prize Essay Competition 1981

The Committee announces the continuation of the Prize Essay Competition for 1981, with an award of £15.00 for the winning entry. The deadline for entries is January 1st, 1982. The subjects for the 1981 essay are: 1) "WHY UFO'S DO NOT MAKE THEMSELVES OBVIOUS AND COMMUNICATE WITH THE HUMAN RACE," and 2) "HOW DO YOU CONSIDER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING RECENTLY PRODUCED FILMS RELATES TO THE TRUTH CONCERNING THE UFO ENIGMA?" (referring to "HANGAR 18" or "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND"). The winning essay will be printed in a future issue of "Awareness." Essays should not exceed 1500 words and should be submitted to 48 Crown Road, Wheatley, Nr. Oxford, Oxon., with a stamped addressed envelope for receipt acknowledgement. Author's membership numbers must accompany submissions. Copyright of winning essays belongs to CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UK), with factual accuracy being the author's responsibility. Illustrations must be high quality. Members of the National Committee and officers are not permitted to enter.

Brief Guide for Talk and/or Slide Presentations

Authored by Ruth Rees, President of CONTACT INTERNATIONAL, this guide provides basic guidelines for researchers giving talks and presentations to enhance the prestige of Contact International. Key advice includes: ensuring slides are in order and correctly oriented, avoiding speaking too close to the microphone to prevent popping noises, managing papers and microphone effectively (preferably sitting at a table), looking at the audience periodically, pacing the talk with a striking start and end, focusing on specific interesting points rather than a recital of facts, and avoiding cramming too much information into one talk. The guide emphasizes that speakers embody Contact International when addressing an audience.

The Contact (UK) Directory

The journal includes a directory of Contact (UK) personnel, listing the National Chairman, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Membership Secretary, Investigations Co-ordinator, Research Enqs. & Editor, Senior Research Officer, and Librarian, along with their addresses.

Advertising Rates

Advertising rates are provided: £15 per page for 4 issues, £7.50 per page for 2 issues, £10 per half page for 4 issues, £5 per quarter page for any number of issues up to six, and lineage at 50p per line of 12 words.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes the ongoing relevance and activity of UFO sightings, countering claims of their decline. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and reporting, as evidenced by the detailed accounts of meetings and sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a commitment to gathering and disseminating information on UFO phenomena, while also encouraging critical analysis and thoughtful engagement with the subject, as seen in the prize essay competition and the guide for presentations. There is a clear emphasis on the organization's activities, including meetings, membership drives, and publications.

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Winter 1980 (Volume 10)
Publisher: Contact International
Country: UK
Cover Headline: FOR THAT AUDIENCE THE PERSONALITY OF C.I. - SO PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE EFFECT IS AN EFFICIENT AND PLEASING ONE, NOT TO SAY INFORMATIVE!

This issue of AWARENESS magazine, dated Winter 1980, focuses on "Upological Illusions" and explores various aerial phenomena, aiming to inform its audience about potential misidentifications and the complexities of UFO reports.

Part II: Moving Bodies from Space

This section, authored by G.B. Ambler, delves into distinguishing between natural and artificial objects in the sky that might be mistaken for UFOs. It categorizes these phenomena into:

Artificial Satellites: These are described as numerous and visible on any night of the year. The article notes that UK observers have reported seeing satellites in steady orbits, with a maximum transit time from horizon to horizon of about twenty minutes. Some sightings at 45° above the horizon, or higher, are difficult to track, especially when they move in opposition to the Earth's rotation.

Shooting Stars/Meteors: These are characterized as space rubble burning up in the atmosphere, appearing as brief flashes of light. Larger meteors can survive initial burning and become visible as bright glowing spheres, sometimes lasting up to ten seconds. The article mentions peak viewing nights for meteor showers like the Quadrantids (January 4), Perseids (August 12), and Geminids (December 13), with up to fifty sightings per hour possible. The naming of these showers is linked to constellations from which they appear to emanate.

Comets: Described as giant solid/gaseous bodies in eccentric orbits, comets are unlikely to be mistaken for UFOs due to extensive media reporting. Their motion appears slow, and the reappearance of Halley's comet in 1986 is mentioned, though predicted to be faint.

Satellite Re-entries: This section highlights the confusion surrounding satellite re-entries, citing major sightings over the UK on December 31st, 1978, and December 25th, 1980, which were attributed to re-entries but had descriptions sophisticated enough to warrant consideration as UFOs. Key features of re-entries include slower apparent speed than meteors, flat trajectories, and observations lasting over ten seconds. They often have east-bound trajectories, and breaking up into smaller pieces may be observed. The increasing number of satellites and rockets in orbit makes predicting all re-entry times difficult. Data Research seeks further information from witnesses on satellite re-entries.

References

The article cites two references:
1. Hendry A. (1979). *UFO Handbook* (Sphere).
2. Moore P. (*Observers Book of Astronomy* (Warne)).

Readers Letters

This section features several letters from readers, offering diverse perspectives and contributing to the discussion:

Letter from B.J. Burden (Braintree): Burden adds to the discussion on UFO origins, referencing Flammonde and early Keyhoe articles about Nazi flying discs and US projects like the Convair "Flying Flapjack". He suggests that military intelligence farms out projects to different organizations. Burden also touches upon incidents involving "RAF pilots" and a "SAM base in Scotland" allegedly attacked by UFOs, and the Roswell incident, which he suspects was a military cover-up of a skyhook or target balloon. He proposes that some bizarre UFO incidents might be explained by analogy with chess robots, where an unexpected pattern can cause the robot to malfunction. He posits that UFOs might represent a reality beyond the ordinary human brain's programming, leading to misinterpretation.

Letter from M. Cassierer (Piltdown): Cassierer playfully corrects the "Chief" Research Officer's insistence on correct spelling by pointing out an error in spelling "Geiger Counter". The editor apologizes, citing a grammar rule and the difficulty of correcting foreign proper names.

Letter from A.R. O'Dell (Nottingham): O'Dell questions the "Hysteria, Poisoning or What?" article, stating that at the Hollingwell incident, not all children collapsed and fewer adults were ill. He notes that in the Kirkby area, where he was working, there were no UFO-related stories. He suggests that if a landed UFO released gas, all people present would show sickness, which was not reported. O'Dell advocates for considering UFO contacts but warns that unsupported statements could damage public willingness to accept facts. He proposes that the Hollingwell incident might be similar to mass hysteria events of the Middle Ages.

The editor acknowledges O'Dell's points, admitting that newspaper cuttings can exaggerate. However, they mention a BBC program that presented witnesses who adamantly denied hysteria. The editor also notes a Daily Telegraph cutting about a "FLYING SAUCER ALERT AFTER JAZZ BAND CHILDREN COLLAPSED" on July 26th. The editor then brings up the case of a forester in Scotland (November 1979) who passed out after smelling something from creatures, suggesting this might be a genuine case, and questions if a similar event could have occurred at Hollingwell.

Letter from Mrs. S. Rees: Rees reviews "The Janos People" by Frank Johnson. She describes a CE4 case involving a family who saw a bright light, experienced memory and time loss, and later reported itching, bruises, and strange recall dreams. Hypnotic regression was used. The book suggests the Janos people, who left their dying planet Janos, claim Earth was once their home and that 10 million remaining Janos orbit the planet. Rees finds the sketches in the book hard to swallow and is skeptical about the Janos people, believing time will prove their absence.

Film Review

"Hangar 18"

This film, starring Darren McGavin, Robert Vaughn, Gary Collins, and James Hampton, directed by James L. Conway, is claimed to be based on facts, referencing the "Roswell Incident" of 1947. The plot involves a UFO and a satellite colliding in orbit, with the UFO crashing in Arizona. Local witnesses are silenced by "Men In Black". The UFO is then transported to "Hangar 18" in Texas. Investigators find dead aliens, but the extraterrestrial origin theory is ultimately shattered. The film is criticized for its amateurish technical effects, low budget impression, and potentially unconvincing portrayal of the incident. It is suggested that the film might be destined for oblivion.

Selected UFO Reports

This section, compiled by D. N. Mansell, details numerous UFO sightings:

• August 15th, 1979 (12:30 a.m.): Winchcombe, Glos., UK. An elderly lady saw a chandelier-shaped object with sparkling lights and moving torch-like lights on the ground. It was visible for 25 minutes before taking off.
• August 22nd, 1979 (6:30 p.m.): Artesia, New Mexico, USA. Eight witnesses saw a large silver stationary object from which a smaller object emerged. The large object then split into two and flew off upside down.
• August 26th, 1979 (3:30 a.m.): Sterling, Kansas, USA. Six objects with bright white lights flashed in unison, stopped, and then disappeared Eastwards.
• August 28th, 1979 (9:20 p.m.): Warrington, Cheshire, UK. Witnesses saw a flashing white light with a red light behind it, which changed course and was ruled out as an aircraft.
• August 28th, 1979 (8:00 p.m. approx.): Berinsfield, Oxon., UK. Witnesses saw a large oval white object, the size of a football, hovering for ten minutes before de-materializing.
• August 30th, 1979 (4:15 a.m.): Hale, Cheshire, UK. A witness saw a circular, silent, bright yellow light, as large as a full moon, rotating and disappearing overhead. Dogs were barking.
• September 1st, 1979 (12:30 a.m.): St. John's County, Florida, USA. A husband and wife saw an egg-shaped object glowing white and pulsating. A Deputy Sheriff wrecked his car and was burned, allegedly from a similar glowing white object.
• September 1st, 1979 (3:30 a.m.): Wisconsin, USA. Three Deputy Sheriffs saw two cylinder-shaped objects hovering with two bright lights below them.
• September 3rd, 1979 (6:30 p.m.): Wendlebury, Oxon., UK. An American Airman saw a round orange object, like a beachball with concave segments, moving slowly (12 mph) at tree top level.
• September 5th, 1979 (Various): Wisconsin; Texas; New Mexico, USA. Several objects, including discs, were seen, with two landings reported, involving State Police.
• September 6th, 1979 (8:45 p.m.): Blackpool, Lancs., UK. After jet fighters were seen, a bright white light, the size of a pea, appeared, increased in brilliance, and disappeared over the Irish Sea.
• September 12th, 1979 (8:20 p.m.): Wheatley, Oxon., UK. Witnesses saw circular, bright white lights grouped together, which tipped, formed a line, and dipped down to tree level.
• September 14th, 1979 (4:30 a.m.): Witney, Oxon., UK. The witness awoke early.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the identification of aerial phenomena, the potential for misinterpretation, and the role of psychological factors like mass hysteria. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of critical inquiry, presenting various reports and theories while encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations beyond simple UFO sightings. There's an emphasis on distinguishing between natural phenomena (meteors, comets) and artificial objects (satellites), and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims, as highlighted in the reader letters and the editor's responses. The magazine also engages with popular culture through reviews of books and films related to UFOs, suggesting a broad interest in the subject matter.

Title: Contact International
Issue: 20
Date: Approximately 1983
Publisher: Contact International (United Kingdom)

This issue of Contact International delves into a variety of unusual and unexplained phenomena, ranging from detailed UFO sightings to ancient technological marvels and the burgeoning world of paranormal literature.

News Reports of Unusual Interest

UFO Sighting Report

The issue begins with a detailed account from a witness in California who observed a bright, oval-shaped object. The object reportedly flickered and changed into a sausage shape covered in tiny lights. Over approximately 35 minutes, the object moved erratically, fading and brightening. Following the sighting, a thick trail of vapour was observed, and a freshly uprooted fir tree was found nearby, though a direct connection was uncertain.

Giant Roach Captured in Ocean Depths

This section reports on the capture of a 'sea roach' (bathynomeus giganteus) from ocean depths, typically found at four thousand feet. These creatures carry their young in fourteen pouches and are known to bite. A dozen of these specimens are now in aquariums and successfully reproducing.

Artificial Comet Flies in Space?

An ambitious project planned for Autumn 1983 by the USA and Germany is detailed. Two rockets are to launch a ball of gas approximately 95,000 kilometers above Earth. These gas clouds are expected to ionize under sunlight and expand into glowing spheres with tails extending thousands of kilometers. Scientists will observe how these gases interact with the solar wind, which is a plasma ejected by the sun.

Ancient Genius

This segment highlights remarkable ancient technological achievements. It notes that the Greeks possessed a coin-operated vending machine two thousand years ago. Furthermore, it states that in AD 132, the Chinese developed a primitive seismograph and constructed iron cable suspension bridges and manufactured steel a millennium before the Western world.

Rocket Launchers

The article discusses the potential obsolescence of current rocket launchers and introduces the concept of a 'mass driver'. This proposed system involves a metal tube approximately 5 miles long, pointed into space, which uses electro-magnetic power (potentially from a conventional power station) to launch a one-ton payload every few minutes. The main benefits cited are low running costs and simplicity.

Advertisements and Publications

Lost Knowledge

Advertisements feature reproductions of a lecture by William Wynn Westcott from 1885 on 'Ever-Burning Lamps' found in tombs, available for 40p. Another advertised item is a monograph by David Medina titled 'God's Weapon', exploring the history of an electronic and radionic weapon called the Ark of the Covenant, priced at £1.10. Both are available from David Medina in London.

Lantern Journal

A quarterly journal from East Anglia, edited by Ivan Bunn, is promoted for its interesting contents, not exclusively ufological. A one-year subscription costs 85p.

The Christian UFO Research Association (CHRUFORA)

This association aims to help those experiencing unpleasant UFO events, suggesting that mounting evidence points to malevolent purposes behind some UFO activity. Contact is offered through Rev. E. Inglesby in Fairford, Glos.

Res Bureaux Bulletin

This monthly journal is described as covering scientific and inexplicable events, including sky-falls, UFOs, strange animals, and astronomical discoveries. It is professionally printed and fully referenced. Subscriptions are available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to 'Mr. "X"' in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Bargain List: Books & Magazines

A comprehensive list of books and magazines for sale is provided, including titles like 'Aliens on Earth!', 'UFOs Over the Southern Hemisphere', 'UFOs The Startling Facts', 'Warnings from Flying Friends', 'Beyond This Horizon', 'Spacequest', and 'Spacelink'. Prices include postage and packing, with some items offered as 'Star Bargains'. Orders are to be sent to Lionel Beer in London.

Fortean Times

'The Journal of Strange Phenomena', edited by Bob Rickard, is praised for its coverage of oddities and anomalies. Details for subscription are available by sending a SAE to R.M.J. Rickard in London.

UFO Directory

Information on UFO organizations, groups, and publications worldwide is available for £2.00 from UFO Network in London.

UFOs and Space Age Publications

This section lists a vast array of books on UFOs and related topics, with authors such as D. Scott Rogo, Robert Emenegger, Dr. Carl Sagan, Charles Berlitz, John Keel, W.R. Drake, and Ivan Sanderson. Prices and brief descriptions are provided. Orders for these publications, including postage and packing, should be sent to Miss S.R. Stebbing in Herne Bay, Kent.

Lunar Photographs

Jim Safran, a researcher/writer from California, offers official NASA photographs that he claims show intelligent activity on both the near and far sides of the moon. Five 8" x 10" photos with a detailed summary are available for $20 (US Dollars) via international money order to Lunar Photo's Vol. I in Van Nuts, California.

Guide to PSI Periodicals and Organisations

This section discusses the growing interest in the paranormal and the difficulty in finding dedicated publications. It promotes 'The Guide to Psi Periodicals (and Organisations)', established in 1973, as a central source for information on hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and newsletters covering parapsychology, metaphysics, UFOs, healing, astrology, and more, available by subscription from the US, England, Europe, and Canada.

Announcements

Citizens Band Radio

An announcement requests that anyone using CB band sets inform 'Data Research' of their call signs (handles) for a register of CB call signs to counties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a strong interest in UFO phenomena, paranormal activities, and unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, providing a platform for witness accounts, research findings, and listings of relevant publications and organizations. There is a clear effort to inform readers about both current reports and historical accounts of the unusual, as well as to connect them with resources for further investigation.