Awareness - 1993-94 - Vol 19 No 2

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, The journal of Contact International (UK), Volume 19 No 2, 1993. This issue focuses on the significant UFO activity and crop circle phenomena of 1993, particularly in the West Country of England.

Editorial

The editorial highlights 1993 as a major year for British Ufology, referencing significant UFO sightings on March 30-31st that were widely witnessed and reported by hundreds, including police officers. These sightings, dismissed by some as rocket re-entries, displayed characteristics inconsistent with such explanations, such as horizontal movement and duration. The "West Country Flap" is identified, with reports of glowing light spheres over Dorset in May and June, and pulsating UFOs over Bristol on June 28th, which generated considerable excitement. Similar sightings occurred on August 23rd over Devon and Cornwall. The editorial notes that these events could not definitively be described as spaceships with physical occupants, cautioning against jumping to conclusions. The issue also touches upon the return of crop circles, mentioning a remarkable formation at Bythorn with a pentagram design, and questions a potential connection to UFO sightings in nearby Kettering and Higham Ferrers. A brief mention is made of the aborted Mars mission and the possibility of a NASA cover-up regarding photographic data. The editor reflects on technological advancements driven by conflict or cold war, contrasting it with the perceived underachievement of the US space program in recent years.

West Country Events 1993

This section details the UFO manifestation experienced on the night of March 30-31st, 1993, which was reported across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Wales, and the Irish Republic. While some events were dismissed as rocket re-entries or spy planes, witness testimony strongly suggests genuine UFOs. The article presents firsthand accounts:

• Witness 1 (Derek L. Johnson): Reported two bright lights, larger than planets, moving uniformly from West to East, maintaining a distance, and leaving a faint hum before disappearing rapidly. He noted the absence of aircraft identification lights and the unusual speed.
• Witness 2 (Judith Kirk): Described two bright amber lights moving parallel to each other, leaving a heavy trail, with a possible dark, cylindrical shape behind. She also noted a 'streamer or beam' that seemed to ripple and catch up with the objects. The objects moved N-S and were described as unusually large and powerful.
• Witness 3 (Phillip Young): Saw two bright white/blue lights flying SSE with a ropey, vortex-like trail, noting the absence of navigation lights and complete silence. The objects were described as pinhead-sized AAL, travelling at approximately 1" AAL per second, with trails that were unusual and difficult to focus on, appearing bright blue/violet.
• Witness 4 & 5 (Mike and Lesley Hopkins): Reported two bright shining orange lights moving at great speed from N to S, with two vapour trails. They also observed a smaller light in between with a smaller trail. The objects were described as silent and moving faster than a plane. They noted a 'displaced, muffled, rumbling sound' coming from the West.
• Witness 6 (Mike Friend): Saw two very bright lights with vapour trails behind them, heading South out over the sea. The sighting lasted only a few seconds, and the lights were described as amber or orangey with a long, bright trail.
• Witness 7 & 8 (Paul Hoult and Rebecca Wadge): Observed three objects, gold to orange in colour, leaving a visible trail. The objects moved NNW, with a smaller object following. The trails were paler than the lights and diminished further back. They noted no sound and that stars were visible behind the objects.
• Witness 9, 10, 11 (Tim Heywood, Alex Wren, Cheryl Carter): From the Blockhouse in Plymouth, they witnessed two white balls of light moving SE, with two smaller yellow lights in a figure-of-eight pattern between them. They described a 'deadly silence' and noted trails behind the objects.

The analysis suggests that the duration of sightings varied, with the Plymouth witnesses providing the most accurate estimate of 45 seconds to 1 minute. The speed, estimated at 1200 mph, is considered below re-entry velocity but faster than typical aircraft, yet without significant noise. The directions of flight did not always tally, suggesting multiple objects on separate paths. The report notes that RAF had no aircraft flying at the time.

Ireland

An account from a Radio 4 broadcast by Ms McMahon near Ennis, Co. Clare, describes seeing two bright lights and a trail of fog or white light, followed by four or five small, star-like objects. This sighting, occurring around 00:30/00:45 on March 31st, correlates in time with the Devon/Cornwall events.

Comparison to August 16th 1992

A striking resemblance is noted between the 1993 events and those reported in Awareness Vol 18 No 4 for August 16th, 1992, including descriptions of blue balls, balls of fire, and low-flying objects with tails.

Anecdotal Cases: Oxon Stories That Could Be Close Encounters

This section, by M.C. Soper, explores historical accounts that might be interpreted as UFO events or close encounters, drawing from J. Richardson's pamphlet.

1. The Port Meadow humanoids (1964): A case involving a dull yellowish glow, a tractor-like sound, and two figures in boiler suits who disappeared, with dogs reacting instinctively. This is suggested as a potential mis-recognized CEIII.
2. The eerie glowing hump in the road: Mr and Mrs Hall encountered a huge glowing shape on a road, described as a shimmering white cow-like object, which caused them to panic and flee.
3. The clanging noise and the humanoid (early 1950s): Mr Crossley heard a loud clanging noise and saw a humanoid figure resembling a small boy. The figure vanished, and later, a steam train and the boy appeared to vanish at a level crossing.
4. The disappearing craft (1963): Mr Thompson saw a boat-like craft with no power drifting on a river, with a person on deck. The craft vanished when he looked up after deciding to seek help.
5. Stone 'X': An account of a light aircraft experiencing instrument failure near landing, with an iridescent glow around the instruments. Later, a strange stone found at the airfield, dubbed 'stone X', was associated with electromagnetic effects.
6. The disappearing humanoid: Mrs and Mr Holiday saw a female figure walking from the central reservation of a road, wearing a grey top-coat and hat. The air suddenly felt cold, and the figure vanished after moving a few feet into the verge.

These cases are categorized into humanoids who disappear and anachronistic vehicles/artefacts that disappear.

Crop Circle Report 1993

By G.E. Ambler, this report details the 1993 crop circle season, noting its reappearance for the 14th successive year. Estimates suggest around 200 formations across Britain, with Wiltshire still a prominent location. The report dismisses claims of hoaxing, citing the lack of evidence and the complexity and symmetry of many formations. It notes that while some single circles might be natural, multiple formations with elaborate designs cannot be explained by natural effects. The report criticizes the media's focus on debunking and the lack of serious investigation.

• Regional Reports:
• Avebury-Alton Barnes, Wilts: A major area, with a large pictogram at Lurkeley Hill and another at Cherhill.
• Winchester - Cheesefoot Head: After a quiet 1992, several advanced pictograms appeared in August.
• Burford, Oxon: Six formations were spotted, including two large pictograms.
• Chiltern Hills, Bucks: Noted the notorious "pornogram" formation, widely reported in tabloids, and another formation resembling a penis.
• Guildford, Surrey: Four large formations were reported, including a 250 ft ring.
• Dorset: Seven formations reported by mid-August.

Bythorn Formation: A detailed description of the "Great Pentagram" formation at Bythorn, Cambs, appearing around August 30th. It is a 173 ft ringed circle with over 40 raised portions, based on a pentagram, described as having perfect geometry and being difficult to hoax.

The Hoaxing Scene: The report notes the recurring claim that "the majority were hoaxes" at the end of the season, a message similar to 1992, and questions its validity.

Motorways: Several formations appeared adjacent to motorways, suggesting the circle-makers may wish their work to be seen.

East Midlands: Three singles and a large pictogram at Shepshed were reported.

Northern Ireland: A pair of singles and a dumb-bell formation were reported.

Sweden: Six formations appeared in mid-August with wide media coverage.

Spain: A gigantic mile-across formation with five concentric rings was reportedly spotted in September 1992, but lacks photographic evidence.

USA: A pictogram from Washington state and a further design from Herkimer County, NY, were reported.

The Bristol Lights

On the night of June 27th/28th, 1993, eight glowing objects appeared over Bristol, changing colour from orange to blue and red. A larger white object appeared later. These objects were described as definitely not stars or aeroplanes. Jayne Parfitt described counting eight objects moving slowly, with the main object glowing brilliantly white before taking off at fantastic speed.

Dorset Lights

Strange lights were reported from Maiden Castle hill fort and the surrounding area during the summer of 1993. A crop circle formation near Weymouth was attended by a large light sphere, from which small spheres reportedly left and danced on the hill. Another witness observed an orange glow on a cloud. Strange mechanical chirping noises were also reported in crop formations and at Maiden Castle hill fort.

Further Light Display August 23rd 1993

A large number of people reported witnessing fluctuating light spheres across Devon and Cornwall on August 23rd. While some attributed this to the star Capella, witnesses reported clear conditions and lateral movement of objects. The report suggests that the widespread nature of these sightings may negate explanations of heavenly bodies and that a 'bandwagon effect' may have resulted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly the "West Country Flap" of 1993, and the phenomenon of crop circles. The magazine presents a strong stance against easy explanations and debunking, emphasizing the quality of eyewitness testimony and the complexity of crop circle formations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to report their findings and questioning official explanations for anomalous events. There is a consistent theme of seeking to understand unexplained phenomena and a skepticism towards conventional explanations when they do not fit the evidence.

This issue of "FIRST "AWARENESS"" (Issue 19) delves into several intriguing phenomena, focusing on a complex crop circle, mysterious atmospheric sounds, and numerous UFO sightings. The magazine explores potential explanations, including hoaxes and advanced technology, while also touching upon the personal experiences of witnesses and researchers.

Complex Pentagram at Bythorn, Cambs

The issue opens with a detailed examination of a complex pentagram crop circle discovered at Bythorn, Cambridgeshire, on August 30, 1993. The crop was wheat, and the formation featured a large pentagram within a circle, with dark areas and standing crop. Diagrams illustrate the dimensions and structure, including a central circle, inner rings, and dowses indicating vigorous energy in the original formation and dead energy in a suspected fake circle. The article discusses the possibility of hoaxes, referencing the activities of 'Doug and Dave' and noting that local residents quickly identified a fake circle. It concludes that the crop circle mystery remains unsolved.

Nocturnal Booms and Concorde Echoes

An article by David Homy explores the 'Nocturnal Boom' phenomenon experienced in Southern England during the winter of 1976-1977. These booms caused windows to rattle and were sometimes mistaken for Concorde echoes due to their timing and characteristics. Residents in South Oxfordshire reported hearing these noises, often around 9:20 pm. While a spokesman for British Aircraft Corporation confirmed Concorde flights at that time, the evidence was not conclusive. The article also considers other possibilities, including high-performance Air Force craft, but notes the difference between a sonic boom and the 'NB' (Nocturnal Boom).

A Phenomena Link?

Brian P. James presents a link between the 'Nocturnal Boom' phenomenon and UFO sightings, including events surrounding the 'ATV Film Case'. He details personal experiences and events from the winter of 1976-1977, noting the regularity and predictability of the booms, which occurred each Monday evening. He also recounts a daylight UFO sighting at Weymouth in June 1977, describing an arrowhead-shaped object with a strange bluish cloud and a white vapour trail.

The ATV Film Case and Similar Sightings

Further details are provided on the 'ATV Film Case' and other related sightings. The actual sighting at Enstone, filmed by ATV cameramen, involved an object emitting vapour before moving at high speed. Similar events were reported in Banbury, Stonehill, Evenly, Wolverton, and Towcester, involving objects described as orange or white, emitting vapour, flames, or smoke, and sometimes causing ground tremors. The author notes similarities to his own sightings and suggests these could be experimental military vehicles, though he contrasts their 'instant velocity' with conventional aircraft.

Science and the UFO

Colin McCarthy's article examines the physical aspects of UFOs. He categorizes them into large cigar-shaped craft, 'flying saucers' (disc-shaped), and small remotely-controlled discs. The article discusses their potential capabilities, such as full sensory perception, communication, and the generation of magnetic fields. It touches upon the rare instances of mother ships entering Earth's atmosphere and the effects of their magnetic fields. The author suggests that physical explanations for UFOs are becoming inadequate, hinting at a need for a spiritual awakening.

UFOs and Anti-Gravity

An article discusses how UFOs might overcome extreme heat and G-forces. It proposes that UFOs use an anti-gravity thrust that acts on every atom simultaneously, negating G-forces. For heat, the craft's force field is said to accelerate the surrounding air, creating a layer of air that moves with the craft, thus minimizing frictional heating. The article also touches upon the ability of UFOs to disappear instantaneously, possibly by changing their phase field or translating to another space-time continuum.

Conference Contacts

Frances Copeland shares her experiences at UFO conferences, highlighting the companionship and the opportunity to meet fellow ufologists. She recounts an interview with a woman who had a UFO sighting years prior and was experiencing repressed memories, suggesting hypnotic regression as a potential avenue for recall. The article also mentions a sighting of a UFO hovering over a race-course in Doncaster.

Advertisements and Book Listings

The latter part of the magazine features advertisements for UFO-related books, services, and merchandise. This includes listings for "UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE", "Excalibur Books", "JUPITER POWERWEAR" (selling crop circle themed clothing), and "ARK SOUNDWAVES" (offering videos on UFO activity in Mexico and crop circles). A comprehensive list of UFO books for sale is also provided, covering various topics from alien liaison to crop circle research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, a recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena and crop circles. The magazine presents a range of evidence, witness accounts, and theoretical explanations, often highlighting the limitations of conventional science in fully explaining these events. There is an implicit stance that these phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, while also cautioning readers against accepting all information uncritically, as suggested by the quote about the crop circle mystery remaining unsolved. The inclusion of articles on hoaxes alongside genuine sightings suggests a balanced approach to the subject matter.