Awareness - 2008-09 - Vol 29 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 29, No 4
Date: November 2008
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research (CIUFOR)
Country of Publication: England
Language: English

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, published by Contact International UFO Research (CIUFOR), delves into various UFO and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on recent sightings, crop circle reports, and critical commentary on media representation of these subjects. The magazine features a mix of investigative reports, personal accounts, and editorial opinions.

Editorial: The Media and You

The editorial section critiques the media's handling of UFO-related news in 2008, contrasting the release of Ministry of Defence UFO files with the perceived sensationalism and criticism of Channel 5's TV series "The UKs Closest Encounters." The editorial highlights the controversy surrounding the Berwyn Mountains case, where a media program was accused of inaccuracy, and criticizes the prioritization of established UFO writers and official sources over grassroots accounts. The author expresses a preference for collecting evidence within a month of an event, finding older cases like Berwyn Mountain difficult to verify due to the passage of time and potential for misremembering. The piece also touches upon the current global financial turmoil, suggesting that conspiracy theorists might be temporarily overshadowed by real-world events.

Latest News Items

Second Batch of MOD Files Released: The Ministry of Defence continued its release of UFO information, with 19 more files covering 1986-1992 made available on the National Archives website. These files contain details of sightings, though witness names are obscured. The release has garnered attention from national press, lending legitimacy to the subject.

Alitalia Flight Incident: A near miss incident involving an Alitalia flight in April 1991 is highlighted, where pilots reported an object similar to a missile. Radar images confirmed the sighting, and the MOD admitted the case could not be explained.

MOD Filming Crop Circles: It was revealed that the MOD was using military aircraft to film crop circles, contrary to their stated policy of disinterest. A letter from August 1991 suggests this could put the government in a "difficult position" if made public.

Eco-Bulbs and Radiation: A warning is issued about the potential harmful effects of new "eco-friendly" light bulbs, including emission of radiation that can interfere with long wave radio reception and cause eye irritation. Some users have reported adverse health effects, and concerns are raised about the gas emitted if the bulbs fail.

Time Signal - Start of Mind Control?: The advent of electronic equipment that automatically sets the time via DAB digital signals is discussed, raising concerns about future possibilities of external pulses controlling human behavior, such as waking times or daily routines, hinting at a prospect of mind control.

Barry George Released: Barry George, who was jailed for the murder of Jill Dando, was released after a retrial where a key piece of evidence was deemed insufficient. He is expected to receive significant compensation.

Key Incidents and Sightings Reports

Wrexham UFO Flap: A significant number of sightings were reported in the Wrexham area from late September to early October 2008. These included orange lights, triangular objects, and a black disc shaped saucer. While some attributed these to "Chinese lanterns," the sheer volume and nature of the sightings, along with reports of helicopters, suggested something more unusual. A farmer's discovery of landed hot air balloons was initially presented as an explanation, but some sightings remained unexplained.

Ground Markings at Wallingford: A large area of pasture land in Wallingford, Oxon, died away overnight, measuring 300ft x 70ft. Detected energies and heat were noted, and the cause remains unexplained, with speculation it could be related to crop circle makers.

Garry McKinnon Loses Final Appeals: Garry McKinnon, who hacked into Pentagon computers, faced extradition to the US, with potential for a lengthy prison sentence. His case highlights the disparity in sentencing between the US and UK for similar offenses.

Derek Mansell Obituary: The passing of Derek Mansell, former Chief Investigation Officer and Honorary Life Member of CIUFOR, at the age of 76 is noted. His long involvement with the organization and his personal struggles with health are remembered.

• Sightings Reports: The magazine includes several detailed reports of UFO sightings from various locations in the UK, including:
• Bristol, Hants (July 2008): Bright orange objects appearing in the northwest, fading into pale orange cloud-shaped objects.
• Northampton (August 1968): A large saucer-like object, bright orange, hovering and descending.
• Nuneaton, Warwicks (July 2008): A round, bright orange object described as a "fire ball" that flew steadily and did not fade away.
• M5 Motorway Junction 21 (July 2008): A royal navy aircraft engineer reported a spinning UFO that disappeared at incredible speed.
• Manchester (August 2008): A circular object glowing bright, several meters up in the sky.
• Cheshire (August 2008): A series of orange lights observed traversing the sky below cloud cover.
• Longlevens, Gloucester (October 2008): A bright orange "ball of fire" moving slowly horizontally before moving upwards and away.
• Benson, Oxfordshire (June-September 2008): White lights observed in an arrow-shaped formation, oscillating and shimmering.
• Bicester RAF Station, Oxfordshire (September 2008): An oblong, dark-colored object with clearly defined edges, moving slowly then rapidly.
• Kennington, Oxford (October 2008): A pink/red glow observed below the International Space Station, described as a V shape with twinkling lights.

True Situations Versus Fake Agenda Policies by Michael Soper

This article critiques prevailing narratives on climate change and UFO phenomena. It argues that the CO2-driven global warming theory is a "myth" and a "trendy green selling point" used to justify punitive taxes. The author cites climatologist Hans H.J. Labohm, who suggests that Earth's climate is influenced by solar fluctuations and that CO2 is highly soluble in oceans. The article also criticizes the media's tendency to promote "fictions" over facts, citing the H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds" broadcast and the myth of "little green men" as examples. It suggests that these "lingering fictions" can be used to control crowds and motivate political agendas, such as energy taxes and fake alien invasion scenarios. The author contrasts this with the "truth" of factual reporting, lamenting the lack of publicity for factual accounts compared to sensationalized ones.

Signs in the Fields 29th Year - Crop Circle Report 2008 by Geoff Ambler

This report details significant crop circle developments in 2008, noting that formations continued later into the season than usual, with complex designs appearing in wheat and maize fields. The maize formations, in particular, were described as astounding in size and scale, with distinct patterns laid with great force. A "skyscraper" design is mentioned, appearing on September 24th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Awareness" consistently critiques mainstream media's portrayal of UFOs and related phenomena, advocating for a more factual and less sensationalist approach. There is a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and highlighting the importance of grassroots investigations. The magazine also expresses skepticism towards widely accepted theories, such as man-made global warming, and points to the potential for manipulation through "fictions" and agendas. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based research and a critical examination of information presented by media outlets and authorities.

Title: Awareness
Issue: 29
Volume: 29
Date: 2008
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0962-7330
Price: £1.50

This issue of Awareness delves into the 2008 crop circle season and revisits the controversial 1974 Berwyn Mountain UFO event. It highlights the significant increase in crop circle activity in 2008, with a strong geographical concentration in Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, and examines specific formations reported.

2008 Crop Circle Season

The 2008 crop circle season was the longest on record, running from April 19th to September 28th, a total of five months. A total of 66 'genuine' formations were reported in England, representing a 25% increase from 2007. The majority of these formations (80%) were concentrated in a specific zone in north Wiltshire, extending into west Oxfordshire, defined by a 30-mile box running from Devizes to Wantage. This zone is notable for its proximity to the ancient Ridgeway path.

Several counties reported formations, with Wiltshire having the highest number (53), followed by Oxfordshire (3). Other counties like Cornwall, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire, and Suffolk each had one report. Overseas, 57 formations were recorded across various countries, with Italy and Germany reporting 14 each, and Switzerland 6.

• Notable formations from 2008 include:
• A creation at Wayland Smithy, Oxon, on September 28th, measuring approximately 700ft across.
• A superb 'swallows' design in the East Field near Alton Barnes, appearing in two phases on July 22nd and 23rd, noted for its beauty and precision.
• A unique design inspected above West Woods, Lockeridge, on July 17th, featuring twisted pathways and small circles, found in a remote location.
• A symmetrical 'figure 8' formation of 50 circles at Milk Hill on August 8th, a date predicted by some researchers.
• A 'jewelled cross' formation, over 500 ft long, discovered at Etchilhampton Hill on August 15th.
• A formation in the East Field at Alton Barnes on August 25th, featuring a 7-pointed star surrounded by 'thought bubbles'.
• The last wheat formation at Yatesbury on September 21st, which was partially cut by a harvester.

In Oxfordshire, two hoax designs were noted early in the year, followed by three better formations in the western part of the county. A 6-petalled 'flower of life' design appeared near Buckland on July 14th, visible to motorists. A large geometrical wheat glyph, consisting of 241 circles and measuring around 500ft square, was reported on July 27th near the Wayland Smithy prehistoric site. Another strange design of triangles was found near Hinton Parva, on the Wiltshire border, on July 15th.

The issue also discusses the concept of 'circlemakers', suggesting different skill levels ranging from 'MASTER(S)' for complex designs to 'BEGINNERS' for simple circles. It posits that genuine formations possess a dowsable energy signature not found in man-made copies.

The Berwyn Mountain UFO Event (1974)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to re-examining the UFO sighting on Cader Berwyn Mountain on January 23rd, 1974, by Pat Evans and her daughters. The article, written by Scott L. Felton, challenges the debunking narrative presented in a documentary by Andy Roberts.

Felton argues that Pat Evans was deliberately subverted by North Wales Police, who allegedly provided misleading information and directed her to a vantage point miles away from the actual search area for a suspected plane crash. The article claims that police officers were present in Huw Lloyd's yard at 9:10 pm, contradicting claims that only two officers were involved and that they did not leave their vehicle. Huw Lloyd, a teenage farmer at the time, testified that no officers left the vehicle or used torches.

Elfed Roberts, a former Assistant Chief Constable, is criticized for allegedly lying about the events and omitting key details, such as the fact that he and other officers, along with Huw Lloyd, saw a bright white light on Cader Berwyn for a few seconds before it subsided. The article suggests that the earth tremor that night, which led to the belief of a plane crash, was deliberately misrepresented by moving its epicentre to coincide with Jenny Randles' 'earth light' theory.

Felton asserts that the military presence, including a three-man search and rescue team from RAF Valley, was downplayed in the documentary, and that details of RAF operations in 1974 are missing from official records. He also claims that civilian mountain rescue enthusiasts were denied access, and that evidence was presented to deny the use of civilian mountain rescue enthusiasts who knew the Berwyn Range intimately.

The article suggests that the documentary was an attempt to discredit genuine witnesses and suppress interest in the UFO event, citing the use of quotes from a gamekeeper and old camcorder footage that had no bearing on the 1974 incident. Felton concludes that while he cannot prove an alien craft was present, he can prove that much of the material used to debunk the event is false, and that sceptics have relied on apathy and obstruction.

Other Sections

• Crawley Sighting: A report by Frances Copeland details a sighting by a female witness from Crawley, West Sussex, on September 3rd, 2008, of a bright light resembling a flying saucer with a dome. The witness described a vivid experience involving beds in a room, a man leaning over her, a searing pain, and a discussion about a 'large tumour'.
• Letters to the Editor: A letter from Ray Martin discusses his experiences with smells associated with psychic activity and hauntings, including ozone, electric smells, and rotten vegetable/meat odours, linking them to 'elementals' and 'Tokolosh'. He recounts an experience in a hospital ward where he perceived a dark elemental.
• Editor's Note: The editor comments on the letter about smells, suggesting a link to illness and potentially abductions, but downplaying the involvement of 'aliens'.
• Notices: Information for submitting articles, book reviews, and letters to the editor, as well as advertisements for UFO-related publications, penfriend clubs, and back issues of Awareness.
• Book Bargains: A list of UFO and non-UFO books available for purchase, including titles on crop circles, abductions, and historical mysteries.
• For Sale: An advertisement for a collection of UFO/ghosts books, DVDs, videos, and other related items.
• Contact Information: Details for Contact International UFO Research, including their P.O. Box and hotline number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed analysis of crop circle phenomena, including statistical data and descriptions of specific formations, and the critical examination of UFO events, particularly the 1974 Berwyn Mountain incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, with a critical eye towards debunking efforts and a willingness to present witness testimony and alternative interpretations. The magazine actively encourages reader contributions and provides resources for further research into UFOs and related topics.