Common Ground - No 03 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Common Ground
Issue: No.3
Date: November 1981
Publisher: Kevin & Sue McClure
Tagline: Studies at the Fringe of Human Experience.

This issue of Common Ground delves into various anomalous phenomena, from the myth of hidden steam trains to critical analyses of skepticism and personal accounts of coincidence. It also provides extensive reviews of contemporary journals in the paranormal, occult, and ufology fields, reflecting the magazine's commitment to exploring the boundaries of human experience.

Ghost Trains: The Myth of the Strategic Reserve

Paul Screeton, a journalist and author, explores the persistent rumour of a secret reserve of British steam locomotives, supposedly hidden away for use in times of crisis. He frames this as an archetypal myth, drawing parallels with legends like King Arthur. Screeton notes the uniformity of stories from informants and the lack of substantiation, suggesting the myth may be fueled by a romantic desire among rail enthusiasts and possibly by events like the firemen's strike and oil supply cutbacks. He also correlates the 'strategic reserve' folklore with other mythic themes, such as the 'interrupted journey' motif.

Skeptics and Inquirers

Hilary Evans critically examines the role and intentions of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and its publication, The Skeptical Inquirer. Evans argues that true skepticism should involve a reluctance to believe in both the phenomenon and its opposite, citing Sir Walter Raleigh's definition of a skeptic as one who 'doubteth of it'. He criticizes CSICOP for its perceived bias and for allegedly mishandling the investigation into Gauquelin's neo-astrological claims. Evans highlights the work of Marcello Truzzi, a co-founder of CSICOP, who became disillusioned with the committee's direction, viewing it as an advocacy body rather than a research organization.

The Incidence of Coincidence

Jenny Randles proposes a research study into personal coincidences, which she believes are a manifestation of psychic awareness. She shares personal anecdotes, including a dream that seemed to prefigure a news report and a TV quiz segment that mirrored elements of her dream. Randles encourages readers to keep diaries of their own coincidental experiences to help establish patterns. She notes that while such experiences are often dismissed as trivial or personal, their commonality suggests a deeper significance.

Did I Kill Sid Vicious?

An anonymous writer recounts their fascination with Patti Smith and an alleged recording session with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason in Paris in 1968. The writer explores Patti Smith's background, including her dreams and early experiences in Paris. The writer also shares a personal experience of drafting a news story about the death of Sid Vicious, which, combined with a quote from William Burroughs, leads them to ponder the power of writing and its potential to influence reality. The writer concludes by stating they never found definitive proof of the Patti Smith/Nick Mason recording.

A Letter from John Keel

John Keel expresses his appreciation for 'Common Ground' and contrasts it with American ufology publications, which he finds mired in UFO myths and internal disputes. Keel posits that the central question in ufology should be why specific individuals in particular locations undergo altered consciousness due to unknown stimuli. He criticizes American ufologists for practicing 'scientism' rather than science, focusing on counting 'angels on the pin head' instead of studying the 'pin' itself.

Journal Updates and News

This section provides a comprehensive list and brief reviews of numerous journals and magazines related to magic, witchcraft, occultism, parapsychology, and ufology. Publications like 'The Atlantean', 'Black Mirror', 'Fate', 'The Lamp of Thoth', 'Occult World', 'Parapsychology Review', 'Sangreal', 'The Serpent', and 'Soluna' are highlighted. The section also includes information on upcoming events and meetings for organizations such as the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) and BUFORA.

Teach Your Children Well

This editorial expresses reservations about an article in the magazine 'Magic Saucer' that discusses children suffering from Hypercalcaemia, referred to as 'Pixie-Children'. The editorial criticizes the article for its speculative and potentially offensive theories about reincarnation and extraterrestrial origins, while failing to mention the children's handicaps. It warns that such uncritical reporting can misinform young readers and harm the pursuit of scientific standards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of anomalous phenomena, the nature of belief, and the critical examination of both proponents and skeptics within these fields. The magazine appears to advocate for open-minded yet rigorous investigation, encouraging cross-disciplinary approaches and a balanced perspective. The editorial stance, as suggested by the 'Skeptics and Inquirers' article and John Keel's letter, is to encourage true skepticism that questions without prejudice, rather than outright debunking or uncritical acceptance. The emphasis on personal experience and the collection of anecdotal evidence, as seen in Jenny Randles' call for research into coincidence, also indicates a commitment to gathering data from the 'fringe of human experience'.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, volume 27, number 16, dated November 1981, features a prominent article titled "Phantom Airships over Britain in 1909, and their Impact on Society." by Nigel Watson. The magazine's cover price was £1.25, and it was published by Flying Saucer Review Publications in the United Kingdom.

Phantom Airships over Britain in 1909, and their Impact on Society.

Nigel Watson's article delves into the wave of 'phantom airship' sightings that occurred in Britain in 1909, a period marked by heightened international tension, particularly between Britain and Germany. Watson frames the sightings within the context of Britain's imperial dominance and Germany's perceived lack of international opportunity, which fueled an aggressive naval building program in Germany. The development of large airships like the Zeppelin was seen as a potential threat to Britain's isolation and security.

The article highlights the public's reaction to these sightings, often interpreted as German reconnaissance or an impending invasion. A key event that brought the issue to public attention was the sighting by Police Constable Kettle in Peterborough on March 23, 1909. Kettle described a powerful light and a dark body flying at tremendous speed with a buzzing engine sound, estimated to be 1200 feet above the earth.

As similar sightings became more common, the press began to examine them. Some newspapers were skeptical, attributing the panic to public imagination fueled by fear of German imperialism. The 'Peterborough Citizen' published an interview with a police officer who explained Kettle's sighting as a kite with a Chinese lantern, with the sound attributed to the Cooperative Bakery's motor. The article questions why it took the police five weeks to offer this explanation and why local residents did not corroborate the kite theory.

Watson then discusses the 'Major Mayfield Affair,' where a letter to a London newspaper described a similar sighting. However, an investigation revealed that no Major Mayfield lived in Spalding, suggesting the letter was a fabrication, possibly a satirical correspondence.

Other notable incidents include a sighting by Mr.C.W. Allen and two friends on May 13th, who described a torpedo-shaped object with lights and men on a platform. Royal servants at Sandringham also reported seeing an airship. A particularly detailed account comes from Mr. Bond and Mr. Grahame on Ham Common, London, who described a close-encounter with an airship containing a 'Yankee' and a German-looking man, who used a searchlight and spoke to them.

Mr. C. Lethbridge reported seeing a tube-shaped contraption with two military-looking men near Caerphilly Mountain, Wales. Workers at the Queen Alexandra Dock in Cardiff also reported a cigar-shaped airship with lights.

Following Lethbridge's sighting, a 45-foot gash was found at the location, along with rubbish, paper fragments, and a strange device that was later identified as a tyre valve cap fitting.

Explanations for the airships varied, with optimistic views suggesting secret British inventions and pessimistic views pointing to German origins. Some speculated about airships launched from steamers or private inventors. Dr. M.B. Boyd even claimed to have invented a specific airship, though it never materialized.

Aeronautical experts, like Mr. Percival Spencer and Mr. H.E. Perrin, expressed skepticism due to the weight of batteries required for searchlights and the rapid ascent without ballast.

Psychologists suggested that 'hallucination by suggestion' could explain some sightings, especially in individuals of unstable mentality. The article notes the prevailing notion that the German government was responsible, contributing to frosty Anglo-German relations.

Watson concludes by drawing parallels between the 1909 phantom airship wave and contemporary UFO experiences, highlighting similarities in the historical context of cold war and tension, psychological explanations, and the reported characteristics of the objects and their occupants (cigar-shape, lights, speed, eccentric motion, etc.). He cautions against interpreting these parallels as definitive proof of extramundane phenomena but suggests they are meaningful for understanding the UFO situation.

Book Reviews

The issue includes a review by John Grant of Michael Harrison's book "Vanishings." Grant is critical of Harrison's work, describing it as following the 'Frank Edwards tradition' and feeling like a book from the 1950s. He argues that Harrison uncritically presents discredited reports as proven facts, sometimes even using similarities between tales as evidence of their validity. Grant points out factual inaccuracies and questionable interpretations in Harrison's book, particularly regarding cases like David Lang's vanishing and the 'Flight 19' incident. He also critiques Harrison's tendency to dismiss skepticism and his reliance on anecdotal evidence without proper sourcing.

Another section, "So what is wrong with ouija boards?", discusses articles from the magazines 'Crusade', 'Buzz', and 'Family' that address the paranormal. The author expresses concern that some Christian literature sensationalizes the occult and makes generalized attacks without sufficient evidence. The article argues for the need for research, evidence, and illustration when discussing such phenomena, questioning the validity of Ouija board accounts that often lack specific details.

Letters

Bob Morrell writes about the formation of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) and its relationship with the Northern UFO Network (NUFON) and UFOIN. He expresses concern about the secretary of NUFON/UFOIN being involved in coordinating ASSAP's network, questioning potential conflicts of interest and the implications for UFOIN's independence.

Morrell also discusses the trend towards specialization in ufology, noting that while it can lead to deeper understanding, it also creates barriers to communication. He questions ASSAP's broad, multi-disciplinary approach, suggesting it might be superficial and impractical. He expresses doubt that ASSAP can provide the specialized research materials he requires.

Ivor Snook contributes a letter discussing the nature of poltergeist phenomena and their potential connection to 'spirits.' He recounts a case involving a boy and psychokinetic effects, suggesting that spirits might be trapped souls trying to communicate. He also offers a composite picture of a poltergeist occurrence, emphasizing the role of a spirit and the potential for investigators to inadvertently help the spirit transition.

The Geography of English Ghosts

An unpublished piece by G.W. Lambert, titled "The Geography of English Ghosts," is presented. Lambert posits that flooding of underground rivers and increased storm water run-off due to modern road construction (motorways, by-passes, parking areas) are frequent causes of disturbances attributed to 'ghostly phenomena.' He cites examples in Brentwood, Essex, where road engineering has led to increased run-off, potentially disturbing building foundations and causing poltergeist-type phenomena.

Lambert extends this theory to a broader geographical analysis, suggesting that haunted places are distributed in England in a manner that reflects local conditions, particularly proximity to powerful rivers and their catchment areas, rather than solely historical events. He mentions examples like the River Wye, River Stour, River Trent, and River Tyne, linking them to haunted sites such as bridges, mills, and rectory homes.

Closing Remarks

Kevin McClure's closing remarks welcome new readers and subscribers and discuss the magazine's approach to linking various facets of research. He highlights the cooperation with ASSAP and encourages contributions from all readers. McClure addresses the relationship between ASSAP and British ufology, noting that ASSAP has been perceived as trying to take over existing networks, leading to resentment. He emphasizes the need for ASSAP to establish credibility and image, especially in the media.

McClure acknowledges that ASSAP faces significant challenges, including establishing an investigation network and training individuals to handle a wide range of anomalous reports. He points out the lack of credibility and media presence of most research organizations in the paranormal field, including the SPR and UFO groups. He stresses that ASSAP, as a potential national representative, must prioritize credibility and image from the outset.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of historical anomalous events with modern interpretations and research methodologies. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, questioning sensationalism, and seeking evidence-based explanations, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery in some cases. The magazine appears to advocate for a more specialized and scientifically rigorous approach to ufology and paranormal research, contrasting this with what it perceives as more speculative or less evidence-based approaches. The editorial stance seems to favor a balanced perspective, encouraging investigation but cautioning against uncritical acceptance of claims, particularly those lacking solid evidence or proper sourcing.