Contact Rhodesia - No 3 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: CONTACT (RHODESIA)
Issue Date: August 1971
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Contact (Rhodesia) is the third newsletter, dated August 1971. It covers committee updates, a review of the past year's activities, details of UFO sightings, and broader reflections on UFO research and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Editorial

The editorial begins by noting the first 'I.G.' (likely an internal meeting or event) held on July 28, 1971, which, despite lower-than-expected attendance, led to the election of a new committee. The outgoing committee was re-elected, with the addition of Mr. R. Webster. The committee members listed are: Chairman Mr. Peter Turner, Secretary Mrs. June Hickling, Treasurer Mr. Patrick Luffy, and Committee Members Mrs. Lea Harrison, Mr. Peter Moore, and Mr. Richard Webster.

Due to Mrs. Dippenaar's resignation as International Committee Member, the International Chairman, Mr. Brinsley Le Poer Trench, asked Peter Turner to take on the role, which he accepted.

The editorial reflects on the club's past policy of covering a wide range of UFO aspects, from scientific viewpoints to interpretations of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft. For the upcoming year, Contact (Rhodesia) intends to focus more on the latter aspect, while maintaining its policy of open-mindedness and ensuring no single aspect dominates the club's discussions.

Review of Past Year's Activities

Contact (Rhodesia) is pleased with its achievements over the past year, successfully launching the club and maintaining monthly meetings. The committee acknowledges the difficulty in programming varied and consolidating basic knowledge. The year began with two talks by Peter Turner, introducing UFOs as a scientific phenomenon and historical fact, emphasizing the importance of studying case histories.

With the assistance of Mrs. Dippenaar's resources, a UFO slide show was presented, and a recorded talk by Rex Dutta was heard, which was well-received. The club expresses regret over Mrs. Dippenaar's resignation due to her other commitments.

Other talks included one by Mr. Michael Booth on 'Space.' Booth, described as an 'anti UFO man' with a strong knowledge of astronomy, provided insights into space and reasons why many astronomers disbelieve UFOs to be extraterrestrial craft. He believed life could exist elsewhere in the universe but was skeptical of interstellar travel. The club had a fortunate discussion with him, ultimately agreeing to disagree on UFOs.

Looking ahead, the club plans talks on telepathic aspects and modern interpretations of UFO phenomena, hoping to further Contact in Rhodesia and meet its aims.

A notable mention is made of the Chairman, Peter Turner, appearing on the R.T.V. production 'Shores of Infinity' to discuss UFOs. He found the brief program challenging, especially with the other two participants being decidedly anti-UFO.

International Skywatch

Several members participated in the International Skywatch event held in the Matopos area, joining thousands worldwide to commemorate the K. Arnold sighting of June 24, 1947. Despite a clear night and many shooting stars, no UFOs were sighted. The club hopes for greater support and a memorable sighting in the coming year.

Sightings

Rhodesia:

• May 23, 1971: Mrs. A. Hablutzel reported seeing a bluish/green UFO, about the size of a tennis ball, travelling fast eastward along the Matopos Road. A smaller object was also noticed nearby. Her husband confirmed seeing the object and the smaller one.
• June 23, 1971: Master J. Mackay reported a UFO over Bulawayo around 8:30 p.m. It was described as bluish/white, star-like in shape and size, travelling fast in a N.E. direction, emitting a faint trail. No sound was heard.
• June 28, 1971: Chairman Peter Turner reported a very bright, dazzling white object, about the size of a pin-head, over Bulawayo. While travelling from Balla Balla to Bulawayo in the early afternoon, the object was initially stationary. It disappeared twice and reappeared at the same point before drifting below the horizon. Peter's mother-in-law, a passenger in the car, also witnessed the sighting and was astounded.

South Africa:

• July 25, 1958: Mrs. N. Bilger of Johannesburg reported observing a beautiful white light, initially mistaken for a bright cloud. Upon closer inspection, it appeared as a bright disc partially covered by clouds. She realized it was a UFO when she located the sun in a different part of the sky. The object slowly disappeared, possibly generating the clouds as camouflage.

A Thought

The author reflects on the current state of UFO research, stating it is at a crossroads, encompassing not just the study of phenomena but also historical research and field work. Science now supports the notion of life elsewhere in the universe, but skepticism remains regarding interstellar travel capabilities. The author argues against limiting intelligence to Homo Sapien's abilities and posits that humanity will progress significantly.

The piece discusses the rapid advancements in speed, from walking at 3 m.p.h. to speeds of 25,000 m.p.h., suggesting that a journey to the moon could be completed in hours. The author believes that when humanity is ready, 'space brothers' will make open contact.

It is suggested that humanity may have achieved great feats in the distant past, referencing articles in 'Scope' magazine and books like 'Chariot of the Gods.' The author advocates for continued UFO research, encouraging open-mindedness despite potential criticism.

Future Meetings

• Meetings are scheduled to be held at the Toc H Cottage, Marvel Court, Main Street, Bulawayo, at 8:00 p.m. on:
• September 22nd
• October 27th
• November 24th

There will be no meeting in December.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific and historical study of UFO phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging a broad approach to UFO research that includes scientific inquiry, historical context, and the interpretation of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft, while acknowledging the skepticism that exists within both the scientific community and among some UFO enthusiasts. The publication aims to foster discussion and investigation into the unknown aspects of UFOs.