Earthquest News - 1982 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: No.5
Date: Winter 1982
Publisher: Andrew Collins
Price: 75p
Tagline: Explores the Earth's Mysteries

This issue of Earthquest News, published quarterly, delves into a variety of intriguing subjects, from alleged sightings of large cats in Essex to the influence of celestial bodies on earthly events. The publication aims to promote and study earth mysteries, the paranormal, and new age thought, with a particular focus on the Essex region.

Action Packed Start

This introductory section, written by Andrew Collins, welcomes readers to the new offset-litho printing machine used for Earthquest News, promising reduced costs and a wider reach. It announces that the publication will now appear quarterly and that subscribing grants Associate Membership to Earthquest, keeping members updated on group activities, local meetings, seminars, and field trips to earth mysteries sites in Essex and beyond. The group's nucleus is based in Basildon, Essex, and the newsletter aims to fill a literary void left by the demise of 'Essex Landscape Mysteries'. The editor expresses a desire to eventually establish groups in other parts of the country. Associate Membership details are available on request. The group also produces a booklet called 'The Supernaturalist' on specific earth mysteries topics. All material used in Earthquest News remains the copyright of its authors, with a focus on new names, Earthquest members, and an Essex orientation.

The Fobbing Puma and Other Essex Felines

This article investigates two reported sightings of a large feline, dubbed the 'Fobbing Puma', in August 1982. The first sighting was by Bill Watt, a foreman for the Essex Water Company, who reported seeing a large cat near the Water Works Depot in Fobbing. Police and animal experts were called, but concluded it was a large sandy dog. A second sighting occurred a week later by David Brazier, who described a large cat-like creature with a sandy or tawny coat, a blonde belly, and a drooped tail, seen near Mill Lane, Fobbing. The article details police investigations, interviews with witnesses, and comparisons to other potential sightings. It notes that both sightings occurred within a hundred yards of each other and that the descriptions were largely similar, suggesting a puma as a possible identification. The article also mentions a previous, unconfirmed sighting by James Christmas at the water plant and a similar reservoir-related sighting in Surrey in 1962. A comprehensive catalogue of out-of-place feline sightings in Essex since 1975 is presented, including a black panther sighting in Pitsea (May 1976) and a puma sighting in Hawkwell (April 1978). The article concludes by exploring the 'Phantom Feline Syndrome', linking sightings to reservoirs and unusual odours, suggesting a paranormal connection rather than purely zoological interest.

An Astrological Jinx?

Written by Carole Young, a member of Earthquest who studies astrology, this piece explores the possibility of an astrological jinx influencing a series of catastrophic events that occurred in September. The author details specific incidents, including a helicopter crash in Germany, a train-bus collision in Switzerland, a gun battle in Beirut, a DC10 crash in Malaga, the death of Princess Grace, and a helicopter crash in the North Sea. Young analyzes the planetary positions during this period, noting the presence of Mars in Scorpio, associated with accidents and strife, and the conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in Libra, linked to massive changes and transformation. The influence of Neptune, associated with confusion and accidents, is also discussed. The article also touches upon the newly discovered planetoid Chiron and its potential influence. Young concludes that while planetary aspects can indicate tendencies, they do not compel events, emphasizing the importance of individual awareness and choice over superstition.

King Arthur's Cross

This section, co-authored by the editor and Mike Lewis, reports on the case of Derek Mahoney, who was sentenced to two years in prison for refusing to hand over an artifact he found. The artifact, described as Arthur's Cross, is believed by some to be the one found with King Arthur's coffin. Mahoney found the cross while involved in dredging at Forty Hall, Enfield. Despite the British Museum identifying it as a possible eighteenth-century replica, Mahoney refused to relinquish it, leading to a court case and his imprisonment. The article details the family's long-standing grievance against the legal profession and their belief that the cross was a gift from God. It also mentions an attempt by George Byron to locate the cross using psychic means. The history of Arthur's Cross is traced through Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'History of the Kings of England' and the legend of Arthur's burial at Glastonbury Abbey. The article questions the authenticity of the cross and the monks' motives for its discovery, suggesting it could have been a fabrication to attract pilgrims and funds. The potential value of the cross, regardless of its origin, is highlighted.

Stone Tape Reality

This article discusses the 'Stone Tape' theory, which posits that ghosts are residual thoughts and impressions stored within the fabric of buildings. It references a television play of the same name and the work of scientists Alan Jenkins and John Marks, who claim walls can record and retain noises and voices. The theory suggests that under certain conditions, these 'place memories' can be released and interpreted as sensory impressions. The article contrasts this with the traditional idea of spirits and mentions the work of Tom Lethbridge and Tinah Powell in exploring 'place memories' and the relationship between building materials and paranormal phenomena. The author expresses anticipation for further scientific findings on this topic.

A Ghost Story

This section presents a personal account of a ghost story experienced by Mrs. Heather Hammond of Plymouth. The incidents, which occurred in 1973, involved strange humming noises, chanting, and a music box playing when none was present. Mrs. Hammond, who claims to have had paranormal experiences since childhood, recounts a series of events that took place while she and her boyfriend, John, were staying at his parents' home. The phenomena included a 'chanting' that filled the room, a piercing scream, and the sound of footsteps and asthmatic breathing. The article implies that these events are related to the 'stone tape' idea discussed previously, serving as an illustration of 'haunted house' phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Earthquest News include the investigation of unexplained phenomena, such as the 'Fobbing Puma' sightings and the 'Stone Tape Reality' theory of ghosts. There is a strong emphasis on local mysteries, particularly those related to Essex. Astrology is presented as a tool for understanding world events, though the author cautions against superstition. The historical and archaeological aspects of legends, such as King Arthur's Cross, are also explored. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the paranormal and earth mysteries, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations while maintaining a critical perspective. The publication aims to provide a platform for new voices and research within the field.

This issue of Earthquest News, dated October 1973, delves into paranormal phenomena, UFO research, and Earth Mysteries.

The Hammond Ghost Story

The issue details a compelling account from Mrs. Hammond regarding a ghostly experience that occurred in October 1973. The phenomena began with a humming noise, described as resembling 'chanting monks,' which persisted until it reached a peak, followed by a high scream. This was perceived by four individuals, including Mrs. Hammond, her boyfriend John, and another couple, Heather and her partner. The dog also reacted with distress. The sounds were initially thought to be external and possibly paranormal, suggesting past human personalities creating sounds through 'paranormal means.'

Later, the same sequence of events repeated, but this time, the girls, Mrs. Hammond and Heather, experienced visual phenomena. They saw a scene set in the seventeen hundreds, depicting an open fireplace, a rocking chair with a woman holding a musical box and a baby, and an elderly man standing with his back to the fire. The woman appeared afraid and jumped, dropping the musical box, which stopped, ending the vision. This experience is interpreted through the 'stone tape' theory, suggesting stored impressions or energies were triggered.

The report notes that John had experienced a similar sequence of events nightly for two weeks prior. A significant detail is the reported drop in room temperature during the events, which ceased only after the second occurrence. The phenomenon of swirling air currents around Mrs. Hammond is also mentioned, potentially an effect of released stored energies.

'Earth Lights' by Paul Devereux

The magazine reviews Paul Devereux's book 'Earth Lights,' which proposes that UFOs, or 'Earth Lights,' are a byproduct of seismic activity and piezo-electric effects in areas of high faulting. These areas are also linked to abnormal meteorology, fortean phenomena, and megalithic sites. The theory suggests a connection between human consciousness and UFO phenomena, and that ancient humans understood how to harness these natural forces. The review highlights that this theory challenges the dominant extra-terrestrial hypothesis (ETH) for UFOs and aligns with the broader 'Earth Mysteries' perspective.

UFO Research Trends

The review of 'Earth Lights' discusses the evolution of UFO research, moving away from the 'little green men' and 'flying saucers' narrative towards a more methodical and rational approach. It criticizes the 'cultist viewpoint' and the tendency to look for illogical answers, advocating for a focus on scientific explanations and the potential for UFOs to be a manifestation of technological advancements and psychological links.

Other Articles and Reviews

News Briefs

• This section includes several short reports:
• Eventful Sunday: An account of being locked inside St. Mary's, Runwell, a church known for paranormal activity, with apparent desecrations suggesting witchcraft.
• Fireball Sighting: A description of a remarkable 'fireball' seen at 19:50, characterized by a green amorphous mass with a red pulsation and tail, lasting for four seconds.
• UFO Documentary: A review of a BBC 'Horizon' programme on UFOs, which covered familiar cases like Travis Walton's abduction and provided logical explanations, featuring interviews with debunkers.

Exchange Publications

• A list of other publications is provided, including:
• UFO RESEARCH REVIEW: A critical journal from NUFOIS.
• WALRUS AND THE TEMPLAR: Publications by Nigel Pennick on Earth Mysteries.
• THE SUPERNATURALIST: A journal covering legends, superstitions, and hidden history, including 'The Running Well.'
• THE CAULDRON: A journal on paganism and alternative thought.
• LANTERN: A fortean and landscape mysteries publication.
• THE LEY HUNTER: A forum for Earth Mysteries community.
• MAGIC SAUCER: A publication for children covering UFOs, folklore, and mysticism.
• NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES: A journal for northern E.M. enthusiasts.
• NORTHERN UFOLOGY and NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Data and articles on the UFO scene in the north.
• PENDRAGON: A journal of Earth Mysteries, Arthurian Lore, and mystical traditions.
• THE PROBE REPORT: A magazine for objective UFO investigation.
• QUICKSILVER MESSENGER: A topical Earth Mysteries Journal.
• RILKO NEWSLETTER: An advanced Earth Mysteries Journal.
• THE SHAMAN: A review of Earth Mysteries, paranormal, and UFO scenes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and the 'stone tape' theory, alongside UFO sightings and the emerging 'Earth Lights' hypothesis. There is a clear editorial stance favoring rational and scientific approaches to UFO investigation, moving away from purely speculative or 'cultist' viewpoints. The magazine promotes the 'Earth Mysteries' perspective, suggesting connections between ancient sites, natural phenomena, and unexplained events. The reviews of other publications indicate a broad interest in the paranormal, forteana, and alternative historical and scientific theories.