Earthquest News - 1985 No 13

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue Date: February 1985
Issue Number: 13
Price: 95p
ISSN: 0265-461X

Earthquest News is presented as 'A Healthy Alternative to Reality' and is a journal dedicated to studying and promoting earth mysteries and their association with psychic phenomena. The cover features a striking image of a large stone archway and lists several prominent articles: 'The Goffs Oak Panther', 'The Guardian Dog of Leigh', 'Enter the Stumps Cross Birdman', 'Park Wood Update', and 'Old Maids'. The issue's overarching theme is 'The Psychic Side of the Earth Mysteries'.

Lead In - Editorial

The editorial, written by Andy Collins in February 1985, begins with an apology for the lack of small items in the previous issue, attributing it to the demanding work of finishing his book, 'The Knights of Danbury'. He details the extensive effort involved in self-publishing the book, including layout and origination, which took three months of solid evening and weekend work. The book is scheduled for release on March 18th and will be sent to all subscribers. Collins expresses his satisfaction with the book but anticipates the challenge of selling the remaining 2,500 copies, which will influence his promotional activities, particularly in Danbury.

He raises concerns about the potential introduction of VAT on books, which could significantly impact profits, especially for his £1.95 book. However, there are rumours that the government might postpone this idea for the year. Collins emphasizes the ongoing threat to the book publishing market if VAT is introduced.

Moving to other earth mysteries, Collins mentions that Paul Devereux and Nigel Pennick's glossy book on the subject has been shelved until at least 1986. He then highlights several potentially significant scientific discoveries that have reportedly been suppressed: the discovery of a planet outside our solar system, the belief that the face on Mars was man-made, and the discovery of remnants of a lost civilization there. He also notes reports of a new tomb found in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, the capture of a Yeti in China, and the discovery of large landscape effigies and earthworks in Somerset around Glastonbury during the September 1984 droughts. Collins appeals to readers for any details on these claims.

Regarding a planned psychic group, Collins states it will be formed in Essex, possibly Chelmsford, to coincide with the promotion of 'The Knights' book. He also announces plans to write a book on psychic quest work, covering topics like the sword and stone affair, his own work in Somerset, and the history of psychic quests involving artefact retrieval, mentioning figures like Wellesley Tudor Pole, Frederick Bligh Bond, Colin Bloy, John Dee, Peter the Hermit, and Harry Price. He also seeks information on cases of artefact retrieval by psychic means.

Collins concludes the editorial by promising a packed issue with 'lots of good things' and acknowledges that the next issue might be delayed due to the promotion of his book, but assures readers it will be completed.

The Goffs Oak Panther

This article by Michael Lewis investigates reports of out-of-place felines in Hertfordshire, focusing on the village of Goffs Oak where a black panther-like creature was reportedly seen. Michael Lewis, with the assistance of R. Davey, gathered evidence of a black panther roaming the area for over two years.

The first reported sighting occurred on August 15, 1983, when Mrs. Gore, a resident of Doverfield, saw a 'black panther' walking along the boundary line of her garden. She described it as the size of a Great Dane dog, with a thin body, curved tail, and jet black in color. The creature was observed for about thirty seconds before disappearing.

During the time of the sighting, dogs in the nearby Jones Road reportedly barked unaccountably or displayed signs of strange behavior. Investigations included interviewing Mrs. Gore and touring the area. A cattery was discovered, but the owner could not provide assistance. It was noted that the M10 motorway divides Waltham Cross from Goffs Oak, and any creature would have had to cross it. Attempts to visit Broxbourne Zoo were unsuccessful as it was closed for the winter and reportedly subject to local controversy.

Further sightings and related incidents are detailed. In October 1983, Mrs. Gore's husband saw the creature from their garden, about two hundred feet away. Police were called and conducted a hunt with tranquilizer dart guns, but it was unsuccessful. Several workmen on the Doverfield development also reported sightings: a plumber saw a large black cat drinking from the New River near Waltham Cross, a workman heard a growling noise in Theobolds Wood and his dog showed fear, and one workman remarked, 'I've seen that puma again.'

In May 1983, Mr. Wiseman of Goffs Crescent found giant paw marks and droppings in his garden that had appeared overnight, described as larger than those of a domestic cat or dog. Approximately four years prior (around 1981), Mr. Mallyon encountered a 'strangest creature' in his garden, which his wife believed was the same creature Mrs. Gore saw. Additionally, a policeman involved in the hunt following Mr. Gore's sighting told Mrs. Gore that he had seen the creature in his car headlights about two years earlier (circa 1981). Police had also received reports of sheep being savaged in the area during October 1983.

The article concludes with an analysis suggesting a parapsychological explanation can be ruled out. It discusses the possibility of escaped pets, but finds this theory problematic due to the regularity of sightings and the cat's ability to roam miles. The article dismisses the idea of the cat being let out at night as highly improbable. It also notes the sighting of a sandy-colored lioness at nearby Cuffley in 1983, suggesting a connection.

Recommendations include suspending judgment until a specimen can be captured and studied by zoologists to determine if it is a rare type of big cat indigenous to the British Isles. The article hopes that ASSAP will assist in research into mystery animals by publishing sightings and encouraging investigations.

The Guardian Dog of Leigh

This article recounts the gruesome discovery of a preserved dog and its connection to macabre superstitions in Leigh, Essex.

In March of the previous year, a revolting picture of a dog's carcass, possibly a whippet, was found on the desk of the Leigh Times office. Accompanying it was a picture of the old disused stables behind The Carlton public house, located in Leigh Broadway. A note explained that the dog's carcass had been found below the floorboards of the old tackroom, where saddlery was kept, during renovations.

The Carlton is a Victorian building, originally a coaching inn with stables. The stables were being converted into shop units called Stable Mews. The proprietor, Andrew Harding, had purchased the stables for his commercial enterprise.

The author immediately suspected the carcass might have been placed there for superstitious purposes, recalling a similar case in Sudbury, Suffolk, where a mummified cat carcass found in a chimney of an old mill house led to misfortunes after its removal. The owners eventually replaced the cat with an apology note.

Recognizing the potential news story, the author contacted Andrew Harding, who hesitantly accepted the possibility that the carcass was a guardian to protect the place. Harding recalled the Sudbury case and invited the author to see the dog.

VISIT:

The author visited the dog, which was mummified with its skin pressed against the bones. All organs and eyes were gone, but the carcass was remarkably preserved. It was about two feet in length with a nine-inch tail. The author and a sensitive named Carole Young (now Smith) felt the animal had been deliberately buried alive.

They were then taken to the old tackroom, a small room with a wooden floor. It was confirmed that the animal had been a guardian dog, found in front of the fireplace, a traditional spot for such animals. Nothing else was found with the dog, which lay on the hard clay floor beneath the wooden floorboards.

WHAT IS A GUARDIAN?

The article explains that the concept of a guardian dates back to Neolithic times, with human souls set up to guard tombs. Animals were also used as guardians to protect buildings from evil influences. The hearth, being the center of activity, was a common spot for these guardians. The animal would typically be put to death, often by poisoning, and left at the spot to fix its spirit or ghost to the site through ceremony. The belief was that spirits of the dead could haunt places where they met an unnatural death. Animals, like cats and dogs, were nearly always found preserved in positions associated with the hearth, fireplace, or chimney stack.

Even in Victorian times, shamans or cunning folk would prescribe an animal guardian to deal with problems during construction, especially if 'evil spirits' were diagnosed.

SO WHAT HAPPENED AT LEIGH IN 1898?

The article explores the possible reasons for the dog's burial beneath The Carlton public house. It mentions South East Essex being considered a 'hot bed' of witchcraft and sorcery, with figures like Cunning Murrell practicing magic spells and using people's fear. However, Murrell died before The Carlton was built in 1898, so he could not have been directly involved. The superstitious atmosphere in Leigh likely led to the use of this magical practice to negate a negative influence surrounding the coaching house's construction. This negative influence could have stemmed from previous buildings on the site or supernatural manifestations.

The guardian dog was likely intended to protect the horses and stable hands from malevolent influences. The article emphasizes that in mystical lore, it is taboo to disturb a guardian animal's body, as doing so could release malevolent influences and cause extreme bad luck.

Recalling the Sudbury cat carcass incident, the author suggested to Andrew Harding that the dog should be reburied at the earliest convenience. Harding agreed and arranged for a rectangular hole and a wooden box to be constructed in the tackroom for the reburial.

BACK IN THE LEIGH TIMES OFFICE:

Research into The Carlton pub's history revealed that the land belonged to the Church before the coaching house was built, and no previous building existed on the site. Local historian Mrs. Sheila Pitt-Stanley stated she had no reason to believe The Carlton was associated with malign influences. However, she mentioned that the first owner, Mr. Nightingale, was fond of country sports, and horse racing with whippets was popular in Leigh, suggesting the dog might have belonged to him.

A piece about the discovery appeared in the 'Leigh Times' on March 5, 1984, under the headline 'Gruesome find under Broadway pub stables'.

COINCIDENTAL MISHAPS:

Following the discovery and removal of the dog, several coincidental mishaps occurred among the building contractors working on the new shopping arcade. One man fell off a ladder, a cement mixer toppled, and the foreman, Mr. John Morgan, suffered a severe chest pain attack.

The Battle for Park Wood - An Update

This section provides an update on the situation regarding the sale of Park Wood, described as the centre of the Somerset terrestrial zodiac.

Last issue, Tony Roberts reported that Park Wood was up for sale following the liquidation of its owner, Snows timber merchants. He noted that the land's value had increased due to its sacred connotations, and bids were being considered from four sources with different intentions for the wood.

Since then, Tony has been regularly visiting Park Wood and finding increasing evidence of people trekking there and leaving behind remnants of rituals, including pentagrams, ritual objects, and incense. The wood is described as being in a sorry state, with psychic uneasiness present.

During a recent visit, Tony reported sighting a peculiar snake, three to four feet long, thick, and marked with white circles and greenish-brown patterns, near the western perimeter. He interpreted this as the 'Guardian making manifest' his 'awareness of the situation'.

On a materialistic level, problems surrounding the sale are escalating. The Temple Trust is experiencing internal conflict, and the number of bidders is growing, with new bids from Holland and France. The Dutch bid is suspected to be from the 'Dutch Israelites', who are connected with Glastonbury.

Tony has received acknowledgement from an MP's office, indicating that Mr. Heathcoat Amery will meet with him upon his return from Japan. Tony is also in constant contact with Miss Elizabeth Leader of RILKO, who has promised full backup.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Earthquest News strongly focuses on the intersection of folklore, mystery animals, and psychic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, with a critical eye towards official explanations and a willingness to explore alternative theories, including those rooted in ancient beliefs and psychic experiences. The magazine actively seeks reader participation and information, highlighting a community-driven approach to investigating these mysteries. There's a clear emphasis on the 'psychic side' of earth mysteries, suggesting a belief in non-conventional forces and influences shaping events and locations.

Title: Earthquest News
Issue: 11
Date: Summer 1984

This issue of Earthquest News delves into a variety of paranormal and earth mystery topics, featuring a prominent cover story on the 'Stumps Cross Birdman' sighting.

ENTER THE STUMPS CROSS BIRDMEN

The lead article introduces a bizarre alien animal sighting witnessed by Leicester medium Rita Goold and her husband Steve. The incident occurred on a twilight evening in May 1984 near Stumps Cross. Alan Cleaver and the editor recount their interview with the couple. Rita and Steve were returning home after a trip when they stopped for petrol. Rita noticed a strange, large, black form in the sky, about thirty feet above the fields, moving west. Initially thinking it was a kite, she quickly realized its unusual nature. A smaller object, described as bird-like, was also seen whirling around the main form, adding to the confusion.

As the object approached, they observed more details: a domed head, a thin body, legs ending in feet (not claws), and wings with a wingspan of about 12 feet. The wings seemed to flap slowly and were not the primary source of the body's upright movement. The creature was described as black, possibly with a feathery texture, and its movement was likened to a man with a James Bond-like backpack or a 'crude working model' from Jason and the Argonauts. The smaller object was seen to be separate but integrally linked, spinning erratically. Rita emphasized the strangeness, stating it was not an eagle and gave off an 'evil' feeling, which Steve corroborated by calling it 'Satanic'. They estimated its height to be 'as high as a house'. The object moved off in a south-westerly direction.

Jacques Vallee's theories on folklore are invoked to interpret the experience, suggesting that the events leading up to the sighting, including getting lost in Epping Forest and experiencing extreme fear, might be linked to psychic phenomena and the discovery of Marie Payne's body that same day. The dark forest is presented as a symbol of initiation.

DEVIL TALK: OMEN AND DREAM LEAD ITALIAN TO GOLD COINS

This section recounts the story of Mario Angelucci from near Florence, Italy. He found a lizard with two tails, which is considered a good luck omen locally. Refusing to hand it over to biologists, he kept it as a pet. Subsequently, he had a vivid dream where Roman soldiers appeared, instructing him to dig 15 metres into a field behind his house and 60 centimetres deep. Following the dream's instructions, Mario discovered a hoard of Roman coins worth $30,000, attributing his good fortune to the two-tailed lizard.

DEVIL TALK: EARTH MYSTERIES WEEK IN S.W. SCOTLAND

An announcement for a week-long earth mysteries event at Laurieston Hall, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, from May 31 to June 7. The event covers topics such as dowsing, leys, standing stones, geomancy, and ritual healing. Contact details for 'Pete' at Laurieston Hall are provided.

SILVER STAR SOCIETY FINED OVER MIDNIGHT RITES

A report on a group of occultists calling themselves the 'Silver Star Society' who were fined a total of £2,000 near Tamworth, Staffordshire. The group, arrested on cannabis charges, were found dancing naked around a campfire at midnight during a full moon. They claimed to be studying astrology and ancient magical rites.

Magic people in the dock

This section details the legal consequences for sixteen individuals fined for participating in a 'magical ceremony'. The article questions the legality of performing unorthodox rituals in public, noting potential charges like indecent exposure or trespassing. It also touches upon the practice of performing rituals naked, questioning its necessity and historical basis.

FENG SHUI PERPLEXES AMERICAN BANKING GIANT

The vice-president of Citibank Corporation encountered resistance from Chinese employees in Hong Kong when opening a new branch. They insisted on a geomancer's survey to check for 'bad ch'i' (evil spirits). Despite initial protests, Mr. Russell consented. The geomancer recommended a special mirror to deflect spirits, an aquarium with six black fishes, and moving his desk. After Mr. Russell slipped and seriously injured his spine, his staff implemented all the recommendations. The total cost for the geomancer and items was £20,000, but no further accidents occurred.

JESUS EGG THAT WEPT

This story, previously featured in 'The Sun' and 'Fortean Times', describes an incident at Doncaster Junior School where a decorated egg, complete with the face of Christ, reportedly wept water from its right eye. The phenomenon was witnessed by hundreds, and while staff could not explain it, the child who decorated the egg, Naomi Drury, believed it was divine intervention. The article explores the possibility of thought forms or primitive intelligence influencing the egg.

CHURCH CONDEMNS DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS BOARD GAME

A Baptist church pastor from High Wycombe publicly denounced the role-playing game 'Dungeons and Dragons', claiming it incites children to embrace Satan and evil spirits. He urged people to burn the game. However, a local headmaster defended the game, stating it helps children think creatively and that there was no evidence of negative involvement. The game's manufacturer, Don Turnbull, explained that the game is about 'good against evil' and players assume roles of adventurers, not evil characters. The article discusses the parallels between role-playing games and 'path working' used in exploring the human mind.

STING IN SEARCH OF YETI

Pop star Sting was reported to be joining forces with Scottish eccentric Bill Grant to search the Himalayas for conclusive evidence of the Yeti.

THE OLD MAIDS' TALE AND OTHERS

This multi-part investigation explores named trees in Essex. The editor's quest began with a curious Edwardian postcard depicting three ancient elms in Paglesham, named 'The Old Maids'. The trees, pollard elms, existed until around 1970 when they succumbed to Dutch Elm disease. The article delves into the local folklore, noting that the trees were also known as the 'Smugglers' Elms' due to their alleged association with smuggling activities in the 18th and 19th centuries, where contraband was hidden in their hollows.

Rosemary Roberts, a Paglesham historian, confirmed that only a few old residents recalled the name 'Old Maids', suggesting it was the original title, predating the smuggling association. The editor posits that the name 'Old Maids' hints at a lost geomantic or magical significance associated with the site.

The investigation then moves to the 'White Elm' in Bicknacre, which stood near the old gateway to Bicknacre Priory. This tree disappeared around the turn of the century. A legend associated with it tells of a highwayman being executed nearby, with his body placed at the junction and an elm stake through his heart, or the tree growing from the stake. This is linked to beliefs about spirits haunting execution sites and the concept of spirits being derived from the four elements.

Another named tree discussed is 'Adam's Elm' in Leigh-on-Sea, also known as 'Allen's Elm', possibly named after a family who owned the site. The editor laments the loss of these sacred elm trees due to Dutch Elm disease.

BOOK REVIEW: Colin Wilson, 'The Psychic Detectives'

Carole Smith reviews Colin Wilson's book, which focuses on psychometry, the ability to receive impressions from objects. The review highlights Wilson's emphasis on accurate reporting and the importance of verifiable facts in paranormal research. It mentions key figures like Joseph Rodes Buchanan and Baron Reichenbach, and discusses Casper Hauser and William Denton's work with sensitives. The book is praised for its extensive research, good bibliography, and index, offering good value at £2.50.

EXCHANGES

This section provides contact details and subscription information for various publications related to earth mysteries, UFOs, and paranormal topics, including 'ASSAP News', 'Caerdroia', 'The Cauldron', 'Earthlines', 'Fortean Times', 'The Ley Hunter', 'Northern Earth Mysteries', 'Northern UFO News', 'Pendragon', 'Quicksilver Messenger', 'Rilko Newsletter', 'The Shaman', 'Touchstone', and 'UFO Research Review'. It also lists available back issues of 'Old Earthquest News'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of the paranormal, UFO sightings, folklore, earth mysteries, and ancient beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on investigating unexplained phenomena, often linking them to historical traditions, local legends, and symbolic interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting accounts and theories while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. The magazine also serves as a platform for community engagement, providing news, event listings, and a directory of related publications.

This document is a single page from a magazine, identified as issue number 7 of "The Unexplained." The primary content is the cover, which features a black and white photograph of a group of people, presumably associated with "earth mysteries" from the early 1970s. The cover text poses a challenge to the reader: to identify as many individuals in the photograph as possible. Answers are requested to be sent to the editor, and the photograph is credited to John Michell.

Cover Story: "Earth Mysteries" in the Early Seventies

The central theme presented on the cover revolves around "earth mysteries" and the individuals involved in this field during the early 1970s. The photograph serves as a visual prompt, inviting readers to engage with the history of these subjects by recognizing the people depicted. The call to action, asking for names to be sent to the editor, suggests a community-oriented approach to content, encouraging reader participation and knowledge sharing.

Key Figures and Contributions

The only named individual explicitly mentioned is John Michell, who is credited for providing the photograph. His role is significant as the source of the visual content that forms the basis of the cover's engagement strategy. The "editor" is also implicitly a key figure, as the recipient of reader responses and the facilitator of this interactive element.

Themes and Tags

The main themes identified are "Earth mysteries," "Ufology," and "Paranormal." The associated tags include "earth mysteries," "early seventies," "photograph," "John Michell," "editor," "faces," "names," "paranormal," "UFO," and "unexplained," reflecting the content and context of the cover image and its accompanying text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages reader engagement and historical inquiry into paranormal and unexplained phenomena. By presenting a historical photograph and challenging readers to identify individuals, the magazine fosters a sense of community and shared interest in the subject matter. The focus on "earth mysteries" in the early seventies suggests a historical perspective on topics that continue to be of interest to the publication's readership.