EUFOSG Journal - 1976 07 - July 1976

Magazine Overview

This document is the July 1976 issue of "THE ESSEX UFO STUDY GROUP" newsletter. It is a non-profit publication dedicated to the investigation of Unidentified Flying Object phenomena and related paranormal occurrences. The issue covers the group's activities, recent investigations, and detailed case reports of UFO sightings.

Content and Articles

Film Screening: "Chariot of the Gods"

The issue begins by detailing a successful film screening of "Chariot of the Gods" held on Friday, May 21st, at Harts Lane Hall, Barking. The film explored ancient mysteries and suggested evidence of a superior, possibly extraterrestrial, prehistoric civilization. The screening included a Q&A session with the Group's Technical Advisor, Mr. Ron Markwick, who provided explanations for various points and accounts for the existence of UFOs. The event concluded with thanks from Chairman Mr. Roy Lake, who promised future film shows.

"EUFOSG" News and Activities

Since its inauguration in 1970, the Group had been primarily active in the south-west of Essex. A recent decision was made to expand its territory to include more remote parts of Essex to gain new members and potentially form annexes. On May 17th, Chairman Mr. Roy Lake and the editor visited local newspaper offices in Clacton, Colchester, Chelmsford, and Maldon to request coverage and solicit interest from potential members and investigators. The newspapers were reportedly helpful and promised to mention the group. The visit revealed that UFOs were practically unknown in the eastern regions of Essex.

Investigations and Case Numbers

Committee members have been actively contacting other UFO groups and organizations to expand their network, receiving replies from notable figures like Mr. J.B. Delair (Contact U.K.) and Ms. Jenny Randles (Northern UFO Network). They are also exchanging magazines and advertisements. Apart from a few "fragile" sightings of "lights in the sky" in Pitsea and Dagenham, no new reports have been received for the Essex area. Readers are urged to inform the group of any newspaper reports of recent UFO sightings. A new system of case numbering has been implemented, based on the year, month, and order of receipt. The journal has a backlog of reports, with considerable UFO activity noted since late 1974. The group aims to conduct a collective study of available data to discover patterns in UFO behavior and relationships between shapes and periods.

Report 1: The Roding UFO (Case No. 1974-12-3)

This report details a sighting by Mr. John Saville and his wife, who are members of the group. On December 21st, 1974, at approximately 12:30 a.m., while driving home to Dagenham, Essex, they observed a brilliant ball or sphere moving slowly and descending over high-rise flats near Jenkins Lane and the River Roding. Mr. Saville stopped the car to get a clearer view. The object was real, hovered for a while, and then continued its motion before disappearing behind the flats. There was little traffic at the time, and no other witnesses have come forward. The estimated size of the object, if accepted, suggests a diameter of 30 feet (9.1m). Possible misidentifications like the Moon, planets, meteors, comets, or even Arcturus are discounted due to the object's motion. Ball lightning is considered unlikely due to the absence of thunderstorms. The area is described as a "UFO airport" with numerous sightings reported by a local amateur astronomer, including landings.

Report 2: The Heathway UFOs (Case no. 1976-1-1)

On January 10th, 1976, Donald Sarjant (age 14) and his neighbours were skywatching when they witnessed four orange-coloured objects approaching from the south-west in a rigid 'V' formation. These objects executed a 90° turn and headed south-east, maintaining their formation. Donald's father confirmed the sighting. This occurred seven days after a similar event on January 3rd, where bright gold-coloured, bird-shaped objects were seen. The objects were described as mushroom-shaped with blurred edges, pulsating or changing brightness. The estimated altitude was 1 mile (1.6 Km), implying a size of approximately 170 feet across. The authors dismiss explanations like real birds, noting that the witnesses had prior interest in UFOs, which they argue strengthens the case's validity against official skepticism.

Report 3: The Garboldishan UFO (Case No. 1968-1-1)

This report details a sighting from January 1968, discovered recently by the editor. Mr. Barron and his wife were driving near Garboldishan, Norfolk, when their car was suddenly pushed to the side of the road by what felt like a violent gust of wind. They then observed a large object following them. The object was described as cigar-shaped (though appearing circular from the side), approximately 100 feet (30.5m) in length or diameter, with numerous portholes and a glowing "power source" in the lower centre, emitting colours ranging from red to white, similar to orange. It hovered at an altitude of about 100 feet (30.5m) and illuminated their car with beams of light. Mr. Barron attempted to outrun the object, reaching speeds of up to 60 m.p.h. The object eventually departed "as quickly as a shooting star". The incident was reported to the Enfield police, and the Ministry of Defence inquired about the sighting, suggesting a helicopter on exercise, which was not accepted by the witness. The case is considered good, though the witness had no prior observational expertise.

Additional Information and Anomalies

Additional data for the Heathway UFOs includes a 5-minute observation time, unknown altitude and velocity (though comparable to a jet aircraft), and a size equivalent to a 1p coin at arm's length. For the Garboldishan UFO, the object was visible for 20 minutes, first seen in the north-west at a 15° elevation and last seen in the north-west at a 25° elevation. Weather conditions were clear, cold, and dry with no wind. The report notes that the boys who witnessed the Heathway UFOs had skywatched previously. The case of Stephen Wheeler of Springfield is also mentioned, where new information extracted by Andy Collins contrasted sharply with the original investigation by Barry King, leading the group to consider the initial report as the true account.

METEORITE OR UFO?

This article by Mr. Daniel J. Goring discusses the Tunguska event of June 30th, 1908. A tremendous explosion in Siberia flattened trees over 50 Km, blew out windows, and caused the ground to heave hundreds of kilometers away. Sunsets were enhanced for a week due to smoke and dust in the atmosphere. Despite the scale of the event, no sizable crater or fragments were found 20 years later. Evidence suggests a nuclear-like explosion, with heredity rates accelerated. While a meteorite or celestial body was initially suspected, alternative theories have emerged. Dr. Zigel of the Moscow Aviation Institute claims it was a UFO, citing residual radio-activity and a 600 Km arc maneuver. Russian writers G. Altov and V. Zhuravleva suggested a signal ray from a planet associated with 61 Cygni. Jackson and Ryan theorize an impact of a mini-Black Hole with a large asteroid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony and rigorous investigation. The group actively seeks to expand its reach and gather more reports. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations, particularly from the Ministry of Defence. The editorial stance appears to favor the interpretation of UFO phenomena as genuine, unexplained occurrences, often suggesting extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins, as seen in the discussion of the Tunguska event. The importance of witness credibility and prior interest in the subject is also highlighted as a factor in validating sightings.

This issue of the Essex UFO Study Group journal, dated July 1976 (Volume 10), delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, presenting theories, research projects, and correspondence with other organizations. The cover prominently features a discussion on the 'Black Hole' theory, positing its immense gravity and potential impact on Earth.

Theories on the Black Hole

The journal explores the 'Black Hole' theory, suggesting it would possess a gravity field strong enough to create a shock wave, radiation streak, and ground explosion upon passing through the atmosphere. It postulates that such an event could lead to the Black Hole re-emerging in the North Atlantic Ocean with detectable consequences. While acknowledging various theories, the author personally favors the meteorite/small comet theory but hopes a new survey of the area will clarify the mystery.

U.S.S.R. Expedition Information

Information is provided regarding a U.S.S.R. expedition, with contact details for Novosti Information Service in London.

Ley Lines in Essex

A significant section is dedicated to the study of ley lines in Essex. The group is seeking knowledge of ley line locations, as UFOs have been observed to follow these ancient lines. They are looking for 'ley line hunters' and a central co-ordinator to assist in this project. The origin of ley lines is noted as being lost in history.

Skywatch Schedule

Instead of a separate schedule, the Group's Committee has decided to announce definite skywatch dates in each journal. The first skywatch is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st, at Langdon Hills, behind the Crown Public House on the B1007. The meeting time is 9:00 p.m.

Books Section

A comprehensive list of books related to UFOs and related phenomena is presented, including titles such as 'The Mothman Prophecies' by John Keel, 'Frontiers of Knowledge' by Gatland & Dempster, 'Gods of Air & Darkness' by Richard Mooney, and works by Erich Von Daniken and Jacques Vallee, with prices indicated.

Correspondence and Organizational Updates

Letter from Jenny Randles (Northern UFO Network):

Jenny Randles writes to Mr. Goring, expressing her impression of the journal's progress. She discusses the concept of a Southern UFO Network (SUFON), which was her idea but proved difficult to establish due to pressures and Barry King's withdrawal. Randles believes a Southern network would be challenging to operate due to the larger geographical area and perceived lack of enthusiasm in the South. She inquires if the Essex UFO Study Group is capable of injecting enthusiasm into Southern ufology and offers assistance. She clarifies that she is not involved with SUFON as it does not yet exist.

Letter from Alan C. Fossey (British UFO Documentation Centre):

Alan Fossey responds to Mr. Goring's letter of May 24th, 1976, and the journal. He notes Dr. Hyneck's new Center in Toronto, clarifying it's a branch, not a full science center, and states that a similar initiative is already underway in Britain, with an announcement to be made once better organized.

Letter from D.L. Rees (Skywatch Magazine):

D.L. Rees, Secretary and Editor of Skywatch Magazine, thanks Mr. Goring for his letter and praises the journal's presentation. He expresses hope that Skywatch will eventually be produced on similar lines. Rees notes that Skywatch's content quality has improved and looks forward to receiving contributions from the Essex UFO Study Group (EUFOSG) for inclusion in Skywatch, aiming to foster a friendship between the groups through magazine and advert exchanges. He encloses a contribution that introduces MAPIT and other items, along with an advertisement for the journal.

Subscriptions and Advertisements

Information is provided on how to obtain books and magazines, including Skywatch Magazine, Foresight, and Lantern. Advertisement rates for the journal are listed, and subscription details for the journal are provided (£2.00 for one year, including 6 issues).

Errata and Reproduction Policy

An errata is included for the May 1976 Journal, apologizing for any offense caused by the article 'The Mystery of The Ponder's End Trapezium'. The journal states that any item may be reproduced provided the Group and Chairman's name and address are mentioned, and requests a copy of any publication containing EUFOSG material.

Contact Information

Contact details for the Editor of the journal, Mr. D.J. Goring (Jnr.), and the Chairman of the Essex UFO Study Group, Mr. Roy Lake, are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of scientific and speculative theories surrounding UFO phenomena (like the 'Black Hole'), the practical aspects of UFO investigation (ley lines, skywatches), and the importance of inter-organizational communication and publication exchange within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging participation and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the challenges in organizing and maintaining such efforts. There is a clear emphasis on collaboration and the dissemination of research through journals and newsletters.