EUFOSG Journal - 1976 09 - September 1976

Magazine Overview

This is the September 1976 issue of THE ESSEX UFO STUDY GROUP JOURNAL. The publication is a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating Unidentified Flying Object phenomena and related paranormal occurrences. The cover features the group's name prominently and the 'EUFOSG' logo.

Contents

The journal's content is laid out with a detailed table of contents, including:

• Chelmsford Public Meeting: Information about an upcoming meeting on 17th September 1976.
• Group Meeting - 9th July 1976: A report on the group's gathering in Barking.
• BUFORA Conference: Details about the British UFO Research Association Conference in November 1976.
• Investigations: Reports on UFO sightings.
• Interesting articles:
• "The Ghost Fliers" (Mysterious Aerial Visitations)
• Fireball of 6th June 1976
• Group Co-operation MAPIT/EUFOSG
• Ley Lines in Essex
• Skywatches
• Books
• Letters
• Advertisements
• EUFOSG Advertisement
• Subscriptions
• Errata, July 1976 Journal

Chelmsford Public Meeting

A public meeting was scheduled for Friday, 17th September 1976, at 8:00 p.m. at the British Legion Hall in Chelmsford, Essex. The aim was to provide an overview of the UFO phenomenon and introduce the group to visitors. The meeting was planned to last three hours, with opportunities for visitors to speak with organizers. Admission was 20p, including participation in a raffle and refreshments.

Group Meeting - 9th July 1976

The group met from 8-11 p.m. at Harts Lane Lecture Hall, Barking. Mr. Roy Lake (Chairman) welcomed members and non-members, outlining the group's activities, particularly Skywatches. Mr. Ron Rider (Vice-Chairman and Treasurer) discussed group loyalties, emphasizing the importance of investigators working harmoniously and not competing for stories.

Investigations and Articles

Dagenham Sightings: A number of UFO sightings were reported in the Dagenham area, suggesting a resurgence of activity after a lull from March to May 1976. The group anticipates this activity spreading to other parts of Essex, similar to a 1975/76 mini-flap. Readers are encouraged to send in newspaper clippings of UFO reports.

Report No. 1 (Case No. 1975-7-2): U.F.O. from Germany?

This case involves Mr. H., who reported an encounter in July 1975. While driving along Warwick Lane, he saw a parked van with its rear doors open, containing complex electrical equipment and attended by two men. Shortly after, a small disc-shaped object appeared and hovered in front of his car. Feeling uneasy, Mr. H. reversed and drove away, with the disc following him for about half a mile at a low altitude, matching his speed. The disc then rose and returned towards Gerpins Lane. Mr. H. later saw the same disc outside his bedroom window at 1 a.m. the following night, for about 20-30 seconds, at a distance of 5-6 feet from the window.

Mr. H. initially believed the disc was a model being tested by electronics enthusiasts. The van had a German identification plate ('D'). The object was described as bright silver, about 3 ft. in diameter, with no audible emissions, and was observed for one to four minutes. The van was a blue Datsun.

"The Ghost Fliers" - Mysterious Aerial Visitations by Mr. Ron Markwick

This article discusses unknown aeroplanes observed in the 1930s that flew low over trees, mountain tops, and skyscrapers, even in adverse weather conditions. These "ghost fliers" were also reported in Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark). The author notes that military authorities were concerned but offered little explanation. The article draws parallels between these sightings and UFO reports, suggesting a consistent pattern of unidentified craft operating near military installations. The author questions the origin and purpose of these craft, noting the lack of registration or national markings.

"Ghost Rockets" and Biblical Accounts:

The article continues by discussing "ghost rockets" observed in Scandinavia and Finland in 1946. These were described as cigar-shaped, similar to some UFO shapes, and some emitted sounds like a whistling noise. The author connects these phenomena to biblical accounts, citing Isaiah's description of "Who are these that fly as a cloud and as the doves to their windows?" He suggests that ancient chroniclers may have witnessed UFOs and occupants, referring to biblical figures like Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, and King David, and their unusually long lifespans. The article also touches upon the "airship" flap of 1896 in the USA, Britain, and New Zealand.

Explanations and Theories:

Possible explanations for sightings include frequency application (indirect hypnosis) and the hologram method, which projects images directly onto the brain. The author dismisses the idea that UFOs are merely dreams, citing radar returns indicating hardware in flight. He suggests that "contactees" and biblical prophets may have received information from external sources, similar to how ancient peoples might interpret advanced technology as divine or demonic.

BUFORA Conference 1976

The 1976 BUFORA Conference was scheduled for Friday, November 5th to Sunday, November 7th, at the Birmingham Centre Hotel. The event aimed to cover various aspects of Ufology, with Mr. Ted Bloecher, a renowned American researcher, presenting a paper on humanoid and occupant cases. The conference included papers on research in Britain and elsewhere, as well as small group discussions. The fee was £5.00 for members and £6.00 for non-members. Miss Jenny Randles was the contact for submissions and inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores historical UFO sightings, linking them to contemporary phenomena and ancient texts, particularly the Bible. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, challenging conventional scientific explanations and suggesting a long history of such phenomena on Earth. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the potential for advanced technology or extraterrestrial intelligence. The editor expresses a belief that UFOs will increasingly intersect with religion and occult matters. The publication encourages reader participation in reporting sightings and contributing to investigations.

This issue of the Essex UFO Study Group Journal, dated September 1976, delves into various aspects of ufology, including speculative theories about extraterrestrial visitors, detailed case reports, and organizational updates. The journal aims to foster a scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena.

Speculative Theories on Space Beings

The opening article ponders the origins of material used by space beings for projection and questions why they might 'entertain' humanity. It suggests that advanced beings could provide 're-runs' of future events or edit their own 'talkie-movies' for us, potentially explaining omissions like insignia on aircraft. The author posits that visitors might be responsible for humanity's interest in space visits, indirectly influencing our thinking. The article also touches upon the scientific community's initial skepticism towards UFOs and the idea that advanced beings might use 'false images' to shroud their craft, making sightings appear as mere imagination. It notes that rays of light observed from UFOs might be of an electromagnetic or corpuscular nature, with frequencies unknown to science. The author criticizes the Bible for suggesting Earth is the only inhabited system, contributing to human conceit about being alone in the universe. The piece concludes by stating that while scientists might dismiss UFOs as fantastic, the universe itself is fantastic, and they should expect extraordinary phenomena.

Fireball of 6th June 1976

A report details a brilliant fireball observed over southern England on June 6th, 1976. This event, described as a shooting star or meteor, was visually as bright as the Full Moon (magnitude -14). Numerous witnesses contacted astronomical societies and police. A drawing by Mrs. Warne of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, depicts the object with a white/orange head and a jagged tail, estimated to be about 6 inches in diameter at arm's length. The fireball reportedly exploded noiselessly in the north-east, with pieces falling towards the ground and disappearing behind houses, likely into the sea east of Foulness, south-east Essex. The report is credited to Mr. Andy Collins.

Group Co-operation MAPIT/EUFOSG

David L. Rees, Secretary of the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT), expresses gratitude to the Essex UFO Study Group Journal Editor for a co-operation set-up involving exchange adverts and publications. MAPIT, formed in 1973, aims to uncover UFO incidents in its area using a scientific approach. The magazine 'Skywatch', edited by Rees, is distributed internationally to ten countries. Rees encourages anyone with ideas or articles to contribute, noting that MAPIT and EUFOSG benefit from a wide range of contributors. He hopes for future contributions from MAPIT members to the Journal.

Ley Lines in Essex

To aid the study of the UFO phenomenon, the group seeks knowledge about the location of ley lines in Essex. Ley lines, identified by ancient sites falling on a straight line, are sometimes followed by UFOs. The origin of ley lines is lost to history, and the group is looking for 'ley line hunters' and a central co-ordinator to assist in this project.

Skywatches

An upcoming Skywatch event is announced for Saturday, October 9th, 1976, at Coalhouse Fort, an old building on the north bank of the Thames. The meeting time is 9:00 p.m., and the public is welcome. A report on a previous Skywatch from July will be published in the November issue.

Books

A list of recommended books on UFOs and related topics is provided, including titles like "THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE," "IS ANYONE OUT THERE?," "UFO'S THE WHOLE STORY," and "THE UTAH UFO DISPLAY," with their prices.

Letters

Mr. B. Crawford from London writes to clarify a comment from the October 1975 issue regarding the Betty and Barney Hill case. He notes a discrepancy between Dr. Hynek's quote, stating Betty Hill's star map showed the Zeta system from an external viewpoint, and a quote from "UFO's from Behind the Iron Curtain," which suggests the UFO's home port was indicated in the Pegasus constellation. This creates a conflict as Pegasus is in the Northern Hemisphere, while Zeta Reticuli is in the Southern.

Editor's Comments

The Editor acknowledges Mr. Crawford's letter and states that due to the importance of the Betty and Barney Hill case, the account will be extended into future issues. He mentions having ample material to respond to Mr. Crawford's points and intends to provide a summary of the original story and subsequent developments concerning the star map.

The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction (U.S.A. 1961) - Part I

This section provides a detailed account of the Betty and Barney Hill abduction on September 19th, 1961, in New Hampshire, USA. After being taken aboard a UFO and subjected to physical examinations, Betty Hill had a conversation with the Captain, who showed her a three-dimensional map. When asked where Earth was on the map, she couldn't answer, and the Captain refused to reveal his origin. They were returned to their car and told to forget the experience. Anxiety and strange dreams followed, and it wasn't until three years later, under hypnosis, that the events were revealed. The story was eventually disclosed to the public.

Summary - Betty and Barney Hill Abduction (Part I)

This summary focuses on the star map drawn by Betty Hill under post-hypnotic suggestion in 1964. Initially unidentified, in 1965 it was compared to a star map of the Pegasus constellation showing quasar CTA-102, which was then thought to be sending intelligent radio signals. Later, amateur astronomer Marjorie Fish and engineer Charles Atterberg independently explored the idea that the map represented a spaceman's view from outside the Solar System. Fish, in 1969, described the map to Betty Hill as a flat, thin material with glowing stars and lines indicating trade routes and visited places. The map was approximately three feet wide by two feet high. Betty recalled a prominent triangle off to the left, and noted that the stars appeared local rather than distant, suggesting the Milky Way was not represented. The article includes an image of the star map drawn by Betty Hill.

Advertisements

Several magazines are advertised:

• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, mysticism, philosophy, psychic development, UFOs, and world events.
• THE LEY HUNTER: A bi-monthly magazine focused on prehistoric sites, megalithic monuments, legends, UFOs, and supernatural events.
• FORTEAN TIMES: A non-profit bi-monthly miscellany of news and references on strange phenomena, affiliated with the International Fortean Organisation.
• SKYWATCH MAGAZINE: A publication for British UFOlogy, accepting contributions, general UFO news, letters, and articles, published by MAPIT.
• LANTERN: A quarterly publication on paranormal cases, ESP, ancient legends, and UFOs.

EUFOSG Advertisement Rates and Subscriptions

Advertisement rates for EUFOSG are provided (2p per word for non-members, 1p for members). Information is given about EUFOSG's publication, which is no longer a newsletter and is not published monthly. Subscription to "FSR" (Flying Saucer Review) is also advertised. EUFOSG membership costs £2.00 per year for six issues of the Journal.

Errata, July 1976 Journal

Corrections are noted for the July 1976 Journal:

• Page 8: Mr. Barry King requests the statement relating to "The Garboldisham UFO" be erased, as a comparison to Kenneth Arnold's sightings was not intended.
• Page 9: In the article "WMETEORITE OR UFO", the statement about trees being blown flat for more than 50km from the blast centre is corrected to "A region more than 50 km. from the blast centre was affected."

The journal also states that the material presented does not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or EUFOSG, and any reproduction of content requires crediting the Essex UFO Study Group.

Correspondence Addresses

Contact details are provided for the Editor (Mr. Daniel J. Goring), Secretary (Mrs. Gloria Saville), and Chairman (Mr. Roy Lake) of the Essex UFO Study Group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a scientific approach to UFO investigation, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis. It highlights the importance of international co-operation between ufological groups like MAPIT and EUFOSG. The editorial stance appears open to speculative theories while grounding reports in witness accounts and available evidence, as seen in the detailed coverage of the Betty and Barney Hill case and the fireball sighting. There's a clear effort to address reader queries and correct previous errors, demonstrating a commitment to accuracy and transparency. The inclusion of book advertisements and information on ley lines suggests a broad interest in related paranormal and historical phenomena.