EUFOSG Journal - 1976 11 - November 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Essex UFO Study Group Journal, dated November 1976, is a newsletter detailing the group's activities, investigations, and articles related to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently displays the group's name and logo.

Content and Meetings

The journal's table of contents reveals a variety of sections including meeting reports, general news, investigations, interesting articles, skywatches, book reviews, letters, advertisements, and subscriptions.

Meeting Reports:

• Next Group Meeting: Scheduled for Friday, December 3rd, 1976, at Harts Lane Hall, Barking, from 8-11 p.m., to discuss UFO cases from the Essex area.
• Chelmsford Public Meeting (September 17th, 1976): The group's first public meeting was held at the British Legion Hall, Chelmsford. It included a slide show of famous UFO photographs with a documentary soundtrack, an introduction to the group by former Chairman Mr. Roy Lake, and a technical paper by Technical Advisor Mr. Ron Markwick. Despite a speaker being unable to attend and some finding the paper complicated, an open discussion followed, with Mr. Markwick answering numerous questions. A raffle with UFO books as prizes was also held. Mr. Lake mentioned plans for a future meeting in the Chelmsford area.
• Group Meeting (October 18th, 1976): Held at Harts Lane, Barking, this meeting was well-attended and considered one of the group's finest. It featured three slide shows, including a repeat of the Chelmsford presentation, a display of famous UFO cases worldwide by Mr. Ron Markwick, and an original EUFOSG production titled 'Moon Mysteries' with story, music, and narration by D. Goring and Mr. Ron Markwick respectively. A date for the next meeting was to be announced in this journal.

General News

Recent changes within the EUFOSG committee include the resignation of Mr. Roy Lake as Chairman, Mr. Ron Rider as Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Christopher King as Paranormal Investigator. Mrs. Jean Easton has taken over as Membership Secretary.

Outside the group, the 'Dagenham Paranormal Research Group', headed by Mr. Barry King, has dissolved. 'UFO News', edited by Mr. David Procktor, was handed over to new publishers in Spring '76. Mr. Andy Collins has resigned as BUFORA's R.I.C. for Essex, and Mr. Bob Easton has been appointed as the new R.I.C.

Investigations

June 1976 was a peak month for UFO activity, with a gradual decrease in reports over the following three months. Several interesting cases were received from the Basildon, Chelmsford, and Colchester areas. More recent cases (mid-October) came from East Dagenham, where witnesses at a football game reported seeing UFOs hovering above the ground, possibly attracted by floodlights.

The journal urges readers to report any UFO sightings, especially if they see newspaper reports, requesting clippings with the publication details. Personal sightings are even more valuable.

Report No. 1 (Case No. 1944-8/9-1): U.F.O. inspects V-1's

This is the oldest UFO account on record, told by a witness who only recently shared it with her family. The incident occurred in 1944 during World War II. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, living in London, heard air-raid sirens and then the noise of a German V-1 flying bomb. Mrs. Smith saw four V-1s in a line and then a fifth object, described as a rapidly turning, large, spherical object resembling a 'soap bubble'. This object paced the V-1s, decelerating to match their speed before they glided earthward. After the bombs exploded, the 'bubble' was seen moving rapidly northwards. The object was described as rolling across the sky like a ball. Additional data indicates the object was visible for approximately 2 minutes, had a hazy outline, and displayed colors similar to a soap bubble glinting in sunlight, possibly metallic. The V-1's had a velocity of around 400 m.p.h. and an altitude of 2000-3000 ft. The 'bubble' was estimated to be between 3.6 to 5.8 meters in diameter. The witness's son verified the story, noting that the term 'UFO' was unknown during the war, and it was initially believed to be a British Intelligence craft.

Report No. 2 (Case No. 1976-1-3): U.F.O's in Tandem

On January 27th, 1976, Mrs. B. and four colleagues witnessed two UFOs over Basildon, Essex, around 4 p.m. The first object was disc-shaped with a flat base and a dome, described as flowing white, moving from south to north. The second object was cylindrical, orange, and estimated to be closer than the disc. It moved away, then changed direction to its right, fading into the distance towards the north. The witnesses contacted the 'Basildon Recorder' newspaper. The drawings provided are impressions from BUFORA Investigator Mr. Andy Collins.

• Additional Data (Disc): Visible for half an hour, estimated distance 2 miles, size equivalent to a 5p coin at arm's length. Seen moving South to North, elevation 30°, no audible emissions. Weather: Cold, dry, scattered cloud. Sunset 16:37 GMT.
• Additional Data (Cylinder): Visible for a quarter of an hour, estimated distance 1 mile, size equivalent to a cricket ball at arm's length. Seen moving West to North, elevations 45° then 40°, no audible emissions.

Both objects were seen through an office window. The disc was estimated to be 330ft across, and the cylinder 600ft long.

Report No. 3 (Case No. 1976-6-6): U.F.O's Illuminate Garden

On June 6th, 1976, Mr. John Poole of Colchester, Essex, was watering his garden around 10:15-10:30 p.m. when he heard a throbbing noise. He then saw three cigar-shaped objects hovering side-by-side, displaying colored lights. After a few seconds, they moved off with great velocity, maintaining their formation. The objects were illuminated by a white light that lasted for up to two minutes.

• Additional Data: Visible for 3-4 seconds, estimated altitude thousands of feet, estimated velocity Mach 3-5. Estimated distance thousands of feet. Size equivalent to a thumb at arm's length. Real size estimated at 40ft long. Seen moving N.N.W. to N.N.E., elevations 40° then 20°. Audible emissions: Deep throbbing. Weather: Clear sky, excellent visibility, warm, dry. Sunset 21:11 GMT. Moon: First Quarter.

Mr. Poole described the objects as having a brilliant yellow forward section and three white observation windows, with a green, red, and yellow body. He felt a strong desire to return indoors after the sighting and later learned there was an 'alert over the region' that night. He also experienced a sore tongue for several days, which is noted as a possible after-effect of a 'close' UFO encounter.

June 1976 yielded over 2600 UFO reports across the UK, with various sightings including colored balls of light, hovering objects, and metallic craft. On June 6th, the RAF, police, and coastguards conducted a large UFO hunt in Essex and Suffolk. In North Staffordshire, a trio of UFOs were spotted hours before a 'burning object' fell from the sky.

Report No. 4 (Case No. 1976-10): The Fireball seen by Mr. Weston

On June 6th, 1976, Mr. Pieter Weston of Wivenhoe, Essex, witnessed an incandescent object moving rapidly through the sky at 21:37 UT. The object lasted for four seconds, its nucleus changing from blue to green, surrounded by a yellow coma. This appears to be the same fireball seen by Mrs. Warne. The journal speculates that fireballs might be used as a 'cover' for bona fide UFOs or could be probes.

Anomalies: "UFO from Germany?" (Report No.1, Case No. 1975-7-2)

Recent investigation at the site of this case revealed that a vehicle could not be parked on the grass verge as depicted in the original drawing due to a ditch. The traffic in Warwick Lane was also noted as being much heavier than likely at the time of the incident, raising questions about the original account. It is suggested that a model aircraft or a 'Flying Doughnut' model made by a Government company in Northern Ireland could be explanations for some sightings.

Interesting Articles

"Ufology in 1976" by Miss Jenny Randles (NUFON - Northern UFO Network)

This article provides a brief overview of the state of ufology in 1976. It notes the diverse types of people involved, from those with esoteric or religious views to those who consume sensationalized books. The author highlights that a minority of investigators approach the subject with rigid scientific scruples. The article criticizes sensationalist magazines and groups that prioritize selling publications over factual reporting. It also discusses the formation of local UFO groups, suggesting that smaller, dedicated groups of two or three people can be more effective than larger ones, as larger groups can become dissipated and their meetings less productive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on detailed case reports from the Essex area and beyond, emphasizing witness testimony and investigative efforts. There's a clear commitment to documenting sightings and analyzing them, even if explanations are not always forthcoming. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the complexities and sometimes controversial nature of the subject, while also being critical of sensationalism and misinformation within the ufology community. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the efforts of dedicated individuals and groups to understand them.

This issue of the Essex UFO Study Group Journal, dated November 1976 (Volume 14), explores the evolving nature of Ufology, emphasizing organizational changes, research methodologies, and specific case studies. The journal features articles on the structure of Ufology groups, the importance of scientific research, and detailed investigations into UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters.

Organizational Changes in Ufology

The opening article discusses the need for Ufology groups, noting a trend towards a two-tier organizational structure. This allows individuals to engage with Ufology to the degree they desire, from casual interest to dedicated work. Some groups, like UFOSIS and MUFORA, are implementing preliminary vetting of new members to ensure they can contribute to the group's work. The author suggests this model could be beneficial for groups like NUFON.

Research and Data Collation

The journal highlights the shift towards more organized research, particularly in data collation. An example is the joint project between NUFON and CONTACT, with BUFORA's backing, to compile a catalogue of historical cases in Northern England. This effort aims to uncover and reference a vast amount of hidden data. The article stresses that large-scale projects require cooperation to be effective.

The Scientific Approach and Project Pennine

There is a push for Ufology to move towards science, with proposals for a British equivalent to Professor Hynek's UFO Center. This would provide scientists with an unrestricted environment to study UFOs, utilizing the work of amateur Ufologists. The success of such initiatives depends on amateurs providing well-documented and researched data. Project Pennine is presented as another example of a joint venture, involving several geographic groups analyzing physical, geographical, and social attributes of an area to conduct a useful study.

Speculation on the Nature of the Phenomenon

The journal delves into speculation about what the UFO phenomenon truly represents. While the 'visitors from space' idea was once dominant, contemporary views are more complex. The author notes a growing realization that the phenomenon is deeper than mere lights in the sky and may involve 'psychic' attributes that were previously avoided. The author's personal views have evolved over seven years, moving away from the 'ether-dimensional' or 'temporal visitors' theories towards the idea that the phenomenon is contemporary but exists in a different mode of perception, potentially influencing human history and individuals.

UFO Sightings and Skywatches

Several specific events are reported:

• Bermuda Triangle Incident: A report from "The Sun" on October 19, 1976, details the disappearance of the Panamanian freighter "Sylvia L Ossa" and its 37 crew in the Bermuda Triangle.
• Capital Radio Discussion: On October 5, 1976, Dr. Chris Evans used an analogy on Capital Radio to describe the potential aftermath of alien contact.
• Skywatch Events: Reports are given on skywatch activities:
• August 21, 1976, at Westley Heights, Langdon Hills, Basildon, Essex, attracted over 30 people, but no unusual objects were seen.
• May 11, 1974, a UFO was seen from Pole Hill, Chingford, London, described as having 6 coloured flashing lights (3 each side) and estimated to be 50ft (15m) across.
• August 1975, two more UFOs of the lights-in-the-sky variety were witnessed from Pole Hill.
• October 9, 1976, at Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex, attracted over 20 people, but an overcast sky prevented more from attending and nothing unusual was seen.
• Future skywatches were scheduled for The Chase, Dagenham (December 11, 1976) and Parsloes Park, Dagenham (December 18, 1976).

Impact of Alien Civilizations

An analogy is drawn between the impact of Europeans on Native American civilizations and the potential impact of a civilization millions of years more advanced than humanity making contact. Such an event would be far more disruptive, but the author suggests it's unlikely to happen as there would be no reason for such advanced beings to contact a less developed civilization.

Books and Publications

The journal lists several books related to UFOs and related topics, including "Destiny Mars," "The Devil's Triangle," and "The Utah UFO Display." It also mentions "Skywatch Magazine" and "Essex Dowser" as publications.

Special Meetings and Annexe

Announcements are made for a special meeting featuring Mr. Rex Dutta, a ufologist and author, and the establishment of a new Chelmsford Branch of the EUFOSG, coordinated by Mr. Kevin Matthews.

Betty Hill's Star Map Investigation

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to the ongoing investigation of the star map drawn by Betty Hill. The article reviews interpretations by Charles Atterberg and Marjorie Fish.

• Charles Atterberg's Approach: Atterberg began his investigation in 1966, initially looking for patterns in star atlases. He later shifted to studying the three-dimensional layout of nearby stars. His final map bears a strong likeness to Betty Hill's and includes Epsilon Indi, Epsilon Eridani, and Tau Ceti, which were candidates for Project Ozma.
• Project Ozma: The journal briefly mentions Project Ozma, a radio telescope search for extraterrestrial life initiated by Dr. Otto Struve and Dr. Frank Drake. It notes the detection of strong radio signals from Tau Ceti in 1961, which were later debunked, and the subsequent unexplained closure of the project.
• Marjorie Fish's Interpretation: Ms. Fish began her search in 1966 and, by 1968, had built 3-D models of star positions. Her work, using updated catalogues, eventually led to a map that identified 15 "definite" stars from Betty Hill's original map. The home base is indicated as Zeta 1 and Zeta 2 Reticuli.
• Criticism and Validation: The journal acknowledges that while many have attacked the validity of Ms. Fish's map, others stand by it. Atterberg's map is cited as resembling the Hill map the best, identifying 25 of 26 stars, though Betty Hill herself was unsure about 11 of them.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be printed if space permits. The journal provides contact details for the Editor, General Secretary, and Membership Secretary.

Advertisements

Advertisements are included for "Skywatch Magazine," "Essex Dowser," "Essex Healers' Association," and "Viewpoint Aquarius." A magnetic needle type UFO detector is also advertised.

EUFOSG Journal Subscriptions

Information is provided on how to subscribe to the EUFOSG Journal for £2.00 per year, which includes six issues.

Copyright and Opinions

All material is copyrighted by the Essex UFO Study Group, 1976. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or the EUFOSG.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization and scientific integration of Ufology, the importance of rigorous research and data sharing, and the exploration of the deeper, potentially non-conventional aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the contributions and evolving perspectives of amateur researchers. There is a clear emphasis on collaborative efforts and the systematic analysis of evidence, particularly concerning the Betty Hill star map case.