EUFOSG Journal - 1977 05 - May 1977

Magazine Overview

This is the May 1977 issue, Volume 1, No. 3, of EUFOSG, 'The Official Journal' of the Essex Unidentified Flying Object Study Group. The cover prominently features the group's name and a stylized circular graphic. The issue is dedicated to the investigation of UFO phenomena and is published by the Essex Unidentified Flying Object Study Group, founded in 1970.

Editorial

The editorial expresses disappointment with the BBC television documentary 'Out of this World,' broadcast on May 10, 1977. The editor felt the program degraded ufologists and that the Aetherius Society segment was particularly detrimental. However, the latter part of the documentary, featuring a panel from 'Flying Saucer Review,' was considered good. The editor hopes future serious programs will avoid such 'time-wasting, ridiculous episodes.' The editorial also notes a slight increase in subscription prices due to material costs and rising postal rates.

Next Group Meeting

The next group meeting was scheduled for Friday, June 24, 1977, at Harts Lane Lecture Hall, Barking, Essex. This meeting was to mark the 30th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine UFOs over Mt. Rainer, Washington, USA, which coined the term 'flying saucers.' Mr. Ron Markwick was to discuss this event. The meeting also featured a talk by Mr. Norman Oliver, Editor of BUFORA Journal, titled 'UFO Flaps and Alien Contacts.' Both speakers were to be accompanied by slides.

Group Meeting (held 15/4/77)

The meeting on April 15, 1977, was conducted by Technical Advisor Mr. Ron Markwick. He detailed Mrs. Bowles's and Mr. Pratt's initial encounter with alien occupants near Winchester in November 1976, and their second encounter in December 1976, which involved an abduction into the aliens' craft. A third encounter by Mrs. Bowles with a different entity in March 1977 was also mentioned. An item of interest was a photograph of the lunar crater Vitello, with Mr. Rex Dutta suggesting a mechanical mining machine was present, though the editor found little evidence for this. A discussion on the possibility of UFOs originating from inside the Earth was also presented, referencing an expedition planned to explore the underworld via openings at the North and South Poles. The discussion touched on the proof for these holes and the nature of Earth satellite photographs.

Investigations

This section anticipates a potential UFO wave in the summer of 1977 and requests witnesses to report sightings, including potential landings and humanoids. Anonymity is guaranteed upon request. The journal then presents three case reports:

Report No. 1 (Case No. 1976-2-3): UFO's activate detector

This case, reported by Mr. Malcolm Jay, involved a sighting on February 10, 1976, by Mr. Michael Fry of Peterborough. His UFO detector alerted him to an external source. Michael observed two reddish lights with a greenish-blue glow approaching his house. The lights blinked, circled the vicinity, and one separated and disappeared instantly. The remaining light continued to circle before accelerating vertically upwards. The sighting lasted over half an hour. Michael's father also witnessed the event. The lights were described as noiseless until they accelerated, at which point a roaring sound was heard. The U.S.A.F. bases at Alconbury & Wittering were contacted, and while they noted some aircraft were airborne, the Commander suggested the lights did not sound like aircraft. The sighting was reported in a local newspaper with discrepancies.

Report No.2. (Case No. 1976-6-8): The Dagenham "Lights"

On June 24, 1976, Mr. Allan Leigh of Dagenham witnessed seven UFOs described as 'lights in the sky.' These 'stars' moved rapidly across the sky. One 'star' appeared to switch on like a light bulb before following the same course. Another moved in a zigzag pattern. An aircraft was seen making a 'climbing turn' towards one 'star,' which then 'switched itself off.' A beam of orange-red light was also observed. Mr. Leigh, a draughtsman, was considered a good witness. The phenomena were likely bright spherical UFOs, possibly miles above the ground.

Report No. 3 (Case No. 1977-1-8): UFO photographed over Walthamstow, London.

On January 13, 1977, fourteen-year-old Martin G- of Walthamstow photographed a bright white object emerging from behind clouds. He described it as 'something out of the ordinary.' The object moved slowly against a black sky and then disappeared behind low clouds. The photograph, taken with a Polaroid Super Swinger, showed two fuzzy-edged elliptical shapes, one slightly smaller and behind the other. The object was estimated to be 20 meters across and at an altitude of 800 meters. The flight path was over the River Lea/Walthamstow reservoirs region, an area known for UFO sightings. The report notes that the witness was a clever schoolboy, and the possibility of a faked picture was considered. The report also references previous sightings in the Lea Valley, including objects diving into the reservoir with orange lights and strange noises.

Result of a Study - Part II

This section presents graphs analyzing UFO sightings from November 1, 1975, to December 31, 1976, focusing on time of day and day of the week. The graphs show a similarity to previous data, with low activity in spring months. The analysis indicates a bunching of reports in the evening and early morning, consistent with 'Vallee's Law of Time,' which identifies peaks in UFO sightings worldwide between 9:00-10:00 p.m. and 2:00-3:00 a.m. The data for the Essex area conforms to this pattern, though no established explanation for these peaks exists.

Other Content

The issue also includes sections for 'Letters,' 'Advertisements,' 'Wanted,' and 'Skywatches.' The EUFOSG Directory provides contact details for key personnel, including the Head Office, Editor, General Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Technical Advisor, Field Research Equipment, and Treasurer. It also notes that Mrs. Jean Easton is no longer the Membership Secretary and provides subscription rates for the UK and overseas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the analysis of UFO data. The editorial stance is one of critical engagement with media portrayals of ufology and a commitment to rigorous investigation of phenomena, while acknowledging the limitations of sample size and the need for further research. The group appears to be a serious, non-profit organization dedicated to understanding UFOs.

This issue of the "Res Bureaux Bulletin", dated March 31st, 1977, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, featuring reports of sightings, discussions on investigation methods, and related news.

UFOs versus the Sun (Essex Area Only)

A graph illustrates UFO sightings in the Essex area over a year, comparing them with sunrise and sunset times. The data suggests that the majority of UFO appearances (90%) occur between sunset and sunrise. The article notes that this preponderance of nocturnal sightings is not due to "viewing habits" but implies that darkness offers favorable qualities for the visitors. The graph highlights Saturday as yielding the greatest crop of sightings, though the reason for this is not definitively explained. The editor promises a future discussion on UFO shapes, sighting durations, and other facts.

UFOs and Cattle?

This section reports on the inauguration of a new newsletter, "The Cattle Report", dedicated to cattle mutilations in the U.S.A. The newsletter implies that the U.S. Government is to blame for these mutilations over the past four years, alleging a cover-up and discouragement of investigations.

UFOs Seen in California - Family Tells of Event as UFO Chased Car at 90 MPH

A California couple, Bill and Lenda Pecha, recount an experience where they were chased by a spaceship. Bill Pecha, formerly a skeptic, now believes in UFOs. The object is described as 140 ft. wide, looming 20 ft. above their barn, with a ribbed dome, a dull silvery color, and rotating edges. It emitted no sound but retracted metallic cables and hook-like arms, displaying bluish-white lights. Two smaller UFOs were also observed hovering near power lines, causing them to glow red. The main object then raced towards a line of hills at an estimated minimum speed of 24,000 mph. The report includes a testimonial from policeman Bill Wheeler, who found Pecha to be a reliable witness.

Flying Saucers: Carter Believes in Them, Whilst Pinochet Wonders

This section announces a new international congress on unidentified flying objects to be held in Chicago from June 24th to 26th, organized by "Fate" magazine. This event is scheduled to occur exactly thirty years after Ken Arnold's sighting of nine unidentified circular objects over Mount Rainier National Park. The congress aims to determine the significance of UFO phenomena, following a previous failed congress in Acapulco, Mexico.

Government Revelations?

According to Mr. Curtis Fuller, Editor of "Fate" magazine, the Chicago congress is expected to be particularly interesting due to recent information published in "U.S. News and World Report". This report suggests the American government is considering making "disturbing revelations" on UFOs, based on C.I.A. data, which could reverse the government's official stance of minimizing UFO phenomena. The article also recalls President Jimmy Carter's statement about seeing a UFO in 1973 and his promise to make all U.S. government information on UFO sightings public if elected.

A Chilean Corporal Confined by the Green Men?

This report details a controversial incident in the Chilean army involving Corporal Valdes. While on patrol, Valdes and his men perceived a violent, intense light. Valdes approached the UFO and asked it to identify itself. He subsequently found himself back with his men, having lost consciousness, and his watch had advanced fifteen minutes and five days. He reported that the visitors said, "You do not know who we are, nor from where we come. ... We will come back soon." The incident has caused passionate debate in the Chilean press, with skeptics accusing newspapers of creating a scare campaign. UFO appearances are also mentioned in the regions of Vilcon and Punta Arenas.

LETTERS:

Bill Eden, a new member of the EUFOSG from Chelmsford, Essex, writes with several questions regarding the organization's procedures:

1. How is the EUFOSG made aware of new sightings of UFO's?
New sightings are primarily discovered through newspapers, with Group members also contributing.
2. How are these sightings subsequently investigated by the EUFOSG?
Ideally, witnesses are visited by an investigator who completes a standard UFO report form and asks additional questions. For complex cases, multiple visits may be necessary.
3. Are the reported phenomena classified, and if so by what method of classification?
Reports are filed chronologically, with separate files for location, duration, and UFO type. Classification follows the system defined by Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
4. What happens to reports after classification, etc. has been performed?
Correlation of reports is being attempted.
5. To whom are the reports in your files available for scrutiny and/or research?
Only certified members are allowed to scrutinize the reports to protect witness anonymity and the group's investigative claims.

Eden also recalls attending an EUFOSG meeting where a photograph, claimed to be from Shuttlewood's "The Warminster Mystery", was shown to be a fake by Shuttlewood himself. He questions why this significant example of a convincing fake photograph was not mentioned in the narration.

Editor's reply:

The editor addresses Bill Eden's questions, confirming that new sightings come mainly from newspapers and Group members. The investigation process involves visiting witnesses, completing standard forms, and asking supplementary questions. For higher-class cases, more effort is made. The classification system uses Dr. J. Allen Hynek's method. Correlation of reports is indeed attempted. Access to reports is restricted to certified members to ensure confidentiality and the integrity of the investigation.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Several publications and organizations are advertised:

• "Viewpoint Aquarius": A newsletter covering UFOs, Theosophy, Yoga, Meditation, and Healing, with news from the U.S.A. via "The National Enquirer".
• "Skywatch": A publication by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation team, featuring UFO news, letters, articles, and advertisements. Back issues are available.
• "Foresight": A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, mysticism, philosophy, psychic development, UFOs, and world events.
• Essex Healers' Association: Publishes a Newsletter on spiritual healing.
• "Essex Dowser": A Newsletter on dowsing.

SKYWATCHES

Reports on recent "Skywatch" events are provided:

• April 23rd, 1977, Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, London: A successful event with 25 participants, advertised in London newspapers and broadcast on Radio London and L.B.C. A bright yellowish-white light was observed, which some thought was an aircraft, though the lack of engine noise was noted.
• Upcoming Skywatches are announced for May 28th, June 4th, July 2nd (Pole Hill, Chingford), and July 9th (Coppermill Lane, London).
• July 7th is suggested as a potentially significant night for skywatching due to the date "7.7.177".

Other Publications of Note:

• "Northern UFO News": Edited by Jenny Randles.
• "Awareness": A CONTACT (U.K.) publication.
• "Flying Saucer Review": A high-quality international magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the potential for government involvement or cover-up. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of UFO reports while acknowledging the challenges and complexities involved, such as distinguishing genuine sightings from fakes and the need for rigorous investigation methods. The bulletin also highlights the international nature of UFO interest, with reports and events from the U.S.A., Chile, and Canada, alongside its U.K. focus.