EUFOSG Journal - 1977 09 - September 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of EUFOSG's Official Journal, dated September 1977, is Volume 1, Issue No. 5. The cover prominently features the title 'EUFOSG The Official Journal' and highlights the 'Essex Unidentified Flying Object Study Group', described as a non-profit making organisation dedicated to the investigation of UFO phenomena, founded in 1970. The cover also includes a graphic of a disc-like object and the date.

Editorial: "They're all aircraft!"

The editorial addresses a recent newspaper article summarizing local UFO sightings. The editor recounts a phone call from a gentleman with 30 years of aircraft spotting experience who insisted all mentioned cases were definitely aircraft. The editor refutes this by pointing out that the newspaper report might not have been accurate or complete, that the absence of personal sightings doesn't prove non-existence, and that UFO interest groups are capable of distinguishing between aircraft and other phenomena. The editor concludes that while the subject of UFOs is flimsy and lacks general acceptance from governments and scientists, everyone should have their say.

Next Group Meeting

The next EUFOSG meeting was scheduled for Friday, 28th October 1977, at 8:00 p.m. at Harts Lane Hall, Cowbridge Lane, Barking, Essex. The meeting was to feature a commentary on UFO detection equipment and presentations of local UFO cases, with an entry fee of 25p for members and 40p for non-members.

Ron Markwick on T.V.

Mr. Ron Markwick, the EUFOSG's Technical Advisor, participated in a UFO-based programme called 'Look East' broadcast by BBC T.V. Norwich on August 22, 1977. The segment was filmed in Arkesdon, North Essex, and focused on a police officer's sighting of a white cigar-shaped object. This marked a significant step for the group, being their first appearance on television, following previous broadcasts on Radio London.

Investigations

The journal reports a steady flow of UFO reports since the July 1977 issue, with May, June, and July being active months. A 'big UFO wave' was anticipated for October. The following cases were detailed:

Report No. 1 (Case No's 1977-6-5 and 6) Level A: Suspected landing at Hainault, Essex.

On June 26, 1977, at 11:40 p.m., Mrs. Green and her family, while driving, observed a large pinkish-red ball of light in the sky above Hainault, Essex. The object moved rapidly and descended below the roof-tops, lasting five to ten seconds. Simultaneously, four boys (Steven, Dean, Alan, and Chris) about 1.5 miles away also witnessed a reddish star that rapidly descended, growing large and appearing as a pinkish-red object. Their accounts varied slightly, but all agreed the object slowed, hovered, and dropped below roof-tops without sound. The boys approached the forest area where they believed it landed, encountering a flat grey mist with a burning smell. The mist moved off down the road. The weather conditions that night made mist formation unlikely. The object's trajectory was compared to a lunar module landing. The boys' sighting was reported to the local newspaper, the 'Ilford Recorder', which also prompted Mrs. Green to contact the police.

UFO windows

The article briefly mentions the concept of UFO 'windows' existing worldwide, potentially related to areas like the Bermuda Triangle, and suggests tracing UFOs to common points of origin.

Sasquatch Activity

A report from May 15th describes a seven-foot tall, hairy creature crossing Highway 7 in British Columbia, Canada, observed by a bus driver and passengers. The driver gave chase, and footprints measuring 14 inches long and 55 inches apart were found. Initially thought to be a hoax, the driver challenged doubters to re-enact it. A later note indicates this case was considered a hoax.

UFO Strikes Policeman

This section details a report from the USA (likely 1976) where a veteran police officer, George W. Wheeler, in Elmwood, Wisconsin, was observing a UFO when it shot a blue flash of light at his squad car, knocking him unconscious. Simultaneously, his car's lights and radio died, and its spark plugs and points were burned out. Nearby TVs also went blank. Wheeler was hospitalized for 14 days experiencing nightmares and headaches. He described the UFO as a silver flying ship with tremendous maneuverability and expressed concern about humanity's actions, such as H-bombs, and the government's secrecy on UFO matters. He had previously seen a similar object at the same location a year earlier with others.

Other Content

The journal also includes sections for book reviews, letters, skywatches, miscellaneous items, commemorative stamps, and advertisements. It provides a directory of EUFOSG personnel, including the Editor, General Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Technical Advisor, Field Research Equipment, Treasurer, and those involved in UFO Research and Journal Production. Subscription details for the journal are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, potential landings, and the investigation of these phenomena by groups like EUFOSG. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging discussion while maintaining a critical approach to evidence, as demonstrated by the response to the 'all aircraft' caller. The journal also touches upon other unusual phenomena like Sasquatch and the potential dangers of UFOs, as expressed by Officer Wheeler. There is an emphasis on reporting and documenting cases, with a call for evidence from readers abroad. The publication seems to advocate for greater transparency from governments regarding UFO information.

This issue of the magazine, dated September 1977, focuses on UFO phenomena with a prominent cover story titled "UFOS OVER ITALY AND MEXICO". It delves into various sightings, investigations, and organizational efforts within the UFO community.

UFOs Over Italy and Mexico

Italy: Sesto San Giovanni Sightings

The magazine reports on a series of UFO sightings over Sesto San Giovanni, a town near Milan, Italy. For several consecutive evenings, squadrons of "flying saucers" were observed. The phenomenon gained attention when a professional photographer, Erminio Ferrati, repeatedly photographed these objects. The photographs revealed series of luminous spots in a row, appearing immobile in the night sky. A close-up of one spot showed two white balls on a black background, each surmounted by a luminous shaft. Ferrati noted that the object, not visible to the naked eye, appeared to have an antenna when developed. He also recounted an instance where a "saucer" approached the ground, casting a vivid light, and dogs barked and ran through his legs. Another observation noted that when a plane passed over Milan, the "objects" went out and then lit up again a minute later. Ferrati, along with his wife, son, and a friend, continued to observe and document these events.

Mexico: UFO Battle

A report from "The Sun of Mexico" details an incident where a UFO reportedly exploded in the sky after being pursued by two other unidentified flying machines. The event occurred at Zihuatanejo and was witnessed by several people. The flying object was moving in a straight line, flanked by two smaller objects attempting to intercept it. After a short time, the UFO exploded into a large, brilliant, round mass which then transformed into four smaller objects that dispersed into space.

UFO Report from France: St. Marcellin Incident

This section details a strange phenomenon that occurred over St. Marcellin, France, on September 15th, 1976. The report, investigated by local reporter Andre Revol, involved the Ginouvres family. The incident began with the television screen going black and displaying horizontal lines. Their cat, previously asleep, became terrified and scratched Mrs. Viviane Ginouvres. As Mrs. Ginouvres opened the door, she felt intense heat and was drawn to a luminous elliptical mass of very strong intensity, which blinded her. The object, estimated to be about 300 meters away, seemed to descend slowly behind a thicket of trees. Mr. Bernard Ginouvres estimated the atmospheric temperature at the time to be around 30°C. He corroborated the facts and noted the object extinguished itself without rising. The following morning, no trace was found on the ground. The report also mentions another witness, Mrs. Helene Menon, who saw a white disc in the distance while travelling near Cognin on the same evening.

C.SUI: An Italian UFO Organization

The article introduces C.SUI (Co-adesione per Le Studio Unito dell' Insolito), a private association founded in Italy to study unusual happenings more effectively. By Spring 1977, C.SUI had grown to include over 60 groups and individuals. The association was initiated in May 1976 by Mr. Giuliano Mariotti, aiming to unite UFO and occult private groups. ACOM played a role in spreading the news, and by September 1976, C.SUI became a reality. Initial meetings in Alessandria drafted a program and listed member groups. In Spring 1977, C.SUI established itself as a central organizing body with Mr. Mariotti as administrator and the Aosta group, SIRIO, as headquarters. The aims of C.SUI include amplifying communication and collaboration among groups and researchers, extending knowledge, and dealing with facts without being confined to a single idea. The association emphasizes that it is not a profitable enterprise and does not engage in political intervention. Collaboration and financial contributions are deemed essential. The organization structure involves regional secretary's offices, a central seat for national administration, and work study committees for specific investigations. For further information, one can write to Mr. Ferraris Enrico in Alessandria, Italy.

Book Review: 'Diary of an Alien'

This section reviews "Diary of an Alien" by Richard Spencer. The book is described as a modest attempt to unravel the mystery of Moses, initially intended as an examination of the plagues of Egypt. It explores possible real causes for the plagues, suggesting a cloud of radioactive dust as a byproduct of a destroyed world. The review questions the identity of 'God' and Moses's background, finding the book thoroughly interesting and enjoyable, especially after having seen the television series "Moses the Law-giver". The book was submitted for review by MERCURY PUBLISHERS.

Letters to the Editor

One letter, dated May 25th, 1977, expresses frustration with the lack of UFO coverage on television, contrasting it with political "phone-in" programs. The writer suggests the need for a nationwide UFO organization and laments that only a few sightings, like the Betty and Barney Hill case, receive worldwide coverage, while others are overlooked.

Skywatches and Miscellaneous News

Skywatches in the UK

The Group's skywatch on August 20th, 1977, in Hainault, Essex, was a success despite overcast skies and rain, with scientist Ian Ridpath attending. Another skywatch on September 17th at Dog Kennel Hill also took place. Future skywatches are scheduled for October 15th, 1977, in Barking, Essex, and November 19th, 1977, in Dagenham, Essex.

National UFO Research (NUFOR) Skywatch

NUFOR of Brighton, Sussex, is holding a skywatch on October 29th, 1977, at Box Hill, near Dorking, Surrey, from 9 pm onwards.

Other Publications and Contacts

Information is provided on "Cosmology Newslink" magazine and Adamski Venusian Scout UFO photos, with contact details for Mr. E. Harris and Mr. Laurence, respectively.

UFO-Related Groups and Exchange

Several international UFO groups are listed for exchange and contact, including "ODISELLA" from Yugoslavia, "NOTIZIARIO UFOLOGICO" from Italy, "UFO information" and "AFU" from Sweden, and "FORTEANA" from Denmark.

Commemorative Stamps

October 4th, 1977, marks the 20th anniversary of Sputnik 1. Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and artist Rim Strelnikov have created drawings for envelopes and six postage stamps commemorating this event, including images of Yuri Gagarin, Alexei Leonov's spacewalk, Soviet space stations, and the Soyuz-Apollo link.

East Anglian UFO Catalogue

The EUFOSG is compiling a catalogue of UFO sightings in the East Anglian counties. This project involves recording details from earliest times up to 1975, preparing regional maps, and case breakdowns. Other catalogues, including the Northern UFO Catalogue and the Channel Islands UFO Catalogue, are also being published.

Advertisements

The magazine includes advertisements for "FORESIGHT" magazine, "SKYWATCH" publication, "RES BUREAUX BULLETIN", "VIEWPOINT AQUARIUS" newsletter, "ESSEX DOWSER", and the "ESSEX HEALERS' ASSOCIATION" newsletter. Advertisement rates for E.U.F.O.S.G. are also listed. Information is provided for two new groups: U.F.O.R.U.M. and S.U.F.O.S.G.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across different countries, the challenges of UFO research and documentation, the importance of public awareness and organized efforts, and the promotion of UFO-related publications and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting UFO research, encouraging public participation, and facilitating communication within the UFO community. There is a clear emphasis on the need for more widespread coverage of UFO phenomena and a call for greater government attention and public acceptance.