Folklore Frontiers - No 003

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: 3
Publication Date: 1986
Publisher: Paul Serseton
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Folklore Frontiers presents a diverse collection of articles exploring contemporary urban legends, paranormal phenomena, and conspiracy theories. The magazine adopts a new format, aiming for improved presentation and increased reading matter, and encourages contributions from ordinary people.

Lead-in

The editorial reflects on the transition to a new format, acknowledging the 'trauma' of adapting to new technology while striving for a better reader experience. It urges contributors to submit material in a clear format (A4, single-spaced) but emphasizes that content is paramount. The editor stresses that there is no 'specialist clique' and all contributions will be considered on merit, particularly seeking 'ordinary person' stories of urban legends.

Contributors

• The issue features contributions from:
• Michael Coss: Author of "The Evidence for Phantom Hitch-Hikers," examining new modern legends.
• Andy Roberts: Editor of UFC Brigantia, researching out-of-place alien animals and suggesting a 1372 report might be a variant of the Phil phenomenon.
• Frank Allaun: Former MP and Press freedom campaigner, recounting an experience confirming his views on newspapers and the Press Council.
• Peter French: Deputy chief reporter, whose story covers a woman's abduction and nuclear power anxieties.
• Sheila Elgey: Chief reporter, whose story is checked and appears to be folklore.

Articles and Features

Two to Watch: Canine Junkies

By Michael Goss, this section introduces 'protolegends' – short stories or rumours that may evolve into urban belief tales. The first 'protolegend' discussed is 'Canine Junkies.' The story originates from a TV news clip showing Princess Diana visiting a Customs point where drug-sniffing dogs are used. An outraged person claims these dogs are addicts, being given drugs to keep them hooked. Goss analyzes this as a classic urban legend, playing on public ignorance of dog training and distrust of government agencies. He debunks the 'addict dog' theory by explaining that dogs are trained through play, and the 'addiction' is a misinterpretation of their instinctual behavior when finding drugs or toys.

Satellite Earth Stations and Radiation Sickness

This article explores the growing fear of microwave radiation from satellite earth stations. It discusses how the presence of large dish aerials can spark concerns about health risks, despite assurances from authorities like British Telecom International. The author notes the existing canon of microwave urban legends (e.g., cooking a pet in a microwave) and how these fears are amplified by a general distrust of modern technology and a lack of understanding of radiation. The 'Conspiracy of Silence' motif is highlighted, where organizations are perceived to hide potential dangers.

Peace Women Fear Electronic Zapping at Base

By Gareth Parry, this piece reports on claims by peace women at the Greenham Common camp who believe they are experiencing symptoms consistent with neurophysiological effects of electromagnetic waves, possibly from military satellite communications or a 'Base Installation Security System' (BISS). The article cites anecdotal evidence and 'meter tests' showing increased microwave signal levels. Dr. Stephen Farrow, a senior lecturer in epidemiology, acknowledges the interest in these claims but notes a lack of concrete evidence. The Ministry of Defence denies any use of electronic signals against the women.

Russians Use Spy Dust on Envoys

Frank Allaun details a story reported by several national dailies about the KGB allegedly using a cancer-causing 'spy dust' on American diplomats in Moscow. He criticizes the newspapers for giving prominence to the claim without reporting the subsequent refutation by the Foreign Office and the dismissal by the Russians. Allaun argues this propaganda serves to reinforce anti-Soviet prejudice and condition the public for military preparations.

'Ere. Mate. You Goin' To Venus?' - The Phantom Hitch Hiker Variant

By Andy Roberts, this article examines a new variant of the Phantom Hitch Hiker (PHH) tale that incorporates UFO elements. The story involves Eduardo Dedeu, an Argentinian mechanic, who gives a lift to a hitchhiker. The car lights mysteriously go out, a UFO-like object appears, and the hitchhiker vanishes, leaving the car door handle. The author suggests this story synthesizes PHH and UFO lore, possibly originating from a hallucinatory state or a paranormal experience, and adds to the growing body of 'entity cases.'

Vandals Sink Anglers' Plans for Car Catch

By Sheila Elgey, this piece recounts a humorous incident where a group of anglers, the 'Horden Cod Catchers Club,' were given an abandoned car by its owner. They intended to retrieve it, but by the time they returned, vandals had stolen two wheels and the battery. The story highlights the good Samaritan act of the anglers and the subsequent misfortune.

Comet Commentary

This section discusses various superstitions and legends associated with Halley's Comet. It covers claims of eggs bearing a comet symbol, the belief that comets influence wine quality and the deaths of kings, and more contemporary theories linking comets to airline crashes and even consciousness. The article also touches on the idea of comets as a source of viruses, potentially including the origin of AIDS.

AIDS Deficiencies

This article critically examines theories about the origins of AIDS, dismissing the 'African green monkey' hypothesis. It explores cometary hypotheses and theories of man-made or divinely-ordained origins, including claims that AIDS is a Russian or American weapon. The piece also notes how AIDS has been interpreted through religious lenses and how fear of the disease has led to various social phenomena, such as hoaxes and avoidance behaviors.

Tears for Fears: Crying Boy Curse

This short piece touches on the phenomenon of the 'Crying Boy' prints, which have been linked to house fires. It notes that the prints themselves often remain unharmed, fueling the legend of a curse associated with them.

Newslines

• This section provides a collection of brief, often anecdotal, reports of alleged paranormal or unusual events:
• A motor-cycle rider picks up a hitch-hiker who disappears, with her mother stating she died that day.
• Tales about the M62 motorway, including plans for a canopy due to bad weather and its potential use as a nuclear missile launch strip.
• A 'Rotherham Triangle' case involving a spectre of a young girl blamed for accidents.
• A story about a mental hospital patient ordering magnets.
• An incident involving a chicken that hatched plucked and was later dressed in tiny suits.
• Reports of UFO sightings by Brazilian fighter planes.
• A story about a chicken that was seemingly resurrected after its neck was wrung.
• Anecdotes about Prince Charles's early romantic life and alleged royal encounters.
• A fishfall incident and a screen malfunction during a showing of 'The Exorcist.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of urban legends, the paranormal, UFOs, and conspiracy theories. There is a clear interest in how contemporary fears, anxieties, and societal distrust (particularly of large organizations and technology) manifest in folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting these stories and legends for discussion and analysis, often with a critical eye towards their origins and implications. The magazine encourages the sharing of personal experiences and 'ordinary' stories, positioning itself as a platform for exploring the fringes of belief and the unexplained.

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: Nos. 1 and 2
Date: May 17, 1985
Publisher: Not explicitly stated, but likely a UK-based publication.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Price: 75p

This issue of Folklore Frontiers presents a diverse collection of articles, reader letters, and book reviews, focusing on paranormal phenomena, folklore, ancient mysteries, and earth sciences. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in unexplained events, historical curiosities, and alternative theories.

Articles and Features

The 'Crying Boy' Curse

The magazine dedicates significant space to the phenomenon of the 'Crying Boy' paintings, which are anecdotally linked to house fires. Numerous accounts are presented, primarily from the Yorkshire area, detailing instances where these paintings were blamed for fires, yet remained undamaged. Stories include a reader finding a 'Crying Boy' picture that seemed to bring good luck, a fire chief joking about the curse, and a family whose home was destroyed except for the painting. The article questions the lack of scientific investigation and presents opinions from a chemist and a folklorist, with the latter suggesting the artist might have mistreated the child model, leading to a curse as revenge.

Readers' Letters

Rail Spoof Corrigenda: Mark Valentine clarifies a story about a spectral Deltic diesel locomotive, '55020 Nimbus,' stating it was a spoof published in 'Deltic Deadline' and not an authentic sighting. He details how the story was used in a book about railway ghosts without full acknowledgement of its fictional origin.

Timeless Wisdom Error: Marion Russell points out a significant error in a review of 'Folklore Frontiers' where the author's birth date was mistakenly presented as the publication date for books by Arthur Verduis and Gregory Szanto. She clarifies that 'The Marriage of Heaven and Earth' was published in 1985 and 'The Philosophy of Magic' in 1986.

Lookalikes: A reader, Fred King, notes a resemblance between Anne Scargill (wife of the Yorkshire Ripper) and Olive Smelt, a Ripper victim, and questions if they are related.

Giant Belief: Michael Behrend shares a childhood memory of village children believing a war memorial obelisk housed a giant, and asks if this is a modern version of tales about standing stones.

Book Reviews

Circles of Silence by Don Robins: Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book examines the enigmatic stone circles of Britain. It discusses the work of the Dragon Project, which aimed to test the stone energy thesis using scientific monitoring. The review highlights the book's value in providing a scientific context for earth mysteries, moving beyond mysticism.

The Coldrum Ley: Chance or Design? by Bob Forrest and Michael Behrend: This booklet is presented as a response to a perceived flawed BBC-2 program on leys. It offers a statistical reference point and evaluates ley alignments, aiming to move the subject from apocrypha to scientific acceptance. The review notes that while potentially boring to enthusiasts, it provides a necessary statistical foundation.

Ancient Mysteries of Britain by Janet and Colin Bord: This book is described as a useful introduction for newcomers to earth mysteries, building on the authors' earlier work 'Mysterious Britain.' It covers a wide range of topics including stone circles, dolmens, hillforts, rock art, leys, UFOs, and lake monsters, offering site descriptions and locations.

A Traveller's Guide to Celtic Britain by Dr. Anne Ross: Considered an excellent and detailed work by a foremost Celtic scholar, this book provides a gazetteer of 124 Celtic sites, interspersed with essays on Celtic civilization. It covers aspects like warriors, gods, pottery, trade, social structure, and laws, noting the enduring and sometimes threatening presence of Celtic culture.

Skulls, Cats and Witch Bottles by Nigel Pennick: This book analyzes the ancient practice of placing objects, animate or inanimate, in buildings for magical protection. It includes an impressive collection of photographs and is considered a valuable sourcebook for folklorists and geomancers.

Daddy Witch and Old Mother Redcap by Nigel Pennick: This work examines the survival of old crafts under Victorian Christendom, portraying a flourishing pagan culture in rural England that persisted until World War I. The reviewer speculates whether Pennick simplifies the network of these practitioners, suggesting more organized covens and a nationwide network.

The Nightmares of Dream Topping by Merrily Harpur: This is a collection of humorous cartoon strips from Punch, depicting the ups and downs of a family with a country cottage. The review praises its wit and its humorous take on folklore and modern life.

Mothers Beware Mothers by Janet Roberts: This booklet, subtitled 'Being a Brief Account of False Feminism and the Monstrous Betrayal by their Earliest and Most Traitorous Companions,' is described as both annoying and agreeable. It touches on mother-in-law jokes and favoritism, though the reviewer doubts universal agreement with its points.

Some Hairy Monster by Paul Lester: This pamphlet examines hairy, ape-like creatures such as the yeti and Bigfoot, as well as fictional ones like King Kong. It discusses evidence, explanations, and symbolic interpretations, including unusual observations on the Snowman's cry and Bigfoot's potential extraterrestrial origins.

Lost Lands by Nigel Pennick: This book explores the lost lands of Britain, particularly Lyonesse, linking its submersion to the Torrey Canyon oil tanker incident. It is described as a delightful pocket book with fascinating archive material.

Lost Lyonesse by Beckles Wilson: This work details strange facts about Hartlepool, including a submerged forest and a lighthouse inland. It argues for significant coastal geography changes in Britain and their historical significance, covering inundation, rituals, and legends.

Stonehenge, Its History, Meaning, Festival, Unlawful Management, Police Riot '85 & Future by John Michell: This is an updated edition that critiques the authorities' actions against the Peace Convoy at Stonehenge, calling it an ominous symptom of fascistic tendencies. However, it ends with an optimistic prediction of Stonehenge's appreciation leading to a renaissance in Western culture and harmony.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of folklore, unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the paranormal. There is a clear interest in debunking hoaxes while also presenting anecdotal evidence for unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question and investigate these subjects, often with a skeptical but open mind. The reviews of books and other publications suggest a focus on rigorous research and a move towards scientific understanding of these phenomena, while acknowledging the enduring power of myth and legend.