Folklore Frontiers - No 004

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 4
Date: January, 1987
Publisher/Editor: Paul Screeton

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, an independent non-profit magazine dedicated to folklore and urban belief tales, presents a diverse range of topics, from local animal mysteries to international UFO phenomena and book reviews.

Cover Story: The Durham Puma and Other Mysteries

The cover prominently features headlines about the "DURHAM PUMA HUNT", "FOXES' RELEASE", "SAMANTHA FOX", and "CRASHED UFOS", alongside "News and reviews". The main visual is a striking illustration of a lynx-like creature.

Paul Screeton, the editor, contributes an article discussing the "Durham Puma" phenomenon, describing it as a "flap" with numerous sightings, police involvement, and a scared lorry driver, with the creature seemingly stalking children. He also touches upon the strange tale of urban foxes being released in Wales.

Urban Legends and Anecdotes

The magazine includes reader contributions detailing various anecdotes and urban legends. Clive Harper and Debra Murray share a "FOAF" (Friend Of A Friend) tale about two air stewardesses discovering a dead body in a hotel room. Mary V. Bonney recounts a story from her childhood about drunken ducks in Harwell, Berkshire, who became intoxicated from cherry wine residue.

Pater Rogerson from Manchester shares two "foaf" stories: one about a "DISOBEDIENT TV" that wouldn't switch off, possibly due to static electricity from power lines, and another about a "SECRET WARD" in a hospital where a friend's child was admitted, encountering bizarre sights like a baby with two faces.

Crashed UFOs and Conspiracy Theories

Andy Roberts, editor of UFO Brigantia, contributes an article titled "SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS", examining the folklore surrounding crashed saucers and retrieval stories. He discusses how these tales have become a significant part of UFO lore, often involving government cover-ups and military involvement. Roberts delves into historical cases like the Aztec, New Mexico, incident, popularized by Frank Scully, and the infamous Roswell Incident. He highlights how stories can be fabricated or manipulated, citing the Aztec case as a proven hoax involving confidence tricksters Silas M. Newton and 'Mr Gee'. The Roswell incident, while seemingly well-documented, is also presented with a critical eye, suggesting the retrieved object might have been a secret military test craft rather than an extraterrestrial vehicle. Roberts notes the military's potential vested interest in perpetuating the UFO myth to cover up their own advanced technology tests.

He also touches upon the Rendlesham Forest case, suggesting it was likely a military test craft disguised as a UFO to manage public perception and research interest. The article explores the idea that governments might use existing myths to conceal their activities, feeding into public consciousness and UFO magazines.

Animal Folklore and Sightings

Paul Screeton's "DIARY OF A CAT FLAP" column addresses the phenomenon of "ALIEN BIG CATS" reported in Britain, such as the Surrey Puma and the Exmoor Beast. He discusses eyewitness accounts, physical evidence like tracks and droppings, and alternative hypotheses, including the idea that these cats might be insubstantial or share a domain with ghosts. Screeton also mentions the tradition of "black dogs" and the devil-hound of the Baskervilles. He considers the possibility of these cats being escaped pets due to the Dangerous Animals Act or that they are simply a larger, more secretive native species. Loren Coleman's theory about the "black panther" being a female lion is presented, along with Di Francis' belief in a widespread, undiscovered species of native wild cat.

Book Reviews

The "REVIEW SECTION" features several book reviews:

• "THE CHOKING DOBERMAN AND OTHER 'NEW' URBAN LEGENDS" by Jan Harold Brunvand: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this book is praised for its in-depth study of urban legends, tracing them back to older folklore and examining their modern manifestations. Roberts notes the book's focus on American legends but finds it a stimulating read.
• "CAT FLAPS!" by Andy Roberts: This booklet is reviewed by Paul Screeton, who notes its coverage of various mystery cat sightings in the North of England, including the Durham Puma. Screeton also points out Roberts' discussion of shape-shifting claims and the connection between UFOs and vehicles.
• "THE BITE & OTHER APOCRYPHAL TALES" by Francis Grieg: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this is described as a collection of short stories that recreate urban legends as if happening in reality. The reviewer finds it a worthwhile read for urban folklorists, noting its exploration of basic fears.
• "LONDON WALKABOUT" by Andrew Collins: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this is a guide to historical and mysterious sites in London, emphasizing ancient religion, ghosts, and psychic phenomena.

Magazine Reviews

The issue also includes reviews of several other publications:

• "THE ALL SAINTS' LEY HUNT" by Ian Taylor: Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this book explores ley hunting and ancient aligned sites in East Yorkshire, combining personal accounts with folklore and philosophical insights.
• "THE LEY HUNTER" (Magazine): Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this issue (No. 100) covers various aspects of earth mysteries, including ley hunting, fairy origins, and ancient sites. Issue No. 101 is also mentioned, focusing on Scotland and other earth mystery topics.
• "EARTH GIANT" (Journal): Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this publication from the South-Western Antiquarian Society features articles on ley-lines, Glastonbury, and historical figures.
• "UFO BRIGANTIA" (Journal): Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this journal from the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group covers topics like extraterrestrial hypotheses, historical UFO cases, and earth lights.
• "TALKING FOLKLORE" (Journal): Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this new magazine aims to provide a forum for formal and informal writing about folklore, similar to Folklore Frontiers but with a focus on traditional folk studies.
• "STONEHENGE VIEWPOINT" (Magazine): Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this California-based magazine covers archaeology, astronomy, geology, and related arts and sciences, featuring articles on the Vailian canopy and halo thesis, and Velikovsky's sources.
• "SOURCE" (Journal): Reviewed by Paul Screeton, this journal focuses on holy wells and their associated folklore, including stories of disappearances and healing properties.
• "NNIDNID: SURREALITY" (Magazine): Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this magazine is described as a cornucopia of surrealism, featuring art, fiction, and poetry, particularly relevant to Forteans and those interested in urban tales.
• "BEYOND SCIENCE!" (Magazine): Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this glossy magazine is criticized for its content despite its high production quality, with the reviewer endorsing reservations expressed by Paul Devereux and Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the nature of folklore and urban legends, the role of media and government in shaping public perception, and the exploration of paranormal events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while also examining their veracity and potential for manipulation. There is a clear interest in debunking hoaxes while acknowledging the genuine mysteries that persist. The magazine seems to encourage readers to engage with local folklore and research, promoting a sense of self-awareness and connection to the natural world.

This issue of Fortean Times, dated October 1986, focuses heavily on the persistent mystery of 'big cat' sightings across Britain, with a particular emphasis on a series of reports from the Durham area in 1986. The magazine explores witness accounts, potential explanations, and the broader cultural context of these encounters.

The 'Durham Puma' and Related Sightings

The central theme revolves around the 'Durham puma' and numerous other alleged sightings of large, black felines. The article meticulously documents a timeline of events, starting with reports from February 1983 concerning 'mystery big cats' and pumas killing sheep. The focus then shifts to the latter half of 1986, detailing sightings in various locations:

• August 2, 1986: A large black feline with distinctive features was spotted in Bowburn, Durham, by a young couple.
• August 4, 1986: A 'puma-like cat' was seen by a motorcyclist in the Forest of Dean.
• September 9, 1986: A 'puma-like animal' was reported near an Inverness housing estate.
• September 15, 1986: A black puma was sighted with a smaller cat near Durham on the A167.
• September 24, 1986: Brian Rothery reported seeing a large black creature stalking children near Ferryhill.
• October 5, 1986: Pawprints were found near Ferryhill, and a creature was seen with a rabbit.
• October 30, 1986: Florence Watson of Deaf Hill described seeing an animal larger than an Alsatian, dark brown with a straight neck and pointed ears.
• November 6, 1986: A large black cat was spotted in short grass behind Wingate Auction Salerooms.
• November 8, 1986: Another sighting in Wingate involved a large black cat bounding from bushes.
• November 23, 1986: A wife reported seeing a large black cat moving in a feline way near Seaton Carew.

The article notes that police, such as P.C. Eddie Bell, were actively involved in investigating these sightings, sometimes finding pawprints and appealing for public information. The descriptions often mention animals being larger than domestic dogs like Alsatians or Dobermanns, with characteristics like long tails and padding gaits.

Explanations and Misidentifications

Several potential explanations for these sightings are discussed. The magazine highlights the possibility of misidentification, suggesting that people might be mistaking large domestic dogs (like Dobermanns or Alsatians) or even feral cats for exotic felines. Michael Goss, a contributor, is quoted suggesting that the 'visions' might stem from prominent urban legends of 'escaped dangerous wild animals,' possibly influenced by ecological concerns. The article also mentions the scientific fact that 'black panthers' are typically melanistic leopards.

Personal Accounts and Anecdotes

Beyond the reported sightings, the issue includes personal anecdotes. The author recounts a personal sighting on May 8th in Northumberland of a large, black, panther-like cat crossing the road, noting the strange lack of coordinated reaction from their companion, John Watson. The author also reflects on how the subject of 'big cats' has affected their dreams.

Other News and Features

In addition to the main 'big cat' feature, the magazine includes several shorter news items and updates:

• Rotherham Triangle: A report on a series of rapes in South Yorkshire, leading to changes in house numbering.
• Reincarnation: A belief in West Java that a female monkey is the reincarnation of a 16-year-old girl.
• No. 666: The Greek Orthodox Church's objection to the use of the number 666 on new identity cards.
• AIDS: Various media reports and theories surrounding AIDS, including witchdoctors' claims and suggestions of bedbugs or man-made origins.
• Geomantic Blushes: An anecdote about Liverpool Town Hall being built the 'wrong way around' and a mosque in Rome potentially needing demolition due to incorrect orientation.
• Halley's Comet: A mention of an egg competition related to Halley's Comet.
• Mystery Object: A report from Hartlepool about a pensioner finding a warm lump of metal in his backyard after hearing a bump on his roof.
• Platform End Rumour: A discussion about the A4 Pacific Mallard train and associated tall tales.
• Seagull Drops Catch: An amusing account of a mackerel falling from the sky during a cricket match, stopping play.

References and Reviews

The article on 'big cats' concludes with a list of references, including previous articles in Fortean Times and other publications. There is also a review of 'The Magic Peasant' by Henry Brewis, a collection of humorous farming cartoons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the unusual, with a strong focus on cryptids (specifically 'big cats') and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness accounts and potential explanations without necessarily endorsing any single theory. The magazine encourages reader contributions, seeking articles, letters, and cuttings to further explore these topics. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a desire to document and analyze anomalous events and beliefs.