Folklore Frontiers - No 015

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue Date: March 1992
Issue Number: 15
Publisher: Paul Screeton (Editor)
Description: Folklore Frontiers is an independent, non-profit making magazine dedicated to folklore, contemporary legends, and urban belief tales. It is published quarterly.

Letters

This section features correspondence from readers, primarily discussing the topic of AIDS and related folklore.

Bob Skinner's Contributions:

Bob Skinner from Farnham writes in response to a previous issue, offering additional details and stories related to AIDS.

• AIDS from Space: Skinner references a Daily Mirror article from December 2, 1986, which discussed theories by Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramsinghe suggesting the AIDS virus originated from a comet and was dispersed by rainwater, infecting people through cuts, especially those who walk barefoot. Professor W. is quoted as recommending wearing shoes to avoid infection from rainwater.
• AIDS and Fluoridation: A columnist in THE INDEPENDENT suggested that fluorine is responsible for the spread of AIDS by depressing the immune system. The article notes that this theory is flawed as London, with low fluoride levels, has many AIDS cases.
• AIDS: Non-sexual and Manufactured?: Dr. John Seale, a consultant in genito-urinary medicine, wrote to the British Medical Journal, challenging the view that AIDS is transmitted solely through sexual intercourse. He argued there was no scientific evidence of the virus being present in semen and questioned whether transmission occurs through saliva, minor abrasions, or genital secretions.
• AIDS Folklore: A local newspaper columnist reported a story about a salesman who discovered he had the AIDS virus after a one-night stand in New York, with the message "Welcome to the world of AIDS" written on his mirror. The story is presented as a recurring urban legend.

Regina Cullen's Contribution:

Regina Cullen from London suggests an experiment using radionics, a paranormal process, to create events. She references "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tomkins and Christopher Bird, detailing how T. Galen Hieronymous used radionics for pest control. Cullen also relays an insight from a Canadian seer who described a mechanism of creation akin to a pantograph, suggesting military and intelligence interests might be experimenting with the electromagnetic spectrum. She mentions rumors that radionics and gyroscope research have been banned in the USA.

Mike Collier's Contribution:

Mike Collier from Seine-Maritime, France, recalls a story from around 1946-1948 about a severe venereal disease affecting the spine, which led to infected individuals being sent to special camps in North Africa.

Newslines

This section provides brief news items and anecdotes.

• COMING TO HARM: Discusses the drug Clenbuterol, a beta-agonist used in animals, and its risks to humans. It notes conflicting reports from Ireland regarding deaths and the substance's availability.
• DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984: A notice regarding the storage of subscriber information for Folklore Frontiers.
• Wildflower Phenomenon: Following a previous article, this section notes an explosion of wildflowers in London, including species thought to be extinct. In contrast, fungus species are in catastrophic decline throughout Europe and North America, possibly due to air pollution and acid rain.
• Anecdotal Fungi Experience: The author shares a personal experience with large fungi and "flashbacks" after consuming them, contrasting it with shop-bought mushrooms.

Was Freddie Mercury 'lying in state'?

This article by Paul Screeton investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of Freddie Mercury.

• Rumors of Death: Screeton reports being told that Freddie Mercury was actually dead several days before the official announcement of his HIV positive status and AIDS diagnosis.
• Official Announcement: A statement confirmed Mercury's HIV positive status and AIDS diagnosis, stating he wished to keep it private to protect those around him.
• Speculation: Months of speculation followed Mercury's dramatic weight loss and reclusive behavior. Rumors of pneumonia and blindness fueled speculation.
• Secrecy: Mercury had known he was HIV positive for five years but kept it secret. Band members were informed two months prior to his death.
• Death Announcement: The official statement announced his death on November 24, 1991, due to bronchio-pneumonia brought on by AIDS.
• "Lying in State" Speculation: The news prompted speculation that Mercury's body may have been "lying in state" before the media was informed. A memo was reportedly sent to record retailers asking them to reserve shelf space for Queen material.
• "Bohemian Rhapsody" "Sting": Stories surrounding a possible "sting" related to the re-release of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" made the "lying in state" theory seem more plausible, with large bets placed on the song being a Christmas chart-topper.
• Madonna Rumor: Similar to Mercury, gossip spread that Madonna was HIV positive around the time she was negotiating a large recording deal, potentially putting it at risk.
• Media Claims: In the wake of Mercury's death, various media claims emerged, including Dr. Vernon Coleman's assertions about chimpanzees being threatened by AIDS research and the pursuit of profits by international drug companies.

POP TOPPER

This section features a photograph of Madonna and a brief mention of rumors about her health status.

Old 69 Thornaby T.M.D. - 'The Ghost'

This article by Hugh Watson details the story of a haunted locomotive.

• Locomotive History: English Electric Type 3 Class 37 diesel electric locomotive D6769, later D6769, was based at Thornaby depot and used for mineral, steel, and chemical trains.
• The Incident: An incident occurred while hauling a southbound freight when an object was thrown up, smashing D6769's windscreen and killing the driver.
• The Haunting: Since the incident, the locomotive has been associated with paranormal activity. It is said that if a horn sounds or fire bottles go off without explanation, it is "69 at it again."
• Apparition: People have reported seeing the apparition of a man in the driver's seat, believed to be the deceased driver.
• Driver's Experience: One driver reported never feeling alone on "69" and experiencing a strange aura.
• Locomotive's Longevity: D6769 became 37069 and remained at Thornaby depot for an unusually long period, eventually being officially named Thornaby T.M.D., though many referred to it as "The Ghost."
• Author's Experience: The author, Hugh Watson, shares his own skeptical experience with "Old 69" at Darlington Bank Top station, where he felt a presence and experienced fire bottles activating on their own.

Update

This section provides updates on various topics.

• Wildflower Phenomenon: Continues the discussion on the unusual abundance of wildflowers, contrasting it with the decline of fungus species in Europe and North America, possibly linked to pollution and acid rain.
• Anecdotal Fungi Experience: The author shares a personal anecdote about consuming fungi and experiencing "flashbacks."

Contributors

Brief biographies of contributors Hugh Watson and Paul Screeton.

WHO HUNG THE MONKEY?

This article by Paul Screeton discusses his book and its reception.

• Book's Theme: The book explores urban belief legends, specifically "broodje aap" (monkey sandwiches) in Holland.
• International Reaction: A Hartlepool man working in the Netherlands showed the book to his host's daughter for a school project, leading to a mock threat from the host.
• Reviews: Positive comments are quoted from John Michell, Paul Devereux, Michael Goss, and Derek Froome, highlighting the book's lively, entertaining, and serious approach to folklore.

Update - Fungi Fun:

Discusses rumors about toad-licking drugs and the use of toads in bootleg alcohol in Burma, with reported fatalities.

Alien Big Cats:

Reports of puma-like beasts sighted near the Duke and Duchess of York's home, and other sightings of panthers in various locations in the UK.

Tattoo Hoax:

Mentions the acceleration of the LSD-laced cartoon transfer hoax by a children's book publisher.

Cot Deaths:

Discusses the theory that fire retardants in PVC mattresses release arsenic, causing cot deaths, and notes a New Zealander's argument against this being a scientific study.

Oldies but goldies

This section features a collection of anecdotal tales.

• Wedding Reception Shocker: A familiar tale where the bride reveals her bridegroom slept with her mother-of-honour on his stag night.
• Culinary Treat: A mention of a chef preparing a special meal for the Johnathon Ross television show.
• The Nude Surprise Party: An apocryphal tale where a man undresses for what he believes is a sexual encounter, only to find it's a surprise party.
• Muck-raking: A brief note on farmers being on subsistence levels.
• Lonely Heart Ad: A humorous personal ad from a farmer seeking an "ale farmer with own tractor."
• Back Home: A recurring tale about couples on holiday ending up back in their hometown unexpectedly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, urban legends, and contemporary events, often with a skeptical yet intrigued perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and analyzing these phenomena, encouraging reader participation, and sometimes injecting humor. There's a notable focus on health-related myths and anxieties, particularly concerning AIDS, and a fascination with the supernatural and unexplained, as seen in the haunted train story. The magazine also highlights local folklore and unusual anecdotes, demonstrating a broad interest in the diverse manifestations of popular belief.

This issue of Fortean Times, identified as issue number 21, delves into a diverse array of unusual and often quirky subjects, reflecting the magazine's focus on forteana, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features 'Photocopylore,' a humorous take on the subject illustrated with diagrams of a British Rail meat pie and a cup of tea.

Articles and Features

Dolphin Sex Case

The issue revisits the 'Dolphin Sex Case' involving Alan Cooper, who was accused of an indecent act with a dolphin named Freddie off Amble, Northumberland, in December 1991. Cooper was subsequently cleared at Newcastle Crown Court. The article details Cooper's defense, his activism against keeping dolphins in captivity, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the trial, including a comment from his solicitor, Anthony Jennings, about the dolphin's 'genital organ' being used as a 'tactile instrument.' The cost to the taxpayer for the trial is noted as £33,750.

Strategic Steam Reserve

This section explores the myth of hidden steam engines in Britain, supposedly stored in railway tunnels for use after a nuclear attack when electronic and diesel stock would be rendered useless. The article notes that British private railways are indeed buying steam engines from disbanded strategic reserves, with examples from Sweden and Yugoslavia, and a large dump in Nizhmiy Tagil, Russia, reportedly holding 1,500 steam locomotives.

Piddle Steamer

A brief mention is made of inventors creating machines that run on cheaper substances. One inventor built a car running on chicken fat, and another reportedly ran a steam engine fueled by dirty nappies in Sangerville, Maine, USA.

Photocopylore

This feature presents humorous 'anatomies' of a British Rail meat pie and a British Rail cup of tea, complete with detailed, tongue-in-cheek descriptions of their components, such as 'thin coating of slime,' 'foreign body,' 'vaseline,' and 'shrivelled lump of dried meat.'

Books in Brief

A substantial section is dedicated to reviewing numerous books across various genres. These include:

• Extraordinary Animals Worldwide by Karl Shuker, praised for its entertaining approach to zoology and cryptozoology.
• Twelve-Tribe Nations and the Science of Enchanting the Landscape by John Michell and Christine Rhone, which argues for the study of 12-tribe societies and their role in creating a balanced human order.
• The Body of Time and the Energies of Being by Bruce Thomas, a book focused on self-transformation and living in the present.
• Stone Alone by Bill Wyman, a memoir detailing the rise of the Rolling Stones.
• A series of books from Element Books, including works on earth mysteries, Feng Shui, and the Druid tradition.
• Beginnings and The Hidden Unity by Jimmy Goddard, exploring earth energies and ley systems.
• Folk Stories from the Yorkshire Dales by Peter N Walker, a collection of local folklore.
• The River Tees and The Cleveland Village Book, regional histories and folklore collections.
• Various other titles covering topics like essential womanhood, Goddess traditions, Jungian psychology, astrology, crystals, tarot, mythology, and Atlantis.

Magazines

This section provides brief reviews of several other magazines and journals, including:

• Dear Mr Thoms (folklore miscellany)
• The Wild Places (journal of strange and dangerous beliefs)
• Wear Wolf (sporadic enthuzine)
• Pendragon (Journal of the Pendragon Society)
• The Ley Hunter (focusing on dowsing, geomancy, and earth energies)
• Northern Earth Mysteries (journal of the Northern Earth Mysteries Group)
• Touchstone (Surrey Earth Mysteries Group)
• Strange Magazine (US glossy professional magazine)
• Fortean Times (the magazine itself, with updates on its content)
• Northern UFO News (focusing on ufology)
• UFO Brigantia (Journal of the Independent UFO Network)
• Magonia (Independent UFO magazine)
• Amskaya (Newsletter of the STAR Fellowship)
• The Circular (journal of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies)
• The Cerealogist (Journal for crop circle studies)
• The Crop Watcher (focusing on crop circle phenomena)

Articles Elsewhere

This section highlights articles from other publications:

• "Wind of Change" from Fiesta, discussing flatulence lore.
• "Cars with Messages" from Weekend Guardian, about car stickers.
• "The Beast of Exmoor" from The Daily Telegraph, discussing theories about breeding colonies of pumas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of folklore, myths, and legends (such as the strategic steam reserve and dolphin behavior), the investigation of unexplained phenomena like UFOs and crop circles, and the promotion of earth mysteries and alternative belief systems. The magazine maintains a critical yet open-minded stance, often presenting humorous or skeptical perspectives alongside serious investigations. The book and magazine reviews demonstrate a broad interest in fringe topics and alternative viewpoints, encouraging readers to engage with a wide range of unconventional ideas. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth research, personal accounts, and a healthy dose of skepticism towards sensationalism, while still celebrating the strange and unusual.