Folklore Frontiers - No 021

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: No. 21
Date: December, 1993
Price: £1.25

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, an independent, non-profit magazine devoted to contemporary legends and urban belief tales, features a lead article on Peter McMahon, a tramp obsessed with walking in straight lines. The magazine also includes a survey of newspaper fillers, an examination of urban legends, and a piece on the controversial rock performer Wendy O. Williams.

The Diary

The editorial diary, written by Paul Screeton, sets a festive tone, anticipating Christmas and promising a variety of articles, book reviews, and shorter sections. It highlights the main article on Peter McMahon, linking the 'gentlemen of the road' to earth mysteries, referencing Philip O'Connor's writings on vagrancy and the mental effects of walking. Other topics mentioned include a blonde pop icon, the radio drama 'The Archers', and an American viewpoint. A folklife survey is also proposed, inviting reader updates.

Peter McMahon: ley tramp

This extensive article by Paul Screeton details his fascination with Peter McMahon, a tramp from Hereford known for walking in straight lines, drawing parallels with Alfred Watkins, the founder of ley hunting. Screeton recounts his efforts to track down McMahon, alerted by a reference in the Telegraph Weekend Magazine. He explores theories about McMahon's past and his apparent obsession with straight-line travel, including a potential connection to Sarn Helen, an ancient highway. The article details Screeton's personal visit to Hereford, his encounter with McMahon, and the subsequent interview, which proved largely unenlightening, with McMahon dismissing the 'linear linkage' as 'rubbish'.

Further investigation leads Screeton to Alan Williams, a chip shop owner in Hereford, who corroborates McMahon's 'straight line fetish' and recounts McMahon's 1989 marathon tramp to Abergele, where he was found sitting alone in a field. The article touches on McMahon's current living situation in a bus shelter and his avoidance of official forms and charities. It also discusses the enigmatic nature of Hereford as McMahon's chosen home and its connection to the Mappa Mundi and Alfred Watkins.

Articles Elsewhere

• Brief mentions are made of two articles:
• "Surviving the Unbelievable" by Elizabeth S Rose, which is described as a one-sided fundamentalist acceptance of 'survivor' fantasy concerning cult ritual abuse.
• "Mayor of the Miracle" by Pilar Ortega, concerning an apparition of the Virgin Mary in a Madrid suburb.

Oldies but Goodies

This section compiles anecdotal stories, often from newspaper accounts, that are presented as urban legends or curiosities. It includes:

• Dubious Phone-in Tales: Stories presented on TV morning shows, such as a groom who fell asleep drunk with a sausage hanging from his trouser flies, and a cat nibbling the meat, leading to his mother fainting.
• Rare Car Discoveries: Accounts of finding rare vintage cars, including a 1958 Studebaker in New Zealand, a 1976 Reliant Robin with very low mileage, and a rare Austin Atlantic A90 found in a shed.
• Pre-nuptial Nasty: A story about a couple whose newly purchased house faced the wrong direction according to submitted plans.
• Scuba Diver Incident: A report of a scuba diver dying after being dropped by a fire-fighting plane onto a forest fire.

Update

This section provides brief updates on various topics:

• Get Stuffed: Animal rights activists' actions, including rescuing a dog from a car (which turned out to be a stuffed dog), and a false alarm about a corgi in a locked car.
• Basic Flash: Discussion of Sharon Stone's 'Basic Instinct' and related phenomena, including disappearing cigarettes and the sale of used knickers in Japan.
• Snuffed Out: A report on alleged snuff videos being peddled by Irish and Argentinian figures.

Newspaper fillers: a survey

This section presents a categorized survey of common one-paragraph filler stories found in newspapers. The author, Paul Screeton, has compiled 40 themes, including:

• Names: Jobs worth, fitting or ironic.
• Transport: Lorry sheds load, message in a bottle.
• Communications: Long post delays, quick post.
• Sex: Multiple tipple, multiple midwives tale, unexpected baby, honeymoon shared, sex drive.
• Coming to Harm (CTH): Employee's revenge, food contamination, crime contamination, hunter shot, jumble horror, baby carjack, honeymooners' return shock, coffin bout, rude awakening, rick o'shea, go to blazes, ice fall.
• Animal Life: Pissed as a newt, soggy moggy, awayday moggy, laid off, tropical insects imported, revivalism.
• Money: The bill, fortune teller, inconvenience.
• Other: Child named stupidly, adult changes name to crazy one, novel marriage proposal.

The author intends to tally these themes throughout 1994 to see their frequency and order.

Autoeroticism/Trash Aesthetic. Blonde Icons: Wendy O. Williams

This section focuses on Wendy O. Williams, the lead singer of the band The Plasmatics. It details their infamous performances, characterized by extreme stunts such as exploding cars, chainsawing guitars, and simulated erotic acts. The article quotes Phil Sutcliffe's description of a concert where Williams used a chainsaw on guitars and lobbed fuses into a Mustang car. It also mentions the band's intention to make a statement on American consumerism through stunts like driving a Cadillac without brakes into explosives. The section touches on Williams' past in live sex shows and her provocative persona, questioning whether her acts are a commentary on consumerism or simply rock 'n' roll.

It's Grim up North

This piece explores various sensational or unusual stories, often with a dark or bizarre twist:

• New Age Travellers: Accusations against New Age travellers for allegedly slaughtering and eating swans.
• Freddie the Dolphin: The case of Freddie the dolphin, who was involved in a bestiality trial, and speculation about his whereabouts and eventual death.
• Tattooed Girl: Karen Burgon's dolphin tattoo, possibly linked to the Freddie the dolphin case.
• Crime Tale: An anecdote about an incident in Houghton-le-Spring involving an officer, an aggressive gang, and a fish shop owner's female friend who attacked the officer with a 'cowboy supper' (chips, sausage, and beans).

When a Penny Falls From Heaven, Can It Kill a Pedestrian?

This article by Jared Sandberg from The Wall Street Journal debunks common urban legends. It features Charles Lasner, a computer consultant who uses the Internet (specifically the 'alt.folklore.urban' newsgroup) to investigate and debunk these myths. Examples discussed include the myth of pennies falling from tall buildings being lethal, alligators in New York sewers (traced to a 1935 newspaper story), and the legend of John Dillinger's pickled genitals being stored at the Smithsonian. The article highlights how urban legends are often embellished over time and how the internet facilitates their investigation and debunking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of folklore, contemporary legends, urban myths, and the paranormal. There's a particular interest in 'ley lines' and unconventional historical or geographical theories, as seen in the Peter McMahon and Alfred Watkins articles. The publication also engages with sensational aspects of popular culture, including controversial music acts like The Plasmatics and true crime stories. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and documentation of these phenomena, often with a critical or analytical eye, as demonstrated by the debunking of urban legends and the questioning of the artistic merit versus pure shock value of certain cultural expressions. The magazine encourages reader participation, as seen in the call for updates to the folklife survey and the compilation of newspaper fillers.

This issue of Fortean Times, identified as issue number 21, features a cover headline of "Disroyal" and a price of 92p. The content spans various topics including ley lines, photography, royal family scandals, sports doping controversies, folklore, and book reviews.

Alfred Watkins: Pioneer of Ley Hunting

The magazine dedicates a section to Alfred Watkins, the father of ley hunting. It notes that the City of Hereford has honored him with a plaque at his former residence and held a display at the Hereford City Museum showcasing his life and work. Watkins is described as an inventor, miller, antiquarian, brewer, naturalist, and fine photographer, who originated the ley line theory. The display included items from his various interests, such as bottles from the Watkins Imperial Brewery, inventions like the dough meter, and products from the Bee Meter Company. His photographic light meters were notably used on Scott's first Antarctic Expedition. The article highlights his influence on Hereford society, including his roles in the library committee and the Old House committee, and his efforts to create a splendid collection for the city. His photographs are described as a memorial to "the landmark in Hereford life and history."

Royal Family Scandals and "Disroyal"

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "Disroyal," focusing on pictorial scandals involving the British Royals in 1993. It mentions Viz publishing spoof colored pictures of Royals as postage stamps and an exhibition by Nick Sanders featuring 50 pictures of them in various guises. The article also includes a bizarre claim from "secret diaries" about the Queen carrying eggs in her handbag to hurl at protesters. A separate item details a "crummy" piece of royal history: a slice of toast from Prince Charles's last breakfast before his marriage in 1981, which crumbled into dust when examined by auctioneers.

Folklore Sport and Doping Controversies

The "Folklore Sport" section delves into the use of drugs in sports, specifically focusing on the Chinese female runners known as the "Ma Family Army." Their trainer, Ma Junren, is quoted denying doping allegations, while athletes like Lynn Jennings express skepticism about their rapid progress. The article mentions world records broken by Nang Junxia and Qu Yunxia, and a peculiar explanation involving a tonic of fungus made from caterpillars. It also touches on the skepticism surrounding these claims, with reports of the Chinese Olympic Committee finding other athletes positive for drugs. The section includes a humorous anecdote about a reporter and a cross-country rider, and a fisherman's tale about catching a "three-quarter pound bluebottle."

Books Reviews

The "Books" section offers a comprehensive review of several titles:

• "London Underground" by Richard Trench and Ellis Hillman: This book explores the myths and underworld of London, including tales of the "Maniac on the Platform" and the idea of subterranean life. The reviewer finds it less gripping than expected.
• "Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved" by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller: This book suggests that the crop circle phenomenon is centuries old and not a modern hoax. The reviewer notes that rationalism and waning interest might make the book unfashionable.
• "The Paranormal Year" by Jenny Randles: An annual update on ufology and the paranormal, covering topics like extraterrestrials, parapsychology, ghosts, and earth mysteries. The reviewer praises its thorough grasp and solid research.
• "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine" by Simon Y Miles: This book attempts to understand the herbal practitioner and traditional beliefs, focusing on physiology, pharmacy, and remedies. It is considered a standard work for practitioners and general readers.
• "Visions of Bowmen and Angels" by Kevin McClure: This investigation into Arthur Machen's story "The Bowman" is described as an impressive work, though complex to decipher.
• "Timpson's England" by John Timpson: A lavishly illustrated book covering various aspects of English topography and history, including odd stones, hill figures, mazes, and bridges.
• "Celtic Borders & Decoration" by Courtney Davis: Features superb and imaginative illustrations of Celtic art, focusing on decorative motifs and borders.
• "Discover Dowsing" by Tom Graves: Presented as a complete and simple step-by-step guide to dowsing, considered to be of high quality.
• "Arktos" by Joscelyn Godwin: Explores polar mysteries, including hollow earth theories, UFOs, and Nazi interest, drawing on scholarly research.
• "Anima Loci" by Nigel Pennick: Discusses the concept of "earth mysteries" and the relationship between humans and the landscape, advocating for the preservation of sacred sites.
• "The Facts of Life" by Richard Milton: Challenges Darwinian theory and its influence on racism, though the reviewer suggests it could have explored more related inquiries.
• "Seeing and Believing: UFOs and Aliens in Film and TV" by Nigel Watson: Analyzes how 1950s films reflected anxieties about World War III and subsequent films explored themes of aliens and ufology. The reviewer finds the article expensive for its length.
• "Aztec and Maya Myths" by Karl Taube: A concise guide to Mesoamerican traditions, covering creation myths and gods.
• "The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature" by Matt Ridley: Explores evolutionary laws and the differences between male and female nature, arguing for the role of surreptitious adultery in human history.
• "Learning How to Learn" by Idries Shah: Discusses Sufism and its application to modern problems through common sense and wisdom.
• "The Theory of Celestial Influence" by Rodney Collin: A work seeking to unravel problems of the external world and inner selves, described as impenetrable but potentially appealing to students of philosophy and astrology.
• "What the Bee Knows" by P. L. Travers: Essays reflecting on myth, symbol, and story, drawing from various cultural traditions.
• "Megalithic Adventures" and "The Eclectic Epigrapher" by Donald L. Cyr: Anthologies of articles from Stonehenge Viewpoint magazine, covering expeditions to prehistoric sites and speculation.
• "Dictionary of Sacred Myth" by Tom Chetwynd: A compilation of works on the psychology of spiritual initiation, suitable for those experiencing midlife crises.
• "Daughters of Eve" by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki: Offers rituals, pathworkings, and meditations for women, covering various life stages.
• "Power Within the Land" by R. J. Stewart: Explores the spiritual levels of the underworld, though the reviewer finds its New Age slant and material from "ex-human sources" trying.
• "Crisis Dreaming" by Rosalind Cartwright & Lynne Lamberg: A practical guide to using dreams for problem-solving, recommended despite its American content.
• "Ecstasies, Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath" by Carlo Ginzburg: Analyzes the historical roots of the Sabbath, distinguishing between inquisitorial accounts and shamanistic origins.
• "The Book of Mirdad" by Mikhail Naimy: A philosophical work described as a "lighthouse for troubled souls," exploring mystical insights and practical ethics.
• "The Pagan Sourcebook" by Nigel Pennick: A guide to festivals, traditions, and symbols throughout the year, covering astrology, holy days, and deities.
• "The New Nature of the Catastrophe" by Michael Moorcock: A collection of modern myths and apocalyptic themes, featuring contributions from various writers.

Shamanism and the Mystery Lines

This section reviews books by Paul Devereux, including "Shamanism and the Mystery Lines," which links leys and astral travel, and discusses shamanism as a current fad. "Symbolic Landscapes" proposes an "interworld" state of consciousness through symbolic landscapes. "Secrets of the Ancient and Sacred Places" is a lavishly illustrated volume describing UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of the unexplained, historical mysteries, folklore, and alternative belief systems. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to subjects like ley lines, ufology, and ancient traditions. The book reviews cover a wide range of esoteric and historical topics, reflecting the magazine's focus on the unusual and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism and critical analysis, particularly regarding sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims.