Folklore Frontiers - No 024

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: No. 24
Date: January, 1995
Publisher: Paul Screeton (Editor)
Country: UK
Price: £1.50 (single issue)

Folklore Frontiers is an independent, non-profit magazine dedicated to contemporary folklore, with a particular focus on urban myths. This issue, No. 24, dated January 1995, offers a diverse range of articles exploring various facets of folklore, from celebrity gossip and historical legends to contemporary social issues and internet phenomena.

The Diary

The 'Diary' section, penned by the editor Paul Screeton, opens with a reflection on the media's growing awareness of urban myths, noting that journalists are still grappling with their definition. It presents examples from the press, including a motoring journalist's take on estate car drivers and a piece from The Times Magazine detailing a disturbing discovery of a used condom in a child's garden. The editor also references Bill Porter's observation about the misapplication of the word 'archetypal'. The section touches upon the 'Operation Pack' in Bradford, which targeted solicitors, accountants, and bankers, and mentions academics at Bradford University discussing prostitution.

Spike Milligan's Secret Love-Child

An exclusive report reveals that comic Spike Milligan has a second secret love-child, Romany Watt, born in 1973. The article details Milligan's estranged relationship with his daughter, whom he has never met, and mentions his previous acknowledged love-child, James. It recounts the circumstances of Romany's birth and the tragic death of her mother, Roberta Watt, a journalist. Romany was adopted by her maternal grandparents in British Columbia.

FolkJokeOpus: My Father Fought With Robin Hood

This column, written by Mick Goss, humorously dissects the legend of Robin Hood, challenging the traditional heroic portrayal. Goss argues that, based on the Child ballads, Robin Hood was more of a loser than a hero, frequently losing fights and often being outmatched by ordinary individuals. He questions the portrayal of Robin Hood and contrasts the romanticized image with the evidence from historical ballads. The column also touches upon alternative interpretations of Robin Hood, including theories of him being gay or a woman, and the potential for modern interpretations by actors like Kevin Costner.

Alternative Robin Hood Theories

Two revisionist theories about Robin Hood are presented. One, attributed to French historian Alain Donneaux, suggests Robin Hood was gay and more interested in his male companions than in robbing the rich. His 'Maid Marian' is described as a large, bearded transvestite. Another theory from Scottish historian Seoras Wallace posits that Robin Hood was a woman named Robin Hud DeCroq.

Telling Some Home Truths: Misinformation on the Internet

Matt Cockerill reports on the proliferation of misinformation on the internet, using the example of Craig Shergold's fundraising appeal for a brain tumour. The article highlights how false stories can spread rapidly and mutate, becoming 'information viruses'. It introduces the Usenet newsgroup 'alt.folklore.urban' (AFU) as an effort to combat such misinformation by providing well-documented evaluations of tall tales. The piece also touches upon the potential of digital authentication to verify the authenticity of online information.

The Stranger Side of 1994

This section provides a collection of bizarre and unusual news items from 1994, including a man who fell down a hole after smashing a shop window with a manhole cover, a parrot accepted as part exchange for a car, and a burglar who left behind an artificial arm. It also includes anecdotes about a five-year-old boy who dialled 999 after his mother refused him jelly, and thieves stealing six of the Seven Dwarf costumes.

Witches are Burnt and Ancient Ways Linger in the New S. Africa

Bob Drogin reports from South Africa on the grim reality of witchcraft accusations and killings in the country. The article details instances of women being burned alive, poisoned, or stoned to death after being accused of witchcraft. It describes 'Witches Hill', a refugee camp for those accused of witchcraft, and highlights the challenges faced by police in securing convictions due to community fear and cooperation. The report also touches upon the cultural divide between traditional beliefs and modern practices in South Africa.

Oldies but Goodies: Vice Girl Stole My Kidney

This 'exclusive' report details the experience of Johnny Fuller, a British tourist who woke up in a Las Vegas hospital to discover one of his kidneys had been stolen by a prostitute. The article suggests the involvement of an organ-peddling ring and notes the black market for organs in the US.

Sex Tragedy of Sicko Batman

A story about a Batman enthusiast who was found nearly strangled after a comic-book sex stunt went wrong. The man was suspended over a naked girl when ropes slipped, leading to a near-fatal incident.

Sex Curse Trio All Stuck Up!

This report describes three lovers who became inexplicably locked together in a sex position for three days, with police blaming a 'sinister curse' known as 'likhubalo'.

Giant Octopus Saves Couple

A couple whose yacht sank in a storm claim to have been saved by a giant octopus that rescued them from the water and righted their liferaft.

Proto-legends

• This section presents a collection of anecdotal stories and urban legends, including:
• A petrol thief who accidentally siphoned petrol from a portable toilet.
• A prank involving fake vomit that led to a woman's death.
• A gravedigger who buried his car to avoid payments.
• A couple who became pregnant due to a car crash.
• A bedroom mirror that crashed down during a couple's intimacy.
• A vice girl asking for 'half an hour' to pay a fine.
• Russian gangsters using radioactive material in a chair as a murder weapon.
• A warning to BBC staff about exploding chairs.
• An anecdote about Albert Schweitzer kicking a dugout canoe back into the river.
• Identical twins escaping manslaughter charges.
• A story about a blind pensioner living with her dead husband's brother for 31 years.
• An account of police in South Africa torturing a suspect with a tortoise.

Articles Elsewhere

• This section briefly mentions several articles from other publications:
• An article on Tony Blair and 'quantum musicians'.
• A piece on Fluxus events and the mystery surrounding Ian Breakwell.
• A report on the fight to stop road building at Little Solsbury Hill and theories about Freemasons and earth energy.
• A mention of Elvis Presley's interest in corn circles and aliens.
• A requiem for Kurt Cobain and speculation about his final days.
• Brief mentions of articles on wild boar scares, alien big cats, and Roy Hattersley's writing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Folklore Frontiers include the nature of urban myths and folklore, the spread of misinformation (particularly on the internet), and the exploration of legends and historical figures through alternative or critical lenses. The magazine appears to have a stance of questioning traditional narratives and presenting a more skeptical or investigative approach to folklore and contemporary events. The inclusion of 'Proto-legends' and 'FolkJokeOpus' suggests a playful yet analytical engagement with stories and their origins. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity, skepticism, and a desire to uncover the less-told or unconventional aspects of stories and events.

This issue of Fortean Times, identified as issue 168, presents a diverse collection of articles and reviews focusing on paranormal phenomena, folklore, and unusual occurrences. The cover prominently features the headline "May your doughnuts turn out like Fanny's," referencing the recent death of celebrity cook Fanny Craddock.

Articles and Features

Animal Addiction: The issue begins with a report on animal addiction, detailing how a parrot was treated as a crack addict and cats became hooked on their owner's solvent fumes. A separate piece discusses how cats can become addicted to particular foods in a matter of days, citing Mike Davies of the Beaumont Animal Hospital, who explains that cats become chemically dependent on foods that provide a sense of well-being. The only cure suggested is a regime of "cold turkey."

Ufology and Strange Claims: Mick Goss draws attention to the techno-pop band Eat Static and their song "Implant," which is named after silicon bugs supposedly used by extraterrestrials. The band's tracks reportedly discuss Cydonia and a Tibetan fraud. The article also mentions a condensed history of ufology's influence on pop music.

Book Reviews:

• "The World's Greatest Ghost and Poltergeist Stories" by Sarah Hapgood: Reviewed critically, this book is described as a superficial and arbitrary compendium of supposed spectres. The reviewer finds the entries too condensed and the scholarship shallow, questioning the "Great" in the title.
• "As We Say In Our House" by Nigel Rees: This book of family sayings is praised for making the mundane fascinating and covering a range of expressions, from witty putdowns to bodily functions. It is noted that the compiler has not shied away from the rude and bodily functions.
• "Strange True?" by Jenny Randles & Peter Hough: This book accompanies an ITV series and covers stories of flying saucers, ghosts, poltergeists, psychic powers, and near-death experiences, noted for being less sceptical than typical programmes on the supernatural.
• "Railway Disasters of the World" by Peter Semmens: This comprehensive survey documents significant train accidents worldwide from 1900 to 1989 involving more than 20 deaths. It highlights the safety of modern railways compared to other modes of transport.
• "FILTH!" Compiled by Crispin Leyser: Described as gratuitously disgusting and crude, this compilation is expected to sell massively due to its breaking of sexual taboos.
• "Stately Secrets" by Richard, Earl of Bradford: A light-hearted look at life in historic houses, featuring anecdotes about dubious goings-on and witty, irreverent observations.
• "Sexual Dreams" by Gayle Delaney: This book offers a practical method for dream interpretation to help readers connect with their private dream language and explore their sexual lives, including advice on incubating dreams and addressing issues like incest.
• "Golden Stone" by Laura Jackson: An expanded paperback version that points suspicion for Brian Jones' death at a builder. The book also covers Jones' life, career, and musical originality.
• "Backstage Passes" by Angela Bowie: The reviewer found this book nauseating due to its sycophantic style, despite covering sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.
• "The Messenger" by Geoff Boltwood: Described as a higher level than usual New Age twaddle, this autobiographical account of a spiritual teacher details paranormal intervention and experimental healing.

Magazine Reviews:

• Northern UFO News: Reviews of issues 163-168 are provided, covering topics such as Jenny Randles' resignation from BUFORA, UFO tracking at Menwith Hill, alleged shenanigans by a group called Elite, and discussions on trans-sexualism.
• Dear Mr Thoms: Reviews of issues 35 and 36, featuring articles on folklore, urban myths, and essays on traditional narrative.
• Promises & Disappointments: The first issue of this magazine, aiming for an investigative edge, challenges those who make grand promises about the paranormal without solid evidence.
• Wearwolf: This fanzine covers topics like moon landing conspiracy scams, small press festivals, and Brittany swine.
• Fortean Times Newsstand: Reviews of issues 76 and 77, including articles on Unconvention 94, cryptozoology, satanic child abuse, road ghost reports, and an examination of a driver who flashes his headlights.
• Northern Earth: Reviews of issues 59 and 60, focusing on topics such as poetic spirits, historic houses, astrological Callanish, and urban legends.
• The Cerealogist: Review of issue 12, featuring John Michell's survey of crop circle confusion and theories, including the 'total hoax' theory.
• The Ley Hunter: Reviews of issues 121 and 122, discussing haunted roads, earthlight phenomena, Santa Claus and Siberian shamanism, and electrical hypersensitivity.

Stop Press:

This section highlights the headline from the Daily Sport regarding Fanny Craddock's death: "May your doughnuts turn out like Fanny's." It also includes a quote from Johnny Craddock and a reference to a similar headline, "Fanny Goes To Meet Her Baker." Additionally, it recounts an urban myth about a camcorder used to film a wedding, which later revealed a neighbour having sex with a pet, and then presents a verbatim account from the Daily Sport about a man receiving a suspended sentence for having sex with a bull terrier.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Fortean Times include UFO sightings and theories, paranormal experiences (poltergeists, ghosts), folklore, urban myths, and the critical examination of claims made within these fields. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that is both open to unusual phenomena and sceptical of unsubstantiated or sensationalized accounts. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and a desire to challenge conventional explanations or 'money-makers' in the paranormal field. The reviews of other magazines and books suggest a broad interest in the fringe and the unexplained, often with a critical eye towards the scholarship and presentation of information.