Folklore Frontiers - No 026

Magazine Overview

Folklore Frontiers No. 26 (July 1995)

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, edited and published by Paul Screeton, is an independent, non-profit magazine focusing on folklore, folklife, contemporary beliefs, urban myths, and new social trends. It is described as broadminded and far-ranging in its concerns.

The Diary

The diary section opens with an anecdote from the Hartlepool Mail about a senior health committee representative telling a tale about a businesswoman who, intending to donate to charity, dropped 20p into a girl's tin, making her can of Coke undrinkable and forcing her to buy another. The editor notes that the reader can decide its veracity.

Another item references a previous issue's 'gay ghost scam' and a reader's consultation of Peter Underwood's 'A Gazetteer of British Ghosts'. This leads to a 1967 account of a miner and his wife in Eden Street who were terrified by 'ghostly incidents' and eventually moved. The editor also mentions a reader's contribution on the 'anoraknophobia' theme, noting 'Anorak Day' and a concert by the band The Anoraks. It is also mentioned that Ian Allan, who was criticized in a previous issue, received an OBE.

Waterloo Sunset, Brinsley meets Diana & Wilma & Mildred & May (Death of a Ladies' Man) - by Paul Screeton

This section is an obituary and tribute to Lord Clancarty (Brinsley le Poer Trench), who died aged 83. He is remembered as a ufologist with an interest in ancient astronauts and earth mysteries, known for his books like 'Men Among Mankind' and 'Operation Earth'. The author recalls meeting him at a British Unidentified Objects Research Organisation lecture in the early Seventies. The article includes two pieces of instruction given by Brinsley during that lecture. The author notes that Lord Clancarty claimed descent from beings from other planets and that most humans were descended from these aliens. He also believed others emerged from a civilization beneath the Earth's crust. An obituary claimed he produced a satellite photograph showing a large circular blob in the North Pole ice as an entrance to a tunnel, which he remained adamant about even when it was pointed out to be part of the camera. His ufological ideas were considered bizarre, and he installed a UFO detector in his bedroom. He eventually spotted what he described as an 'eerie white light' which he observed through his kitchen window. The article details his life, including his education and his role in editing 'Flying Saucer Review'.

'Lord Crackpot' and the great cosmic cover-up - By Gerry Brown

This article profiles Lord Clancarty, the eighth Earl of Clancarty, who died in May 1995 at the age of 83. It highlights his strong belief in flying saucers and extraterrestrial visitors, supported by thousands of sightings. The article suggests that government bodies are dismissive of his ideas, labeling him an eccentric. It mentions his claim of descent from 63,000 BC aliens and his belief that humans are descended from these beings. It also touches upon his theories about a civilization beneath the Earth's crust. The article notes his production of a satellite photograph showing a circular blob in the North Pole ice, which he identified as a tunnel entrance. It mentions his installation of a UFO detector and his observation of a 'white light' as his only UFO sighting. His life details include his education and his work editing 'Flying Saucer Review'. The article concludes by stating that he should be remembered for propagating the belief in flying saucers and championing earth mysteries.

Oldies but Goodies

This section presents a collection of curious anecdotes, initially sourced from 'New Scientist'. It includes stories about alleged kidney thieves in Bangalore, where people claim their kidneys were removed without consent or payment. The police commissioner of Bangalore claimed over a thousand people may have had kidneys removed, though a surgeon disputes this. The article mentions four people charged with fraud and extortion, including a doctor. It also notes the recent implementation of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act in India, which prohibits commercial trading of organs.

Another anecdote discusses the practice of shooting birds into jet engines, citing an example involving the Advanced Passenger Train where a dead bird went through the windscreen and bulkhead. It also includes stories about eyes being stolen from bodies in Rome, a man missing a kidney after a routine check-up, and Guatemalans accusing US citizens of trafficking body parts.

Further anecdotes include a story about an elderly man who filled replacement miniature alcohol bottles with urine as a prank on robbers, and a story about a couple in Bangkok who were served a roast dog, believing it to be their pet corgi.

Newspaper Fillers - A Survey

This extensive section by Paul Screeton analyzes 40 recurring themes found in newspaper fillers during 1994. The author explains that his role involves selecting stories for a regional newspaper, and that editors' whims shape content. The survey categorizes various types of fillers, including:

1. JOBSWORTH: People with fitting or ironic names for their occupations.
2. LORRY SHEDS LOAD: Journalistic fascination with cargo spills.
3. LONG POST DELAY: Letters delivered after long delays.
4. QUICK POST: Letters delivered very quickly.
5. MULTIPLE TIP-PLE: Pregnancies blamed on fluids or objects.
6. PREGNANT MIDWIVES: Cases of multiple pregnant midwives.
7. The Op OR 1p BILL OR DEMAND: Unusual council tax letters.
8. UNEXPECTED BABY: Cases of pregnancy not being realized.
9. EMPLOYEE'S REVENGE OR MISCHIEF: Workplace pranks.
10. DUBIOUS TRANSMISSIONS: Strange or misattributed broadcasts.
11. PISSED AS A NEWT: Tales of drugged or drunk wildlife.
12. AUCTION EMBARRASSMENT: Unusual items sold at auction, often involving politicians.
13. BIZARRE NAME FOR CHILD: Unusual given names.
14. SHARED HONEYMOON: Mass honeymoons.
15. SOGGY MOGGY: Cats finding unusual places to sleep.
16. AWADAY MOGGY: Animals found in vehicles.
17. LAYED OFF: Bird nests in strange places.
18. FOOD CONTAMINATION: Unusual items found in food.
19. CRIME CONTAMINATION: (No examples provided).
20. TROPICAL WILDLIFE FIND: Exotic animals found in unexpected places.
21. HUNTED'S REVENGE: Tales of hunters or hunting accidents.
22. SEX DRIVE: Stories related to sexual activity causing unusual events.
23. JUMBLE HORROR: Valuable items sold by mistake.
24. HERB ALPERT: Music used to deter wildlife or increase fertility.
25. CRAZY ADULT NAME: Unusual adult name changes.
26. REVIVALISM: Resuscitation of animals.
27. BABY CARJACK: Car stolen with a baby inside.
28. HONEYMOON RETURN SHOCK: Unusual discoveries upon returning from honeymoon.
29. COFFIN BOUT: Cases of mistaken death declarations.
30. RUDE AWAKENING: Sleeping beauty syndrome.

The author notes that the high number of 'novel proposals' (category 36) might suggest marriage is still customary, while other categories reflect societal obsessions.

Books

THE BOOK OF BRILLIANT HOAXES by Simon Rose

This book is reviewed by the editor, Paul Screeton. It details various pranks and hoaxes, including traffic jam pretenses, telephone box tricks, and literary hoaxes targeting the scientific establishment. The review mentions an account of corn circles that is deemed inaccurate. It also covers mischievous employee stories, jilted girlfriend's revenge, and urban belief tales involving LSD tattoos, satanic symbols, and initiation rituals. The book concludes with chapters on professional pranksters and cases where practical jokes had unforeseen consequences. The reviewer highlights the story of a man who opened a brothel for dogs after placing an advert for a cat house.

THE PLEASURES OF LOVE by Elizabeth Nash and Richard Fox

This book is described as an illustrated, extended essay on eroticism and the senses, aimed at adults. It examines sight, taste, smell, and hearing from an erotic perspective, featuring literary extracts and dry wit. The tone is that of enthusiasts. An anecdote is shared about a man who experienced sneezing fits whenever he had sex, and the concept of 'bride's cold' is mentioned.

THE HUMOUR OF SEX edited by William Cole & Louis Phillips

This anthology of comments on sexual experience is characterized by cynical or clever remarks. It includes quotes from figures like Jonathan Aitken and Philip Larkin. The review notes that many comments express the negative aspects of sex, particularly within marriage. A quote from Bertrand Russell about the amount of undesired sex endured by women in marriage is highlighted. The editor also mentions a story about a mistranslation of a literary injunction.

STILL LIFE WITH VOLKSWAGENS by Geoff Nicholson

This is described as a funny, surreal second novel about Hitler's favorite car. The author populates his books with many characters and unusual episodes, some sexual. The review notes a reference to 'Owsley nos jours' which might resonate with drug culture aficionados. The book is considered a return to form after a disappointing previous novel.

No Nix Hypnotrix - FolkJokeOpus - by Mick Goss

This section features a story about Arcadio Javer, a bricklayer who claimed he had a 100-watt light-bulb removed from his rectum, attributing it to a hypnotist and a belief that he was Thomas Edison. The journalist notes the imaginative nature of the lie and the inclusion of details like the bulb's wattage and the use of surgeons. The story is presented as an example of how people lie daringly. The author mentions receiving hypno-material from Paul Screeton over the years and his personal collection of such stories, justifying it as 'research' but admitting he preserves them for personal interest.

The article then discusses hypnosis in popular culture, categorizing its perceived effects as making people do silly things, commit crimes, or get undressed and have sex. It includes anecdotes about a bullying husband treated by hypnosis, and a dentist who used hypnosis tapes for his patients and for personal recordings, leading to his wife playing the wrong tape.

Jodrell Bank (Simon Says) - by Paul Screeton

This piece recounts an anecdote about Paul Simon's song 'Homeward Bound'. While sitting in a bar, a stranger claimed Simon wrote the song at Halifax bus station. The author then offers conflicting locations: Cheshire, Wigan railway station, and finally Widnes railway station, where a plaque commemorating the event was stolen. The author also recalls a Rolling Stone interview where Simon preferred masturbation to a joint.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of urban myths, folklore, and unusual social phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, presenting anecdotal evidence and curious stories for the reader's consideration, often with a touch of humor and skepticism. The focus is on contemporary beliefs and how they manifest in everyday life, often through the lens of media reports and personal accounts. The magazine seems to champion the unconventional and the unexplained, encouraging readers to ponder the veracity and implications of the presented material. There is a clear interest in the 'Fortean' aspects of life – the strange, the anomalous, and the unexplained.

This issue of FATE magazine, identified as issue number 28, features a prominent cover story with the sensational headline "COW KILLS THE UDDER WOMAN!". The magazine delves into various aspects of the paranormal, UFOs, folklore, and book reviews.

Book Reviews

The Complete Book of UFOs by Peter Hough & Jenny Randles

The review praises this book for its extravagant yet sensible and balanced approach to UFO history. The historical framework allows for perspective, and the authors are commended for keeping bias under control. The book covers a wide range of topics from airships to ghost fliers, saucer-shaped objects, contactees, and abductions. The reviewer notes the absence of the Silpho Moor case and any relationship between 'ley lines' and UFOs. The authors express exasperation with sceptics, stating that the argument of whether UFOs exist is long past and that focus should be on exotic explanations. The review highlights the Roswell incident of July 1947 as the most significant UFO event, though it notes the difficulty in finding evidence for alien bodies. The concept of alien abduction is discussed, with the reviewer suggesting it might be a phenomenon of 'inner space reality' rather than physical space nappings. The 'Men in Black' are also mentioned as a sinister element.

The Complete Sightings Catalogue by Peter Brookesmith

This book is described as a reference work that provides an encyclopaedic entry for many sightings, though the reviewer notes their own sightings are not included. The reviewer, having followed ufology since their teens, found the book enjoyable as a route map of cultural tracking, detailing major milestones and landmark cases with background and assessment. It contains 30 colour and 50 black and white photographs.

UFO Quest: In Search of the Mystery Machines by Alan Watts

The reviewer finds it surprising that this type of thinking is still prevalent. Alan Watts, a physics lecturer, is presented as a total ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) believer seeking scientific proof for UFO construction and operation. The book explains the suitability of the disc shape, silent nature, instant vanishing, and out-of-focus photographs. While the reviewer cannot judge the scientific explanations, they are intrigued that Watts relies on technical specifications of the Silpho Moor object. The book also seems to endorse claims about US military having crashed saucers and mentions Adamski, Geller, Meier, and David Langford's Victorian hoax.

Gifts of the Gods? by John Spencer

Spencer argues that phenomena of sightings and abductions should be examined separately, and crash retrievals are likely urban legends. His thesis is that 'alien' intervention can be beneficial, bringing gifts like artistic talents or healing powers. The book presents accounts of ordinary people's experiences of the supernatural, focusing on psychic phenomena rather than literal 'little green men'.

Earth People, Space People by Jimmy Goddard

The reviewer recounts a personal experience of visiting Scorritton in hopes of meeting contactee Arthur Bryant. The book is discussed in the context of claimants meeting 'folk from outer space'. The reviewer shares their own sightings of a daylight disc and two cigar-shaped spacecraft. The book's content is compared to 'Coronation Street meets outer space', with events happening but their meaning unclear. The reviewer particularly enjoyed pieces on Bryant, Wedd, and Rodgers.

Other Book and Magazine Reviews

Leonard Cohen: A Life in Art by Ira Nadel

Cohen's popular image is described as fitting for lonely bed-sitters or music for suicide. The artist's intentions were to understand himself rather than change the world. The reviewer finds Nadel's biography a shallow fan's overview, barely fleshing out the man. Cohen's lyrics are noted for their insights into the past and prophecy.

Merlin Through the Ages edited by R.J. Stewart & John Matthews

This is a chronological anthology and source book covering the earliest Celtic material to contemporary works on Merlin's life and times.

King Arthur's Return by Helena Paterson & Courtney Davis

This book retraces the legends of the Round Table and Holy Grail, rewritten and illustrated. The reviewer questions the inclusion of Boudicca.

The Fox's Prophecy by D.W. Nash (Commentary by R.W.F. Poole)

This section reviews a prophecy from a fox speaking in a human voice, written in 1871, which foretold political and social changes, including the European Union and a decline in standards. The commentary by R.W.F. Poole is described as acerbic and quirky, with strong opinions on feminism, homosexuality, and politicians. Poole also endorses hunting.

Also Received

Brief mentions are made of "Thank You and Ok!" by David Chadwick, "The Method of Zen" by Eugen Herrigel, "The Anatomy of Fate" by Z'ev Ben Shimon Halevi, and "The Participatory Mind" by Henryk Skolimowski.

Magazines

Several magazines are reviewed:

• LETTERS TO AMBROSE MERTON: A folklore miscellany covering topics like post-war German folklore, sex stories, Oz food contamination, child sex abuse, alien big cats, and clown panics.
• PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS: Features an alien abduction fan, a hypnotherapist's approach to a client with a spirit presence, and cryptoanthropology.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Covers Roswell, veterinary literature on 'winged' cats, Uri Geller, New Guinea wonders, Haiti voodoo, and oldest people creators. It also discusses anomalies, conspiracy theories, urban myths, and photographic evidence for extraterrestrials.
• STRANGE MAGAZINE: Reviews include pieces on time travel, Irish sea serpents, cryptozoology, subterranean realms, alien US animals, the Roswell autopsy film, and Toronto ghosts.
• NORTHERN EARTH: Focuses on pagan mysteries, holy wells, prehistoric sites, and megaliths.
• TOUCHSTONE: Features searches for pagan worship sites, Robin Hood's Bay snippets, and pagan worship related to alignments.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Includes editorials on open-mindedness and ufology, a skeptic's attack, alleged Roswell retrieval film footage, and media references.
• AMSKAYA: Reviews Zecharia Sitchin's ancient astronaut theory, 'The Circle-makers', Bristol UFO activity, and Tony Wedd's writings on flying saucers and crop circles.

Cover Story: Cow Kills The Udder Woman!

This story details a jealous cow named Flower killing a farmer's wife, Sarah Scott, because the cow was in love with her husband. The half-ton beast charged Sarah, knocking her down a 60 ft well. The husband stated that Flower raised a stink whenever he and Sarah held hands and wanted Sarah out of the way. Despite the incident, the husband has forgiven the cow and has no plans to sell her, calling her a sweetheart.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, alien abduction, paranormal phenomena, folklore, and cryptozoology. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to these subjects, with reviews often dissecting the evidence and arguments presented in books and other publications. The editorial stance appears to favour rational analysis while acknowledging the enduring fascination with the unexplained and the supernatural. The inclusion of diverse book and magazine reviews suggests a broad interest in fringe topics and alternative perspectives.