Folklore Frontiers - No 034

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: 34
Date: December, 1998
Publisher: Paul Screeton

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, an independent magazine dedicated to exploring folklore, contemporary legends, and culture, offers a diverse range of articles and features. Edited and published by Paul Screeton, the magazine maintains a critical perspective on media, folklore, and historical accounts.

The Diary

The "Diary" section opens with an unsavoury anecdote about Labour minister Peter Mandelson at Kellingley colliery, where miners allegedly urinated on his cage. The piece contrasts the local newspaper's silence with The Sport's sensationalist reporting. It then humorously critiques Professor Ian Campbell's historical inaccuracy regarding William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The diary also recounts two similar incidents of postmen being trapped in postboxes, questioning the reliability of such tales and their potential relation.

Tait's Gallery

John Tait's "Tait's Gallery" critically examines the blurring of fact and fiction, particularly in television documentaries. He discusses allegations of 'Stretched' facts by October Films for a Channel 4 documentary on care homes, including the use of orphan children and staged scenarios. Tait also touches upon daytime chat shows and the celebrity status of their guests. A notable example is the Jerry Springer show's attempt to sue guests after a staged confession, highlighting the producers' complicity. The column also references the "Ghostwatch" debacle and the staged nature of "Rogue Males." Tait concludes by noting that fake TV is not a new phenomenon, citing Walt Disney's "Wonderful World of Nature" series and the lemming suicide myth as an early example of staging.

Update: Buzz of excitement over teashop's takeaway fish

This article by Michael Fleet details a controversy at the Rocket Tea Rooms in Horam, East Sussex, involving a goldfish named Buzz. Animal rights activist Fran Ivory liberated the fish from its bowl, leading to police involvement. The owner, Philip Poole, defended his actions, while Mrs. Ivory expressed her dissatisfaction. Major Michael Goulden, the estate owner, found the incident amusing.

Robin Hood 'is Scots myth'

This piece reports on Professor Stephen Knight's theory, presented at Edinburgh University, that the legend of Robin Hood originated in Scotland and was modelled on William Wallace. The theory suggests that the character was reformulated by Scottish storytellers and re-exported as an English outlaw. Nick Broomhead, a tourism officer for Nottinghamshire, expressed opposition to this claim.

Dubious Transmissions

This section compiles various anecdotal reports of unusual radio interference and phenomena. It includes instances of hearing aids picking up radio signals, microphones at a church picking up line-dancing, and a woman receiving music through her kettle. Other reports involve radio interference blamed on freak weather, a dental filling picking up radio signals, and a contraceptive coil allegedly acting as an aerial. The section also touches upon a legal case involving a mechanical penis implant and a ferry receiving unexpected TV broadcasts.

TROLLIES

This short piece discusses the unusual placation of 'gods' with shopping trolleys and a theory that supermarket trolleys can suffer from 'depression' due to negative emotions from shoppers.

BOOZE 'n' PUBS

A brief mention of a barmaid in Windsor whose breast size increased after drinking Guinness.

PARIAN CONES

An artist named Anthony Waite decorated a Christmas tree with over 100 bras.

The Earth Hound—a Living Banffshire Belief

This article investigates the folklore of the "earth hound" or "yird pig" in Banffshire, Scotland. It draws on references from the Reverend Walter Gregor (1881) and a letter from A. Smith (1917). The creature is described as an animal that burrows in graveyards, with characteristics resembling a rat, weasel, and dog. The article also recounts a modern encounter in Keith, where the legend of the earth hound was discussed. Despite a search of Walla Kirkyard, no evidence of the creature was found, suggesting it may be part of the local sense of humour.

Articles elsewhere

EATING PEOPLE IS WRONG

This section reviews Christy Turner's controversial book, which presents evidence of widespread cannibalism among the Anasazi (ancestors of the Pueblo Indians) until 400 years ago. The article highlights the conflict between Turner's findings and conventional wisdom, which often dismisses cannibalism as a myth invented by European invaders. It notes the hostility and denial from museums and academics towards Turner's research, emphasizing the importance of truth over fashion in anthropology.

books

STONY GAZE by JOHN BILLINGSLEY

This review discusses John Billingsley's book, which explores the significance of archaic carved heads, particularly those found on West Yorkshire farmhouses. The book argues that these heads, often referred to as "Celtic," are primarily 17th-century English creations and served as ritualistic and magical guardian figures. Billingsley suggests that the "stony gaze" imparts an enigmatic countenance, reflecting the mason's intent and the connection between the human face and the supernatural.

Magazines

This section provides brief reviews of various niche publications:

• LETTERS TO AMBROSE MERTON: Covers topics like the superiority of beer over religion, the tooth fairy, lemming suicides, and urban belief tales.
• NORTHERN EARTH: Features articles on solar eclipses, folklore, and Ufology, including a piece by Paul Screeton on tunnels around Welbeck Abbey.
• MAGONIA: Discusses the religious equivalence of UFO sightings and the potential for UFOs as propaganda tools. It also examines the ancient astronaut religion and the work of Ralph Noyes.
• DOWN TO EARTH: Covers topics such as cattle mutilation, corn circles, and UFO investigations, including a piece on a suspected strategic steam reserve depot.
• N--MAG RAG: A newsletter featuring articles on sea eagles, Arctic foxes, alien big cats, and the black dog phenomenon. It includes a piece by Paul Screeton on a black panther sighting.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Reports on current UFO magazine scenes, Rendlesham Forest, and Ministry of Defence admissions regarding a "space division."
• NETWORK NEWS: Explores themes like the 'land of the giants,' mystery big cats, shamanic flight, and international news including mutilated dolphin deaths.
• THE LEY HUNTER JOURNAL: Features articles on alignments, Mayan mysteries, death roads, megalithic astronomy, and critiques of ley hunting theories.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Covers diverse topics including religious sites, alleged alien activity on the Moon, synaesthesia, and UFO hypotheses.
• THE DRAGON CHRONICLE: Focuses on dragon lore, including Welsh, English, and Romanian dragons, and theories about their origins.
• TOUCHSTONE: A newsletter of the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, discussing geomantic villages, energy lines, and standing stones.
• ANSKAYA: Reports on mystery flying black triangles, UFO sightings, and alleged alien contactees.

SEEKERS OF THE LINEAR VISION by Paul Screeton

This review discusses Paul Screeton's book, "Seekers of the Linear Vision," which chronicles the history of ley hunting and earth mysteries research. The book is praised for its personal perspective, historical development, and inclusion of rare photographs. It highlights the changing fashions within ley hunting and the potential for conflict between theorists. The review also mentions Donald Cyr's contribution on "The Science of Ley Hunting," though the reviewer expresses skepticism about classifying ley hunting as a science.

REALITY: HOW IT WORKS AND WHY IT MOSTLY DOESN'T by Rik Dent

This book is described as a down-to-earth philosophy of life, emphasizing the idea that belief precedes reality and that individuals create their own reality. The reviewer notes its accessible explanation of scientific concepts and its coverage of various life aspects, from health to reincarnation.

20 things women NEVER EVER say to blokes...

A humorous list of statements that women supposedly never say to men, covering topics from sexual preferences to domestic activities.

CAT BEHAVIOUR

This brief item challenges the popular belief that cats are attracted to people who dislike them, citing a Southampton University study that found cats paid more attention to those who liked them.

MASONIC PLAN

An assertion by James Gilhooley that Edinburgh's New Town was designed by Freemasons based on the principles of the Great Pyramid and Temple of Solomon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Folklore Frontiers consistently questions accepted narratives and highlights the often-blurred lines between fact, fiction, and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to examine claims with a skeptical eye, particularly concerning media portrayals, historical accounts, and paranormal phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on debunking sensationalism and exploring the underlying cultural and psychological factors that contribute to the formation and persistence of legends and myths. The magazine also shows an interest in alternative perspectives, such as those found in earth mysteries and ufology, while maintaining a critical distance. The recurring theme of questioning authority, whether it be academic, governmental, or media-based, is evident throughout the issue.

This document is a single page from a publication titled 'Letters', issue number 20, likely part of a larger magazine or newsletter, possibly 'Mystery Magazine' as indicated by a correspondent. The page contains correspondence from readers, primarily Steve Sneyd and Steve Middleton, addressed to 'Paul'. The content focuses on personal experiences, local history, and paranormal or unusual phenomena.

Letters from Steve Sneyd (Huddersfield)

Steve Sneyd's letter is a response to copies of 'FF' (likely a publication) and 'MM' (possibly 'Mystery Magazine'). He shares his experiences from about five years prior when he infiltrated Welbeck Abbey, which was then an army training college. Sneyd, working as a gardener, had access to the abbey grounds and discovered several points of interest:

Welbeck Abbey Features

• Underground Tunnels: Five underground tunnels were observed leading from the underground courtyard. While most had visible exits leading to external areas like fields and woods, two led back into the grounds.
• Underground Ballroom: Described as a space-age 'secret building', it was disappointing to learn it was simply the largest underground ballroom in Europe.
• Grounds: The grounds contained old statues and sunken/hidden gardens, which led to reports of ghosts and moving statues among the recruits.

Paranormal and Unusual Incidents at Welbeck Abbey

• The 'Ghostly Gardener': While cutting grass in a sunken garden, Sneyd's friend was apparently seen by another colleague cutting the same grass. Later, their boss mentioned seeing a 'ghostly gardener'. The friend left soon after due to the unexplained nature of the event.
• The Lady of the Abbey: Sneyd's 'fascist superior' told them about the 'Lady of the Abbey' (who was the owner of Welbeck and a nearby house). They were instructed to switch off machinery and turn away when they heard her horse. Sneyd observed her and noted she looked like an older version of M. Thatcher, not disfigured as he might have expected.
• Gamekeeper Incident: In a separate incident, Sneyd's friend was cutting grass by the river bank. While crossing a bridge leading to the lady's house, he heard three loud bangs and a 'tch' noise upon returning. He later discovered the gamekeeper had shot the back of the tractor with a shotgun.
• Dead Animals: During their travels on the grounds, they frequently found large numbers of dead animals, including fish, squirrels, and birds. Analysis of a few corpses yielded no explanation, leading them to assume poisoning or gassing.

Sneyd concludes by thanking Paul and looking forward to a new book, mentioning that Ade Dimmick also shares this anticipation. He identifies himself as 'Scrounger and Editor for Mystery Magazine'.

Letters from Steve Middleton (Brighton)

Steve Middleton's letter is a brief comment on a previous article (FT32:12) about bird-eating spiders.

• Bird-Eating Spiders: Middleton confirms that these spiders do eat birds, but it's a rare occurrence. He suggests that due to their nocturnal hunting habits, they might forage through urban waste bins for food, such as discarded Kentucky Fried chicken.

Other Content

• Steve Sneyd's initial comment: Sneyd also provides a brief note on the concept of 'Gone West', interpreting it as a post-explanation of an ancient concept related to the direction of the afterlife, citing Egyptian Western Lands and Celtic afterlife islands.
• Printing Information: The page is printed by Emjay, located at 17 Langbank Avenue, Rise Park, Nottingham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The letters in this issue of 'Letters' reflect a strong interest in the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and local history, particularly concerning historical sites like Welbeck Abbey. The tone is informal and personal, with readers sharing anecdotal evidence and personal experiences. There is a clear engagement with topics that challenge conventional explanations, aligning with the likely focus of 'Mystery Magazine'. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages reader participation and the sharing of intriguing, often uncanny, accounts. The inclusion of specific details, such as the comparison of the 'Lady of the Abbey' to M. Thatcher and the speculation about spiders foraging in bins, adds a touch of grounded, sometimes humorous, observation to the more mysterious elements.