Folklore Frontiers - No 037

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 37
Date: APRIL 2000
Publisher: Paul Screeton

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, edited and published by Paul Screeton, focuses on contemporary legends and folklore, with a particular emphasis on the quality of stories found in broadsheet and tabloid newspapers. The magazine covers a range of topics, from humorous anecdotes and apocryphal tales to interviews with figures from the music scene and discussions on mysterious phenomena like 'big cat' sightings.

The Diary

The 'Diary' section, penned by Paul Screeton, presents a collection of amusing anecdotes. One story recounts a pub experience where a customer orders 'roast hedgehog in brandy sauce,' leading to humorous exchanges about menu availability and the 'dopeyness' of Londoners. Another tale involves a baker, Jane Sharp, whose 'Red Dragon Pies' are questioned by a trading standards officer for not containing actual dragons, highlighting the literal interpretation of product names. The section also touches upon the legend of 'Desperate Dan Pies' and other local food-related curiosities.

Apocrypha in Broadsheets

Paul Screeton's main article discusses the differing quality of contemporary legends in broadsheets and tabloids, noting that broadsheet diary columns are a fertile ground for 'apocrypha.' He provides several examples:

• Derry Irvine: A story from the Garrick Club where the Lord Chancellor allegedly ordered lamb chops and two bottles of claret, only to have them replaced later, implying he was too engrossed in conversation to notice.
• Andrew Yates: A tale from the Travellers Club involving the Queen Mother and Monsignor Gilbey, where the latter dismissively responds to her comment about their similar age. Another anecdote about the Queen Mother's supposed wit regarding helicopter travel is also mentioned.
• George Brown: A story about the former Foreign Secretary mistaking a Cardinal-Archbishop for a woman at a diplomatic reception and asking for a dance.
• Jeremy Paxman: Mentioned for managing four items of apocrypha in one column.
• Jeremy Clarkson: A humorous account of someone waking up to the sound of a 'mighty roaring' and being told their 'Aston Martin' had arrived.
• King Constantine: A tale from Private Eye about a security guard questioning the King of Greece's identity.
• George Scott: An anecdote about a journalist holding a 'party for his penis' the night before cancer surgery.
• Viagra: A sober slant on Viagra stories, noting US authorities' advice to aircrew about potential visual impairments and airlines banning its use before flying.

The section also contrasts these with the sensationalist stories often found in tabloids, such as hoax conscription calls and unusual animal behavior.

Write and Roll

This section features an interview with Paul Screeton, the editor and publisher of Folklore Frontiers, who also had a career in journalism for 'The Hartlepool Mail.' Screeton shares his experiences interviewing music legends like The Beatles and Bill Haley, and recounts humorous encounters with artists such as the Rolling Stones and Herman's Hermits. He also mentions his early literary aspirations and his collaboration with a friend on songwriting, including an attempt to work with Joe Meek.

Dione Warwicke: The Lady Don't Like Liver

This is a brief mention of Dione Warwick, with a humorous title suggesting a dislike for liver.

Tai's Gallery

This column, by Tai, welcomes readers to the first gallery of the millennium and reflects on the non-event of the Millennium Bug. It discusses the hype surrounding 'The Blair Witch Project' and its use of the internet for promotion. A humorous anecdote about a woman visiting a doctor for ear pain, only to find a pregnant spider attached to her eardrum, is shared.

Country Matters

This section presents various snippets of folklore and unusual news items:

• GRASSED UP: Mentions Alan Titchmarsh's dislike for pampas grass and a local league that removes them from gardens at night.
• DEATH OMEN: A folk belief that a robin entering a house signifies a death in the family, illustrated by a personal experience.
• ARACHNIDS AND LADYBIRDS: Discusses the folklore surrounding spiders and ladybirds, including the rhyme 'Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home.'
• NUN TOO NICE: A report on British cattle being injected with nuns' urine from Italian convents to increase egg production.
• REED THIS: An anecdote about Oliver Reed's burial request to be aligned with his favorite pub and a story about a snake found in a toilet.
• SNAKES 'N' BLADDERS: A humorous account of a snake found in a toilet.
• WACKY: A 78-year-old hunter's plan to trap Bigfoot using hot dogs and bacon.

The Big Cat Flap by Adam Edwards

This article investigates reports of 'big cats' in the UK, focusing on sightings in Gloucestershire and the Hartlepool and East Durham areas. It discusses the phenomenon of these sightings, the evidence presented (paw prints, alleged encounters), and the theories behind their presence, including zoo escapes and illegal releases. Terry Hooper of the Exotic Animal Register is interviewed, noting the increasing number of sightings and the potential for pumas to survive in the British climate. The article contrasts the mysterious 'big cat' with the more mundane threat of 'steel Jaguars' (cars) in the Coln valley.

Call of the Wild

This piece forecasts that big cats could become a familiar sight in the Hartlepool and East Durham countryside, citing increased sightings and the suitability of the British climate for pumas. It encourages readers to report their sightings to help track their movements.

Book Reviews

This section provides brief reviews of several books:

• Soul Rescuers by Terry and Natalia O'Sullivan: A journey into spirit realms and encounters with spirits.
• American Indian Healing Arts by E. Carrie Kavasch & Keren Barr: Explores Native American rituals and remedies.
• The Healing Vision of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Some: Insight into the spiritual life of West African Daguia people.
• The Dealer Within by Roger Jahnke: A guide to releasing the body's own medicine using Chinese techniques.
• MLP Relationships by Kevin Prior & Joseph O'Connor: Focuses on neuro-linguistic programming for finding a partner.
• The Rank of Cometale (no author): A popular choice for New Agers.
• The Spiral Dance by Starhawk: A special anniversary edition of a book on Goddess religion and ritual practice.
• Jewish Spirituality by Cara Isaacs: Provides an introduction to Jewish spirituality.
• Psychic News (various authors): Reviews on mediumship and psychic protection.
• Breathwork by Swami Ambikanand Saraswali: A practical guide to breathwork.
• Essential Sufism edited by James Fadiman & Robert Frager: A compendium of Islamic mysticism.
• The Monk and The Philosopher by Jean-Francois Revel: Explores Western philosophy through the eyes of an agnostic father and his monk son.
• An Egyptian Book of Shadows by Jocelyn Almond & Keith Seddon: A general overview of ancient Egyptian religions and magical beliefs.
• The Complete Book of Spells, Curses and Magical Recipes by Leonard R. N. Ashley: A guide to magical practices.

Magazine Reviews

Brief reviews of other magazines are included:

• FORTEAN TIMES: Covers topics like Ray Palmer, Richard & Shaver, alien-hybrid studies, red mercury, Joan of Arc, bird executions, The Blair Witch Project, and UFO rumours.
• THE LABYRINTH: A new enterprise reporting on investigations, including strategic missile reserves and UFO sightings.
• LETTERS TO AMRPOSE MERTOE: A folklore miscellany featuring topics like the Voynich Manuscript, multiple personality syndrome, and historical references.
• MAGONIA: Discusses experimental aircraft debris, UFO crash sites, and the representation of abduction myths.
• 3rd STONE: A magazine for the New Antiquarian, covering the Wicker Man, astroarchaeology, folk medicine, and site interpretation.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Reports on a UK ufology initiative and confusion over the release of Ministry of Defence files.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Folklore Frontiers include contemporary legends, urban myths, anecdotal humor, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to have a broad interest in folklore, from historical beliefs to modern-day mysteries like 'big cat' sightings. The editorial stance, as evidenced by Paul Screeton's contributions, is one of curiosity and a willingness to explore diverse stories, often with a touch of wry humor and skepticism towards sensationalism while acknowledging the intriguing nature of folklore.

This document, titled 'Articles elsewhere' with issue number 20, is a collection of diverse short pieces, letters, and news snippets. It appears to be a magazine or newsletter focused on a variety of topics, including folklore, local news, and personal anecdotes, with a particular interest in unusual events and historical curiosities.

Press Cuttings

The first section, 'Press Cuttings,' details the collection of cuttings from the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, Scotland. This ancient tree is believed to be the oldest living thing in Europe, with estimates suggesting it is 9,700 years old, according to Dr. David Bellamy in 1989. The area around Fortingall is also reputedly the birthplace of Pontius Pilate, though this is considered unlikely by Prof. Jill Harris of St. Andrew's University, as the Roman occupation of Scotland did not begin until AD80.

Letters

From the Rt Hon Peter Mandelson MP

The Rt Hon Peter Mandelson MP sends a brief note thanking the publication for a copy of 'Folklore Frontiers' and expressing hope for its continued success.

From Nick Brown, of York

Nick Brown shares an amusing anecdote heard on local radio about a former York football goalkeeper, Andy Leaning. While staying with in-laws, Leaning was in his parents-in-law's garden near an electric pylon. He was shaking his leg violently, possibly trying to dislodge something from his wellington boot. His family member, mistaking his actions for an electric shock, whacked his leg with a spade, causing a significant injury. The editor notes that this is a well-known tale.

From Neil Mortime, Editor, 3rd Stone

Neil Mortime, Editor of '3rd Stone,' thanks the publication for a write-up of '3rd Stone 35.' He comments on a piece about the 'Silbury' which he suspects was 'a load of cock.' Regarding 'The Mighty Sabbath Stonehenge Replica,' he mentions that his brother saw a documentary on Sky where Ozzy Osbourne repeated the story, and that Osbourne believed it to be a full-size replica of the stones.

Mortime also enjoyed the hill figure article in issue 28. He recalls an incident where advertising executives placed black bin bags over the 'Ceme Giant's' legs to promote the US jeans company 'Big Smith.' The National Trust had the bags removed, and a few months later, the clothing manufacturer Tommy Hilfiger announced a contract to design trendy gear for the National Trust.

Stop Press

This section contains an apology to readers for the poor quality of the current issue, described as 'a right dog's dinner.' The editor explains that their trusty 15-year-old Amstrad computer simultaneously failed its cathode tube and printer. While some copy was salvaged, the printing is substandard. The editor also mentions padding out the issue with a piece about themselves from 'THIS Magzine' (a Hartlepool arts freebie), other snippets from tabloids and broadsheets, and an article that previously appeared in 'Letters to Ambrose Merton No. 17.' A new Brother word processor has been purchased, and the editor expresses frustration with learning new technology.

The printing is attributed to Emjay Reprographics, 117 Harwill Crescent, Aspley, Nottingham, NG8 5LA.

Front Cover

The front cover story details an incident where a kitten named Corky escaped death after falling asleep in a washing machine during a 10-minute spin cycle. The owner, Gill Stockman, switched on the machine without realizing the kitten was inside. Her husband, Alan, heard Corky's cries for help and freed the kitten in Adgestone, Isle of Wight. This incident was reported by D. Sport on January 8, 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include historical curiosities (Fortingall Yew, Pontius Pilate), local interest stories (York City FC, Ceme Giant), media commentary (documentaries, advertising), and personal reflections on technology. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Stop Press' section, is one of self-deprecation regarding the issue's quality and a candid admission of technological struggles. There's also a clear interest in unusual or anecdotal events, as seen in the kitten rescue and the goalkeeper story.