Folklore Frontiers - No 051

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: No. 51
Date: December 10, 2005
Publisher: Paul Screeton

Folklore Frontiers is an independent magazine dedicated to exploring various aspects of folklore, contemporary legend, ancient and modern traditions, and popular culture. Edited and published by Paul Screeton, the magazine is based in Hartlepool, UK.

The Diary

The diary section opens with a humorous anecdote about a grandmother's card with a dark verse about a robin, highlighting how old verses can take on new meanings. It then shifts to a defense of Wetherspoon's beer pricing by Chairman Tim Martin, who asserts their beer is the freshest due to high turnover. The section also notes the public's appreciation for Page 3 models, placing it high in a poll of British institutions. A discussion on geomancy and a 'win the heart of Britain' competition by Harrods leads to a dispute over the geographical center of Britain, with Haltwhistle challenging Ordnance Survey's calculations. The diary also touches on cosmologist Simon Singh correcting Katie Melua's lyric about the universe's age and Uri Geller's claim of assisting in locating Nazis.

The Hollinwell Incident Anniversary Waltz

This extensive article by Paul Screeton revisits the 'Hollinwell Incident' of July 13, 1980, on its 25th anniversary. The incident saw nearly 300 people, primarily children, taken to hospital with symptoms like sweating, trembling, fainting, burning eyes, and sore throats after a country show. Initial theories pointed to insecticide fumes from crop spraying, but investigations by Det. Insp. Eric Hogden found no evidence of recent spraying and ruled out food poisoning and mass hysteria. However, a spokesman at Queen's Medical Centre suggested symptoms tallied with fume exposure. Later, Dr. Malcolm Lewis, head of Nottingham public health laboratory, concluded that pesticides, food poisoning, and water pollution were not responsible, attributing the events to fatigue, excitement, and a 'domino effect' of mass hysteria. Stanley Beedham, chief executive of Ashfield District Council, also dismissed any connection with agricultural compounds, leaving mass hysteria as the official explanation.

The article further explores alternative theories, including high-frequency radio waves, plastics factory fumes, and a mystery bug. It notes that by the end of the week, 414 people had been taken to hospital. Dr. Alan Scott found accusations of a cover-up distasteful. Dr. Lewis reiterated the mass hysteria theory, explaining it as a genuine physical condition triggered by tension and fright. A local newspaper criticized the judges at the show. Dr. Lewis denied any cover-up, mentioning an investigation into a reported UFO landing. A BBC East Midlands reappraisal in 2003 doubted the mass hysteria verdict, suggesting water companies, workers near the site, gas leaks, radio waves, or UFOs as possibilities. The TV program highlighted that tridemorph, a banned pesticide, had been sprayed in the area, though officials at the time found no evidence. The documentary team claimed to have discovered Calixin, containing tridemorph, was sprayed in the week leading up to the event. Ashfield District Council stated they had no plans to reopen the inquiry, maintaining mass hysteria as the official explanation.

Impossible to pick up Raquel

This article by Paul Screeton profiles actress Raquel Welch. It discusses her iconic role in 'One Million Years B.C.' and the scientific analysis questioning the plausibility of a pterosaur lifting her. It addresses rumours of plastic surgery, with her ex-husband Patrick Curtis asserting her natural beauty. The article details her birth, marriages, children, and career highlights, including her role in 'The Three Musketeers' and a lawsuit against MGM. It notes her image is often tied to her role as a cavegirl and mentions her later singing career. The piece concludes by stating she lives in LA and remains fit.

Murder and rape - fact or fiction?

This article by Gary Younge examines the spread of unsubstantiated rumours following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. It highlights stories of babies murdered, a seven-year-old girl raped and murdered in the Superdome, and corpses in the convention centre, which could not be confirmed by authorities. The lack of communication created an information vacuum filled by rumour, leading to misinterpretations and heightened fear. The article contrasts these sensational reports with the reality on the ground, where police found little evidence of widespread violence and found a nurse appealing for help for sick and dehydrated children.

Cow-tipping myth hasn't got a leg to stand on

This article from The Times reports on a scientific study debunking the myth of cow-tipping. Margo Lillie and Tracy Boechler from the University of British Columbia conducted a study using physics to determine the force required to tip a cow. Their findings indicate that a cow standing with its legs straight would require the force of five people to tip over. Even when pushed at an angle, the required force is substantial, equivalent to 4.43 people. The study concludes that while static physics might suggest it's possible under specific conditions, the cow's biological reaction and the difficulty of applying sufficient force quickly make it highly improbable. The article also notes that most people attempting cow-tipping are likely intoxicated.

Golden oldies

This section presents a collection of brief, often humorous, anecdotes and news items:

• Julie Burchill on Kate Moss: Recalls a chatshow host asking George Best about his past, and jokes about Kate Moss's success despite her lifestyle.
• Dark Satanic Mills: Discusses the interpretation of William Blake's phrase, with suggestions it refers to universities rather than industrial mills.
• Terry Wogan and Pigeons: Notes Wogan's comment on pigeons distinguishing between Picasso and Monet, leading to a humorous thought about a pigeon pecking out Shakespeare.
• Stephen King Arrested: Reports the arrest of a 17-year-old Stephen King for marijuana possession.
• Originality Doubts: Mentions Joe Joseph reassuring a correspondent about plagiarism, referencing a joke attributed to Peter Cook.
• Bin Drinking: A man in Australia wakes up in a dustcart after a binge.
• Toilet Break: Three versions of a story about a man forgetting his wife at a petrol station are recounted.
• Hexed: Jemima Rooper discusses a supposed ghost sighting on the set of the drama 'Hex', later explained as an optical illusion involving a cardboard cut-out.

Inside the Arches

This article by Paul Screeton recounts two legends associated with railway viaducts. The first concerns the Thorpe Thewles viaduct in Teesside, where a local myth claimed a horse and cart were entombed within a pillar. Demolition experts found no evidence. The second, more successful legend, relates to the Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland, where a similar story of a horse and cart was investigated. Using radar techniques, the remains of a cart and horse were found within the Loch-nan-Uamh viaduct, confirming the legend. Professor Roland Paxton suggested the cart was being used to tip rubble and fell into the pier. The article notes this legend was proven true on the centenary of the Mallaig line extension.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores folklore, urban legends, and unexplained phenomena, often with a skeptical yet open-minded approach. There's a focus on debunking myths through investigation and scientific analysis, as seen in the cow-tipping and Hollinwell Incident articles. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of claims, distinguishing between substantiated facts and unsubstantiated rumours, particularly in the context of sensational news events like Hurricane Katrina. The inclusion of 'Golden Oldies' and historical legends like the viaduct stories suggests an interest in the enduring nature of folklore and how it evolves or is proven true over time. The magazine also touches on popular culture figures and events, weaving them into broader discussions of legend and myth.

This issue of Private Eye, dated November 2005, features a cover headline "THE GREAT" and a price of £2.50. The magazine presents a collection of short, often satirical, articles and anecdotes covering a wide range of topics, from historical figures and celebrity gossip to cultural observations and scientific curiosities.

Key Articles and Features

Catherine the Great

A recent TV documentary on Catherine the Great is discussed, with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore refuting the persistent rumour that she died in congress with a horse, calling it a 'grotesque libel' and an early example of 'spin'.

Great Train Robbery

Columnist Bill Borrows is criticized for his account of the Great Train Robbery, specifically his claim that train driver Jack Mills died of complications from injuries sustained during the robbery. The article clarifies that Mills died of leukemia and pneumonia in 1970, and the coroner emphasized his death was unrelated to the coshing.

Britney Spears

An anecdote from a documentary about Britney Spears features her ex-husband, Jason Alexander, who, when asked how it felt to have her as a wife, responded thoughtfully, "Didn't feel like shit to me."

Squawk on the Wild Side

An article discusses the explosion of Indian red-necked parakeets in the UK, with their numbers expected to reach 100,000. Their breeding is linked to 'global warming'. Theories on their origin include escaping from the set of 'The African Queen' in 1951, escaping from an aviary during a storm in 1987, or being introduced by Jimi Hendrix. However, tiny populations have been spotted in Britain since 1855.

James Hewitt

It is revealed that James Hewitt owes £2.7m in taxes. A TV appearance where he claimed under hypnosis that his affair with Princess Diana began in 1982 (not 1986) is discussed. The article notes Hewitt's unusual taciturnity on the matter and quotes Kathryn Knight on the insensitivity of timing this revelation around Prince Harry's birthday. The security at Sandhurst is also questioned after a reporter reached Prince Harry's bedroom.

Boobs 'n' Booze

This section addresses a 'Euromyth' about a new EU ruling that would force Bavarian barmaids to cover up to protect against sunburn. The Mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, was outraged. However, the directive was not binding, and Oktoberfest customs remained unchanged.

Bono

U2 singer Bono discusses the song 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own', inspired by his father, Bob Hewson. Bono explains how the song incorporates his father's voice and reflects on his own vocal development over the years.

Sex on the Tracks

Sandi Toksvig is quoted about an encounter on a Tube train where a young man pointed to his crotch. The article then discusses the rise of humorous and vulgar erotica in the 19th century, facilitated by new printing technology and sold to tourists.

Negative Equity

Mike Quinn, an author of the 'Cancer Atlas', comments on 'cancer victims' and 'cancer hot-spots', suggesting that people in certain areas are exposed to relative risk factors. Robert Matthews cautions against reading too much into clusters, attributing them to randomness and the human desire to find patterns.

Art Philistine

A bottle of melted ice water, exhibited as art at a show in Totnes, Devon, was drunk by a thief.

Piss Artists

Artists who use urine in their work are mentioned, along with one who paints with his 'bum' by shoving paint up his rectum and using an enema tube.

Marsbarianne Faithfull

Nigel Farndale resurrects a story about Scarlett Johansson regretting a joke about having sex in a lift. The article muses on fame and how sordid stories can add to a celebrity's mystique, listing exceptions like Marc Almond, Richard Gere, and Mick Jagger.

Hartlepool Monkey Hanging

Reginald Hill, creator of detective Andy Dalziel, is noted as being born in Hartlepool, known for its monkey legend. The legend involves the inhabitants hanging a monkey during the Napoleonic Wars, believing it to be a French spy.

Hunting Ley Misuses

An article reviews Richard Mabey's writing on John Clare's escape from an asylum, noting Iain Sinclair's narrative style. It also discusses a review of a book on air guitar playing, where an artist named Johnny Ether suggested a 'she-wolf' costume with massive genitalia.

Hangovers (?)

Scientists in the US and Germany have identified a 'Hangover 1 gene' in fruit flies that affects their response to alcohol, potentially leading to tests for alcohol addiction and drug treatments.

Rumours of Names

An article discusses the naming of locomotives, specifically the LNER streamlined Pacifics. It claims Sir Nigel Gresley, designer of the MALLARD, named the engine while feeding ducks, a story attributed to William Higgins and potentially derived from Don Hale's book.

Bizarre Skincare

Judy Rumbold expresses dissatisfaction with her skin, mentioning using hemorrhoid cream for eye-bags. Hannah Betts discusses urban myths about beauty products, including concerns about sperm, placenta, dyes, and deodorants, as well as more extreme procedures like Botox and fillers. The article touches on historical beauty practices, such as Egyptians using cows' blood and tadpoles for hair dye.

By The Hoodies: Hooded Criminals & Their Crimes

This section features a cartoon by Mike Barfield illustrating various 'hooded criminals' and their associated crimes, including 'Paddy the Bear', 'Nick the Sack', 'Illegal Entry', 'Friar Tuck', 'House-Breaking', 'Banned Weapon', 'A.N. Orak', 'Obscenity', 'Identity Fraud', and 'Train-Spotting'.

Anoraknophobia

An anecdote questions whether the term 'railwayacs' evolved into 'railway anoraks'. It also quotes Paul Sieveking on the risk of 'anecdotal evidence' becoming 'tedious and trainspotterish' when discussing 'alien big cat sightings'. A TV drama preview is mentioned where Daphne Lockyer claimed the British are born to 'morris-dance, pigeon fancy, train and planespot'.

101 Uses for a John Major (4) A Train Spotter's Anorak

This section discusses IQ scores and stand-up comedians, with Rob Deering noting a 'trainspotterish aspect' where comedians collect stamps or beer mats. It also touches on the popularity of train spotting.

The Zoo and The Chef

An article references scientists eating mammoth meat, citing Norbert Casteret's account of a banquet in St Petersburg in 1905 where frozen mammoth steak was served. It also mentions the discovery of a new species of rodent in South-East Asia, the 'rock rat', which is roasted on a skewer.

Proto-Legends

Paul Byrne claims squirrels are becoming addicted to cocaine, digging up stashes left by drug dealers. The article also discusses the 'brace' position in air travel, explaining it's for minimizing injuries, not preserving dental records, citing the Kegworth accident. Ned Sherrin's memoirs recall an incident at Lords cricket ground involving Lord Coe. Michael Buerk revealed he presented the news in a miniskirt and fishnet stockings for a 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' segment. A story about a woman in Swansea who fainted due to arousal from vibrating underwear is recounted. Robert Matthews is quoted on the claim that Native Americans couldn't see Columbus's ships, calling it 'unverifiable baloney'. The section also mentions a suggestion for wrestling matches to be excluded in Minnesota due to concerns about how boys and girls grab each other.

Magazine Reviews

This section provides brief reviews of various publications and topics, including 'Colosseum', the 1979 House of Lords UFO debate, UFO categories, Hartlepool monkey-hanging, Holbein's paintings and Anne Boleyn, Hogarth's depictions, Peter Brookesmith's encounter with a leprechaun, creationism, intelligent design, evolutionists, and mass hysteria in Indonesia.

Did You Miss?

This section contains several short items:

• History Lesson: Keith Gregson is corrected on his first locomotive being the Rocket; it was Locomotion No. 1, and his son Robert designed the Rocket. Gregson is also noted for not referring to the songwriter's 'Who Hung the Monkey?' about railway rivalries.
• Playground Rhymes: An eight-year-old boy's rhyme about walking down the lane and sniffing cocaine is presented as topical, with other rhymes being violent or sexual.
• Jimmy Riddle (Or Meet The Focke): Gunther Focke claims to be the illegitimate son of Prince Philip, based on a brief postwar affair with Marie-Karoline Focke. Buckingham Palace refutes this claim.
• Three Wise Men: Jeremy Paxman's comments on modern royalty's perception of intellect are discussed, referencing George V and Edward VIII.
• Last Names: Jonathan Hulme notes people named Arthur Brain and Miss P. Brain, and Finko's reminder of T. Caddy. Actress Tamsin Greig's husband is named Leaf.
• Something to Pond-er: Nature writer Simon Barnes ponders the spontaneous appearance of newts in ponds.
• Suppressed Science: A piece by Robert Matthews discusses the debate on climate change, contrasting Naomi Oreskes's analysis of scientific papers with Benny Peiser's findings, and mentioning the rejection of dissenting academics' rebuttals.
• Miner Aristocrat: The subterranean activities of the 5th Duke of Portland are mentioned, with the suggestion that his earthworks could have been a job creation scheme.

Book Review: The Traveller's Guide to Sacred England by John Michell

This review praises John Michell's love of landscape and curiosity, describing his book as an 'instructive and spellbinding trip for the 21st century pilgrim'. It covers the book's exploration of ancient and sacred sites, alternative history lessons on megalithic stone circles, the development of Christianity in Britain, and various fascinating tales from different locations across England, including London Stone, St Albans, and Stonehenge.

Flagons. Dragons & Wagons

This is an annotated bibliography by Paul Screeton, compiled for his own reference and to assist his genealogist daughter. It offers detailed bibliographies from his previous works on ley hunting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Private Eye include the debunking of historical myths and inaccuracies (Catherine the Great, Great Train Robbery), the satirical commentary on celebrity culture and public figures (Britney Spears, James Hewitt, Prince Harry, Scarlett Johansson, John Major), and the highlighting of bizarre or unusual events and anecdotes (squirrels and cocaine, urine art, Hartlepool monkey, spontaneous newts). The magazine's editorial stance is clearly critical and satirical, often using humour and irony to question official narratives, expose hypocrisy, and point out absurdities in contemporary society and historical accounts. There is a consistent skepticism towards sensationalism and unfounded claims, while also embracing the quirky and the unexplained.