Folklore Frontiers - No 055

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 55
Date: March 2007
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of FOLKLORE FRONTIERS, an independent, non-profit-making magazine, presents a miscellany of folklore, traditions, rumour, forteana, and modern culture. Edited by Paul Screeton, it aims to be an information exchange for enthusiasts, welcoming contributions and short original articles.

New Columnist and Features

This issue introduces Antony Clayton as a new columnist, who will be writing a series titled "STRANGE BREW" focusing on the folklore of London pubs. Clayton, an author of several books on London history, brings his expertise to this new venture. The first installment explores the "Spaniards Inn" in Hampstead, detailing its history and folklore, including tales of Dick Turpin, secret tunnels, and its alleged involvement in the Gordon Riots.

Readers' Letters and Correspondents

Norman Darwen from Bolton writes about Gram Parsons and UFO connections, recalling an interview with Jesse 'Guitar' Taylor who attributed the success of Lubbock musicians to the "Lubbock Lights" UFO sighting in 1951. Paul Screeton adds a note connecting Jimmie Gilmer and The Fireballs to the Lubbock Lights theory.

Jimmy Goddard from Egham, Surrey, thanks the magazine for an article on George Van Tassel and mentions seeing film of his conventions.

Andrew Collins from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, writes about the 'Episcopi Vagantes' and the Tractarian Movement, noting the secretive Order of the Corporate Union within the Anglican Church.

Articles and Reports

"Spaniards" by Antony Clayton

This article is the first in a series on London pub folklore, focusing on the Spaniards Inn. It details the pub's location, history, and numerous folklore associations, including alleged connections to highwayman Dick Turpin, secret tunnels, and its role during the Gordon Riots. The author critically examines the veracity of these tales, referencing academic biographies and historical accounts. While some associations, like Turpin's birth at the inn, are questioned, the pub's rich history and spectral legends are highlighted.

"Ostension" by Nicola Woolcock

This report details an incident where council cleaners in Leeds mistakenly jetwashed away graffiti art by the renowned artist Banksy, just hours before the official opening of a new London square. The cleaners failed to photograph the art or seek permission, leading to an apology from the council. The incident raises questions about the ephemeral nature of street art and the council's future policy on preserving such works.

"The Methilhill Earthquake" by Reuters

A brief report on a 5.8 Richter scale earthquake that hit Methilhill, causing minor damage and widespread confusion among residents. The report humorously notes the residents' bewildered reactions and the unusual items found in the rubble.

"Wandering Canons?" by Paul Screeton

Screeton explores a notion of a secret society within the Anglican Church, prompted by an encounter at the ancient church of Hart. He discusses 'Episcopi Vagantes' (wandering bishops) and their potential connection to geomancy and esoteric traditions, linking it to the history of the Hospital of God in Greatham and the St. Clere family. The article weaves together personal anecdotes, historical research, and coincidences, posing questions about hidden meanings within religious and historical contexts.

"Crossing the Line +" (Various Contributors)

This section presents a collection of short items related to railways and historical curiosities:

• BRIEF ENCOUNTER: A mention of a 1895 Ironbridge Chronicle item about a proposed railroad invention for single-track trains.
• AN INTERESTING RAILROAD INVENTION: Details a US patent from 1895 for a system allowing trains to pass on a single track without collision, noting its potential to reduce the need for double-tracking.
• THIN EXCUSE: A subway delay in New York attributed to women passengers fainting from under-eating.
• MANIAC ON THE PLATFORM: A report on a Turkish schizophrenic who admitted pushing a commuter under a Tube train in London.
• BAD LUCK: Discussion of the Southern Railway 'Merchant Navy' class locomotives and claims about their speed.
• ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT: A graffiti message on a train led to the jailing of three paedophiles.
• TICKLED!: An account of a failed attempt to rename a railway underpass in Castleford from 'Tickle Cock Bridge' to 'Tittle Cott Bridge'.
• CLASS DISTINCTION: The date of the redesignation of third-class to second-class on railways.
• HOBOS: An exploration of the etymology of the word 'hobo' and the experiences of Maurice 'Steam Train' Graham.
• JOKE: A short, risqué joke.

"Newslines" (Various Contributors)

This section provides brief updates and curiosities:

• LEGENDS ROUND-UP: Lists five conspiracy theories debunked by the Stevens Report, including the Number of the Beast in barcodes, a time-travel tunnel on Long Island, KFC's ownership by the KKK, psychic-suppressing computer chips in children, and Suri Cruise's parentage.
• 'CHILD ABUSE' ANNIVERSARY: A critical commentary on Marietta Higgs, described as a 'night-hag', who continues to believe her past diagnoses despite controversy.
• CREPES OF WRATH: A brief mention of OAPs disrupting a pancake-tossing contest.
• NITNEY SPEARS: A humorous take on Britney Spears shaving her head, comparing it to the Beckhams' reaction to headlice.
• SEX AND DRUGS: A quote about Belen Rodriguez blaming her vaginal cortisone cream for Marco Borriello's failed drugs test.
• UNDIE SUSPICION: An observation about posh French lingerie being draped over road signs in Purton.

"Why beer is better than religion"

This section presents a humorous list of "Top 10 Reasons Why Beer Is Better Than Religion," attributed to Steve Berry of the Agnostic and Atheist Student Group at Texas A&M University.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, history, and modern phenomena, often with a critical or skeptical eye towards sensational claims, while also appreciating the richness of legends and traditions. There is a clear interest in forteana, UFOs, and unusual historical events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging reader participation through letters and contributions. The inclusion of humor and a slightly irreverent tone is also evident throughout the issue.

This issue of 'Update' from Fortean Times, identified as issue number 219 and dated November 26, 2006, features a cover headline of 'Update' and a prominent image from the film 'Monster's Ball'. The magazine covers a diverse range of topics, from the realism of sex scenes in films to unusual animal sightings and urban legends.

Sex in Film and Media

Tim Adams, in an article referencing John Cameron Mitchell's film 'Shortbus', questioned the shock value of explicit sex in films and books. He revisited the rumor that Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie had real sex in 'Don't Look Now' and asked if Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton did the same in 'Monster's Ball'. Caroline Iggulden further suggested six cases where passionate performances might have been full-on, listing 'Monster's Ball', 'Don't Look Now', 'Wild Orchid', 'The Black Dahlia', 'Mr and Mrs Smith', and '8 Mile'. An insider claimed that a graphic sex scene in Sienna Miller's film 'Factory Girl' featuring Jude Law's ex and Hayden Christensen was real, though Sienna's spokesman denied it.

Strange Occurrences and Oddities

Roy Edensor reported a disturbing incident with a talking teddy bear named Nev the Bear, a copy of which shouted "Prick" when taken out of the box, leading to its removal from Tesco stores. In a poll of influential people, artist Damien Hirst received only one vote, while 83-year-old Lucien Freud was named Britain's most popular artist. Dolly Parton was hailed as the second greatest gay icon of all time in a survey of 5,000 gays, with Kylie Minogue topping the list. Richard Morrison was criticized for misinterpreting William Blake's metaphor 'dark satanic mills'. The website Trolleyspotting.co.uk, which maps abandoned shopping trolleys, was named Britain's best 'Weird and Wonderful Website' by Yahoo.

Animal and Environmental News

Simon Barnes reiterated that bovine TB is spread by cattle movement, and that killing badgers exacerbates the problem, citing a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Residents of a Swedish hamlet named Fjuckby complained of suffering from 'weariness, embarrassment and conditional shame' due to their village name, seeking to change it to Fjukeby. A survey revealed that over 24,000 children were injured in trolley-related mishaps in the U.S. in 2005. The 'Big Cats in Britain' group reported privately owned lions, tigers, and leopards, and noted an increase in exotic animals seen in the British countryside. The noisy ring-necked parakeets in the UK have increased significantly since 2002. The Environment Agency claims goldfish are a more dangerous alien than grey squirrels or American signal crayfish, warning that releasing ornamental fish is illegal.

Celebrity and Social Trends

Barbara Ellen described a trend of 'New Flashers' among young female celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, who are openly revealing themselves. Britney Spears was noted for her post-divorce appearance. The article discusses the potential for young female stars to go to extremes to gain attention, with some likening it to 'baboons in the zoo'. The issue also touches on the phenomenon of shoppers avoiding supermarkets due to fears of diseases from trolleys, leading to the 'Health Conscious Shopper Programme'.

Books and Culture

The magazine reviews 'WHAT IF OUR WORLD IS THEIR HEAVEN? THE FINAL CONVERSATION OF PHILIP K. DICK', edited by Gwen Lee & Doris Elaine Sauter, discussing Dick's thoughts on science fiction, metaphysics, and his writing process. Another review covers 'AUGUSTINE, SINNER & SAINT' by James J. O'Donnell, exploring Augustine's life and theological impact. A piece on 'FRENCH MAID' discusses historical details about Joan of Arc. 'WITCH BOTTLES' explores an ancient therapy for illness. 'FUCKING FILM' is an exploration of the word 'fuck' and its cultural impact. 'ANCIENT OR MODERN' discusses the Hallaton hare pie-kicking custom. Rhona Cameron is mentioned for her comments on Ruth Kelly. The 'TIGGYWINKLE HOLOCAUST' section details historical bounties on vermin. 'FAST FOOD' covers the World Pie Eating Championships and its controversies. 'CURSE STRIPPED NAKED' highlights the tragic deaths of Playboy Playmates. The 'Proto-legends' section includes anecdotes about a deaf woman at a hospital and a listener trying to get a new phone line. Karlheinz Schmidt survived three days trapped in a Berlin hospital lift. A story about a woman borrowing books from a bookshop is presented as possibly apocryphal. Ben Macintyre's claim about tomato varieties used to identify people during the Lebanese civil wars is discussed. Three thieves were arrested in New York after GPS tracking devices led police to them. A Chinese woman in Chongqing sought plastic surgery to make herself uglier to deter suitors. A cat got its head stuck in a jam jar while trying to catch a mouse. Uta Schneider hacked off her dead husband's penis and attempted to smuggle it out in a lunchbox.

Racehorse Names

Paul Screeton's article 'Hoercarse mensa' humorously discusses the scrutiny of racehorse names, with examples of rejected names like 'Betty Swallocks', 'Drew Peacock', 'Far Kinnel', and 'Wear the Fox Hat'. He shares anecdotes about how some names, like 'Kybo', originated from personal acronyms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Update' reflects Fortean Times' ongoing interest in the unusual, the unexplained, and the fringe aspects of culture and science. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and critical examination, presenting a wide array of stories from news reports, magazines, and other sources, often with a touch of skepticism or wry humor. Recurring themes include the blurring lines between reality and fiction in media, the persistence of folklore and urban legends, and the reporting of bizarre or unexplained events. The magazine seems to champion the exploration of topics that lie outside mainstream discourse, encouraging readers to question and investigate.