Folklore Frontiers - No 059

Magazine Overview

Title: Folklore Frontiers
Issue: No. 59
Date: September 2007
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Description: An independent non-profit magazine dedicated to exploring folklore, contemporary legends (urban myths), ancient and modern traditions, rumour, conspiracy, forteana, and modern culture. It serves as an information exchange for enthusiasts, featuring clipped articles from the press with commentary.

JHE DIARY

The editor, Paul Screeton, begins by noting a curious coincidence between two elements of his latest book, 'Mars Bar & Mushy Peas: Urban legend and the cult of celebrity'. The first element relates to Charlotte Roche, a British-born author whose book 'Wetlands' explores themes of sex fantasies and scatological descriptions. Roche's father was involved in building Mars factories, and the book mentions avocado cores used in masturbation, a detail that has intrigued academics. The second element involves a variation of a motif where an outsider is fooled by a local food item, similar to a past anecdote from 'LM' magazine. Screeton recounts a story about a spoof country singer, Wilson Dixon, who claims to be from Cripple Creek, Colorado, only to be questioned by an American woman who is also from the town.

Screeton then shifts to the topic of climate change and global warming skepticism. He highlights an article from 'The Sun' which questions the alarmist narrative around climate change, presenting data from over 6,000 Royal Navy logs dating back to the 1600s. These logs, recorded by ship officers, provide detailed weather information, revealing periods of global warming in the 1730s and freak storms in the 1680s and 1690s, which occurred during the Little Ice Age. The article suggests that linking modern hurricanes solely to man-made global warming is an oversimplification. Geographer Dr. Dennis Wheeler emphasizes the complexity of climate science and the importance of historical archives. The article also notes that a hurricane in 1842 mirrored the path of Hurricane Vince in 2005, which hit Spain and Portugal.

Further commentary is provided on the film 'Expelled', which alleges discrimination against academics who believe in 'intelligent design'. The editor expresses skepticism about the film's premise, particularly its portrayal of Richard Dawkins and P. Z. Myers.

A time-slip? at 'Thornaby Tor'

Paul Screeton recounts personal experiences he describes as 'weird shit', particularly those related to 'Thornaby Tor', a man-made mound near the Tees marshalling yard. He describes encounters with a meditating man who offered him beer and a Red Bull, and a couple engaged in midday copulation. He also mentions a young man using a GPS to find a hidden object and finding a four-leaf clover serendipitously. Screeton also shares anecdotes about losing a pen and needing to use pub toilet paper for notes. He discusses the 'Anorak Bridge' and a hoax about spiked metal palisades. The area is also noted for its proximity to Roseberry Topping and the North York Moors.

The most striking incident occurred on March 9, 2006, when Screeton observed E.W.S. Class 66 locomotive No. 66191 at Thornaby Traction Maintenance Depot. He saw it leave heading east, only to reappear minutes later heading west on an avoiding line. He is certain he identified the locomotive correctly and that there couldn't be two locomotives with the same number. He checked the TOPS computer system and found no other Class 66 in the vicinity that could have been mistaken for it. Screeton suggests this might indicate that time is not always linear, drawing a parallel to the 'Philadelphia Experiment' and the USS Eldridge. He also references John A. Keel's theory that anomalous phenomena might be demonstrations of 'Black Magic powers'.

Minutiae

This section presents a collection of brief, often quirky, news items and observations:

• Urban myths about cartoons: This subsection debunks or comments on alleged hidden messages or controversial elements in animated films like 'Aladdin', 'The Lion King', 'The Little Mermaid', 'Snow White', and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.
• The Hummadruz: A mysterious low-frequency humming noise has resurfaced in Sudbury, Suffolk, causing sleep disturbances.
• Rodney Legg and The National Trust: Rodney Legg criticizes the National Trust's cull of beech trees, calling it 'health and safety paranoia'.
• Milan Fabac: An 83-year-old man in Croatia shot himself dead after a tree he had fallen in love with was cut down.

Strange Brew - London Publore

This section, written by Antony Clayton, explores the origins and folklore behind various London pub names. It discusses how many historic names were lost or altered during the 1980s. Examples include:

• The Royal Gardener: Renamed 'The Slug and Lettuce'.
• The Elephant and Castle: Possibly named after an archaeological discovery of an elephant's remains and a British spear, or derived from the arms of the Cutlers' Company.
• The Five Bells and Blade Bone: Named partly due to a blade bone found during building work, which was displayed in the bar.
• The Blade Bone: Said to be the site of a grisly murder where a shoulder blade was discovered and displayed.
• The Brockley Jack: Named after highwayman Jack Law, with a plaster replica of a horse's thighbone on its façade.
• The Crown Hotel ('Crocker's Folly'): Built by Frank Crocker, who later jumped from an upstairs window due to the railway station being built too far away. The pub was later renamed.
• The Doctor Johnson: A large inter-war pub built in anticipation of a major road that was eventually diverted.
• The Queen's Elm: Recalls Queen Elizabeth I sheltering there.
• The Queen's Head and Artichoke: Possibly named after Queen Elizabeth I or Mary Tudor's fondness for artichokes.
• The Windsor Castle: Named for the visibility of the royal residence from the location.
• Pubs built for Wren's workmen: Including 'The Salutation' and 'The Old Bell'.
• Ye Olde Watling: Possibly built using timbers from the Mayflower.
• The Salisbury: Named after the Marquis of Salisbury, and previously housed boxer Benjamin Caunt.
• The French House: Famous for its association with de Gaulle's Free French and artists like Dylan Thomas.

Newslines

This section comprises a series of short news items on diverse topics:

• STONED HENGE: A replica Stonehenge built in actor Ray Winstone's garden.
• PICARESQE OF THE POPS: A rumour linking chart-topper Duffy to Sir Tom Jones.
• PIG TRADITION: A piglet released in a school playground by pupils as a 'village tradition'.
• WATCH THE BIRDIE: Carla Bruni's preference for saying 'sex' over 'cheese' when photographed, and a related anecdote about Norman Parkinson.
• GHOST BIKES: A trend of painting bicycles white and placing them near crash sites to memorialize deceased cyclists.
• DEAD MARKET: Sales of headstones with video panels have been disappointing.
• SMITH'S STING: A chef claims to have helped Sting write 'Roxanne' and 'Message in a Bottle', seeking royalties.
• TITS AND THE TOFF: A Page 3 model's critique of David Cameron.
• MORAL PANIC: Pole-dancing classes for children as young as nine, and a glamour model's views on breast implants for her daughter.

Update

This section provides updates on previously featured topics:

• STAGS AND HENS: New trends in wedding parties, including having a best woman and combining stag and hen parties. An anecdote about Jeremy Skidmore choosing his ex-girlfriend Emma Wilkinson as his 'best woman' for his stag do is detailed.
• PERCY SHAW: The inventor of the 'cat's eye' road stud, with a claim that his inspiration came from seeing a cat's eyes reflecting headlights on a foggy night.
• BRITNEY SPEARS: Details of rumours surrounding Britney Spears, including allegations of drug use, a sex dungeon, and her father's attempts to 'clean up her act'.

Other Articles

• SCOTS PONTIUS PILATE: Discusses the Fortingall Yew tree and its legendary connection to Pontius Pilate.
• KEIRA KNIGHTLEY: The actress's discomfort with being photographed, referencing an Aboriginal belief about soul loss.
• GLOBAL WARMING: Critiques the prevailing narrative on global warming, citing data that suggests current warming is not unprecedented and that the EU's emissions trading scheme is costly with little effect.
• CHASTITY BELTS: A man had to be freed from a chastity belt by firefighters after losing the key.
• PENGUIN STABILITY: Research suggests penguins have a stable waddling gait.
• FUCKING SOMEWHERE: Residents of a village named Fucking are frustrated by tourists stealing their signs.
• MIGRANT POACHERS: Microchips are being used to deter thieves from stealing carp.
• BESTIALITY: A man admits to downloading depraved images and possessing bestiality products.
• ANORAKNOPHOBIA: A musician expresses embarrassment about still knowing the lyrics to his novelty song 'Snooker Loopy'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of contemporary legend, urban myths, forteana, and unusual occurrences. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the climate change section, leans towards skepticism of mainstream narratives and a critical examination of widely accepted beliefs. There is a strong interest in historical anomalies, anecdotal evidence, and the folklore surrounding everyday life, including pub history and celebrity culture. The editor, Paul Screeton, actively engages with these topics through personal anecdotes and commentary on news items.

This issue of Fortean Times, dated August 2008, is themed "Oldies but Goodies," focusing on enduring urban legends, celebrity myths, and cultural phenomena. The magazine features a collection of articles, reviews, and commentary on these topics.

Articles and Features

Oldies but Goodies - Celebrity Rumours and Legends

The issue opens with a piece exploring persistent celebrity rumours, particularly the long-standing one about Valerie Singleton and Joan Armatrading. It delves into how such rumours originate and persist, even when demonstrably false. The article highlights how celebrity status can attract and sustain these narratives, often for decades.

Lewd Cock, Late Call, Mariah's Lungs, Wee Frees & Bees, Vegetating, Swastika Spag, Nuisance Calls, Cons' Cake

This section presents a series of short anecdotes and resurrected claims, often with a humorous or debunking angle:

• Lewd Cock: The resurfaced claim that the FBI spent 18 months deciphering the lyrics to The Kingsmen's "Louie Louie" due to allegedly lewd content.
• Late Call: A new version of a hoax bomb call to delay a train involves a 27-year-old German delaying his flight from Verona.
• Mariah's Lungs: Snopes dismisses claims about Mariah Carey's singing range, specifically a seven-octave vocal range.
• Wee Frees & Bees: A tale about former Lord Chancellor Lord Mackay of Clashfern and microscopic toast with honey, humorously commented on by a lawyer.
• Vegetating: A discussion on satire and the show "Headcases," recalling "Spitting Image" puppets and a joke about Thatcher's vegetables.
• Swastika Spag: Debunking the urban myth that Heinz once supplied Nazi-themed alphabet spaghetti, noting Heinz's contribution to Allied war efforts.
• Nuisance Calls: A personal anecdote about using a "Seinfeld" technique to handle an inconvenient phone call.
• Cons' Cake: Four jail guards in Nyborg, Denmark, were hospitalized after eating a cake laced with drugs, baked by inmates.

Letters

Mick Goss, Fakenham, Norfolk:

Mick Goss contributes a letter with several random remarks on issue No. 58. He discusses birdwatching rarities like the white-crowned sparrow and the longbilled inurelet, questioning their presence in the UK. He also touches on the "ghost dog" of Derby County FC and the alleged "curse" on their old ground, Maine Road, mentioning a rumour about a horse and cart buried there. He also references a supposed WWII headline about a "British Push" and Emmanuel Shinwell's absence from parliament to judge a beauty contest.

Norman Darwen, Bolton, Lancs:

Norman Darwen follows up on the "ghost dog" story with a piece on Manchester City FC's use of feng shui to improve their luck, including burying crystals and using buddhas and toads. He also recounts the well-known story of the "curse" on Maine Road, linking it to the site being built on an old travellers' site. He mentions the rumour of a horse and cart buried under the pitch.

Books Reviews

MARS BAR & MUSHY PEAS: URBAN LEGEND AND THE CULT OF CELEBRITY by PAUL SCREETON

This review by Mick Goss examines Paul Screeton's book, which explores urban legends associated with celebrities. The book delves into the nature of celebrity, fact versus fiction, and the persistence of rumours. It covers legends about Marianne Faithfull (the Mars bar incident), Dolly Parton's bust, Princess Diana's sex life, and Peter Mandelson's "mushy peas" gaffe. Screeton argues that these legends serve to comment on celebrity culture and keep figures in the public eye. The review notes the book's exploration of "satirismus" and its connection to the media's role in creating and disseminating such stories. It also touches on the book's discussion of global warming as a potential "urban legend."

ALBION DREAMING by ANDY ROBERTS

This review by Mick Goss discusses Andy Roberts's book on the influence of LSD on British culture. It traces the history of LSD, from Albert Hoffman's discovery to its impact on the 1960s counterculture, mentioning figures like Timothy Leary and Michael Hollingshead. The book also covers the "Redlands bust" and the "Operation Julie" crackdown. Roberts argues that the "war on drugs" is essentially a war on consciousness expansion and liberty, advocating for legalisation and regulation. The review highlights the book's examination of the cultural impact of LSD, its association with various legends, and the potential for both positive and negative experiences.

MINOS AND THE MODERNS by THEODORE ZIOLKOWSKI

This review describes Ziolkowski's book, which examines "folklorismus" – the appropriation of ancient myth by modern entrepreneurs, artists, and popular culture. It uses the example of Cyprus's use of Green mythology for its euro campaign. The book explores Cretan myths of Europa, the Minotaur, and Icarus, and how these tales inspire contemporary works.

LOST ISLANDS: INVENTING AVALON, DESTROYING EDEN by KEVAN MANWARING

This review introduces Kevan Manwaring's book, which defines "lost islands" as hidden, obscure, or endangered ecosystems, encompassing both literal and metaphorical interpretations. The book navigates themes of science fiction, mythology, and the dynamic between the natural and the constructed.

Andy Roberts - Author Profile

Andy Roberts is introduced as a regular contributor to Fortean Times and the author of several books on folklore and UFOlogy. He lives in Wales with his wife.

Feedback and Upcoming Reviews

Brief feedback is included from author John Michell and psychotherapist Deek Daper regarding Paul Screeton's book. Upcoming reviews are promised from Mike Amos, Chris Cordner, and Mike Hallowell. An approach to Arthur Scargill for a review was unsuccessful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of folklore, urban legends, and contemporary culture, particularly celebrity. There's a critical examination of how myths are created, perpetuated, and utilized, often by media and public figures. The magazine seems to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning official narratives (like global warming) and exploring the psychological functions of legends. The editorial stance appears to favour in-depth investigation and a critical analysis of information, encouraging readers to question and form their own conclusions, even when faced with seemingly authoritative pronouncements. The theme of "Oldies but Goodies" suggests a focus on established, yet still relevant, mysteries and folklore.