Lantern - No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of LANTERN, published in Autumn 1973 by the BORDERLINE SCIENCE INVESTIGATION GROUP (BSIG), presents a collection of articles focusing on paranormal phenomena, particularly within the East Anglian region of the UK. The magazine has been commercially printed for this edition, aiming for improved layout and legibility, though this resulted in fewer pages due to budget limitations.

The BSIG itself was formed in February 1971 by individuals interested in 'borderline sciences' such as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), ESP, Folklore, and Witchcraft. Their stated aims are to discover and investigate unusual phenomena scientifically and without bias, documenting findings and reporting them appropriately.

Contents Overview

• The contents page lists a variety of articles, including:
• U.F.O. Over Happisburgh: An A BSIG Report detailing a sighting by a police constable.
• Secret Tunnels: An article by W.J. Chambers exploring legends of underground passages.
• Local U.F.O. Reports: A collection of brief reports.
• The Rant Score Ghost: A report by D.J. Fletcher on a haunted location in Lowestoft.
• The Haunting of The 3 Tuns: A personal account by K. Remington-Salt.
• Local Curiosities: Brief mentions of unusual local phenomena.
• Inside B.S.I.G.: An overview of the group's research methods.
• News Round-up: Recent activities and investigations by the Psychical Research Section.
• Comment: A section where readers can dispute or comment on articles.

Introduction

The editorial welcomes readers to this improved edition, highlighting the commercial printing and the aim to maintain a more 'localised' theme, focusing on East Anglian aspects of paranormal subjects. The BSIG's aims are reiterated: scientific and unbiased investigation of phenomena, documentation, and reporting. The editors reflect that despite changes over two and a half years, the group is still achieving these aims. Their approach involves collecting background information and conducting field-work, such as ghost-watches and interviews, followed by compiling reports. Readers interested in joining or contributing information are directed to page 7. Comments on the magazine are invited for publication in the Winter issue.

U.F.O. Over Happisburgh

This article details a UFO sighting by Police Constable B. Nichols of the North Walsham Police on July 25th, 1972, near Eccles-on-Sea, Norfolk. While on duty, he observed a light rising over Happisburgh, initially thinking it was a flare. The object, however, began to travel towards him. PC Nichols described it as transparent, with no discernible colour, and likened its appearance to a polythene bag with a flickering light in the corner, similar to a candle. He noted there was no wind and the object made no sound, despite appearing close. It moved in a direction towards Stalham, with an estimated speed exceeding 100mph, maintaining its shape. No aircraft were reported in the area, and the Happisburgh Coastguard had no knowledge of any flares. The article includes a map illustrating the object's path. A footnote suggests the object could have been a home-made hot air balloon, but this is countered by the witness's statement about the lack of wind and the object's speed.

Secret Tunnels

This article, by W.J. Chambers, explores legends of secret tunnels across the country, often associated with old houses, pubs, and churches. Examples include tunnels from crypts in Lowestoft, passages from old buildings to churches, and tunnels from pubs to churches. The article mentions 'The Haunted Inns of England' by Jack Hallam, noting its numerous examples but scrappy details. Specific locations mentioned include the Standard Inn at Rye (used by smugglers), the Tiger on Tower Hill in London (allegedly used by Queen Elizabeth I), the Smugglers' Haunt restaurant at Hayling Island, the Royal Pavilion at Brighton (associated with King George IV's ghost), and St. Mary's Barracks at Chatham. The article also touches upon the famous Borley Rectory and its tunnel legend, citing Harry Price. A legend of buried treasure in a tunnel from Gresham to Beeston Abbey is also mentioned. The origins of these tunnels are speculated to be monks or for 'immoral purposes,' though the author dismisses the latter as Reformation propaganda. The article concludes that while passages may exist, they have never been conclusively proven, and the BSIG might investigate this sideline.

Local U.F.O. Reports

• This section provides a brief list of UFO sightings reported in the local area:
• January 26th, 1973: A light blue point of light descended to earth near Old Costessey, Norwich, estimated at 60mph and silent.
• December 7th, 1972: A white, star-like object emitting sparks was seen briefly at high elevation near Carlton Road, Lowestoft.
• August 8th, 1972: Three bright yellow/white lights in a 'V' formation travelled south-westerly over North Lowestoft, disappearing into a cloud.
• December 11th, 1972: A very bright circular white light travelled southerly over Elm Tree Road, Lowestoft, disappearing in a cloudless sky.
• May 15th, 1973: A bright red ball of light was observed drifting over Central Lowestoft, later identified as a flare.

Additional brief reports include sightings near Gt. Yarmouth of circular objects and a helicopter approached by an object with flashing lights, as well as two sightings during a skywatch involving star-like objects performing complex maneuvers and flashing, and five star-like objects observed on an identical course, one appearing as a luminous disc.

The Rant Score Ghost

This article details paranormal activity associated with Rant Score in Lowestoft. The area, part of the oldest town section, has a history of paranormal claims. Legends mention 'Old Shuck' or a phantom 'Dawg'. More recent events include fish boxes found in disarray in a herring industry building, and psychic activity at the 'Dutch Hoy' pub, where a woman was seen upstairs. Paranormal activity was also reported in a workshop. After a period of quiet, activity resurfaced in the late 1950s/early 1960s with unexplained footsteps heard in a time office, followed by the door opening on its own and a drop in temperature. In July 1970, a fitter reported seeing a man glide through a wall in a commercial kitchen. A Ouija board session was attempted. In 1969-1970, a man alone in cloakrooms near the old time office felt touched and saw a glowing ball disappear through a wall. The article poses questions about whether these are the same ghost and if a ghost can change its appearance.

The Haunting of The 3 Tuns

This is a personal account by K. Remington-Salt about his experiences as an under-manager at 'Ye Olde Three Tuns' hotel in Bungay, Suffolk, in early 1968. The 17th-century hotel had been rebuilt after a fire. On his third or fourth night, he experienced a slamming door and windows closing mysteriously. Despite checking, he found no rational explanation. The phenomena recurred, leading him to consult the proprietor, who revealed the building was haunted by a troubled spirit. Contact was made via an alphabet and wine glass séance, identifying the spirit as Rex Bacon, an 18-year-old youth from around 1682 who allegedly slew his wife's lover and committed suicide. The spirit was believed to be protective. The author recounts instances of shirts being folded and a general sense of presence. The haunting was eventually addressed by Canon J.D. Pearce-Higgins, who performed a Requiem Communion Service, deeming the spirit not evil and aiming for its release. The hotel was sealed with holy water, and Rex Bacon was 'laid to rest,' with no further phenomena reported.

Sea Monsters

This short piece questions the likelihood of sea monsters off the Suffolk and Norfolk coast compared to Loch Ness, but notes surprising sightings. It recounts a near-drowning incident where a boy was attacked by what appeared to be a huge, snarling brute with a human-like head. Months later, there was a high incidence of drowned children in the area with wounds resembling animal bites. The dog and its owner were never seen again. A more classical sea monster description – large, torpedo-shaped, and fast – was reported by two Southwold fishermen in the late 1930s.

Interested in B.S.I.G.

This section invites readers interested in the BSIG and its activities to write to Mr. I. Bunn at a Lowestoft address.

A12 Ghost

A brief report about a ghost sighting on the A12 near Blythburgh Common, where a lorry driver saw a man in knee breeches and a 'Dick Turpin' hat leading a horse, accompanied by a little girl. The driver found no one there upon investigation.

Local Curiosities

• Blaxhall Stone: A large stone at Stone Farm, Blaxhall, Suffolk, is claimed to be constantly increasing in size, weighing about 5 tons after 100 years.
• Flints: Flints with natural holes, known as 'Lucky Stones', were used in Suffolk folk-magic to protect horses from witches.
• WW1 Object: During WWI, an object described as a round platform with a hand-rail, carrying 8-12 men in blue uniforms and hats, was seen over Aldeburgh, Suffolk, flying in from the marshes.

Inside B.S.I.G. - The Psychical Research Section

This section details the work of the BSIG's Psychical Research Section, which evolved from an amateur group into a professional-looking body linked with the British Society for Psychical Research. Their work involves investigating reported abnormal phenomena, often requiring painstaking research. They investigate cases from personal reports, publications, or media. Ideally, stories are kept out of the press until investigations are complete. Their methodology for ghost-watches involves planning, using equipment like Draught Detectors, Vibration Detectors, Magnetic Anomaly Detectors, cameras, and thermometers, all connected to a central unit. Future equipment aims to bridge the gap between the supernatural and reality. Investigations involve plotting physical phenomena, recording feelings and activities, and compiling detailed reports. The author, M. Marshall, expresses conviction that humanity is close to startling solutions in psychical science through experimentation.

WANTED: YOUR OWN PERSONAL STRANGE EXPERIENCES. The BSIG invites readers to share their unexplained experiences.

News Round-up

• All Night Vigil at Old Scole Inn, Norfolk: Members investigated reports of a ghostly woman appearing in a specific bedroom, but nothing was seen or heard, though some reported a choking sensation.
• Choking Sensation: A description of a white figure appearing and causing a choking sensation.
• Ghost Watch at Oxfam Regional HQ, Norwich: A third and final watch for the ghost of 'Sara', who was allegedly murdered there. Previous watches had recorded unexplained events like lights going out and a distinct female voice saying "Who's there?" on a tape recording, despite no activity being heard at the time. The atmosphere was described as unsettling. However, the final watch yielded no results, and the atmosphere felt friendlier, suggesting Sara had 'finally gone'.
• Exorcism: Two mediums were called in to contact and exorcise the spirit at the Oxfam HQ, after which activity ceased.

• Telepathy Experiment Results: Between May 1st and June 30th, six BSIG members participated in a long-range telepathy experiment using Zener cards and a common object. Statistical analysis showed completely average results, indicating no discernible telepathic tendencies among the participants.

A quote from the owner of the Royal Hotel, Lowestoft, states: "The only ghost you will find here is the ghost of past business....."

FOR SALE: Copies of Lantern No.2 are available for 8p each.

Comment

This section features a letter from I.A.W. Bunn disputing points made in a previous article ('Ghosts We Might Have Known') concerning BSIG ghost-watches at Lowestoft Town Hall. Bunn challenges three specific points:
1. Footsteps: Bunn claims the 'footsteps' in the top corridor were explained by a fault in the tower clock mechanism, producing 'low thudding noises', which were heard and recorded.
2. Light Appearance: Bunn suggests the light seen under the Mayor's Parlour door could have been direct light from car headlights on the road outside, shining into the window.
3. 'Draught Cycle': Bunn disputes the existence of a 'draught cycle' as described in the article. He states that while draughts occurred from under the Mayor's Parlour door, there was no evidence of a cycle moving down stairs and along corridors. He notes that one recorded draught was from a corridor door, not down the corridor, and after its source was found and the detector moved, no further draughts matching the cycle were recorded.

Bunn concludes by respectfully refuting the existence of any 'Draught Cycle' and offers to share his claims for further study.

In Our Winter Issue

Teases the upcoming Winter issue, mentioning "THE TWO WITCHES OF LOWESTOFT" and other articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on local paranormal phenomena within East Anglia, with a particular emphasis on UFO sightings, ghost stories, and legends of secret tunnels. The BSIG presents itself as a scientific and unbiased investigative body, meticulously documenting its findings. There is a clear interest in exploring the unexplained, from tangible reports like UFOs to more subjective experiences like hauntings. The 'Comment' section indicates a willingness to engage with and debate findings, even within the group. The overall stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the paranormal, grounded in a desire for factual reporting and investigation, while acknowledging the often elusive and unprovable nature of the subjects.