LANTERN

Magazine Overview

Title: LANTERN
Issue: 7
Volume: Autumn
Date: Autumn 1974
Publisher: The Borderline Science Investigation Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Price: 12p

Introduction

The introduction expresses optimism for the continuation of the magazine, which will now operate independently of BSIG funds thanks to a pool of money from members. The editors thank readers for their support and encouragement. They announce a reluctant price increase to 12p due to rising printing costs. This issue features articles on mysterious stones in Norfolk and Suffolk, 'Faery-Folk', the 'Green Children of Woolpit', a personal haunting case from Carlton Colville, and a review of a book on Harry Price. Regular features are also included.

Articles and Features

The Good People

This article introduces the concept of 'Faerie Folk' and their activities, noting that while folklore associated with them is not abundant in Suffolk, common themes exist across Britain. These beings are described as living in a world separate from ours, with different perceptions of time. Their diet is varied, with some tales suggesting they eat only greenstuffs and dew, while others mention lavish meals. Their size varies, and they are often depicted as physically weak without magic. They are known to steal human children to interbreed and create a stronger race. They value privacy, and those who spy on them risk blindness. Wearing green is also considered unlucky. Various types of faeries are mentioned, including Brownies, who are small, hairy, and mischievous, and others who guard treasure or act as guides. They possess simple magic, including invisibility and flight (without wings). They can be helpful if shown respect but can cause ruin if wronged. Theories on their origin include ghosts of the unbaptised, diminished pagan deities, a race in hiding after the Celts, or half-fallen angels. The article then delves into the tale of the 'Green Children of Woolpit', who appeared in Saxon times speaking a strange language and dressed in green. They claimed to come from a twilight land and were drawn by the sound of bells. After baptism, the boy died, but the girl adapted, lost her green color, married, and lived a normal life.

The Carlton Colville Ghost

This section details an account from a man, referred to as Mr. Smith, about a ghostly presence in his childhood home at Carlton Colville. The ghost is identified as Mrs. Handley, who cared for him and his brother when their parents were away. Mr. Smith vividly recalls Mrs. Handley standing at the foot of their bed, watching them sleep, a habit she maintained even when he was 20. Other manifestations included cupboard doors opening and closing, and objects being moved. After the family moved, the ghost was no longer seen. The article suggests this is an example of strong emotional ties tethering a spirit to earth until its purpose is complete. It also notes that the current occupants of the cottage may have an unseen guest, but lack the link to perceive it.

UFO Report

This section notes a scarcity of UFO reports, with only two received from the same family in the past three months. The first report, from May 1974, describes a cigar-shaped object seen over the Eastern Coachworks Factory in Lowestoft. The second report, from June/July 1974, details a small star-like object seen on five separate occasions over the rear garden of a house in Lowestoft. The report suggests these are likely artificial satellites, but definitive identification is impossible due to unknown exact dates.

Harry Price Reconsidered

This is a review of Paul Tabori's book, 'Harry Price: The Biography of a Ghost Hunter.' The review highlights Price's background as a numismatist, photographer, and conjuror, and his later focus on psychic research. It mentions his investigations into mediums, his exposure of Mrs. Duncan's 'teleplasm' trick, and his involvement with Joanna Southcott's box. The review also touches upon the case of Gef, the talking mongoose, and the haunting of Borley Rectory, referencing Price's own books on the subject. A photograph of a nun taken during an investigation at Borley Rectory, which was suppressed by an editor, is also mentioned.

Local Curiosities

This article explores UFO sightings in East Anglia dating back to 1646, citing a pamphlet titled 'Signes From Heaven.' It describes various apparitions and aerial phenomena reported in Norfolk and Suffolk, including a spire steeple ascending from the earth, a fleet of ships in the air, and the sound of drums. The article then focuses on 'mysterious stones' in Norfolk and Suffolk, which are often glacial erratics. These stones served as 'way-marks,' were connected to 'LEY alignments,' and were sometimes incorporated into church construction to woo pagan populations. Examples include the WITCH'S STONE in Westleton churchyard, the STOCKTON STONE with its curse, a glacial boulder in Beccles churchyard, and stones at Thwaite church and near Diss. The article also mentions stones in Gorleston, Merton, Bramford, Wortham, and Pakefield, some associated with Druids or folklore. It notes the discovery of Zodiac-engraved stones near St. Olave's Bridge in Lowestoft and mentions the COWELL STONE in Norfolk. The article concludes by describing the BLAXHALL STONE and the GROANING STONE in Suffolk, and reiterates the call for readers to share information about ancient stones.

News Round-Up

This section details recent investigations by the Psychical Research Section of BSIG. Two all-night vigils were conducted: one at an old cottage in Kessingland, reporting phenomena like doors opening and a trapdoor rising, and another at a large house near Southwold, where a ghostly woman and unexplained footsteps were reported. The Kessingland investigation identified a faulty latch as the cause of the opening door. A planned investigation at an Oxfam shop in Norwich is also mentioned, following previous investigations that suggested psychic activity had ceased but recent accounts indicate otherwise. The section also notes the use of improved equipment, including a more sensitive light monitor and plans to enhance Magnetic Anomaly Detectors.

Comment

This section contains a personal account from I.A.W. Bunn about an encounter with 'phantom' bells. Initially believing the sound to be supernatural, he later discovered it was the bell on a buoy marking the Newcome Sands off the coast. The author also references a booklet about Dunwich, mentioning that divers from the North East Essex Sub-aqua Club have found ruins of churches and gateways there, with the church of St. Peter being particularly difficult to locate due to the moving seabed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, including UFO sightings, ghosts, folklore, and mysterious phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of personal experiences. There is a clear interest in local history and unexplained events within East Anglia. The publication also demonstrates a commitment to continuing its work despite financial challenges, relying on reader support and member contributions.