Lantern - No 15

Magazine Overview

LANTERN, Issue Number 4, Autumn 1976, is a quarterly journal published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group. The magazine focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly in East Anglia. This issue features a diverse range of content, from historical documents to contemporary paranormal investigations and local folklore.

Introduction

The editorial introduces the Autumn 1976 edition, highlighting the inclusion of a 1642 pamphlet transcript, chosen for its fascinating content and quaint spelling. The editors express gratitude for the support received for the duplicated version of LANTERN. They also mention an extra page from their Cambridge Branch and hope to make this a regular feature.

Notes and Queries

This section provides updates and information on various paranormal and Fortean topics:

• The Ley Hunter: This publication has changed format and editor, now being smaller, litho-printed, and illustrated. Paul Devereux is the new editor, succeeding Paul Screeton. The latest edition (No. 70) includes articles on Leys & Feng Shui, Nazca & Stonehenge, and UFO Wave Prediction. UK subscriptions are £2 from The Editor, PO Box 152, London NIO IEB.
• BUFORA Conference: A conference is scheduled for November 6/7, 1976, at the Centre Hotel, Birmingham. Ted Bloecher will be the main speaker on humanoids. Seven other research papers will cover EM Effects, Photo Analysis, and UFO Wave Prediction. The cost is £5 for BUFORA members and £6 for non-members. Contact Jenny Randles for details.
• The Fortean Times: The latest edition is described as a 28-page lithoed publication crammed with curiosities, including articles on tremors, earthquakes, strange fires, miracles, and unidentified phenomena. Annual subscriptions are £3 for 6 issues from RJM Rickard.
• East Suffolk and Norfolk Antiquarians: This group is researching legends of a 'secret Tunnel' in Lowestoft. They are seeking information on any tales concerning this tunnel.
• The Fountain Centre, Warminster: This centre offers accommodation for sky-watchers and provides healing, therapy, and astrological advice. It has launched its own magazine, 'The Fountain Journal', focusing on UFO reports from the Warminster area. Contact Jane Paget for details.
• UFO Research Review: Published by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society (NUFOIS), this magazine is described as well-produced and featuring UFO reports.

'Fearefull and Terrible...' - A 1642 Pamphlet

This section presents the transcript of a 17th-century pamphlet detailing a strange event in Suffolk. It begins by referencing biblical prophecies of wars, seditions, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and fearful signs from heaven. The text then describes a series of unusual aerial phenomena observed over Germany and Sweden, interpreted as warnings of approaching troubles. The main focus is a detailed account of an event that occurred on Thursday, August 4th (year unspecified, likely in the 17th century), between Woodbridge and Aldeburgh in High Suffolk. A loud, continuous noise, described as a fierce drumbeat, followed by the sound of small shot and great ordnance, lasted for about an hour and a half. This was followed by a mighty and violent report. Immediately after, a stone weighing about four pounds fell from the sky. The stone, described as strange in form and miraculous in its manner of falling, was found by Captain Johnson and Master Thompson. It was presented to a Member of Parliament, and subsequently examined by friends. The stone is described as 8 inches long, 5 inches broad, and 2 inches thick. The narrative notes that the townspeople of Aldeburgh were amazed by the event.

The pamphlet concludes with a religious interpretation, urging repentance and seeking refuge under God's wings. It also includes a section titled 'Merlins Prophecies of Kingstone Upon Hull', which is presented without preamble and is described as mystifying. The editor notes that Aldeburgh was formerly known as Alborow and that the religious propaganda in the text is obvious.

The Winged Cat

A brief report from Cambridgeshire describes an extraordinary 'Lusus Naturae' – a French or Persian cat belonging to Mr. David Babcock, which was found to possess two wings resembling those of a duckling. This phenomenon was discovered when the cat, about 12 months old, was handled roughly and spread its wings.

Two Confirmed Hauntings

This article, by W. J. Chambers, discusses the importance of observing details in psychical research. It recounts two cases:

1. Madingley Hall, Cambridge: In 1963, a lady exercising her dog in the grounds of Madingley Hall heard voices and saw a young man with a death's head face and hatred in his eyes. He wore a ruff and had hair cut in jagged strands. This apparition's appearance was later matched by a painting of Tudor artist Ardian Stokes, reproduced in a review of a book on him.
2. Gargoyle Club, London: Peter Underwood's 'Haunted London' mentions that the Gargoyle Club in Soho is said to be haunted by the ghost of Nell Gwynne. Apparitions of a well-built girl, wearing a large flowered hat, have been seen. The article notes a planchette séance that produced a misspelled name that could have been Nell Gwynne. The author connects the apparition's costume to a lady of Stuart times.

Comment: A Dowser's View

Frank Dineen of the Essex Dowsing Group shares the results of pendulum experiments conducted on a plan of Kessingland Churchyard, following an article in a previous issue of LANTERN. He located two underground streams or earth anomalies. Stream (I) flows northwest under the church at about 120-125 feet, while Stream (2) curves southerly at about 60-65 feet. He notes that an ornamental flower holder is directly above Stream (2). Dineen suggests that if a strong earth current exists above Stream (2), Mr. D. Fletcher's explanation for an experience might not be entirely correct. He mentions that scientific instruments have detected minute changes in the human body when passing over underground streams and that tension could lead to auditory and visual phenomena. He references T.C. Lethbridge's book 'Ghost and Divining Rod'. Dineen also reports on dowsing experiments at Westwood Lodge, finding a strong north-south current in reportedly haunted areas, and mentions a well in the cellars of the Seven Stars public house in Brentwood.

Finally, he describes dowsing over an illustration of the 'Diamond in the Sky' (without Lucy), noting that the pendulum oscillated in an anti-clockwise or negative direction at the centre, suggesting a 'flower over-lapping the diamond shape'. He concludes that the meaning of this is unknown.

The Bury Zodiac

This article by M. W. Burgess discusses the concept of 'terrestrial zodiacs' – patterns resembling celestial zodiacs formed by geographical features. It references the work of Mrs. Katherine Maltwood, who claimed to have discovered a zodiac etched into the earth around Glastonbury. The article notes that other zodiacs have been traced in Britain, with three classed as 'definite': Glastonbury, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Nuthampstead. The author then presents his own findings regarding a 'Bury Zodiac' traced on a map of the area around Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. He emphasizes that he is simply tracing patterns of roads and tracks and does not claim it is a genuine ancient zodiac, suggesting it might be a coincidence.

The article then describes eleven signs of this 'Bury Zodiac', detailing how roads, streams, and topographical features form figures corresponding to Pisces, Capricornus, Aquarius (portrayed as a bird), Sagittarius, Scorpio, Libra, Virgo, Leo, Gemini, Taurus, and Aries. The author notes that the missing sign is Cancer, and discusses the significance of figures facing west, possibly relating to Atlantis. He also mentions the place-name 'Reed' or 'Rede' and its potential connection to geomantic measurement.

The author concludes by stating he is working on re-drawing the Bury Zodiac to conform more closely to accepted patterns, questioning the validity of terrestrial zodiacs if this is possible. He suggests that imagination can play a role and that more work is needed. The article also provides a list of suggested reading on the topic.

Local Curiosities

This section briefly mentions local legends:

• East Harling, Norfolk: A field called 'Pilgrim's Meadow' once had a deep pit where a 'golden cradle' was supposedly buried.
• Norfolk: A secret passage is said to link the ruins of Bromholm priory and Gimingham Hall, with 'golden gates' dividing it.
• Fritton, Suffolk: A tumulus called 'Bell Hill' is rumored to be the site of buried treasure, including a 'golden plough'.

Cambridge Branch Report

The Cambridge Branch of the group is seeking to expand its membership. They have conducted ghostwatches, ESP experiments, and dowsing. They have compiled a card index of local ghosts and appealed for information in the Cambridge Evening News, which yielded little interest. Nigel Pennick, the Cambridge Branch Secretary, was interviewed by BBC Radio with no response. The following is a compilation of Cambridge and district ghosts:

• Balsham and Wratting: Reports of a 'Shuck Monkey' and a 'White Lady'.
• Barnwell Abbey House: Animal manifestations, a squirrel, a solitary head, and a grey or white lady. Poltergeist activity was reported in 1959.
• Christ's College: The ghost of Christopher Round is said to be seen at midnight. A tall, elderly figure is heard on college stairs. The wrath of a former Don is also mentioned.
• Corpus Christi College: An upper room is haunted by the ghost of Dr. Butts or a suitor of Dr. Spencer's daughter.
• The Eagle Pub, Grantchester Rectory: Poltergeist activity is reported.
• Harston: A ghost of a young man with a greenish-white face, possibly a monk or Rupert Brooke, is seen. Footsteps and moving objects are also reported.
• St. John's College: A White Lady is said to throw herself into the river.
• Kite Area: A staircase is haunted by the ghost of Dr. James Wood, appearing as an 18th-century undergraduate.
• Lab. Storey's Way: East Road has three haunted shops; one is derelict, and another has reported screams, supposedly from an axe murder. Apparitions of a figure in a white coat and a phantom black bird have also been reported.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of LANTERN include UFO sightings and investigations, hauntings and ghost stories, local legends and folklore, and the exploration of ancient mysteries such as ley lines and terrestrial zodiacs. The magazine also shows an interest in historical documents and unusual natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting various accounts and research without necessarily endorsing them, as indicated by the disclaimer that opinions expressed are not necessarily those of BSIG or the Editor. The inclusion of historical accounts and diverse reports suggests a broad interest in the paranormal and Fortean subjects.

Title: News Round-up
Issue: II.
Volume: 175
Date: August '76
Publisher: NUFOIS
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of 'News Round-up' presents a collection of paranormal accounts and investigations, primarily focusing on ghost sightings and related phenomena in the Cambridge area and beyond. It also includes a report on a UFO skywatch.

Ghost Sightings and Hauntings

The magazine details numerous reported hauntings and ghost sightings, compiled by members of the Cambridge Section of BSIG from various sources, including personal experience.

• Little Abington, Montague Road: A highwayman ghost has been seen by residents, and a woman in a hammock near a summerhouse reportedly appeared to a young boy in the 1920s.
• Old Addenbrooke's Hosp.: Tradition holds that a ghost appears when morphia is administered.
• Dakington Crossroads: A BSIG member reported seeing a figure with folded arms moving at an impossible speed in the road.
• Hostel, St. Peter's Terrace: A room was permanently closed in 1960 due to a persistently frightening atmosphere.
• Sawston Hall: This location is reported to have several apparitions, including Bloody Mary's ghost, a lady in grey in the tapestry room, and various unexplained noises.
• Steeple Morden: At the ruins of Moco Farm, the ghost of a woman is said to be heard calling out in pain.
• Trinity College, New Court: A ghost in hunting kit has been sighted.
• Trumpington Street: In the 1890s, a visitor reported seeing a ghost and a ghostly portrait of a woman in green with a red feather. In the early 1960s, the ghost of a former Master's wife was seen in the street between Powerhouse College and the Fitzwilliam Museum.
• Wandlebury: At this ancient Iron-Age fort, a ghostly knight is said to appear to anyone who challenges him. Ghostly voices have also been reported, with the legend dating back to the middle ages.
• Woolworth's: A witch's ghost was reputed to haunt a house that was later demolished to make way for the present Woolworth's store.

Paranormal Investigation: The Oxfam Shop Tape

One of the mysteries investigated by BSIG involved a tape recording made at the Oxfam Shop in Norwich. No noises were heard during the recording, but upon playback, voice-like sounds were detected. The tape was sent to EMI Ltd for analysis, which confirmed it was recorded conventionally. BSIG members then took the recording to a medium who practices psychometry. The medium, after being shown a photograph of the building and a piece of straw from the old roof, entered a semi-trance-like state. She described seeing two people in the room – an old man and a woman – and dated the scene to the late 1800s. She also spoke of a struggle to prevent a 'spirit' from taking over, identifying it as the ghost of a woman who had been strangled. This account was cross-referenced with an official report of the Oxfam Shop's investigations, which mentioned a seance where a woman murdered about 100 years prior was contacted.

Recent Investigations: UFOs and Hauntings

July and August saw significant activity from BSIG's sections.

• Psychical Research Section: Eight members spent a night at Burgh Castle, Norfolk, on July 3rd, hoping to witness a phantom. On the same night, four members of the PRS investigated Geldeston Church, Norfolk, said to be haunted by a phantom donkey, dog, coach and horses, and a skeleton found in a pond. These investigations, while yielding no direct sightings, provided valuable lessons for future work, particularly for an upcoming visit to Borley in September.
• UFO Research Section: On the same night as the Geldeston investigations, the UFO Research Section organised a skywatch near Aldeby, Suffolk, an area known for reported UFO activity. However, the watch was unsuccessful due to a thick marsh mist and an unpleasant stench from a silage pit, leading to its abandonment.

Publication Information

The magazine notes that it contains research notes, news, and reviews, with an emphasis on the East Midlands. It is published quarterly, with an annual subscription of £1.40 (including P&P), available from The Circulation Manager, NUFOIS, 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3GB.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghost sightings, paranormal investigations, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these subjects, with BSIG members actively conducting investigations and documenting their findings. The publication encourages readers to submit further information, indicating a collaborative approach to collecting data on the unexplained.