Lantern - No 18

Magazine Overview

LANTERN, Issue 18, Summer 1977, published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group and edited by Ivan Bunn.

Introduction and Editorial Notes

The issue opens with an apology from the editor, Ivan Bunn, for a previous issue's error where a page was stapled incorrectly. Bunn explains his reduced involvement in organizing investigations due to personal reasons, stating he will concentrate on editing Lantern and minor administrative tasks. He provides contact addresses for membership (Robert Goldsmith) and UFO research (Keith Williamson). Bunn also notes that he will continue to handle magazine subscriptions and distribution.

Article: The Phantom Black Dogs of East Anglia (Part One)

This section begins an article by Ivan Bunn on the 'Black Shuck' or 'Old Shuck' legends of East Anglia. Bunn states that his research over two years indicates the phantom dog is not merely a legend but has been seen repeatedly. The creature is described as a large, black phantom dog that brings ill fortune, often depicted with huge blazing eyes and dragging a heavy chain. Bunn notes that the actual sightings rarely match these spectacular legendary characteristics, but new characteristics are emerging, particularly its association with water. Numerous stories are cited where the creature emerges from water, is seen near streams, rivers, or marshes. A table details the proximity of sightings to water in Norfolk and Suffolk. The article also touches upon the legendary aspect of Shuck foretelling death, though Bunn's research suggests this is not always the case, with only 17 out of 74 collected stories directly linking encounters to subsequent deaths.

Several anecdotes illustrate the association with death: a story from 1893 in Rockland, Norfolk, where a driver encountered a dog and subsequently died; an incident in Hockley, Essex, from 1965, where a sighting preceded a relative's death; and a 1930 account near Buxton Lamas church, Norfolk, where a dog's appearance was followed by the witness's brother's death.

The article also describes Shuck as a violent creature, citing an 1800s story from Gt. Yarmouth of a dog with 'starting eyeballs' that attacked a woman. Another account from Gorleston describes a chained dog that threw a man over a hedge. In Geldeston, a dog with fiery eyes is said to become violent if not shown fear. The article mentions violent attacks and deaths, including a story from 1927 about the 'shuck Dog' haunting marshes between Wells and Sheringham, where a grandfather was found with his throat torn.

Traditional haunts like Overstrand and East Flegg, Norfolk, are mentioned, where black dogs with immense eyes are seen, sometimes leaving scarred ground. The article concludes the first part by noting the varied guises of Shuck, including invisible encounters and cases where the creature is described as tangible.

Book Reviews

• "UFOLOGY" by James M. McCambell: This book is reviewed as being concerned with the scientific aspects of the UFO phenomenon, asking readers to assume UFOs are physically real. It covers introductory chapters, explanations for luminosity and sounds, electrical interference, physiological effects, descriptions of UFOs and occupants, and propulsion theories. The book concludes by appraising hypotheses and suggesting future research. The reviewer, K.W., notes that the author aims to apply conventional scientific research practices to ufology.
• "PHANTOM LADIES" by Andrew Green: Reviewed by L.A.W.B., this book is described as a county-by-county gazetteer of 'phantom ladies' experienced in the UK within the last 25 years. It is well-illustrated and provides background material. The reviewer notes that due to the author's criteria, some well-known hauntings are omitted, allowing for less known but interesting accounts. It is recommended as a guide for summer holidays and for students of psychical research.

UFO Reports

• Dereham Sighting: An account by a Dereham man and his cousin of an unidentified object observed on May 11th, 1977, at 9:30 pm. They described it as a 'huge flying saucer', unmistakable, with a red pulsating light and an orange glow. It travelled silently at about forty feet above the rooftops, was approximately thirty feet long, metallic, and visible for at least fifteen seconds. The sighting is being investigated by John Copsey of the Dereham UFO Study Group.
• Norwich Sightings: A letter to the Evening News reported a slow-moving 'orange flashing light' seen over Norwich on June 17th. Four students from the University of East Anglia also reported seeing a similar object on the same date.
• Dersingham Tremors: A report from the Eastern Evening News (May 27th, 1977) details a 'tremendous vibration' that shook windows and woke people in the Dersingham area in the early hours of May 26th. Mr. W. Sadler described it as a vibration that rattled his bedroom door, with no noise or explosion. A policewoman and PC P. Swanson also reported being woken by the vibration, described as 'like a plane crash, a very loud thud'. The police found no evidence of a crash or anything unusual. The vibration lasted about two seconds. The Marham Meteorological Office suggested it might be bomb practice in the Wash, as it did not feel like earth tremors and strong winds were unlikely.

Local Curiosities

• Hardley, Norfolk: An ancient stone at a crossroads is said to be the stump of a wayside cross, where the ghost of a woman in red is said to sit at midnight.
• Thetford, Norfolk: A ghost is reputed to haunt Nuns Bridges, described as young Lord Dacre riding a phantom, headless rocking horse.
• Bromholm Priory: A secret passage or tunnel is said to lead from the ruins of Bromholm Priory to Gimingham Hall, Norfolk, with 'Golden Gates' midway.
• Bruisyard Hall: A 17th-century dormitory has a large dark stain said to be dried human blood from a grisly murder, though no historical evidence supports this.
• Westhall Church, Suffolk: Consecration crosses have appeared on the walls due to an obscure atmospheric effect. These crosses, about 8 inches across, are surrounded by stars or roses. They had appeared previously and then disappeared.

"My First Occult Experience"

This personal account by W.E. Green of Norwich describes his earliest paranormal experience at the age of four. Living in Gt. Yarmouth, he saw a moving picture of a wooden sailing ship on his wallpaper, with sails billowing and waves rippling. He did not mention it at the time, fearing it would be dismissed as childish imagination or a dream. He states this was the first of many strange experiences over the next 50-60 years, and he has never attempted to explain them, but the memory remains vivid.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines and journals related to parapsychology, folklore, geomancy, Fortean phenomena, and UFO research, providing subscription details and contact information. Notable publications include 'Ancient Skills and Wisdom Review', 'Anomaly Research Bulletin', 'Skywatch', 'Northern UFO News', 'Fountain Journal', 'Journal of Geomancy', 'UFO Research Review', 'The Journal of the Essex UFO Study Group', 'Essex Dowser', 'Awareness', 'Fortean Times', 'The Ley Hunter', 'Soonehenge Viewpoint', 'Clypeus', and 'Fortena'.

Letter to the Editor (Eastern Evening News, April 23, 1953)

A letter describes a strange object seen in the sky north of Lowestoft on April 21st. To the naked eye it appeared as a bright white spot, but through a telescope (200x magnification) it resembled a plastic lighter-fuel container, cylindrical and sharply pointed. It moved in a SW direction, then turned NE, and disappeared after about 30 minutes. The writer, a member of the Royal Observer Corps, had never seen anything like it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and folklore, particularly the 'Black Shuck' legends of East Anglia. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these subjects, applying a scientific approach where possible, as seen in the book reviews and UFO reports. The inclusion of 'Local Curiosities' and personal experiences suggests an interest in a wide range of unexplained events and beliefs. The magazine encourages reader contributions, indicating a community-driven approach to exploring these topics.