Lantern - No 23

Magazine Overview

LANTERN, Number 23, Autumn 1978, is published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena in East Anglia. The annual subscription in the UK is 85p. The magazine is published quarterly.

Introduction

This edition introduces 'SPELLTHORN,' a new supplement that functions as a journal-cum-newsletter for the East Suffolk and Norfolk Antiquarians. Mike Burgess is the compiler, aiming to create a modern 'notes and queries' service for folklore and legends of East Anglia. Readers are encouraged to send in any relevant notes or queries to Mike Burgess at 21 Kirkley Gardens, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Ivan Bunn, the editor, also contributes a section titled 'Gleanings from the Lowestoft Journal,' presenting historical newspaper clippings from the late 19th century:

• July 20, 1889: A waterspout was observed about two miles east of Gorleston.
• June 7, 1890: A chicken with four legs, four wings, two heads, and two bodies was on display at a naturalist's in Lowestoft.
• June 21, 1890: The air was filled with small, reddish-brown beetles, described as annoying.
• July 25, 1891: A waterspout at sea was observed by numerous spectators during a naval review.

The magazine also provides contact details for the Borderline Science Investigation Group and its membership secretary, Robert Goldsmith.

Book Review: THE GLASTONBURY ZODIAC

M.W. Burgess reviews 'THE GLASTONBURY ZODIAC: Key to the Mysteries of Britain' by Mary Caine. He describes it as a hefty, copiously illustrated book that builds on Katherine Maltwood's research. While Burgess remains unconvinced of the zodiac's ultimate reality, he praises the book's tenacity and imagination, calling it a 'masterly' exposition of a subject that is currently generating significant interest.

Witchcraft in East Anglia

Mike Howard contributes an article on witchcraft in East Anglia. He notes that despite historical witch-hunts, witchcraft traditions remain strong in the region. He recounts a case from September 1963 where a wax image of a man and woman was found nailed to an oak door at Castle Rising, Norfolk, attributed to a witch consulted by a jilted girl. The article highlights the region's famous witch pedigree, mentioning William the Conqueror's use of a witch against Hereward the Wake and the infamous witch-finder Matthew Hopkins, who hunted in East Anglia for nearly ten years. Hopkins is described as a rogue who targeted innocent elderly women. Some modern practitioners believe Hopkins himself was a renegade witch, noting his collection of magical talismans.

The article also touches upon the legend of George Pickingill (or Pickingale), a feared witch from Canewdon, Essex, who died in 1909. Canewdon is said to have a tradition of nine witches as long as the parish church tower stands, and Pickingill was reputed to be the local 'Magister'. The article mentions a historical case from 1580 of a spinster accused of witchcraft in Canewdon and the discovery of a pagan statue in the parish in 1847.

Mike Howard also edits 'THE CAULDRON,' a newsletter on Witchcraft and Folklore, and is seeking reader contributions on witch traditions in East Anglia.

It's Those Witches Stones Again!

This section discusses the 'Witches' Stones' in Lowestoft's Belle Vue Park, also known as 'the old mill stone' or 'beacon stones.' These are the remains of a 16th-century beacon tower. The stones were first set up in 1550 by the Marquis of Northampton and were part of a pair in Lowestoft. The article notes that in 1584, during fears of a Spanish invasion, the area was considered a prime target, leading to a commission of inquiry into defenses. The original beacon had decayed by this time, and a windmill was erected on its site.

Recent Hauntings

The magazine reports on a series of terrifying experiences at a 16th-century rectory in Polstead, Suffolk, by the Rev. Hayden Foster, his wife Margo, and their baby son. Mrs. Foster described the bedroom walls changing from fresh paint to peeling wallpaper, hearing screaming, and feeling suffocated. The couple, initially skeptical, found the place had a 'history' and that an exorcism had been performed there seven years prior. Others have also reported unexplained phenomena at the rectory. Malcom Ramplin and a reporter from the East Anglian Daily Times spent a night there, noting an unnatural silence. They suggested the peeling wallpaper experience might be explained by a damp, peeling cupboard door swinging open.

Another report details mysterious occurrences at the 18th-century Bury St. Edmunds art gallery, where paintings were found mysteriously tilted overnight. Brian O'Hanlon, chairman of the Bury Art Society, is quoted as wondering if a deceased artist, whose work was rejected, is haunting the gallery.

UFO Report

This section details several UFO sightings from the Lowestoft area:

• May 19, 1978: Two teenage boys observed a very bright white light moving west, which glowed brightly twice and then shot off at a 'tremendous rate.'
• May 22, 1978: A stationary, cigar-shaped object described as 'golden colour' was seen for 2-3 minutes before fading away.
• May 24, 1978: Four bright white lights in a cross-formation descended slowly and disappeared.
• June 25, 1978: A bright light was seen stationary in the sky from Great Yarmouth seafront, which flashed and then shot off east and upwards at speed.

The article also references a 'close encounter' with a dome-shaped object and four 'entities' reported by two Lowestoft girls on May 13, 1978.

A section titled 'Standing Stones of Norfolk & Suffolk' by M.W. Burgess is advertised, offering a gazetteer of stones and folklore for 60p.

Information is also provided for reporting UFO sightings to the Norfolk UFO Investigation Network.

Echos From The Past: Black Toby

Ivan Bunn investigates the historical basis of the legend of 'Black Toby,' a phantom black hearse haunting Blythburgh, Suffolk. The legend states that Tobias Gill, a Black drummer in the 18th century, murdered and strangled a girl named Anne Blakemore. He was subsequently tried, found guilty, executed, and hanged in chains on Blythburgh Common. The article cross-references historical records, including reports from the 'London Evening Post' (July 3, 1750) and the 'Ipswich Journal' (August 25, 1750), confirming Tobias Gill's trial and sentence for the murder of Anne Blakemore (referred to as Anne Wakemore in one report).

Blythburgh Heath is identified as the traditional site of the execution. The article discusses the possibility that the barn and cottage known as 'Tobys Cottage' and 'Tobys Barn' are connected to the events. It also explores the theory that the murder might have been a hasty reaction or a 'frame-up' by the people of Blythburgh, suggesting Anne Blakemore might have died of fright rather than strangulation, though press reports contradict this. The article notes the difficulty in locating original trial and inquest reports and the hazy details surrounding Anne Blakemore's life and burial.

References

The issue lists several references used in the articles, including 'Folklore of East Anglia' by Enid Porter, 'East Anglian Notes and Queries,' 'Haunted East Anglia' by Joan Forman, and historical accounts of Suffolk.

Mystery Lights

A brief mention of 'Mystery Lights' from July 1972, where a lifeboat was launched due to reports of red, green, and bluish lights near Lowestoft. Another report from July 1973 describes a 'fiery display' over Norfolk and Suffolk, described as a 'fantastic shooting star.'

U.F.O. News

Two members of the BSIG attended a conference organized by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON). The morning session included clips from 'Project Blue Book' and NASA films speculating on extraterrestrial life. The afternoon lectures focused on theoretical aspects of UFO research, including the concept of 'New Ufology' and the psychological aspects of UFO experiences. The ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) is discussed, with a note that evidence in its favor is scarce, suggesting exploration of paranormal aspects. John Hind spoke on 'Ufologists and Society,' and Roger Sandell discussed 'Roots of UFO Cultism.' The evening session featured Philip Jenkinson reviewing science fiction films.

Other Articles and Notes

• A mention of 'secret tunnels' under Bury, with articles appearing in 'Suffolk Fair' and 'East Anglia Monthly.'
• 'East Anglia Monthly' also features articles on 'UFOs Over East Anglia?', 'Reincarnation,' and the ghost of Matthew Hopkins.
• A photograph with a 'ghostly image' is mentioned, taken at the Thorn Inn, Mistley, Essex.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on local folklore, historical mysteries, and unexplained phenomena, particularly within East Anglia. There's a strong emphasis on investigating the factual basis behind legends and ghost stories, as seen in the 'Black Toby' article. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and unusual events, encouraging reader participation through 'notes and queries' and UFO reporting. While acknowledging the popularity of the ETH for UFOs, the magazine also encourages exploration of paranormal and psychological explanations. The publication aims to be a resource for those interested in the region's unique history and unexplained occurrences.

LANTERN is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, mysteries, and related subjects. This issue, the Winter 1978 Edition of Volume 1, Issue 16, features a prominent cover headline of "MYSTERY LIGHTS" and includes a book review, reports on sightings, and a section dedicated to local folklore and curiosities.

Book Review: 'Socorro Saucer'

The issue begins with a review of Ray Stanford's 1978 book, 'Socorro Saucer.' Subtitled 'The closest encounter of them all,' the book investigates the UFO encounter of police patrolman Lonnie Zamora in Socorro, New Mexico. The review highlights that the book contains information not previously released, including the fact that there were eleven visual witnesses, three separate items of physical evidence, and other interesting facts that were allegedly censored by authorities. Ray Stanford is identified as the Director of Project Starlight International and editor of the 'Journal for Instrumented UFO Research.' The book's final chapter is dedicated to explaining recent methods of UFO research.

Mystery Lights Over Norfolk and Suffolk

A significant portion of the magazine details sightings of "mystery lights" in the skies over Norfolk and Suffolk. The article recounts an aerial display on the night of November 20th, 1968, where brilliant white objects emitting a yellow-orange glow streaked across the sky. Local press and TV stations were inundated with calls. Witness descriptions varied: Captain J.B.Waugh of the ship 'Vestal' saw one object with trails; a resident of Thorpe End saw 20-30 small lights; a Norwich man described an object like a rocket with sparks and lights; Mr. Rounce saw 30-40 objects in orange, green, and white, changing colors and having tails. A lady from Bodham described it as a large star with hundreds of colored tails. Students at the UEA described a long, thin object with lights. A Thetford man compared them to bright rockets. People in Caister reported seeing vivid lights, and others in Ditichingham saw meteorites. A yellow ball seen in Sheringham broke up and changed color. All reports noted the objects were silent. The Royal Greenwich Observatory suggested it was a Russian satellite re-entering the atmosphere, while an Air Ministry spokesman mentioned possible space debris or a meteorite cloud.

The article also briefly mentions earlier sightings: in February 1968, mystery green lights were seen near Lowestoft, leading to a lifeboat launch, and in August 1971, three strange lights (red, orange, and bluish-white) were seen over Lowestoft.

Exchange Magazines

This section provides a directory of various magazines available for exchange or subscription, primarily focused on mysteries, folklore, witchcraft, geomancy, UFOlogy, and other related subjects. Publications listed include SANGREAL, THE CAULDRON, ALBION, RITUAL MAGIC IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, WARK, SKYWATCH, MUFOB, FORTEAN TIMES, THE LEY HUNTER, PICWINNARD, JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, AWARENESS, ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVUE, EARTHLINK, and THE CHRISTIAN PARAPSYCHOLOGIST. Details on subscription costs, publishers, and contact addresses are provided for each.

SpellThorn Section

This section, originating from ESNA (Eastern region's Society for the study of Folk-life and Folklore), aims to document East Anglian folk-history, folklore, custom, legend, ghostlore, traditional song, and neglected aspects of local archaeology and history. Unlike BSIG, ESNA does not investigate UFOs, modern ghosts, or paraphysics.

ESNA is described as a collection of compatible researchers, not a formal organization. Several publications are available from ESNA, including 'Haunted Lowestoft,' 'Local Curiosities,' and 'The Standing Stones of Norfolk & Suffolk.' Future publications in the 'ANGLIAN RESEARCH PAPERS' series are announced, including 'The Bury St. Edmunds Terrestrial Zodiac' and papers on dragons, stone crosses, holy wells, and tunnel investigations. A work on Oulton and George Borrow, and studies on Lowestoft witches with Prof. Gilbert Geis of the University of California (Irvine) are also mentioned.

'SpellThorn' itself aims to provide regular updates on ESNA's activities and act as a modern 'Noves & Queries' collection, inviting readers to submit information or queries about East Anglian curiosa. The first issue is noted as being more verbose than future issues.

Notable Contributions to SpellThorn

• Mr. John G.Williams of Abergavenny sent a list of curious old stones in Norfolk and Suffolk not on ESNA's files, including stones at Salhouse, Shouldham Thorpe, Swannington, Drinkstone, Edwardstone, Preston St. Mary, and Willisham. One stone at Willisham is suggested to be the same as mentioned in a charter for Barking with Needham Market.
• Mr. W.J.Chambers provided a cutting from the 'Sunday Express' (May 14th, 1950) about a monument known as 'Hickathrift's Candlestick' in Marshland Smeeth, Norfolk, which was dug up and reburied by a resident. The article questions its identity and location.
• A note mentions an odd thorn tree at Parham, Suffolk, which reputedly flowered at Christmas and its usual time, with a cynical letter from the 'Ipswich Journal' (1753) suggesting it was to fit the calendar change.
• A query is posed about the location of a mineral spring near Sudbury called 'holy water' by locals.
• A follow-up to a previous article on secret tunnels mentions a legend of a tunnel running from Kings Lynn's Red Mount Chapel to Greyfriars, and another to Castle Rising. The mound at the Chapel is noted as possibly being called 'Guanock Hill,' from an old dialect word for 'beacon.'
• A stone cross at Great Ashfield House (Suffolk) is described, which tradition says formed a bridge over a stream. It is a 'wheel-headed' cross with a broken shaft and original socket stone.

The 'SpellThorn' section concludes with the statement "End of 'SpellThorn No.1."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and related phenomena, as evidenced by the book review and the detailed report on mystery lights. There is also a clear interest in local history, folklore, and earth mysteries, particularly in the East Anglian region, as presented in the 'SpellThorn' section. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging different approaches to research, such as the scientific approach of the 'UFO Research Review' and the more folkloric approach of ESNA. The inclusion of the 'Exchange Magazines' section suggests an aim to connect readers with a wider community of researchers and enthusiasts in these fields.