Lantern - No 28

Magazine Overview

LANTERN, Issue 28, Winter 1979, is published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena in East Anglia. The annual subscription for four issues is £100. The magazine is edited by Ivan Bunn and Michael Burgess. This issue marks several changes, including a reduction in the amount of litho work to manage printing costs and avoid passing increased postage rates to subscribers. It also introduces a UFO Newsletter, which will appear in every issue if material is available, focusing on UFO reports investigated by the N.U.F.O.I.N. The 'SPELLTHORN' section will cease in its current format due to a lack of material and feedback, but will continue as a 'Notes & Queries' section in future issues.

Introduction

The editor, Ivan Bunn, notes that LANTERN is often in a state of 'flux' and this issue is no exception with three changes. He expresses apologies for the late appearance of the issue and wishes readers a happy and prosperous new year. The issue contains a mix of 'odds and sods' that have accumulated, the first in a series of articles by Mike Burgess on local ley lines, and a book review.

Book Review: 'EAST ANGLIA: Walking the ley lines and ancient tracks?' by Shirley Toulson

This review, written by Ivan Bunn, describes the book as a peculiar first in a projected series about the ley and trackways of England, approached from a journalist's perspective. Ms. Toulson relies on 'intuitive exploration' rather than strict ley line rules, following old roads and ancient paths. The reviewer notes that while the book covers a sizeable chunk of East Anglia, he regrets that some ley line descriptions lack accuracy and that the book perpetuates the myth of Watkins' "vision" while riding a horse. He also points out an error regarding the tracing of the 'Castle Acre Diamond pattern of lines,' crediting Nigel Pennick when it was traced by Ron Hill and featured in LANTERN 10. The reviewer finds the charcoal drawings evocative but misses photographs and suggests a more extensive bibliography and index would have been beneficial. Despite its merits for exploring the local landscape with a focus on the mysterious, the reviewer finds the price of £6.95 exaggerated.

Article: 'SWARMS OF MISERY'

This article, by Michael W. Burgess, details the greenfly infestation that occurred in Lowestoft and surrounding areas in July 1979. The 'Lowestoft Journal' reported millions of green fly, causing discomfort and disruption. Cyclists were blinded, pedestrians distracted, and businesses like amusement arcades and shops saw an increase in visitors seeking shelter. The infestation reached its peak the following week, leading to deserted beaches. The greenfly caused 250 people to lose work when the Birds Eye Foods fish batter department closed. A local naturalist, Dr. Alan Beaumont, suggested the aphids might have migrated from continental pine forests. The article notes that the greenfly seemed attracted to yellow and orange colors. It also includes a quote from Dr. Beaumont suggesting that 1979 might be the start of a worse infestation, with eggs potentially surviving the winter.

Article: 'THE SECRET OF KATE'S PARLOUR'

This piece explores a local legend from Sotterley, Suffolk, concerning 'Kate's Parlour,' a spot where a hedge reportedly refuses to grow. The legend tells of Kate, a parlour maid at Sotterley Hall, who disappeared and is believed to have taken her own life or been murdered. Her ghost is said to walk the lane at midnight. The article includes accounts from local residents, including Mrs. Eveline Artis, Mrs. Maud Crane, Mr. Frank Killick, and Mrs. Florence Hamblett, who share their knowledge and experiences related to the legend. Some villagers avoided the lane after dark, and soldiers stationed nearby reportedly saw Kate. The article notes that while the hedge won't grow, Mrs. Hamblett attributes it to the shade of beech trees rather than a supernatural cause. It also mentions stories of Kate flying from a window of Sotterley Hall. The editor adds a note that this story appeared in a local newspaper years ago and is seeking details of its original publication.

Article: 'ANOTHER ECHO FROM THE PAST'

Authored by I.A.W. Bunn, this section revisits historical accounts. It begins with a report from the 'Suffolk Genealogy Society' journal detailing the case of Margaret Cutting from Ipswich in 1742, who lost her tongue to a cancerous growth but could still speak. The report, which appeared in the 'Ipswich Journal' and was later reported to the Royal Society, describes her ability to speak with a 'tone through the nose' and distinguish tastes. A further report in the 'Ipswich Journal' and 'Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society' in 1742 and 1749 respectively, mentions her being taken to London for examination.

The second part of this section, also by I.A.W. Bunn, investigates the legend of the 'Bloody Hand' associated with 'Boardley's Farm' (now Ivy Farm) in Oulton. Bunn connects the legend to a real event: the suicide of a previous occupant named Goldspink, who hanged himself in the barn. He cites Mr. A.G. Mobbs, a former farmer of Ivy Farm, who mentioned the incident and how younger people would re-enact the suicide, convincing at least one person that the barn was haunted. Bunn also found an account in a booklet by George Bickers of Oulton, detailing an inquest in 1874 into the suicide of Charles Goldsmith, who also hanged himself in his barn. Bunn notes the confusion in names (Goldsmith vs. Goldspink) and how the details of the event have become garbled over time, leading to legends like the barn being haunted and trees in the garden bearing no fruit. He is unable to find the origin of the 'Bloody Hand' aspect.

Article: 'TALES OF OLD WITCHCRAFT IN SUFFOLK'

This section recounts the confession of 'Mother Lakeland' of Ipswich, who was condemned for witchcraft and burned to death on September 9th, 1645. The confession, as reported by Morley Adams, details how the Devil came to her, offering services in exchange for her devotion. She was furnished with imps, dogs, and a mole, which she used to torment people and cause their deaths, including her husband. She confessed to sending her imps and mole to torment individuals and cause their deaths, often for minor reasons like a borrowed needle or a refused advance. She was condemned to death, particularly for the death of her husband. The article notes a remarkable event after her death: a bunch of flesh on Mr. Beale's thigh, resembling a dog, which had been caused by her imp, broke off by itself. Another sore on his belly, in the form of a fish, also began to heal. Mr. Beale had been in great misery for a year and a half.

Article: 'THE DAY THE SKY TURNED PINK'

This brief report describes a rare atmospheric phenomenon observed over SE and East Anglia on the evening of November 28th, 1979. The sky turned bright pink, then mauve, deepening into purple. A weather expert described it as a 'rare and sensational light.' The Weather Centre explained it as an optical effect common in northern latitudes, caused by the combined effects of atmospheric scattering and diffusion, along with the low angle of the sun.

Article: 'FALLING FROGS!'

This section compiles letters to the editor from the 'East Anglian Magazine' concerning showers of frogs. Mrs. A. Blundell of Wetheringsett recalls a shower of small frogs about 60 years prior, questioning the theory of frog spawn being drawn up by the sun and hatching out. C.E. Riches of Heckingham describes witnessing a similar shower of tiny frogs while stack-making, calling them 'Freshers,' and notes the mysterious disappearance of the frogs afterwards. B.G. Palmer of Ilford also recalls a similar event about 60 years ago in Suffolk. H.W. Halls of Ipswich suggests the answer might be a waterspout arising from a pond. Another letter from H. Bye of Ely recounts an old farmhand's story of a waterspout over the River Lark followed by a thunderstorm and frogs.

Article: 'LOCAL LEY LINES'

This is the first in a series of articles by M.W. Burgess describing ley alignments he has traced. This installment details an alignment from Rockland St. Mary to Trowse Newton in Norfolk, a 4.5-mile stretch with five points. The ley is described as running from southeast to northwest at a bearing of 120° 42'. The points include ST. MARYS CHURCH, Rockland St. Mary; ST. PETERS CHURCH, Bramerton; ST. MARYS CHURCH, Kirby Bedon (ruins); ST. ANDREWS CHURCH, Kirby Bedon; and ST. ANDREWS CHURCH, Trowse Newton, which terminates the alignment. The author states he makes no claims for the 'mystical significance' of these alignments, only that they exist and were found on OS maps and confirmed by fieldwork.

Article: 'GIRL STRUCK BY LIGHTNING'

This report details an incident on Lowestoft's North Beach where a 16-year-old girl, Alison Margaret Jones, was struck by lightning during a violent thunderstorm. She was taken to Lowestoft Hospital and later transferred to West Norwich Hospital, described as 'comfortable.' Her parents recounted a third large flash of lightning before they lost sight of her. The girl was wearing an anorak with a metal zip and a metal necklace, which may have contributed to the incident. The storm also caused torrential rain and localized flooding in the area.

Exchange Magazines

This section provides listings and brief descriptions of various independent and specialized magazines, primarily focusing on scientific reviews of anomalies, UFO research, paganism, geomancy, earth mysteries, and Fortean subjects. Publications mentioned include Zetetic Scholar, UFO Research Review, Magonia, The Cauldron, Awareness, Journal of Geomancy, Albion, Ancient Skill and Wisdom Review, Sangeal, Skywatch, Earthlink, The Ley Hunter, and Fortean Times. Advertisements for the British UFO Society and UFO Services in London are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of LANTERN are diverse, encompassing UFO phenomena, local folklore and legends, historical accounts of witchcraft and unexplained events, and the exploration of earth mysteries like ley lines. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena, presenting both factual reports and local lore without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations, as seen in the cautious approach to the 'Kate's Parlour' legend and the scientific explanation offered for the pink sky. The magazine aims to document and share these unusual occurrences and historical accounts with its readership, encouraging reader participation through letters and submissions.

Title: SPELLTHORN
Publisher: EAST SUFFOLK AND NORFOLK ANTIQUARIANS
Issue: II
Date: Not specified, but content primarily from 1979.

'Spellthorn' is presented as the last issue of the publication, thanking contributors and noting the transition of a 'Notes & Queries' section to 'Lantern' magazine. The content focuses on reports of unusual aerial phenomena, historical fortean accounts, and local folklore.

UFO and UAP Sightings in Norfolk

New Buckenham Sighting

The issue begins with a report from New Buckenham, Norfolk, detailing a sighting of a large red ball low in the sky at midnight in late September. The witness saw the lights, and after they vanished, observed a bright red ball that extinguished after about a minute. A few days later, dead grass in the shape of an arc was found outside the witness's garden, which was assumed to be a physical trace of the object. Samples of this grass were to be analyzed by BUFORA.

Mystery Flares over Norfolk Broads

Reports of 'mystery flares' seen off the coast of East Anglia, which often lead to mobilizations of rescue services without finding any source, are discussed. A specific incident on November 20, 1979, involved three distress flares seen over Rockland Broad. This prompted a search by a Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Coltishall and police, including a river inspectors launch and an underwater rescue team. Despite nearly three hours of searching, nothing was found. A postscript in the Eastern Daily Press the following day confirmed that the mystery remained unsolved.

Lowestoft/Yarmouth Light Sightings

November 1979 brought an 'incredible spate' of reports of lights seen in the sky over the Lowestoft/Yarmouth area, peaking in the week of November 12th. The first report described a myriad of rapidly flashing white lights seen over the sea off Lowestoft at 4:50 pm. Investigations revealed that the US Air Force was flying new AIO tank destroyer aircraft from Bentwaters air base in Suffolk at the time, suggesting these aircraft were responsible for many of the sightings.

Detailed Sightings from November 13th

The night of Tuesday, November 13th, saw a bulk of sightings reported in the Great Yarmouth area. Activity commenced around 7 pm with reports of pulsating lights and sounds of engines. A police constable observed two white, slow-moving lights, later seeing three white lights in a row. Other reports included five red lights and a larger white light slowly circling the town, with no sound heard. Two Great Yarmouth men observed a white flashing light with red lights, accompanied by a low, droning noise. Witnesses reported seeing many more lights, including flashing white, red, and orange, with some appearing to land on marshes. One witness took a cine film of the lights.

AIO Aircraft Explanation

Further investigation revealed that 20 AIO aircraft were flying in the Lowestoft/Yarmouth area, conducting low-level training flights. A correspondent from Rollesby near Great Yarmouth reported seeing a formation of AIOs flying south, suggesting these were the source of the UFO reports. The article warns UFO investigators to be aware of these American Republic AIO Fairchilds, describing their unconventional configuration, quiet jet engines, and particularly their four bright blue/white strobe lights, which can create a 'spectacular sight' resembling a 'flying Christmas tree' when multiple aircraft are flying together.

Historical Forteana and Folklore

'SpellThorn' Notes & Queries

The 'Spellthorn' section includes several numbered entries of historical interest:

• Slip-up: Correction regarding the source of a quotation in a previous issue.
• No. 49...FORTEANA: Notices of pamphlets about phenomena not yet seen, including 'Heavenly Signs' at Norwich in 1591 and a report of rain of wheat in Suffolk and Essex in 1583.
• No. 50...ROADSIDE BURIAL: An account from 'In Suffolk Borders' about a 'ghost room' in the Butley vicarage haunted by the spirit of Robert Brommer, prior of Butley, who was buried outside the churchyard in 1509 due to suicide.
• No. 51...HOLY WELLS: Mentions St. Margaret's Well in Wereham and Tann's Well in Fersfield, Norfolk, with historical notes on local customs and worship.
• No. 52...HIDDEN TREASURE: Reports from the British Archaeological Association meeting in Great Yarmouth in 1879 about a crock of gold and a legend of buried abbey plate at Leiston.
• No. 53...SECRET TUNNELS: Traditions of underground passages near churches and a tunnel from a hall at Bawburgh to a farmhouse.
• No. 54...ROADSIDE BURIAL: A mention of a crossroads at Walsham le Willows marking the site of a gypsy burial beneath an oak tree.
• No. 55... FORTEANA: Accounts of double sun sightings in Chediston and Halesworth in 1944, and reports of two suns visible near Southwold in 1954.
• No. 56...CASTLE: A reference to Norwich Castle and a legend about its construction by Julius Caesar.
• No. 57...HIDDEN TREASURE: A tradition about a golden wheel of a chariot buried in Aylsham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs), the search for physical evidence, and the debunking or explanation of sightings, often through the identification of military aircraft. There is also a strong interest in local history, folklore, and historical accounts of strange occurrences ('Forteana'). The editorial stance, as expressed by Keith Williamson, is to investigate these phenomena thoroughly and to warn readers about potential misidentifications, particularly concerning military hardware. The publication appears to be a local historical and fortean society's newsletter.