Lantern - No 29

Magazine Overview

Title: LANTERN
Issue: Number 29
Date: Spring 1980

This edition of LANTERN, dated Spring 1980, opens with an editor's note from Ivan Bunn apologizing for the late appearance of the issue. The delay was caused by the Easter holiday, which impacted the printers, and an increase in postage costs necessitating a rise in the annual subscription rate to £1.20.

Contents and Articles

The issue aims to introduce a 'breath of Spring' with articles on May Day customs and folklore. Unfortunately, Mike Burgess was unable to contribute the second part of his series on 'Local Ley Lines', which is expected in the next issue. The BSIG (British Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained) was involved in making two TV programs for BBC East concerning the unexplained in East Anglia and witchcraft in Suffolk, scheduled for broadcast in late April/early May.

Nigel Pennick of the Institute of Geomantic Research has requested a disclaimer regarding his authorship of material on the 'Castle Acre Diamond' in Shirley Toulson's book 'EAST ANGLIA - Walking the Ley Lines and Ancient Tracks'. This research was originally undertaken and published by Ron Hill in LANTERN. The Institute of Geomantic Research will be holding its annual symposium in Cambridge on Saturday, May 17th.

Folklore of the Hawthorn

An article by R.A. Haxell explores the folklore surrounding the Hawthorn tree, also known as May (Crataegus oxyacantha). It discusses its symbolism of the conquest of winter and the return of spring, its use in May King rituals, and its ancient origins linked to the pagan horned god. The article mentions the famous Hawthorn tree at Glastonbury, said to bleed if cut down. It also touches upon beliefs about the Hawthorn's protective qualities against lightning and its association with increased milk yield in cows. A rhyme warns against the Oak and Ash but suggests the Thorn offers protection. However, sitting under a Hawthorn tree in May was considered risky due to potential attacks from malignant fairies, though its dew was believed to enhance beauty. The ceremony of 'Beating the Bounds' involved placing a sprig of Hawthorn on boundary stones for protection. The alteration of the calendar in 1752 is noted as impacting Hawthorn beliefs due to the shift in its flowering time.

May Day Traditions

An article titled 'Children's May Day weddings' by I.A.W. Bunn discusses the declining celebration of May Day in Lowestoft. While historically a day of great enthusiasm for children, involving dressing up, singing songs like "Climbing up the wall," and parading with makeshift Maypoles, these traditions have largely died out. The article contrasts these spontaneous street celebrations with the more contrived 'May Queen' ceremonies revived in the late 1890s in some Lowestoft schools, which involved elected queens, floral thrones, and presided over by local dignitaries.

Diary of a Haunting

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed account of a haunting in a North-Norfolk village, documented in a diary kept by a resident. The events, occurring in September 1971, are presented as an exact transcript, with names changed for anonymity. The diary entries detail a series of paranormal occurrences over several days, including:

• September 18th: Knocking, footsteps, baby cries, conversing, and furniture movement. A medium later attributed the hauntings to an elderly couple responsible for a child's tragic death.
• September 19th: Daytime baby cries and footsteps, nighttime conversing, and a disturbed bed.
• September 20th: A spare room disturbed as if slept on.
• September 21st: Footsteps and mandolin music heard, with the house remaining cold.
• September 22nd: Footsteps and music in the spare room, and a feeling of a presence.
• September 23rd: Footsteps and music, an uneasy feeling, and furniture movement.
• September 24th: Coldness, banging, hammering, and furniture movement. A clicking noise resembling a bird hitting the chimney breast was perceived.
• September 25th: Persistent coldness, a feeling of being watched, footsteps, and gusts of cold air. A bed leg was found raised.
• September 26th: A shift in atmosphere, becoming cold and clammy, with unseen watchers. A dark shadow was seen, and localized coldness was experienced.

The diary concludes with the mention of bibles being placed around the house.

Notes and Queries

This section includes several short items:

• No.58: CROMWELL AND HIS CANNON: Mentions a folklore motif of Cromwell placing guns to bombard religious houses, citing an instance in Blythburgh where bales of wool were used to protect the church from cannon fire.
• No.59: TUNNEL: Refers to 'secret tunnels' in East Anglia, including those linked to the manor of Wyndale, St. Giles Gates, St. Benedict's church, and various taverns and buildings in Norwich.
• No.60: FORTEANA: An account from 1555 describes a crop of peas springing up among rocks near Aldborough, Suffolk, after a blight of corn.
• No.61: TUNNELS: Further details on secret tunnels in Norwich, linking various inns, churches, and the Cathedral.

Comment: The Bury St. Edmunds Terrestrial Zodiac

Michael W. Burgess clarifies his position on 'Terrestrial Zodiacs', stating that he regards them as subjective, imaginary patterns that do not exist. He explains that his 'Bury St. Edmunds Zodiac' was an attempt to create something from local landscape, but it has been misinterpreted and cited as evidence of ancient landscape engineering. He asserts that with sufficient time and resources, he could demonstrate that such patterns are not real.

Reviews and Listings

• MJOLINIR!: A review of this magazine, described as unusual and appearing irregularly, focusing on folklore and earth mysteries, particularly concerning Welsh marcher lands.
• Exchange Magazines: A list of other relevant publications is provided, including 'THE HEATHEN', 'SANGREAL', 'THE LEY HUNTER', 'ZETETIC SCHOLAR', 'UFO RESEARCH REVIEW', 'MAGONIA', 'AWARENESS', and 'JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY'.
• Back Numbers: A list of available back issues of LANTERN is provided with their contents and prices.

Historical Snippets

• An excerpt from 'THE DAILY NEWS', April 12th, 1890, details an inquest into a child's death attributed to witchcraft.
• An excerpt from 'THE SUNDAY EXPRESS', February 2nd, 1980, reports on a woman accused of issuing a 'gipsy death curse'.
• A snippet from the 'Norwich Gazatte', April 28th, 1722, mentions a rat catcher and a seller of second-hand coffins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of LANTERN revolve around folklore, local history, and paranormal phenomena, with a particular focus on East Anglia. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and documentation of unusual events and beliefs, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as evidenced by Michael W. Burgess's commentary on Terrestrial Zodiacs. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in earth mysteries, ufology, and the supernatural, encouraging reader participation through the 'Notes and Queries' section.

Title: IN THE AIR
Subtitle: CAMBRIDGESHIRE U.F.O. NOTES
Author: Nigel Pennick
Date: Issue dated November 29th, 1979, with subsequent reports in January 1980.

This issue of 'In The Air' focuses on UFO sightings reported in Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas. It compiles witness accounts, local press coverage, and includes a brief mention of a mysterious bird incident.

Harston Sightings (November 1979 & January 1980)

The issue begins with a report from November 29th, 1979, where patrons of the 'Old English Gentleman' pub in Harston witnessed a cigar-shaped object with lights, likened to a railway carriage. Police were summoned, and the object disappeared after about twelve minutes. Fifty witnesses were reportedly involved. A second wave of sightings occurred at Harston on January 22nd, 1980, with claims that the USAF from Mildenhall were flying aircraft in the vicinity. The landlord of the pub stated the lights behaved in a way not typical of conventional aircraft.

Cambridge Airport Sighting (January 1980)

On January 23rd, 1980, a 'bus crew, Elaine Granger and her driver Ron Andrews, reported seeing a giant, glowing UFO shaped like a semi-circle hovering low over Marshall's Airport in Cambridge. They described it as orange, and it later turned red and moved slowly towards Cherry Hinton. They followed it and observed it at close range, noting it was bigger than a house and emitted a low whirring noise. A spokesman for Marshall's Airport stated no reports of anything over the airport had been received.

Histon Sighting (January 1980)

A couple from Histon, James and Lynda Howarth, verified the sighting, reporting they watched a "very long, glowing half-moon shaped object" for at least ten minutes as they drove along the A45 road. They described it as circling before flying away, then returning much closer and being "much bigger than any aeroplane I have ever seen."

Cambridge Sighting (January 1980)

Samantha Benstead and Linda Pilsworth, both 12 years old, reported seeing two UFOs on January 27th, 1980, around 5:45 pm over Hale Street, Cambridge. The first object was described as half-moon shaped, glowing orange with green flashes. About five minutes later, a second one was seen rising from behind houses in the direction of the airport.

Media Reaction and Other Reports

Spurred by these sightings, the Cambridge Evening News conducted a survey in its 'What YOU Think' series. The article notes that fourteen people were quoted, with most dismissing the sightings as "all rubbish" or aircraft. A Liberal councillor, Lavena Hawes, expressed disbelief but found the idea of being whisked off in a flying saucer amusing, though the article criticizes this "sneering and frivolous approach" as unhelpful for research.

A report from the Eastern Daily Press dated December 1st, 1979, details a frightening experience for a Wymongham couple near Old Buckenham, Norfolk. They saw a bright, round object like a ball of fire with a pale light, and heard a loud whipping noise.

Mr. Peter Johnson, a local reporter for the British UFO Research Association, mentioned various sightings in the Lowestoft area.

Advertisements

Two advertisements are included: one for the British UFO Society offering flying saucer meetings, skywatches, and newsletters, and another for UFO Services offering accommodation at a Warminster UFO and ley centre for researchers and enthusiasts.

Mystery Death of a Rare Bird

Separately, the issue reports on a rare bird of prey, a rough-legged buzzard, found dead under mysterious circumstances on a Suffolk farm. The bird, with a 54-inch wingspan, was seen hovering at 1500 feet before suddenly turning on its back and diving to the ground. Farm workers noted no sign of injury, and the reason for its death remains a mystery. The bird was to be stuffed and exhibited at Ipswich Museum.

Official Information

Information from the U.S. Airforce concerning flying times of their aircraft over the Lowestoft/Gt. Yarmouth area on November 13th, 1979, is mentioned. Capt. David Schmidt confirmed the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing had aircraft over the area, and it is logically supposed they were AIOs, as most aircraft flown from Woodbridge are Republic AIOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, primarily in the Cambridgeshire area. The publication appears to be a dedicated notes section for UFO observations. The editorial stance, as suggested by the criticism of the local press's frivolous approach, is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging contributions and support for the publication 'LANTERN'. The issue also highlights the contrast between serious UFO reporting and other local news, such as the bird incident.