Lantern - No 30

Magazine Overview

This issue of LANTERN, number 30, published in Summer 1980, is introduced by editor Ivan Bunn, who announces his reduced involvement in the Borderline Science Investigation Group (BSIG) due to outside pressures, though he will continue to edit LANTERN. The magazine promises a cross-section of East Anglian curiosities, including folklore, leylines, UFOs, and ghosts.

Articles and Features

Introduction Ivan Bunn explains his reduced role in the BSIG and thanks contributors. He welcomes material for publication and highlights the diverse content of this issue, ranging from local legends to paranormal phenomena.

Mystery Blast An article from 'The Lowestoft Journal' dated May 1st, 1970, details a significant explosion that occurred in Lowestoft and Oulton Broad. Police sealed off the area, and reports of the blast were widespread. While a fire was coincidental, damage was reported to a house in Southwold, and a burglar alarm was triggered. Exhaustive inquiries failed to identify the source of the explosion, which was heard at 10:33 pm. Phone calls were made to American Air Force bases across southern and eastern England.

Local Ley Lines: Barsham, Suffolk to Hales, Norfolk This feature by Michael W. Burgess details a specific ley line alignment, No. 2, running from Barsham, Suffolk, to Hales, Norfolk. The alignment, bearing 175° 48', connects several points of interest, including Holy Trinity Church in Barsham, Blennerhassett's Tower, a junction of roads near Firtree Farm in Geldeston, St. Michael & All Angels Church in Stockton, the Stockton Stone megalith, and St. Margarets Church in Hales. Burgess notes the orientation of the churches and provides grid references, emphasizing that he makes no claims about the mystical significance of these alignments, merely that they exist and were found through map study and fieldwork.

Notes from the Field Michael Burgess also contributes a section titled "Notes from the Field," where he briefly describes his visits to various historical and folkloric sites in East Anglia throughout 1980. These include St. Withburga's Well in Best Dereham, Launditch in Longham, Wishing Wells in Lt. Walsingham, a round-barrow at Fiddleris Hill in Binham, Warham Camp, Gresham Cross, Devil's Ditch in Garboldisham, Rudge's puddingstones in Thetford, Marmansgrave in Elveden, Pepper Hill in Weeting, Quidenham Mount, St. Walstan's Well in Bawburgh, St. Thomas a Becket's Well in Wymondham, and How Hill in Ludham. He notes the condition of these sites and any associated legends or traditions.

Samuel Say's Journal Entry A significant entry from the journal of Samuel Say (1707/8-1725), a Minister in Lowestoft, is reproduced. Say describes a 'great and unusual light' seen in Lowestoft, Beccles, and at sea on a particular night. The event caused consternation among the populace, with some interpreting it as a sign of impending invasion or political upheaval. The text suggests this was likely an Aurora Borealis sighting.

Diary of a Haunting This section presents a personal account of a series of paranormal experiences, documented day by day from Monday, September 27th, to Friday, October 1st. The author describes unexplained noises, footsteps, cold spots, objects moving, and the appearance of shadowy figures. The diary entries detail events such as a bible going missing, a dark shadowy figure seen descending stairs, and a smell of rotten fish. The author, along with family members and friends like Gerald, Roy, Julie, and Mrs. B, experiences increasing phenomena, including static on recording equipment and the feeling of a presence. The diary concludes with the promise of continuation in the next issue.

Mystery Blasts (Continued) This section continues the report on the 'Mystery Blasts' from page 1, stating that exercises over the North Sea or the Lowestoft area on Tuesday evening failed to elicit positive replies. The Ministry of Defence denied the bang was a sonic boom from Royal Airforce aircraft. However, a resident in the Yarmouth area reported hearing the boom and then aircraft cruising nearby. Another minor 'mystery tremor' at Lowestoft from April 17, 1970, is also mentioned.

'Malekin': A Suffolk Changeling This article recounts the 12th-century tale of 'Malekin,' a changeling who haunted Dagworthy Castle in Suffolk. Unlike typical Brownies, Malekin performed no domestic services but entertained the castle's inhabitants. The story, revealed by Malekin to a chambermaid, tells of how she was taken by the 'Good People' as a baby and spent seven years in fairy-land. She hoped to regain her mortality after another seven years. Malekin is described as a tiny child in a white linen tunic. The article notes this as the earliest recorded tale of a changeling and references 'The Vanishing People' by Katherine M. Briggs.

Book Review: Alien Animals Janet & Colin Bord's book 'Alien Animals' is reviewed. The book investigates lake monsters, giant birds, birdmen, black dogs, and mystery pumas globally. It is noted as being particularly interesting for East Anglian readers due to a section on black dogs, which includes research by the editor, Ivan Bunn. While generally praised for its content and illustrations, Appendix I ('A few hints for monster watchers') is deemed 'silly and unnecessary'.

'Old Scarfe' This article, originally published in 'The Yarmouth Independent' on January 7th, 1893, explores the legend of 'Old Scarfe.' Scarfe is described as a figure from early tradition, possibly dating back to Danish conquerors, who became a bugbear for frightening children. He was believed to possess extraordinary powers, often used for evil. Tales depict him appearing at midnight in various disguises, most notably as a huge black dog with chains, or as a goat with luminous horns. One account details an encounter where Scarfe, in black dog form, attacked a woman. Another version describes him as a goat-like figure who roamed the countryside, maiming horses and cattle. The legend is considered one of the oldest surviving traditions of Yarmouth, though largely forgotten. A footnote mentions a modern sighting of a phantom black dog on Great Yarmouth beach in 1972 by a coastguard.

Notes and Queries

• No. 62: Cromwell and His Cannon: Discusses the use of wool bales for fortifications during the Civil War, referencing Rosemary Sutcliffe's novel 'The Rider of the White Horse.' It questions the historical accuracy of Cromwell being at Blythburgh, suggesting he was at Lowestoft in 1643 and that the story might stem from his soldiers having five guns.
• No. 63: Buried Treasure: Recounts a 1465 incident in Bunwell, Norfolk, where a jury found that John Cans and Robert Hikkes invoked a spirit to reveal the location of a hoard, which was found buried in Nonmete Hill.
• No. 64: Berle B Treasure: Reports on the unearthing of skeletons near North Cove, Suffolk, during the construction of the Beccles bypass. These skeletons are thought to mark the site of the extinct village of Worlingham Parva.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, local folklore, unexplained phenomena, and historical mysteries, particularly within the East Anglian region. There is a clear interest in UFO sightings, hauntings, ancient legends, and unusual occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and legends for consideration, with a focus on documentation and investigation, as evidenced by the BSIG's involvement and the detailed reporting of events and research. While presenting intriguing accounts, there's also an acknowledgment of the need for critical examination, as seen in Michael Burgess's disclaimer about ley lines and the review of 'Alien Animals' which critiques an appendix as unnecessary.

Title: U.F.O. NEWS

Issue: II (referring to Volume 28)

Issue Date: August (implied 2000, based on context of new books and films)

Publisher: Dot Street

Country of Publication: UK

Original Language: English

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Headline: U.F.O. NEWS...

Cover Description: The cover features the title 'U.F.O. NEWS...' in large, stylized letters, with a smaller section of text below.

Main Content: UFO Sightings and Investigations

Fleggburgh, Norfolk Sighting (November 13th, 1979)

The issue details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Fleggburgh, Norfolk, on the evening of November 13th, 1979. The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, described seeing an object moving slowly towards them, displaying a white flashing light on one side and coloured lights on the other. The object was low and large, estimated at 200 feet in height and a 60-foot span. It moved directly overhead and then into the distance to the south, with its lights still flashing before it arched back north and disappeared. Subsequently, another flashing white light was observed to the south, followed by a third. Three lights then moved north in a triangular formation before splitting up. Approximately 700 yards away, orange lights were observed in what appeared to be a single, complete structure in a boomerang formation. As the object moved slowly and closely, an attempt was made to film it, but it moved away to the south and appeared to land near the Acle marshes. The witness then observed seven moving, flashing, and coloured lights of varying speeds all around, one of which was particularly close and emitted a droning noise. These lights then moved into formation and appeared to land somewhere over the Acle marshes.

Witness Testimony and Investigation

Mr. Peter Johnson, co-ordinator for BUFORA, and the editor interviewed the witness. The witness admitted to not believing in UFOs prior to the event and reported being frightened, even thinking they were going to be attacked. The witness is described as an intelligent man with a responsible job in a local hospital. The editor notes that many sightings go unreported due to ridicule, but public interest is growing.

Identified Flying Objects (IFOs)

The editor, Dot Street, also addresses the issue of IFOs, particularly aircraft. She recounts an experience with twelve AIO aircraft conducting exercises over Lowestoft, turning over Bradwell and Belton, which caused excitement. After making calls to airforce bases, one confirmed AIO aircraft in the area. She sympathised with people who mistook these for UFOs and found it difficult to convince them otherwise.

Government and UFOs

Dot Street speculates on whether the government is waiting for more public awareness before releasing their own reports on UFOs.

New Publications and Films

The issue mentions several new books and a film related to UFOs. Peter Paget, author of 'The Welsh Triangle', has written a new book titled 'UFO UK', which focuses on UK sightings, including some from East Anglia. The editor looks forward to this publication, due at the end of August. Additionally, a film based on Professor Hans Holtzer's book 'The Ufonauts' is reportedly being made this year.

Astronomical Events

August is highlighted as an interesting month due to meteor showers, with a reminder to 'watch the skies!'

Editor's Note and Contact Information

An editor's note directs readers to 'Lantern' issues 28 and 29 for further information on the November 13th, 1979 sighting. Readers are encouraged to report any unusual sky phenomena to Dot Street at 15 Blackberry Way, Lowestoft, or by phone at (0502) 84606.

Notes and Queries

Archeological Discovery: The Spong Man

This section reports on the recent discovery of the 'Spong Man' from Spong Hill, North Elmham, Norfolk. Unearthed during excavations of a large pagan Saxon cemetery dating from the 5th to 7th centuries AD, the Spong Man is unique as the only surviving English figure of an Anglo-Saxon man. It originally adorned the top of a cremation urn and is now displayed at Norwich's Castle museum. The discovery was reported in The Sunday Times on July 13, 1980.

Exchange Magazines

A list of various magazines available for exchange or subscription is provided, catering to interests in paganism, earth mysteries, UFO research, and fortean phenomena:

• SANGREAL: Quarterly journal on crafts, mysteries of Britain, magic, legend, ancient crafts, and traditions. Single issue 75p, annual sub £2.75.
• THE HEATHEN: Pagan movement information. 20p per issue.
• WOOD AND WATER: Pagan newsletter covering gatherings, celebrations, well-dressings, pagan beliefs, and poetry. Single copies 45p, 3 issues £1.35.
• THE LEY HUNTER: Quarterly magazine on Earth Mysteries and related subjects. Single copies 75p, annual subscription £3.00.
• MAGONIA: Quarterly journal with an open-minded approach to UFO research and investigations. 4-issue subscription £1.75.
• THE CAULDREN: Quarterly pagan journal. Single issue 25p, 4-issue sub £1.00.
• THE JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY: Quarterly journal of the Institute of Geomantic Research. Single issue 60p, or full membership £3.00 per annum, including 4 issues and IGR Occasional Papers.
• SKYWATCH: Informal bi-monthly publication on UFOs and related phenomena from the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT).
• EARTHLINK: Independent quarterly publication on UFOs and related phenomena. UK subscription (4 issues) £2.50.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Quarterly journal of news, notes, reviews, and references on current and historical strange phenomena, related subjects, and philosophies. Annual subscription £3.00.
• ZETETIC SCHOLAR: Independent scientific review of claims of anomalies and the paranormal. Published twice yearly. Subscription $15.00 per year.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

Readers are informed that recent back numbers of 'Lantern' are available and to contact the editor for details. The next edition is expected in October, and subscribers are encouraged to recommend 'Lantern' to a friend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of U.F.O. NEWS adopts a stance of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the challenges of public perception and the potential for government secrecy. The editor, Dot Street, actively encourages the reporting of sightings and provides contact details. The publication also shows an interest in related fields such as paganism and earth mysteries, as evidenced by the listed exchange magazines. There's a clear effort to bridge the gap between the unexplained and the mundane, by addressing IFOs and encouraging critical yet open-minded investigation. The editorial tone is informative and aims to keep readers updated on sightings, research, and relevant publications within the UFO and paranormal community.