Lantern - No 39

Magazine Overview

LANTERN is a quarterly magazine of East Anglian mysteries and curiosities, published by the BORDERLINE SCIENCE INVESTIGATION GROUP. This issue, Autumn 1982, features news, notes, articles, and reviews, with a focus on local phenomena.

Introduction

The editor, Ivan A.W. Bunn, notes that the production of this issue was nearly jeopardized by the printer going out of business, but a new printer in Norwich has been secured, albeit with the need for the magazine to be folded and stapled by hand. Despite the challenges, the team is committed to continuing the publication.

"A DEVIL'S SHIELD..." NOTES ON SUFFOLK WITCH BOTTLES

This article, written by I.A.W. Bunn, explores the historical practice of 'witch bottles,' particularly in 17th-century England and Suffolk. These bottles were used as a counter-charm against witchcraft, typically containing the victim's urine, nails, pins, and hair. When heated or buried, it was believed to cause agony to the witch, forcing a confession or leading to their death. The article cites Cotton Mather's description of the 'urinary experiment' and details an early account from Suffolk involving the Rev. William Brearly and his landlady.

The most common type of bottle used was the 'Grey Beard' or 'Bellarmine' bottle, characterized by its squat shape and a distinctive bearded mask on the neck. While named after Cardinal Bellarmine, these bottles predate him and were produced in the Rhineland from around 1500. The article speculates on the reasons for their use, including the salt glaze offering protection and the shape being suitable for the 'witch's bladder' affliction.

A comprehensive list of Bellarmine bottles discovered in Suffolk is provided, with details of their location, date of discovery, and contents (often urine, nails, and pins). Notable discoveries include bottles found in Bury St Edmunds, Bramford, Coddenham, Darsham, Eyke, Halesworth, Ipswich, and Wetheringsett.

NEW MAGAZINE REVIEW

This section reviews 'TERRESTRIAL ZODIACS NEWS' (TZN), a quarterly publication intended as a continuation of 'T.Z. Newsletter.' The reviewer, M.W.B., expresses skepticism about the longevity of the new journal, comparing the waning interest in terrestrial zodiacs to that of skateboards. Despite personal reservations about TZs, the reviewer acknowledges the contributions of Anthea Turner and Nigel Pennick and notes that the magazine aims to form a postal library service from donated books.

"Stop that NOISE!"

This report details a mysterious low humming noise plaguing the Suffolk village of Worlingham for over a year. Residents, particularly women, describe the sound as a 'faint and faraway fog horn' or 'Chinese torture,' causing significant discomfort. Mrs. Betty Mallett and Mrs. Peggy Wilson are quoted describing the pervasive and distressing nature of the noise. Environmental health officers have investigated various potential sources without success, using special detection equipment. The article notes that the noise is primarily heard indoors and is worse at night and on weekends. A meeting of the local Women's Institute revealed that several women could hear the sound.

UFO NEWS

This section continues the coverage of a possible CE3 UFO encounter near the USAF Bentwaters airbase. It references detailed accounts published in 'Flying Saucer Review' and 'The Unexplained,' written by Jenny Randles, based on investigations by Dot Street and Brenda Butler. The investigators have faced difficulties in finding new witnesses, with many people only having heard secondhand accounts. The report mentions that they have managed to track down a US airman who witnessed the incident. A separate report details a sighting by George Steel and his girlfriend near Attlebridge, Norwich, of a triangle of orange, red, and blue lights hovering motionless before moving off at high speed.

Exchange Magazines

• This section provides brief descriptions and subscription details for several niche publications, including:
• OSEAP JOURNAL: Devoted to the scientific study of anomalous aerial phenomena.
• PRYTANIA: Journal of Dread Magik and healing.
• QUICKSILVER MESSENGER: Focuses on Earth mysteries, folklore, and strange phenomena in S.E. England.
• THE TEMPLAR: Journal for the study of circular sacred buildings.
• SANGREAL: Journal evoking British mysteries, magic, and legend.
• MOONSTONE: Pagan poetry magazine.
• COMMON GROUND: Explores the fringe of human experience.
• THE LEY HUNTER: UK's leading journal of Earth Mysteries.
• PROBE REPORT: A magazine for UFO investigations.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Journal of news, notes, reviews on strange phenomena.
• NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES: Covers Earth Mysteries.
• EARTHLINK: Magazine on UFOs and related phenomena.
• MAGONIA: Open-minded approach to UFO research.
• THE CAULDRON: Pagan journal.

Blood-sucking fish attacked children

A brief news item reports an incident at Yarmouth where youngsters were attacked by lamprey fish attached to their legs while frolicking in the sea. A marine biologist described the lamprey as a 'disgusting leech-like fish' that typically attacks seals and other marine life, not humans.

Notes and Queries

• This section presents various anecdotal accounts and requests for information:
• No.96: Forteana: Reports of people inexplicably engulfed in flames (Mrs. Mary Carpenter, Grace Pett).
• No.97: Ghosts: Legends of 'Old Shuck,' a ghost dog, and 'Hytersprites' in Norfolk.
• No.98: Tunnels: Legends of mysterious tunnels in Blakeney, Norfolk, possibly running long distances.
• No.99: Sea Serpent: A sighting of a large 'sea-serpent' at Thorpeness, Suffolk.
• No.100: Stone: Description of a 'markstone' at Martham, Norfolk, possibly of pagan origin.
• No.101: Query: A request for information about mice found living and adapting to sub-zero temperatures in a domestic freezer.
• No.102: Ghost: A tale of a ghost connected to a murder and a 'huddle of human bones' found behind a fireplace in a Suffolk inn.
• No.103: Tunnels: Another legend of a secret tunnel in Suffolk, running from Brampton Old Hall to Hollybush Farm.

Oddments from the Press

• This section contains brief news items:
• Discoloration of local water supplies attributed to lightning.
• A German bullet removed from a man's leg, which he was unaware of.
• A snail named Frank winning a snail-racing championship.
• A village school using a whistle to summon children due to a sparrow nesting in the bell.
• Sighting of an albino swallow.

UFO NEWS continued

This part of the UFO news section refers readers to previous articles by Jenny Randles and mentions the ongoing investigation into the Bentwaters incident. It also includes a report of a UFO sighting near Attlebridge, Norwich, involving a triangular craft.

Interference by UFOs

This brief section, attributed to W.J. Chambers, discusses the phenomenon of UFOs interfering with electrical installations, noting it is frequently mentioned in the United States. It references Larry Kettelkamp's suggestion that a massive power blackout in 1965 might be connected to UFO sightings and mentions the work of US writer John A. Keel on similar phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on local mysteries, folklore, and unexplained phenomena within East Anglia, particularly Suffolk and Norfolk. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting anecdotal evidence, historical accounts, and reports of sightings without definitive conclusions, encouraging reader participation through the 'Notes and Queries' section. There is a clear interest in historical accounts of witchcraft and paranormal events, alongside contemporary UFO sightings and other unexplained occurrences.