Lantern - No 40

Magazine Overview

LANTERN is a quarterly magazine published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group (BSIG), dedicated to the investigation of unexplained phenomena in East Anglia. This issue, identified as number 41, focuses on the BSIG's investigation of 'Caravan B77' in Great Yarmouth, a case involving alleged paranormal activity.

Caravan B77 Investigation

The issue details the investigation of 'Caravan B77' at the 'Seashore Caravan Camp' in Great Yarmouth, which began on June 11, 1971. The incident was initially reported in The Sun on June 5th, 1971, concerning a family who experienced unexplained prodding, temperature drops, and breathing difficulties within the caravan. The BSIG team, comprising eight people, conducted preliminary investigations and interviews with nearby residents, most of whom were skeptical.

During the investigation, equipment was set up, including a vibration detector that proved unreliable. One investigator slept in the reportedly 'haunted' bunk, while others monitored the situation. A dog brought into the caravan showed no unusual reactions. The investigation noted several incidents, including a feeling of being moved, a change in atmosphere with a noticeable drop in temperature, and headaches reported by some investigators. A vibration detector registered movement, followed by a 'thump'.

Part 2 of the investigation focuses on temperature checks taken at strategic points within the caravan throughout the night. Thermometer readings indicated a general decrease in temperature, with two noticeable sharp drops. The area around the 'haunted' bunk was consistently the coldest.

Part 3, the evaluation, suggests that a possible explanation for the headaches and the 11:50 pm incident might be a build-up of gas from the butane light, as the caravan became humid and stuffy due to all windows and the door being kept closed. The report concludes that the 'haunted' bunk area was significantly colder than the rest of the caravan.

East Anglian Haunts: N04 Ranworth Hall, Norfolk

This section recounts a tradition regarding the ruin and decay of Ranworth Hall, associated with Colonel Sidley, who was known for his brutality and passion for collecting old armour. The story describes a supernatural hunt on December 31, 1770, where the Colonel rode off with a stranger and vanished at the Broad, never to be seen alive again. The Hall remained untenanted for seven years, and it is said the Colonel's ghost still gallops over the fields with wild hounds. The story is attributed to W. Gerish's unpublished manuscript.

Humming Along

This article follows up on a mysterious humming noise that had been plaguing the Suffolk village of Worlingham for over a year. Despite investigations by the Waveney district Council using sensitive instruments, the source of the hum remained a mystery. The article references local newspaper reports and mentions that similar 'hums' have been a national problem since the early 1960s, with early reports from Great Yarmouth and Cromer.

Poltergeist Case in Barroway Drove

This section details a poltergeist case reported in the Eastern Daily Press on November 11, 1982. A mother, Linda Robertson, and her four children were driven from their council house in Barroway Drove due to furniture and crockery moving. A parish priest attempted to banish the spirits, but they reportedly became more active. A second attempt by the priest on November 12, 1982, was followed by a peaceful night, suggesting the problem was resolved.

Tomorrow's UFOs?

This article explores futuristic aircraft designs being investigated by Lockheed Georgia Company's Advanced Concepts Department. Designs include the 'Ring Wing' for lower drag, the 'Delta Wing Spanloader' capable of carrying large payloads, a 'propfan' aircraft for fuel efficiency, a 'Large Sea Loiter amphibian' for long-range search and rescue, and a 'Logistics Transport' designed for heavy payloads over long distances using 'ground effect'. The article also touches upon the idea that many UFO sightings might be experimental flying machines from within Earth.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are included: 'Living Wonders - Mysteries & Curiosities of the Animal World' by John Michell & R.J.M. Rickard, described as an entertaining volume covering various animal curiosities. The second review is for 'Earth Lights' by Paul Devereux, which proposes that UFO events are a form of natural phenomena not yet identified by natural science, suggesting it is a significant contribution to UFO research.

Exchange Mags and Notes

The issue also contains a section listing other magazines available for exchange, such as 'Moonstone', 'Your Psychic Connection', 'Common Ground', 'The Ley Hunter', 'Earth Giant', 'Celt', 'Earthquest News', 'Ancient Skills & Wisdom Review', and 'The Cauldron'. There are also notes from the editor correcting an error in a previous article about 'Suffolk Witch Bottles'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are investigations into paranormal phenomena (hauntings, poltergeists, mysterious noises) and the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena, including futuristic aircraft designs. The editorial stance, as expressed in the introduction, is one of concern about the magazine's dwindling contributions and sales, with a plea for more reader contributions to keep LANTERN going as more than a 'one-man-band' operation. The magazine aims to cover all aspects and views of the Borderline sciences of East Anglia, not just the editor's.