Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 6 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: Volume 2, number 6
Date: November-December 1969
Publisher: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, dated November-December 1969, focuses on looking back at the past decade of UFO investigation and anticipating the trends of the 1970s. The cover features a "New Year Issue" theme with headlines "Looking Back on the Sixties" and "Looking Forward to the 70's", alongside "More from Warminster".

Editorial: Small UFO Journals

The editorial, penned by John Harney, addresses a critique by John Cleary-Baker in the BUFORA Journal regarding the proliferation of small UFO magazines launched by individuals with minimal experience. Harney acknowledges the validity of the concern about frittering away resources but defends the role of local bulletins. He argues that for enthusiasts living far from major meetings, these bulletins are the most effective way to stay in touch. While admitting that the standard of writing in many such journals is often poor, he emphasizes that the experience of producing a bulletin can be educational. He concludes that publications not worth reading will naturally die out through a process of natural selection.

Advance or Retreat - A Reappraisal for 1970

By Alan W. Sharp, this article delves into a long-standing conflict within UFO investigation between the 'scientific' and 'non-scientific' schools of thought, or alternatively, the 'objective' and 'subjective' approaches. Sharp explores the reasons why people become interested in UFOs, citing appeals to enquiring minds, the allure of the unusual and the unknown, mystical or quasi-religious connotations, and a desire to escape the professional dominance in other fields. He notes the 'crank appeal' and general intellectual interest in a fresh topic.

Sharp critiques the tendency to eschew objectivity by invoking the supernatural, especially when concrete results have been scarce. He warns against overemphasizing the subjective, acknowledging that irrationality has always been a feature of the UFO scene. He highlights the difficulty in separating fiction from fact due to imaginative contact cases and the necessity of psychological investigation of observers. Sharp expresses skepticism towards 'subterranean and parallel universe' notions and the 'folk-lore and fairies' approach, advocating for a firm adherence to the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

He emphasizes the need for strictly objective reporting and evaluation, even if it offends subjectivist viewpoints. While acknowledging the value of psychological investigations as a tool, he states that if evidence for extraterrestrial visitation disappears, that would be the end for him. Sharp concludes that the way forward requires eschewing mysticism, embracing objectivity, pursuing scientific evaluation, and staunchly adhering to the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Otherwise, he suggests, the focus will shift to natural and man-made phenomena.

The Seventies - A Prognostication

By John A. Rimmer, this piece offers a humorous and speculative look at the decade ahead. Rimmer predicts that the "Great Revelation" will not occur in the seventies, and governments will deny any interest in UFOs. He foresees a rise in 'men in black' reports and strange telephone calls, and suggests that places like Warminster will become tourist attractions. He also humorously notes that the Merseyside UFO Bulletin will continue its tradition of not publishing local UFO reports.

More seriously, Rimmer suggests that the seventies will see a continuation of the pot-boilers and re-hashers of UFO literature, along with bureaucratic double-talk. However, he also identifies a more hopeful trend: the growing advocacy for a more open, liberal attitude towards ufology, suggesting that the interplanetary hypothesis is only one possible explanation. This trend, he believes, will continue and may produce valuable new information for ufologists and students of the mind, folklore, and other disciplines. He anticipates a backlash against this liberal approach, comparable to right-wing reactions in politics. Sharp predicts a potential split in ufology between 'liberal' and 'right' wings, possibly leading to a complete break and the devising of new names for the different interpretations. He believes that while crackpots and cranks will exist on both sides, the core issue will be different aspects of the same phenomena. He also predicts a growing number of qualified scientists finding relevant study in UFO phenomena, with Dr. Schwarz investigating physiological and medical effects. The role of the amateur ufologist is expected to change, with professionals taking over technical functions, while amateurs will focus on the overall view and interconnections. Rimmer doubts the survival of existing UFO groups and predicts a rise in the quality and reputation of UFO journals, which will take over the function of groups by providing a forum for interchange of ideas.

A Personal View of the Sixties

By John Harney, this article reflects on his personal involvement with ufology during the 1960s. He recounts his initial interest in 1952, his schoolboy activities, and his joining the Merseyside UFO Research Group (MUFORG) in 1965. He describes the early days of the MUFORG Bulletin, which he took over in 1966, noting the generally favorable reaction but also some patronizing letters. Harney recounts humorous incidents, including the use of provocative material and the reaction to critical comments.

He details the history of MUFORG, including its move to new premises in Dingle, which ultimately proved detrimental due to its location. He also mentions the group's decision to keep the press at arm's length due to members' 'crackpot notions'. Harney references the Condon investigation, predicting its inconclusive nature. He recounts a visit to Warminster with Alan Sharp in May 1967, detailing observations and discussions with Arthur Shuttlewood.

Harney describes the "great UFO flap" of the summer of 1967, including a sighting in Hindley, Lancashire. He recounts a skywatch event with other members of the expedition, involving photography, fossil digging, and a skywatch on a hilltop with sophisticated electronic equipment. He also details MUFORG hosting the BUFORA Northern Conference in November 1967, noting the presence of a blood donor session and a television team, and the content of the lectures, including one on the mechanical implications of UFOs.

Harney explains his decision to resign from MUFORG and produce an independent UFO bulletin, leading to the first issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin in early 1968. He mentions being interviewed by the Bebington News and BBC Radio Merseyside. He notes that the bulletin was successful but that the 1967 flap had died down, leading to a lack of local material until John Rimmer joined. He states that MUFORG eventually became defunct.

A Recent Skywatch at Warminster

By John Harney, this article describes a skywatch on Cradle Hill, Warminster, on January 3, 1970. Harney and Alan Sharp attended the event, which included Arthur Shuttlewood. They discussed the significance of "Heaven's Gate" and the possibility of different dimensions meeting. During the skywatch, an unusual odor was detected, traced to a barn of hay. Later, a bright, flickering orange light was seen, initially mistaken for a cigarette or Morse code, but eventually identified as the star Arcturus, though some observers felt it rose unusually rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state and future of ufology, the importance of rigorous, objective investigation, and the distinction between scientific inquiry and subjective interpretation. The editors, particularly John Harney and Alan W. Sharp, advocate for a more rational and evidence-based approach, while acknowledging the appeal of the unusual and the need for open-mindedness. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond mysticism and embracing scientific evaluation. The issue also reflects on the past decade of UFO sightings and research, setting the stage for anticipated developments in the 1970s, including the potential for increased scientific involvement and a redefinition of the amateur's role in the field.