Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 3 No 2 - 1970

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Merseyside UFO bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 2, published in April-May 1970, features a cover with a complex geometric diagram and three smaller illustrations, alongside article titles and author names. The main articles delve into various aspects of ufology, including critical analysis of UFO investigation groups, personal accounts of sightings, and discussions on the nature of evidence and belief.

Editorial: How to be Interviewed

The editorial provides guidance for ufologists on how to handle interviews with the press and radio, particularly during periods of increased UFO activity. It warns against being perceived as 'cranks' and advises on how to respond to common, potentially discrediting questions. The editorial suggests preparing for trick questions, such as 'why do you believe in flying saucers?', by stating a neutral position of finding the subject 'extremely interesting' and reports 'worthy of unbiased investigation.' It cautions against using the word 'believe' carelessly, as this can lead to being dismissed as 'a nut.' The article discusses theories such as spacecraft from other planets and misidentifications, noting that while the former is attractive, it has weaknesses, and the latter, advocated by Dr. Menzel, seems inadequate for well-documented cases. It also mentions that psychologists and medical men are taking an interest, finding witnesses to be psychologically normal. The editorial suggests that UFOs might be psychic phenomena but cautions that combining parapsychology and ufology is unlikely to yield conclusions soon. It advises choosing a good, recent, local report with named witnesses when discussing a specific sighting to avoid being dismissed. The editorial concludes by preparing the reader for potential attempts by interviewers to discredit them, such as the 'hollow earth' theory, and suggests offering names of 'crackpots' if that is what the interviewer seeks. It anticipates a potential 'flap' in 1972 and encourages readers to prepare for media encounters.

Letter to the Editor: From Mr Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson writes to commend the Merseyside UFO bulletin for exploring new perspectives ignored by the old establishment. He discusses John Rimmer's controversial articles, suggesting that reactions to Menzel or Moore's theories are a way of exorcising the terrors of the unknown, either by denial or by creating religions around events, citing Warminster as an example where events are 'rationalized' into the actions of benevolent space brothers. Rogerson criticizes ufology for attracting cranks, bigots, and 'weirdies,' and suggests that the future would be brighter if those genuinely interested could be separated from 'vague believers.' He defends 'armchair ufology,' which involves searching extant material, as reputable, contrasting it with 'trashy little journals' and 'skywatches.' He believes armchair research can be more rewarding than some of the 'botched-up pseudo-science' prevalent in the establishment.

Doubts at DIGAP by John A. Rimmer

John Rimmer recounts his experience lecturing to the Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (DIGAP) in Manchester. He notes a certain hostility towards his ideas, particularly his suggestion that the 'Cloud Cigar' UFO with an 'Angel Hair' could be a tornado or electrical storm, which DIGAP members considered a key piece of evidence for UFOs' physical reality. Rimmer also shares an anecdote about a DIGAP member relating a story of a mining engineer who saw curious humanoid forms in Cornish mines. The highlight of the evening was a revelation about 'men in black' (MIB) incidents in England, where a lady member reported an incident where a person was frightened into closing down their magazine and ceasing ufology activities. This person was later revealed to be John Harney, the editor of this bulletin, a revelation that caused Rimmer to fall 'helpless, under the table.' He reassured the group that Harney was not silenced and used the incident to illustrate how unconfirmed rumors spread. Rimmer concludes that he did not 'convert' anyone, and some members seemed resentful of his challenge to their 'cherished dogmas,' viewing him as an atheist at a Vatican Synod.

Great Truths Forming in the Void? by Arthur Shuttlewood

Arthur Shuttlewood describes an unusual experience with John Roseweir at Cradle Hill, Warminster, on January 18th, 1970. They observed an ellipsoid UFO, described as 'pure gold in colour,' hovering silently for twenty seconds. It had a silvery plume that remained motionless despite a breeze, and a dark triangle or pyramid shape was visible from its bottom portion. The craft was estimated to be about fifty feet high and a mile distant. The article connects this sighting to discussions about megalithic crosses, monoliths, and the recurrence of the numbers '3' and '9' in UFO sightings, as well as the significance of the Great Pyramid and recent instrument readings near the Sphinx. Shuttlewood references a previous book mentioning a 'visitor' on August 27th, 1967, and a UFO landing at Warminster on August 27th, 1969, with 13 witnesses. He notes that researcher Norman Oliver corroborated a story about a geiger counter failing to register at the spot where a figure had been seen. Shuttlewood then details further sightings at Cradle Hill, emphasizing the recurring '3' and '9' pattern, and mentions a sighting on February 18th, 1970, where a 'pyramid'-carrying UFO appeared. He reflects on the significance of these numbers, suggesting '9' might be the most significant figure in the universe, along with '3.' He also mentions his upcoming third book, which will detail Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Patrick Moore, and Dob Chapman's experiences. He concludes by stating that man is not infallible and that Truth is arrived at through personal experience, not by dissecting information to fit one's ego. He also notes that Dob Strong has lost significant weight due to illness but is now recovering.

Whither Ufology? A Riposte by Alan W. Sharp

Alan W. Sharp responds to an article by John Rimmer, addressing a perceived 'internecine strife' within the bulletin. Sharp clarifies that his previous article, 'Advance or Retreat,' did not advocate abandoning the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) but rather suggested that if the evidence for it disappeared, the subject would still hold interest. He states that Rimmer's counter-article, 'A Look at the Alternatives,' correctly points out that even without extraterrestrials, there are still aspects of the subject worth exploring. Sharp believes that whether one focuses on the ETH or other facets is a matter of personal taste. He uses the 1963 landing 'flap' as an example, noting it provided information about meteorology, a subject of interest to him as a geologist and astronomer. He also mentions that mysterious holes in the ground, like those at Charlton and Cockburnspath, were found to be caused by lightning discharges, a subject that benefited from UFO investigation. Sharp expresses concern that the focus is drifting too far from 'unidentified flying objects,' the stated purpose of the bulletin. He suggests that if UFOs have been investigated out of existence, then ufologists should accept the investigation of natural and man-made phenomena. He acknowledges that broadening the field to the occult is an option but notes that other organizations cater to such interests. Sharp questions whether ufologists are admitting to dealing with fantasies and figments of the imagination. He finds it ironic to abandon the ETH when professional astronomers are considering the possibility of intelligent beings in the universe, though he notes proof is lacking. The article concludes with contact details for the Merseyside UFO bulletin editors: John Harney (Editor), John A. Rimmer (Associate Editor), and Alan W. Sharp (Science Editor).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Merseyside UFO bulletin consistently explores the nature of UFO evidence, the role of personal experience versus scientific investigation, and the challenges ufologists face in communicating their findings to the public and media. There is a clear tension between those who adhere strictly to the extraterrestrial hypothesis and those who are open to broader interpretations or alternative explanations. The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking and open-mindedness, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and caution against unsubstantiated claims. The recurring emphasis on numbers ('3' and '9') in sightings suggests a fascination with patterns and potential symbolic meanings within the UFO phenomenon. The bulletin also highlights the internal debates and differing viewpoints within the ufology community.