Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 3 No 3 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: 3:3
Date: June/July 1970
Editors: John Harney and John Rimmer

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin delves into the state of ufology in Britain, questioning its direction and methodology. It features an editorial, a letter to the editor, book reviews, and reports on sightings and mysteries.

Editorial: Transcendental Ufology?

The editorial opens by acknowledging the long-held opinion among some ufologists that UFOs may be a psychic phenomenon. It notes that while such opinions have often been expressed obscurely, John Keel has forcefully articulated these views in plain English. This trend has caused concern among those seeking conventional scientific explanations, fearing that ufology might devolve into occultism. The editorial highlights Keel's recently published books and urges ufologists to reconsider their approach. It poses the question of whether rational conclusions about the UFO phenomenon can be reached through physical science and psychology, or if it is primarily a matter for psychical research. The bulletin announces that the next issue will be dedicated to discussing these questions and invites readers to submit their opinions.

Letter to the Editor

Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, Editor of LUFORA Journal, responds to previous observations, stating his thirty years of experience investigating psychic, Fortean, and UFO phenomena. He clarifies that his studies have never led him to deny manifestations or frame a religion, and he has frequently criticized the 'space brother' concept. While acknowledging that some events, like those at Warminster, are baffling, he maintains that the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) remains the most fitting explanation for UFO phenomena, as he has yet to find a better alternative. He notes that he reads the FSR and was an early supporter of John Keel's investigations. As former editor of 'BUFORA JOURNAL', he aimed to criticize principles rather than individuals, believing that vicious in-fighting, particularly prevalent in the United States, is detrimental to the study of ufology.

Two Indexing Projects

By John A. Rimmer

This section highlights the need for an information retrieval system in ufology. It mentions an article from 1968 that suggested ways to organize such a system. Conrad Hunter of Charleston, South Carolina, is attempting to compile a UFO Researchers' Reference by indexing books and codifying sighting reports. Readers are encouraged to contact him to assist. Additionally, the Associate Editor of the Bulletin has been considering compiling a quarterly or half-yearly 'Index of British UFO Literature' focusing on British UFO periodicals published since January 1, 1970, indexing articles only. Editors of British UFO journals are invited to contact John A. Rimmer to help with this project.

Book Reviews

Strange Creatures from Time and Space by John A. Keel (Fawcett Publications, 75c)
UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse by John A. Keel (G.P.Rutnam's Sons, $6.95)

These two books by John Keel are reviewed. 'Strange Creatures from Time and Space' is described as a comprehensively indexed book containing hundreds of reports ranging from scorpions to phantom cats, sea serpents, and UFO occupants. Keel's writing style is noted as rarely dry and occasionally humorous. 'UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse' is presented as an expansion of the 'monster/UFO/ghost phenomena' theory. The reviewer warns that readers should be thoroughly acquainted with UFOs before attempting 'Operation Trojan Horse', as it intermeshes ufology with other fields. Keel's theory that UFOs are ultraterrestrial, existing in our own environment but on a different space-time continuum, is discussed. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of Keel's 'Trojan Horse' idea and urges readers to give his theory serious attention.

The Death and Life of British UFOLOGY

By John A. Rimmer

This article offers a critical perspective on the state of British ufology, declaring it 'dead' in terms of its current structure, though the UFO phenomenon itself is not. The author laments the public apathy and the lingering shadow of the Condon Report. British ufology is characterized as an 'in-groupy, gossipy and sterile' environment, with most magazines offering re-hashes and trivia, often sourced from national dailies or news agencies. The FSR and a couple of other journals are singled out as exceptions. The article criticizes the tendency for articles to be reprinted without acknowledgement, or with sycophantic praise. It highlights the 'in-groups' such as the Warminster and Scorriton groups, accusing them of engaging in vicious personal attacks against critics and being resistant to alternative interpretations. The DUFORA group is described as a fascinating case study in organizational psychology, but ultimately sterile and devoid of new ideas, leading to pomposity. The author notes that while British ufologists readily spend money on personal hobbies, they are reluctant to contribute financially to UFO groups or journals. MUFORG is mentioned as a rare honest UFO group that ceased to be a spectacle upon its demise. The article suggests that the average ufologist wants to hear about 'space people' rather than engage in study and investigation. The 'Armchair Ufologist' is praised for sifting through information and offering balanced speculation, complementing the work of serious researchers like John Keel. The author concludes that the current situation is dire, with little prospect for improvement, and suggests that the only feasible approach is to cultivate an attitude of detachment and focus interest on ufologists as much as on the phenomenon itself. The article calls for at least one more journal of FSR's quality and a controversial figure like John Keel to spark new ideas and research.

Local UFO Report

Location: Between Neston and Chester
Date: June 10, 1970, 1525 BST

A man reported seeing a silvery object resembling an airship descending quickly.

Notes, Quotes & Queries: Exploding Piano Mystery

An intriguing report from the Daily Mail (May 25, 1970) details an incident where a piano belonging to Mrs. Rosa Tegerdine in Lowestoft exploded while she was playing it. The blast damaged the piano, and police noted a series of similar mystery bangs in the area.

Italian 'Monster' Report

This report, from the Sunday Express (July 26), describes troops and police hunting a multi-legged monster in the woods near Forli, Italy. The creature, described as 'huge and scaly' and at least 15 ft long with searing hot breath, was first seen by Antonio Samorani. Large footprints were found, convincing police of a colossal creature's presence. The report notes that John Keel would likely dismiss the idea of the monster being caught.

Notice for Local Readers

The bulletin is seeking one or two local enthusiasts to assist with its production. Applicants must be over 18, not teetotal or alcoholic, and reasonably intelligent, open-minded, and literate. Interested individuals are asked to write to the Editor.

Contact Information

Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Editor: John Harney, 53 Woodyear Road, Dromborough, WIRRAL, Cheshire, L62 6AY. Telephone: 051-327 2146.
Associate Editor: John A. Rimmer, 6 Norgate Street, LIVERPOOL, L4 ORH.
Science Editor: Alan W. Sharp, BSc, BEng, FRAS, FGS, Dip.Ed.

Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by the Editors. Printed and published by the Editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical assessment of the current state and direction of ufology, particularly in Britain. There's a strong emphasis on the methodology of UFO research, with a debate between scientific and psychic approaches, heavily influenced by the work of John Keel. The bulletin expresses a critical stance towards the insular and often unprofessional nature of many UFO groups, contrasting them with the need for rigorous research and open-minded investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of concern for the future of ufology, advocating for more serious study and a broader perspective, while acknowledging the potential for occultism if not handled carefully. The bulletin also serves as a platform for sharing UFO reports and engaging readers in discussion.