Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 4 No 1 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: 4:1
Date: Spring 1971
Editors: John Harney and John Rimmer

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, Volume 4, Number 1, dated Spring 1971, features a cover illustration with the prominent title 'Apocalyptophilia'. The magazine delves into the psychological and societal aspects of UFO phenomena, exploring themes of irrationality and the desire for apocalyptic events.

Editorial: Our Aims and Methods

The editorial outlines the modified policies of the Bulletin, emphasizing its nature as an informal publication exchanged with similar magazines and individuals. While open to scientific and technical articles, it clarifies that the Bulletin is not a scientific journal. Acceptable articles can cover any subject relevant to ufology, excluding 'do-it-yourself theology' and 'anti-gravity' theories. Letters to the editor are welcome, and most have been of high quality. The editors' primary concern is with the physical and psychological aspects of UFO sightings, as well as potential parapsychological phenomena treated rationally. There is a particular interest in local UFO reports, though these have been scarce since the 1967 wave. The editorial also notes that 'funny' items are sometimes taken too seriously by readers, and encourages specific criticism.

Letter to the Editor from Fred O. Gardner, FRGS

Fred O. Gardner expresses his initial amusement at the December issue, suspecting it was a 'lark.' However, upon reflection, he addresses the editors seriously, questioning their point and their involvement in the UFO business, which he perceives as negative and prone to innuendo. He criticizes the bulletin for denigrating sincere researchers and speculates that the editors are 'angry young men' trying to destroy UFO research. Gardner argues that while mistakes and misinterpretations exist, there is sincerity and ability among researchers. He urges the editors to avoid provincialism and personalities, to focus on positive work, and to present their own findings. He draws a parallel to religious testimony, suggesting that rejection of sincere accounts can lead to negative consequences. Gardner believes the UFO problem is real, even with potential explanations like imagination or human limitations, but emphasizes that interpretation is key. He advises the editors to be less 'cocky' and to mix sincerity with their approach. He concludes by suggesting that the odds are against humanity due to the dominance of science and materialism, and that a spiritual alliance is necessary to prevent societal collapse.

The UFO as an Integral Part of the Apocalyptophilia and Irrationality of the Mid Twentieth Century by Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson argues that UFO phenomena represent a profound challenge to our concepts of reality, blurring the lines between objectivity and subjectivity. He posits that UFO manifestations, including fiction, dreams, and objective reality, are facets of a single, mythological event. The myth arises from the subconscious and can manifest in the objective universe. Rogerson links the current surge in 'controversial phenomena' to the reappearance of buried mythological forms. He observes the fading of the 19th-century rational universe and its replacement by new myths, often modeled on older ones, such as the scientific myth mirroring theism. He notes the rise of superstition and the call for exorcisms, suggesting society is ready for figures like Matthew Hopkins. In the US, an atmosphere of 'apocalyptophilia' (desire for dramatic tragedy) is prevalent, exemplified by reactions to prophecies. Rogerson sees the UFO as an integral symbol of this growing irrationality, filling a vacuum left by crumbling religious and scientific establishments. He distinguishes two facets of the UFO myth: the desire to escape to a nostalgic, mythical land ('Magonia'), and the concept of the UFO as an aggressor representing elemental power of destruction. He mentions the 'Ley Hunting' movement and Nandor Fodor's views on fairyland as symbolic of the womb. The latter facet is more directly linked to apocalyptophilia and the ultimate apocalypse.

Why Are You Banging Your Head Against That Brick Wall? Because It's So Nice When I Stop! by John A. Rimmer

John Rimmer recounts his experience addressing a COS-MOS meeting in London on February 27, 1971, following his article on British ufology. He describes the setting as a windowless, 'Kafkaesque' lecture theatre. Rimmer found himself confronted by numerous microphones and tape recorders, feeling like a witness in a McCarthy investigation. He reiterates his view that UFO organizations are too focused on group politics and not enough on research. He faced confusion from the audience, who seemed to misinterpret his points, assuming he advocated abandoning UFO work altogether. A key moment occurred when he was asked whether the study of the witness or the UFO was more important; he deemed it a trick question and irrelevant, stating that the witness is part of the phenomenon. This led to him being labeled a 'cynic.' Rimmer also discussed the public image of ufologists, their 'strange quirks,' and the perceived persecution complex. He argued that the press ridicules ufologists because some of them behave erratically, and that the focus on aliens in films might stem from ufologists' own theories. He was challenged on his knowledge of H.G. Wells and faced a restless audience. He felt he was saying the 'wrong things' and was comforted by an elderly lady who praised his sincerity and 'turn of phrase.' The meeting was interrupted by an interval, and Rimmer had to leave before hearing Norman Oliver's talk on 'UFO abductions and reproductions.'

Local UFO Report: Irish Sea

On the evening of April 12, 1971, an object was sighted over the Irish Sea, described as a bright flaring light at a great height, followed by a red cone-shaped object dropping rapidly towards the sea. Reports were received from the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and along the North West English coast. The lifeboat at Donaghadee was launched after reports of red flares, but nothing was found. At Ramsey, Isle of Man, the light was so bright it illuminated the bay for three seconds. Coastguards at Formby suggested it might have been space debris burning up. The most likely explanations offered were 'Fireball' or 'satellite or debris re-entry.'

Notes, Quotes & Queries: The Pestilence that walks in the darkness

This section details a peculiar series of incidents in Hoghton, Lancashire, beginning in November 1970. A mysterious person was smearing food items on homes and cars and pelting residents with vegetables. The activities escalated, involving cooked potatoes, oranges, eggs, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, lettuces, and cabbages. Residents formed a vigilante posse, but the phantom proved elusive. The note mentions that the perpetrator left a clue: a note reading 'The pestilence that walks in the darkness.' The article also includes a reference to an article in the Daily Mirror by William Keenan.

Warminster dates

This brief note corrects the dates for events described in a previous article about Warminster, stating they occurred on September 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1970.

Coming attractions

Following his article on the 'Death and life of British ufology,' John Rimmer was a guest of COS-MOS in London. Future articles are anticipated on 'Death and life of Hawaiian ufology' and 'Death and life of Mexican ufology.'

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for wanted back issues of UFO magazines and books, including FSR, BUFORA Journal, 'UFO Evidence' by Richard Hall, 'Challengo of UFO' by Charles Maney & Richard Hall, 'Reference for outstanding UFO Sighting reports' by Thomas Olsen, 'Report on the UFO wave of 1947' by Ted Bloecher, and 'UFO Guide 1947-67' by Martin H. Sable. Offers are to be sent to Peter Rogerson. There is also a description of 'BIOVERSE' magazine as 'offensive, derogatory and libellous' but also 'very funny,' comparing it to 'The Private Eye' of American ufology.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin strongly engages with the concept of 'Apocalyptophilia,' linking it to a broader societal irrationality and the psychological impact of UFO phenomena. The editors, while open to various UFO-related topics, express a preference for grounded, rational analysis of sightings and their psychological implications, particularly within a local context. There's a clear critique of what they perceive as overly political or sensationalist approaches within ufology, as evidenced by John Rimmer's address and the editorial's stance on 'funny' items. The bulletin appears to position itself as a more serious, albeit informal, platform for discussing UFOs, distinct from what it views as the more speculative or less rigorous elements within the field. The underlying theme is the exploration of how UFOs intersect with human psychology, societal trends, and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world, often touching upon anxieties about the future and the limits of scientific understanding.