Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 4 No 3 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: 4:3
Volume: 4
Date: Summer 1971
Editors: John Harney and John Rimmer

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring a critical review of John Keel's work, a detailed account of a local UFO flap, and a discussion on the intersection of ufology with spiritualism, occultism, and political extremism.

Editorial: Flap

The editorial notes the common occurrence of UFO 'flaps' characterized by vague 'lights in the sky' reports, often dismissed by the public. It suggests that genuinely interesting reports are lost amidst misinformation, while rumors of more spectacular sightings circulate privately for fear of ridicule. The editorial anticipates that after the flap subsides, a few credible reports will emerge for ufologists to analyze.

Letter to the Editor: Janet Gregory

Janet Gregory responds to a previous article, expressing a shift in her views on skywatches. She argues that while documenting UFOs ('the How?') might be satisfying, it ultimately fails to convince skeptics and is a "waste of time" for serious UFO research. Gregory advocates for focusing on the 'Why?' – the reason behind the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it is related to human development and that teaching is available to those open to it. She believes that contactees are often chosen due to a psychic attunement and that the conditions for contact are specific, emphasizing solitude, peace, and harmony. She concludes that ordinary skywatches, while fun, do not contribute to solving the mystery.

Article: Do You Ken John Keel? by Alan W. Sharp

Alan W. Sharp offers an apology for a previous disparaging remark about John Keel, acknowledging that his assessment of Keel's contribution to ufological research might have been too harsh. Sharp undertook a reassessment after receiving correspondence. He expresses a general distrust of journalists due to their tendency for factual inaccuracies and slanted reporting. Applying this to John Keel's book "Operation Trojan Horse," Sharp finds the book to be a typical example of "journalistic ufology," with sketchy accounts, imprecise details, and tenuous logic. He criticizes Keel for abandoning a "normal" account of UFO reports to delve into the "questionable world of fairies, demons and other similar figments of the imagination," deeming it more like a story writer's presentation than scholarly work.

Sharp takes issue with Keel's understanding of meteorites, arguing that Keel is ill-informed and too quick to dismiss scientific explanations in favor of supernatural ones. He explains the difference between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites, and critiques Keel's misinterpretation of carbonaceous chondrites as evidence of "organic (living) matter," clarifying that this is a chemical description without biological connotations. Sharp also points out Keel's misleading use of information regarding aluminum foil strips, suggesting they could have mundane applications like radar tracking, not just military chaff.

He highlights the case of an alleged UFO landing near Eureka, Nevada, in 1962, questioning the lack of details and the "post hoc ergo propter hoc" reasoning. Sharp suggests Keel should educate himself on meteoritics and astronomy before writing on UFOs. He also criticizes Keel's handling of the Ubatuba, Brazil, UFO incident, where Keel claimed pure magnesium was found, a claim disputed by John Harney.

Sharp concludes that Keel deliberately misleads readers and suggests he thoroughly study the Condon Report to correct his errors.

Replies to Norman Oliver and Others by Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson addresses Norman Oliver's perceived confusion between spiritualism, occultism, and psychical research. Rogerson defines psychical research as the impartial investigation of supernormal phenomena, distinct from Spiritualism, which he describes as a religious faith based on the survival of discarnate spirits. He notes that most psychical researchers do not subscribe to the full creeds of Spiritualist churches and distinguishes both from occultism, which he categorizes into pseudo-sciences like astrology and esoteric cults.

Rogerson cites an article by D.W.T.C. Versey differentiating power occultists (motivated by ambition) from wisdom occultists (seeking spiritual progress). He then discusses an article by Mr Versey, which he states is crucial in pointing out that occultism saps critical faculties. Rogerson agrees that there is no common ground between psychical researchers and occultists, as the former pursue exact science while the latter do not.

He refutes Norman Oliver's suggestion that dismissing colorful ufologists is intolerance, defining intolerance as forcibly silencing others. Rogerson asserts his right to consider occultism nonsense and express it. He expresses surprise that Oliver takes Bernard Byron, known for "space voices," seriously, noting that even Arthur Shuttlewood has hinted Byron is not credible. Rogerson states he is not concerned with "nuts and bolts" ufology but will not suspend his critical faculties to accept pseudo-science, even from retired air-marshals.

Rogerson thanks John Keel for raising the issue of "crypto-fascist takeovers in ufology," linking modern occultism and fascism to a romantic reaction against rationalist democracy. He notes that some occultist movements supported Hitler and that current cultist groups engage in subtle anti-semitic and anti-negro propaganda under the guise of ufology, citing examples of magazines with violently right-wing and anti-negro editorials and anti-semitic articles.

He further discusses a virulent campaign of personal abuse against Dr. Edward U. Condon, accusing a writer of distorting Saunders' work to portray Condon as a communist. Rogerson also mentions a Californian writer who sells "mathematical proof" that America is divinely designed and who has made personal attacks on Martin Luther King and Macnamara. This writer and a colleague have also promoted extreme right-wing hate tracts like "The Betrayers" and "None Dare Call It Treason." Rogerson concludes by suggesting that responsible groups should cease communication with offenders and ensure their platforms are not used for political, religious, or racial propaganda.

Local UFO Reports

Merseyside experienced a UFO flap starting around July 11, 1971, with numerous reports of "lights-in-the-sky" variety, generating local interest and coverage in the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post. The editor of MUFOB was interviewed twice by BBC Radio Merseyside.

• Key sightings include:
• July 11, 2040 BST: Two 13-year-old boys in Huyton saw a "domo-shaped object, about 30 feet in diameter."
• July 11, 2220: Mr Colin Godfrey and friends saw a "white light" over Wavertree Playground that hovered, moved slowly, and disappeared without sound.
• July 11, 2230: An Ellesmere Port resident saw a "white ball of fire" over the Shell refinery at Stanlow that vanished after two minutes.
• July 11, 2220: Mr James Boner and seven friends on Entwistle Heights, Everton, saw a hovering light that disappeared, noted for its lack of lights and sound.
• August 20, 1345: A white object, described as cylindrical with a conning tower, appeared near a Viscount aeroplane over Crosby, remained visible for five minutes, and was seen by a neighbor and children.
• August 25: Reports from Prestatyn, Neston, West Kirby, and Liverpool described three bright lights turning orange and blue, travelling SE to NW. Reports from South Lancashire and Formby mentioned flashing lights accompanied by rumbling and dogs whining. A witness from Prestatyn described the lights as having a "boomerang effect."
• August 25, 2234: A phenomenon at Croston, Lancs, was identified as a satellite re-entry, matching descriptions of colored lights and rumbling noises.
• August 25, 2100: An aircraft with brilliant white landing lights was observed flying low over Cromborough, familiar to locals due to Liverpool Airport's proximity, but its unusual appearance caused people to stop and watch.
• August 23, 2230: Mr Ronald Wrightson and his wife in Wallasey saw a ball of light that moved quickly over Liverpool, appearing "criss-crossed with lines" through binoculars.
• September 6, 2110: A schoolboy in Bootle saw a brilliant light heading towards Liverpool, moving too fast to be a plane.

Other reports were received by Liverpool Airport and Jodrell Bank. Philip Leighton suggested Mars or satellite decay as explanations. An observer in Cromborough spotted a plane with brilliant white lights, higher than before but with audible engines.

Further local reports and comments are promised for the next issue.

Books Reviewed by Peter Rogerson

• "Apparitions and Ghosts: A Modern Study" by Andrew MacKenzie: Reviewed as the third in a series on modern paranormal events, this work is praised for its close investigation of cases, offering a higher evidential standard than typical UFO reports. Rogerson recommends it for its authoritative examination of spontaneous parapsychological phenomena, seeing it as a welcome relief from paperback UFO trivia.

• "Ghosts" by Eric Russell: This critical history of the ghost story, particularly the Victorian variety, is recommended to ufologists. Russell's work demonstrates the fallibility of eyewitness testimony and the danger of uncritically accepting accounts from seemingly respectable individuals, serving as a caution against accepting testimony without critical analysis.

• "Mysterious Worlds" by Donnis Dardens: Described as an entertaining but uncritical examination of parapsychology, this book is noted for its chapter on flying saucers. The author's willingness to seriously consider figures like George Adamski is seen as a drawback.

Rogerson highlights two chapters on ghosts that are of interest to ufologists, including an alleged apparition seen by the author's son and other members of a pop group in Cobham, Surrey, in November 1965, which has often been cited in UFO literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Merseyside UFO Bulletin consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to ufology. It emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation, scientific skepticism, and a clear distinction between genuine psychical research and unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving spiritualism, occultism, and pseudo-science. The publication expresses concern about the potential for extremist ideologies to infiltrate the UFO community and advocates for responsible reporting and the rejection of propaganda. The editors appear to favor a more grounded, evidence-based approach to understanding UFO phenomena, while remaining open to genuine, well-documented cases.

MUFOB (likely an acronym for a UFO publication) Issue 4, part of Volume 4, Number 3 of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, published by the editors. The publication date is inferred to be around 1970 based on the publication year of one of the reviewed books. The magazine is in English and appears to be based in the United Kingdom.

Book Reviews

Gods, Demons and UFOs

The first book reviewed is "Gods, Demons and UFOs" by Eric Norman, published by Lancet in New York in 1970. It is described as a "way-out potpourri of fantastic events" covering topics from "Was God an Astronaut?" to "Keeliana." However, the review criticizes the book for being "totally undocumented" and "poached from Von Daniken, Keel, etc., without any acknowledgement," deeming it "good bedtime reading" despite these flaws.

Official Guide to UFOs

The second book reviewed is the "Official Guide to UFOs," compiled by the editors of Science & Mechanics, published by Ace in New York in 1968. This paperback is noted as an "interesting collection of articles" by Lloyd Mallan, Gordon H. Evans, and Frank B. Salisbury. It covers a variety of topics, including discussions of the Warminster flap and the Rita Walley case, and includes a selection of cases from Bluebook. It is considered "one of the better paperbacks on the subject."

Notes, Quotes & Queries

Kirkby Ghost

This section details a reported haunting at a block of flats in Kirkby, Lancashire, which had been ongoing for two years. Residents complained of "weird apparitions and wailing and moaning noises in the night." A medium suggested the ghost was the "carthbound spirit of a man who had been murdered on that site 100 years ago." Another medium prophesied a "possible tragedy in the block in the near future." The residents subsequently asked the Liverpool Corporation housing department to rehouse them. A journalist who spent a night in the allegedly haunted room reported nothing unusual. More recently, a resident claimed a ghost had "hurled him down a flight of stairs," and at the time of writing, five families were refusing to pay their rents until rehoused.

Not the only one...

A quote from QUEST-UFO RELORT, Vol. 2, No. 3, states that "Dan Fry's honorary degree (doctor of cosmology) was purchased from the St Andrew's Ecumenical University College of London, a degree mill, for sixty dollars." The address for QUEST-UFO RELORT is given as 439 Krug St., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Exchange of UFO Sighting Reports and Information

An invitation is extended for the exchange of UFO sighting reports and information. Interested parties are directed to write to Bernard Veal at 15 Vine Street, Widnes, Lancashire.

Publication Details

The Merseyside UFO Bulletin is edited by John Harney, with Associate Editor John A. Rimmer and Science Editor Alan W. Sharp. The publication is printed and published by the editors. Contact details for John Harney (23 Woodyear Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Cheshire, L62 6AY) and his telephone number (051-327 2146) are provided. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO literature reviews, paranormal phenomena (specifically hauntings), and the reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on UFO and paranormal events, with a critical eye towards unsubstantiated claims in book reviews, while also providing a platform for information exchange and local UFO group activities. The inclusion of a quote questioning the legitimacy of a degree suggests a degree of skepticism or a focus on factual accuracy regarding individuals in the field.