NARO Minded - 1996 01 - No 1

Magazine Overview

NARO MINDED, Issue 1, dated January 1996, is a quarterly illustrated magazine published by NARO PUBLICATION. It covers investigations into paranormal phenomena, with a cover price of £1.50. The main cover story is 'THE ROCHDALE POLTERGEIST CASE', with other featured articles including 'MENWITH SECRET FACILITY', 'CLATTERBRIDGE UFO CASE', 'THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE', 'ANGELS IN STOCKPORT', and 'A HISTORICAL LOOK AT UFOS'.

NARO Organization

The magazine begins by explaining what 'NARO' stands for: Northern Anomalies Research Organisation. Founded in 1963 as MUFORA (Manchester UFO Research Association), it shifted focus from 'nuts and bolts' UFOs to the psychic dynamics of paranormal experiences, including Near Death Experiences (NDEs). NARO affiliated with the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (AS-SAP) in January 1994. It comprises around twenty members who investigate paranormal claims part-time, with a strict membership policy and a waiting list. The organization's aims are to find rational explanations for phenomena, document cases, educate the public and media, and convince the scientific establishment of the validity of some cases. NARO has approximately 2,000 cases on file, and scientists often provide expertise, indicating a growing acceptance of anomalies that defy rational explanations. Peter A. Hough is listed as Chairman.

Articles and Investigations

Wet! Wet! Wet!

This article by Peter Hough details an investigation into a poltergeist case in Rochdale. The Gardners, a couple living in a prefabricated bungalow, reported water dripping from their ceilings for ten months, initially suspecting leaking pipes. Despite thorough checks, no leaks were found. The phenomenon continued even during a hot, dry summer. When the investigators, Stephen Mera and Alicia Leigh, arrived, they witnessed water dripping from the ceiling in the hallway and on a kitchen door. Jeanette, the Gardners' daughter, appeared to be the catalyst for the disturbances, which also included disembodied voices and the levitation of objects. The investigators explored the possibility of a hoax but noted that a nail from which an ornament had fallen was conveniently placed, and the hole showed no signs of tampering. During the interview, water suddenly arced across the hall ceiling, and later, Stephen's car alarm inexplicably went off when Alicia opened the door. Samples of water were taken for analysis, and a vigil was planned.

Menwith in Question?

Stephen Mera recounts an experience in July 1995 on Ilkley Moor where he and colleagues observed hot air balloons and a dark, round object descending rapidly near the Menwith Hill Station, a facility known for its UFO sightings. Curiosity led them to the station, which features numerous domes, aerials, lighting, CCTV, and armed guards. They were informed by the MOD that the station had been decommissioned, yet it was clearly active with many vehicles. They were also told that photographing the facility would result in arrest and were asked if they were UFO enthusiasts. The article suggests that Menwith Hill, a top-secret NSA listening facility, might be involved in monitoring UFO activity, given its proximity to reported sightings.

Angels in Stockport?

Mervyn Gale writes about a peculiar incident involving a library index error that led him to the correct information for his research into a house at '77 Enfield Way'. He describes this as a 'Library Angel' phenomenon, similar to what Colin Wilson calls it. However, Gale cautions that these 'angels' might be elementals or modern-day fairies, suggesting that what they give with one hand, they might take with the other, alluding to 'alien implants'.

A Potted History of UFOs (Part One)

Peter North begins a series on UFO history, focusing on early US government projects. He highlights the 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold, who described objects flying like a 'saucer would if you skipped it across the water', leading to the term 'Flying Saucers'. The article notes that the US Airforce began calling these sightings 'Unidentified Flying Objects' and discusses the controversy and mystification surrounding them. It mentions the 'Foo Fighters' observed by pilots and the subsequent censorship of this information until the end of World War II.

The Near Death Experience: Its Relevance to Life and the Paranormal

This article by Mark Glover discusses Near Death Experiences (NDEs), referencing Dr. Raymond Moody and Dr. Peter Fenwick. It outlines 23 distinct aspects of NDEs, including ineffability, out-of-body awareness, a sense of peace, passage through a tunnel, encounters with deceased individuals and 'beings of light', life reviews, and profound after-effects like psychic abilities and loss of the fear of death. The article notes that mundane explanations like oxygen starvation or drug effects have been largely ruled out by medical experts, with research by Dr. Peter Sabom showing significant correlations between NDE accounts and resuscitation procedures.

Divine or Demonic?

Alicia Leigh explores the controversial topic of crystal healing. She contrasts the views of aromatherapist Lorraine Phillips, who believes crystals have been used for healing since ancient times and were central to Atlantis, with those of Christian fundamentalist John Curran. Curran argues that the Bible mentions crystals only five times and not in connection with healing, asserting that any healing apart from prayer is the work of demons. The article notes the reversal of attitudes towards healers and spiritualists over time.

Hair Today! Gone Tomorrow!

Stephen Mera details a case involving Clare Aitken, who reported her Mini Metro's exhaust discharging clumps of 'hair' for three weeks. Initially suspected as wadding from the silencer, the length of the material (twelve feet) was deemed unusual. Austin Rover offered to analyze a sample, and it was determined to be wadding from the silencer unit, which was illegal two years prior to the exhaust being fitted. The wadding was a mix of horse hair and artificial fibres, thus solving the case as non-supernatural.

Sitting on the Fence Without Prejudice

Tony Cranstoun discusses the tendency for researchers and the general public to live within defined parameters, categorizing information into 'boxes'. He suggests that open-minded thinking and coincidences are leading researchers into new areas where paranormal activities overlap. Cranstoun notes that while technology can help filter claims, solid hard evidence for paranormal events remains elusive, but hopes that through scientific study and collaboration, some anomalies may be understood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

NARO MINDED positions itself as an investigative magazine exploring anomalous phenomena, with a stated aim of finding rational explanations where appropriate. The publication encourages reader submissions and maintains a policy of not publishing the names and addresses of witnesses unless they are in the public domain. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, seeking evidence and reasoned analysis while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy conventional understanding. The magazine covers a range of topics from UFOs and poltergeists to NDEs and alternative healing, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained. The recurring theme is the investigation of mysteries that lie beyond the ordinary, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.