NARO Minded - 1996 04 - No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NARO MINDED
Issue Date: April 1996
Issue Number: 2
Price: £1.50

This issue of NARO MINDED, a publication of the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation (NARO), explores a variety of paranormal phenomena. The cover headline, "BEYOND SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION," sets the tone for articles covering the Rochdale Poltergeist Case (Part Two), continuing research into Near Death Experiences (NDEs), a historical look at UFOs (Part Two), psychometry, camera apparitions, and circular depressions.

NARO's Mission and Structure

The article "What does 'NARO' stand for?" by Peter A. Hough, Chairman, explains that NARO was founded in 1963 as MUFORA (Manchester UFO Research Association) and was renamed in January 1994 to reflect a broader interest in anomalous phenomena beyond just UFOs, including NDEs. NARO comprises around twenty part-time members who investigate paranormal claims. Their aims are to find rational explanations, document cases, educate the public and media, and convince the scientific establishment of the validity of some phenomena. NARO has approximately 2,000 cases on file, and scientists are increasingly offering their expertise, indicating a shift in attitude towards anomalies.

Beyond Scientific Explanation?

Written by Alicia Leigh, this article delves into the nature of psychic abilities, focusing on psychometry. It highlights the work of psychometrist Gerard Croiset and introduces Alan Smith, who was unaware of his psychic gift. Leigh recounts her own experience being read by Smith, who accurately described her portraying Brittania with a trident in the Altrincham festival, a detail difficult to explain through conventional means like local newspapers. The author acknowledges the difficulty in proving psychic ability and the skepticism faced by those who claim it.

Wet Wet Wet (Part Two)

By Peter Hough, this article continues the investigation into a poltergeist case. Tests on water samples revealed high concentrations of calcium, sodium, and chloride. The phenomena began when Jeanette, Vera's daughter, moved into the bungalow. During a vigil, objects levitated, a picture flew across the room, disembodied voices were heard, and the scent of liquorice tobacco (Jeanette's father's favorite brand) was detected. A bronze statuette mysteriously appeared, and strange sensations like 'fine rain' were experienced. The investigation pointed towards Vera's deceased husband, Geoffrey, who had died in the hallway.

The Bronze Statuette

This section details an incident during the poltergeist investigation where a bronze statuette suddenly appeared. The video camera was not operating in that area at the time. The statuette was identified as a gift from Geoffrey to Vera, and it was noted that it was displayed in the house when Geoffrey was alive.

Conrad & Jasper

This section features a cartoon with the caption "SHE'S PROBABLY LEFT IT AT THE HAIRDRESSERS, YOU KNOW HOW VAIN SHE IS." The characters Conrad and Jasper are depicted.

Crop Circles or Crab-Apples?

By Stephen Mera, this article discusses the controversial phenomenon of crop circles. Mera believes the phenomenon is authentic, despite acknowledging that at least 99% are hoaxes. He notes that crop circle reports predate the 1800s. The article mentions Doug Bower and David Chorley, who claimed responsibility for many formations using simple tools. However, Mera suggests that not all crop circles are faked, citing investigations that revealed unusual details, such as formations not being cleanly pressed and birds found in pieces. Experiments involving microwave radiation on crop samples showed remarkable effects, potentially explaining some of the anomalies.

The Near Death Experience: Its Relevance to Life and the Paranormal (Part Two)

By Mark Glover, this article explores the relevance of NDEs to life and the paranormal. It discusses criticisms of NDEs, such as those by Dr. Susan Blackmore, who attributes the imagery to brain aberrations. Glover also touches upon the ideas of Dr. David Darling and Dr. Darryl Reanney, who suggest NDEs might offer a glimpse into consciousness continuing after death. The article includes a case study of George Cieslik, who experienced an NDE after surgery, describing a slowing of time and a choice between returning to his body or going towards a light.

A Potted History of UFOs (Part Two)

By Peter North, this article traces the history of UFO sightings from ancient Egypt (1500 BC) to modern times. It mentions sightings by Alexander the Great, a Texan farmer in 1878, and British princes in 1881. The article covers the emergence of airship-type UFOs, the 'Foo Fighters' during World War II, 'Ghost Rockets' over Scandinavia, and the Tunguska explosion. It also discusses the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947 and the Roswell incident, noting the prevalence of triangular UFOs today.

Curiosity Corner

By Carole Morse, this piece recounts an incident where a video recording of television programs showed brief interference, displaying 'bikers' revving their engines on a village green. This image reappeared on the next program, and the cause remains unexplained.

Camera Apparitions

Authored by Alec Mera, this article discusses unusual images or spectres appearing in photographs and video recordings. Mera questions how these images are captured, suggesting that perhaps spirits or phenomena exist on a different time scale, allowing them to be captured by fast camera exposures.

Investigators Profile

This section features interviews with two NARO investigators: Tony Cranstoun (Interrogation 1) and Stephen Mera (Interrogation 2). Cranstoun, 30, became interested in the paranormal in 1979, focusing on UFOs and Earth light phenomena. He discusses his equipment and ideal paranormal incidents, including government cover-ups and admired investigators like Jacques Vallee. Mera, 29, has been investigating for about 10 years, specializing in UFO-related incidents and poltergeists. He mentions his equipment, including video cameras and a 'nuclear reactor back pack,' and his interest in Area 51. Both investigators express their views on evidence, government cover-ups, and preferred historical cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of psychic abilities (psychometry), the possibility of consciousness beyond the physical body (NDEs), the history and reality of UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena captured on film, and the ongoing investigation of poltergeist activity and crop circles. The editorial stance, as stated on page 15, is that the American magazine mentioned is a "total fabrication" and that NARO MINDED aims to present "real serious stuff." The publication policy is not to publish the names and addresses of witnesses unless they are already in the public domain.

Title: NARO MINDED
Issue: 1996
Publisher: NARO (Northern Anomalies Research Organisation)
Date: 1996

This issue of NARO MINDED, published in 1996, delves into a variety of paranormal and UFO-related topics, featuring articles that blend historical accounts with contemporary investigations. The cover story, "Altered Images," by David Tierney, explores the possibility that UFO phenomena and encounters with non-human entities may not be solely a 20th-century occurrence, drawing parallels between ancient texts and modern UFO reports. The magazine also features "The Clatterbridge UFO Part Two" by Tony Eccles, which continues the investigation into a specific sighting, examining potential explanations such as aircraft, weather phenomena, and laser displays. Other articles include "Strange Encounters on the Isle of Man," which details several local legends and sightings, "Caught on Camera," discussing a photograph that may or may not be a hoax, and "The Manchester Triangles," an investigation into triangular UFO sightings. The issue also includes "Visions in Blue," a report on a strange incident involving blue lights, and "Klaatu Barada Nikto: A Talk With Stanton Friedman," an interview with the physicist and UFOlogist.

Altered Images by David Tierney

David Tierney's article, "Altered Images," posits that UFOs and their occupants might have been observed since the dawn of civilization, not just in the modern era. He references ancient texts, such as the prophet Ezekiel's description of 'wheels within wheels,' suggesting these could be interpreted as early descriptions of flying objects. Tierney also touches upon medieval folklore, citing a 1600s account of a midwife guided by an 'earthman' (Gnome) through a series of doors to a hidden chamber. A more specific Welsh folklore example from around 1825 involves two young men, Rhys and Llewellyn, who encountered fairy music and dancing. Rhys became entranced and later fell ill and died, leading Tierney to suggest a continuity between fairy reports and UFO phenomena, particularly abductions and time loss. He notes the shift in modern reports from 'Flying Saucers' to 'Flying Triangles' and the emergence of 'Greys' as a prevalent alien type, questioning if this reflects a societal need for new belief systems.

The Clatterbridge UFO Part Two by Tony Eccles

Tony Eccles continues his investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred in November and December 1995. He initially contacted Air Traffic Control at Liverpool Airport to rule out aircraft, but the strong lights did not resemble conventional aircraft. The airport suggested a helicopter might be responsible, especially under certain weather conditions like mist, which could create the appearance of a disc. Eccles consulted Bidston Observatory, which reported mild winds and rising humidity, conditions conducive to mirages (inferior or superior) that could distort light. He also contacted the police, who had no record of any incidents. Astronomically, the sky was clear with Venus visible, and meteor showers were not a likely cause. Eccles notes that the witnesses described the lights as bright, round, and close together, similar to car headlights. He then investigates the possibility of a laser display, learning that the Grange Country Club in Thornton Hough had a laser show on the evening of October 15th, though it started about an hour and a half after the reported sighting. He leaves open the possibility of other laser shows in the area that could be seen from a distance. The investigation remains ongoing, with the object currently unidentified due to insufficient data.

Strange Encounters on the Isle of Man

This section compiles several local legends and alleged sightings from the Isle of Man.

Ballahick Farm

An account from Ballahick Farm describes a UFO-like experience where a house was lit up, and the witness was invited to join a dance with strange women. The imagery of a lit-up house is noted as being similar to modern UFO descriptions. The story suggests a connection to folklore where supernatural beings appear.

Beary Farm

Near Ballacraine, a witness reported seeing a circle of supernatural light at Beary Farm, within which spirits became visible. Small beings, dressed as soldiers, appeared and moved in formation. When the witness approached and made a noise, the light and figures vanished. The account is attributed to Mr. T.C. Kermode, who claimed it as a personal sighting from about 40 years prior.

Lag-ny-keilly

Lag-ny-keilly, meaning 'Keeill Site or Holy Well,' is described as an isolated location near Dalby. A fisherman reported encountering a dense grey mist and hearing sounds like children leaving school. He then saw a fleet of 'fairy boats' with riding lights shining like stars. A fairy voice was heard saying, "Poor times and dirty weather and herring enough for people of this world, nothing at us." The fisherman retreated.

Garwick Glen

Garwick Glen is presented as a location with paranormal activity. A person walking at night heard talking and felt an invisible throng. They then saw three human-like beings of medium size, realizing they were not human. The experience continued even after leaving the immediate area, with the feeling of invisible beings accompanying the person for a mile. The witness remained calm and eventually felt the experience had ended.

Ballona Bridge

Ballona Bridge, located on the main Douglas-Castletown road, is known for stories of fairies fighting and ghosts. Locals reportedly greet the fairy folk when crossing the bridge to avoid bad luck. The area also features prehistoric remains, including the Cloven Stones and an Earthwork. The article questions the significance of these sites and the potential disappearance of traditions.

Caught on Camera

This article discusses a photograph presented by a hobbyist photographer, which depicts a ghostly figure. The author notes that while the photo might be dismissed as fake by analysts, the owner claims it was a test and not intended to deceive. The article suggests that such photographs make the job of investigators more difficult.

The Manchester Triangles by Stephen Mera

Stephen Mera recounts his own sighting of a UFO on February 8th, 1996, at approximately 12:22 p.m. on Kings Road in Stretford. He observed a small red light darting upwards and downwards, which disappeared suddenly. Later, he learned that four students had reported a UFO sighting live on Talk Radio F.M. at a similar time and location. Further investigation revealed the students were actually police officers who had received calls from an 'official source' asking questions about their sighting, leading them to become wary and unwilling to discuss it further. Mera then describes receiving a large response from the public after a newspaper article pleaded for witnesses, with many reporting sightings of triangle-shaped UFOs. He partnered with Jenny Randles and heard about a video recording of a triangular UFO seen in the Morecambe area. After interviewing police officers and other investigators, Mera concluded that many people were reporting sightings of this mysterious craft, and he attempted to map routes and gather information on UFO reports in the Bolton and Wigan areas.

Visions in Blue

This section details an incident reported by a businessman named Duncan Andrews and his wife Lucy in South Manchester during the first two weeks of February. Duncan reported seeing a strange blue light in their bedroom that seemed to have intelligence, moving rapidly. He also noted that a passive infra red detector was flashing erratically. Despite the unusual activity, Lucy, who is usually a lighter sleeper, did not wake up. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. The infra red sensor continued to work perfectly afterward, but the rapid flashing could not be recreated. The floorboards creaked unusually, but the beings described were not seen by Lucy, who only heard about the details second-hand. The article concludes that while blue lights are sometimes associated with abductions, this case currently lacks a rational explanation.

Klaatu Barada Nikto: A Talk With Stanton Friedman by Mervyn Gale

Mervyn Gale interviews physicist Stanton Friedman, who discusses his evidence for the physical reality of alien surveillance. Friedman dismisses critics as 'noisy negativists' and refers to witnesses whose experiences are deemed psychological as 'nuts.' He highlights the 'starmap' relayed by Betty Hill, authenticated by astronomers in 1968, as evidence. However, Gale points out potential inconsistencies, questioning the astronomers Friedman mocked earlier. Gale also notes that Friedman displayed photographs, including the Rex Heflin photo (known to be fraudulent) and a 1974 Hawaiian holiday snap of Tsutomu Nakayama, without mentioning their questionable authenticity. Friedman also discusses MJ12 documents and warns about humanity's unfitness to join a 'Space Brotherhood.' The interview concludes with Friedman's statement about a photograph: "If that's a conventional aircraft, I'll eat my hat," prompting Gale to question why not Rex Heflin's.

NARO 1996 Paranormal Conference

An announcement for the upcoming NARO 1996 Paranormal Conference, to be held at the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology in September. It features Jenny Randles and many others. Contact details for Stephen Mera and Anthony Eccles are provided for more information.

Credits

The credits page lists the contributors to the magazine, including authors for various articles such as "Beyond Scientific Explanation," "Wet Wet Wet (Part Two)," "Conrad & Jasper," "The Near Death Experience (Part Two)," "A Potted History of UFOs (Part Two)," "Curiosity Corner," "Camera Apparitions," "Crop Circles or Crab-Apples," "Investigator's Profile," "Altered Images," "The Clatterbridge UFO (Part Two)," "Strange Encounters on the Isle of Man," "Caught on Camera," "The Manchester Triangles," "Visions in Blue," and "Klaatu Barada Nikto." It also lists the NARO team members, including the Chairman, Secretary, Editor, Vice-Chairman, Librarian, Artist, Publisher, and photography credits.

Subscribe to Naro Minded

Information on how to subscribe to NARO MINDED, a quarterly illustrated magazine. The subscription costs £8.00 for 4 issues per year, including postage. A subscription form is provided, along with the mailing address for NARO MINDED.

Contact Information

Contact details are provided for Peter Hough, Stephen Mera & Alicia Leigh, and Vic Sleigh & Carole Morse for inquiries related to NARO publications and anomalous phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of NARO MINDED are UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, folklore, and the challenges of investigating such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many cases. There's a clear interest in historical parallels to modern UFO reports and a critical approach to evidence, as seen in the interview with Stanton Friedman. The magazine encourages reader participation through its hot-line and subscription offers, fostering a community of interest in the unexplained.