NARO Minded - 1996 08 - No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: NARO MINDED
Issue: 3
Date: August 1996
Publisher: NARO PUBLICATION
Price: £1.50

This issue of NARO MINDED, a publication by the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation (NARO), delves into various paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on hauntings, UFOs, and Near Death Experiences (NDEs).

Editorial

The editorial apologizes for the poor quality of photographs in the magazine, attributing it to the cost of scanners, but promises to improve. It also announces a change in magazine size from A6 to A4 to provide more articles and better value. Readers are alerted to the Manchester X-Files Convention on July 5th-6th, 1997, featuring guest speakers like Alicia Leigh, Jenny Randles, Nick Pope, and 'Deep-Throat'. The editor, Stephen Mera, invites readers to submit articles for consideration.

What does 'NARO' stand for?

NARO, formerly MUFORA (Manchester UFO Research Association), was founded in 1963 to address the growing interest in UFOs. Recognizing the overlap between UFO experiences and other anomalous phenomena like Near Death Experiences (NDEs), it changed its name in January 1994 to the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation and affiliated with ASSAP. NARO comprises about twenty members who investigate paranormal claims part-time, with a waiting list for membership. Its aims include finding rational explanations, documenting cases, educating the public and media, and convincing the scientific establishment of the validity of some anomalous cases. NARO has approximately 2,000 cases on file.

Contents

The issue features articles on Chingle Hall, Near Death Experience, The Hamilton Haunting, The Laguna Crop Circle, Conrad & Jasper, Curiosity Corner, Gatley Station, The Mining Museum Mystery, A Potted History of UFOs, Searching the Stars, The Stretford Fairy Ring, Phantom Airships, and an Incubus Encounter.

Chingle Hall Investigated

This extensive section details NARO's investigation into Chingle Hall, a historic house in England with a reputation for being haunted. The article traces the Hall's history from its construction in 1260 by Adam De Singleton, through various ownerships, including the Wall family and the discovery of priest hides by Nicholas Owen. It mentions John Wall, a Franciscan priest executed for treason, whose head is rumored to be concealed at the Hall. The investigation involved overnight vigils in January 1996, with teams documenting paranormal events. The report describes experiences such as unexplained cold spots, strange lights, and apparitions, including a sighting by Alicia of a blue-white glowing 'blob'. Alicia also experienced significant static electricity discharge. The investigation utilized video cameras, audio recorders, and thermometers. A medium, Val Field, also visited the Hall and corroborated some of the reported phenomena, particularly concerning a cold spot in Connor's bedroom and the description of an apparition.

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

Written by Mark Glover, this article explores the connection between Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and UFO abduction experiences, referencing researchers like Kenneth Ring and Jenny Randles. It discusses the 'Oz Factor,' out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and profound mystical emotions associated with both phenomena. While Susan Blackmore found no link between OBEs and UFO abductions, Gloria Dixon of B.U.F.O.R.A. suggests a connection. The article notes that NDEs seem more strongly related to paranormal experiences than to UFOs or mystical beliefs, potentially supporting the objective reality of UFOs. The profound impact of NDEs on experiencers, including enhanced psychic ability and a reduced fear of death, is highlighted. A case study describes a woman's NDE experience in Lake Garda, Italy, in 1969, involving a feeling of a 'warm and welcoming light' and a sensation of having webbed fingers.

The Hamilton Haunting

This article by Alicia Leigh recounts the experiences of the Hamilton family in their newly built home. They reported a series of unsettling events, including the constant loss of personal items, unexplained cold spots, and a ghostly apparition seen by Amanda. Their son, Connor, suffered from severe nocturnal asthma attacks, later found to be unrelated to asthma. The family also experienced a strange smell and a potted plant being thrown across the room. Alan Hamilton became deeply depressed. The paranormal investigator, Alicia Leigh, conducted an overnight vigil with other investigators, documenting phenomena such as moving fridge magnets, an apparition of a man seen by Alan and the investigator, and unexplained music. A medium, Val Field, also visited and confirmed the presence of a cold spot and described an apparition that correlated with the investigator's description. Following the investigation, the paranormal activity and Connor's night terrors ceased.

The 1996 Laguna Canyon Crop Circle Formation

Authored by Ed & Kris Sherwood of CSETI USA, this article details a crop circle formation discovered in Laguna Canyon, California, on March 9th, 1996. The formation consisted of three glyphs and was analyzed for its characteristics, including the bent plants and the soil texture. Samples were sent to Dr. Levengood, a biophysicist, who confirmed its authenticity. The article notes the formation's similarity to Native American rock art and sacred objects like the 'Sun Staff,' used by the Gabrielino and Chumash tribes. The timing of the crop circle's appearance coincided with the visibility of Comet Hyakutake and followed a pattern of celestial-themed crop circles in previous years. The authors suggest the formation might be a warning about impending destruction from space.

Caroles Curiosity Corner

This section features reader-submitted oddities. One account describes a childhood experience of finding a strange 'blue' ball that discharged electricity. Another report details a building society cashier who has served the same customer over 98% of the time, suggesting more than coincidence. A third account recounts a strange incident where a large black dog appeared in front of a car in Manchester without causing any impact or damage. Finally, a report describes a peculiar encounter at a petrol station where a strange, artificial-looking man was observed.

Gatley Station

Written by Mervyn Gale, this piece describes a commute on a train to Gatley station. The author, engrossed in a short story about an undead air raid warden during the London Blitz, initially believes he is alone in the carriage. However, he hears a child ask her mother, "What's an air raid warden?" The mother's hesitant reply suggests an unusual query. The author reflects on the story's theme of the undead and the unexpected question from the child.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are hauntings, UFOs, crop circles, and Near Death Experiences, all investigated through a lens of paranormal research. NARO's stance is one of systematic investigation, seeking rational explanations where possible while acknowledging the objective validity of some anomalous phenomena. The magazine aims to document cases, educate the public, and contribute to the scientific understanding of the unexplained.

Title: NARO MINDED
Issue: ISSUE 1
Date: 1996

This issue of NARO MINDED magazine, a quarterly illustrated publication, delves into a variety of paranormal and UFO-related topics, offering investigations, historical accounts, and reviews.

The Mining Museum Mystery

This article by Andrew Blunn details an investigation by NARO into paranormal reports at the Lancashire Mining Museum. The team, consisting of Anthony Cranstoun, Peter North, and Mervyn Gale, visited the museum on March 27, 1996. The museum, located on Eccles Old Road, features a basement representation of cramped mining conditions and an upper floor with mining artifacts. The curator, Alan Davis, recounted an experience on the night of March 14th where he heard aggressive breathing behind him in the tunnels. Other staff members, Linda, Geoff, Vanessa, and Cristine, also shared their experiences. Vanessa reported hearing breathing sounds in the first-floor display room, similar to Alan's description. Linda and Geoff heard loud footsteps on the first floor when the building was empty. The article notes that the building's alarm system was deactivated by them. There's also mention of a possible incident involving Christine seeing a figure in the display room that vanished. A more recent event involved a coal cutting machine vibrating and moving on its own. The article concludes that further research is needed, including background information and interviews, and notes the difficulty of overnight vigils at a public building. The investigation is ongoing, with part two promised in the next issue.

Potted History of UFOs: Part Three

Peter North contributes the third part of this historical series, focusing on the Roswell incident. He begins by recounting the sighting of a "large glowing object" by a couple in Roswell, New Mexico, on July 2, 1947. This is followed by Rancher Mac Brazel's discovery of debris on his property, described as a metallic foil-like substance that was thin, pliable, and tough, resisting attempts to bend or crease it. Strange markings were noted on some fragments. Major Jesse Marcel and a counter-intelligence agent inspected the wreckage. The following day, the area was sealed off, and troops were heard. Marcel later stated the debris was unlike anything he had ever seen. The article mentions the official explanation of a weather balloon recovery, which is contrasted with the initial "flying disk" statement published in the Roswell Daily Record. The debate over the 'Aluminized Saran' substance used in high-altitude balloons is discussed, noting its difference from the Roswell debris. The article touches upon the controversy surrounding alleged autopsy videos and photographs, questioning whether a fake autopsy video would discredit the entire Roswell incident. The author concludes by stating that the debate continues and the public is left to believe what they wish.

Searching the Stars

Stephen Mera discusses the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). He explains that the 'I' in SETI refers to intelligence, necessary for radio contact. The article highlights the philosophical significance of discovering extra-terrestrial consciousness, even if not meeting human definitions of intelligence. The history of SETI is traced back to Frank Drake's 1960 experiment using a 200-meter dish to scan for signals from Epsilon Eridani and Tau Ceti. Despite not finding a signal, this experiment became a model for modern SETI. The article mentions NASA terminating its search in 1981, partly due to Senator Proxmire's objections, and the controversial 'WOW!' signal. It notes the difficulty in defining and measuring intelligence and the skepticism scientists have towards unverified claims. The Wright brothers' aircraft and bumblebee flight are used as analogies for scientific understanding. The article mentions the funding of SETI by organizations like the Planetary Society, formed by Carl Sagan and others. The development of systems like 'Suitcase SETI' and 'Megachannel Extra-terrestrial Assay' (META) is detailed, including the Argentinian META II project. The article also references the 'Sky Watch' project and the search for signals from the Magellanic Clouds. A humorous anecdote about a radio signal from the Parkes observatory being traced to a microwave oven is included. The article concludes by emphasizing the collaborative effort behind SETI and the hope of obtaining extra-terrestrial contact.

Phantom Airships: Nineteenth Century UFOs?

Peter Hough explores historical accounts of mysterious "phantom airships" sighted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, predating modern UFO phenomena. He notes that while many believe UFOs are a post-WWII development, historical references to "fiery chariots" suggest earlier sightings. The article cites numerous newspaper accounts from the time, describing sightings of mysterious airships that parallel modern UFO encounters, except they involved cumbersome dirigibles with human crews. The author points out the absurdity shared between these airship reports and modern UFO sightings. Early sightings are mentioned from 1880 in New Mexico, involving a cigar-shaped craft with ten people aboard who threw items overboard, including a flower and a slip of paper with oriental letters. A stranger examined these items, identified them as Asiatic, and purchased them. This is compared to George Adamski's alleged gifts from aliens and Joe Simonton's claim of receiving cakes from flying saucer crews. The article also draws parallels to the "Men In Black" phenomenon, where evidence is allegedly confiscated and witnesses are advised to remain silent. The period between November 1896 and May 1897 saw sightings in over nineteen states, describing elongated objects with bright searchlights and wings, flying against the wind with a hissing or humming noise. A specific incident in Sacramento is described, where an "electric arc lamp" was seen in the sky. The article mentions reports of large, cigar-shaped objects with wings and the sound of laughter from the craft. A voice allegedly called down, "We hope to be in San Francisco by tomorrow noon!". The author suggests that these "inventors" were likely normal human beings making test flights. A "Typical Incident" describes Captain James Hooten's encounter with an airship that appeared to be in mechanical trouble. He observed a man wearing smoked glasses tinkering with the ship, and when he approached, the man greeted him. The airship was described as medium-sized, and the encounter involved the sound of an air pump. The article concludes by noting the similarities between this historical account and modern UFO scenarios, suggesting a "stereotyped script" where only the "props" and finer details have changed.

The Stretford Fairy Ring

Stephen Mera reports on an unusual circular marking found on a lawn in Stretford, Manchester. The marking, approximately fifteen feet across, consisted of darkened grass with small mushrooms growing within it. The gardener, who had lived there since 1974, stated the circle was present then and had been treated with chemicals to remove it. Soil samples showed good quality soil. The article connects fairy rings to folklore, where they are believed to be the result of fairies dancing. It mentions that fairy rings are sometimes associated with enchantments and time slips. The mushrooms found were identified as Marasmius Orcades, commonly known as Fairy Ring Champions. The article concludes that the origin and appearance of these rings remain inconclusive.

The Incubus Encounter

Stephen Mera details an investigation into a case involving Julie Rutter, who reported experiencing bedroom visitations. Mrs. Rutter described her husband's encounter with a large black mass that moved with him and passed through brick walls. She later experienced a similar black mass hovering above her while in bed, accompanied by electric shocks and pressure on her chest. She also reported finding marks on her body and a phantom pregnancy despite her husband's vasectomy. The investigation explored potential rational explanations, including Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) and drug-induced hallucinations, but found them unlikely. The authors lean towards Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and suggest the possibility of a poltergeist activity or an "incubus interaction," defined as a male demonic entity that preys sexually on sleeping females. The case is classified as an unusual poltergeist interaction with standard activity and a possible incubus stage. The authors note that the witness seemed relieved that the conclusion was not extra-terrestrial. The case is classified as having "Insufficient Information" for further investigation at this time.

Magazine Reviews

The magazine includes a "Magazine Review" section that assesses several other publications related to UFOs and the paranormal:

• UFO TIMES: Produced by BUFORA, it's a reasonable range of articles but could benefit from more content. Membership is required to obtain the magazine.
• UFO REALITY: A well-presented newsstand magazine with good photographs and free group advertising, covering UFO incidents.
• FORTEAN TIMES: A magazine covering worldwide anomalies, described as humorous and well-constructed.
• SIGHTINGS: A large magazine covering UFO news from around the world, with some pages noted as being wasted with color backing.
• UFO MAGAZINE: A bi-monthly magazine with UFO information, good photographs, and interesting articles, but becoming Americanized and sometimes hard to swallow.
• ENCOUNTERS: A well-formatted magazine with advertisements and familiar articles, but criticized for bad spelling.
• NEXUS: A bi-monthly magazine lacking color, with interesting articles but also many adverts. It's described as potentially appealing to a specific audience.
• SKYSEARCH: A quarterly magazine with UFO-related material, but with a significant portion dedicated to adverts and brief articles.
• PHENOMENA NEWS: An A6 booklet featuring paranormal accounts, sketches, and articles, suggested to be better if it were A4 with more articles.
• FATE: An American magazine criticized for having more advertisements than articles, described as dull and boring, and suggested to have stayed in the US.
• STRANGE DAYS: A 27-page magazine of interesting articles and reviews, described as enjoyable.
• UFO LIBRARY: Another American magazine criticized for its numerous advertisements, poorly written articles, and lack of photographs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of NARO MINDED are UFO sightings, historical paranormal events, and the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine appears to maintain an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting various accounts and theories while also critically reviewing other publications in the field. There is a clear interest in historical parallels to modern UFO phenomena and a willingness to explore less conventional explanations, such as poltergeist activity and potential demonic influences, alongside more scientific approaches like SETI. The editorial stance seems to favor detailed reporting and encourages reader participation through reporting unusual experiences.

This document is a single-page publication from the NARO (Northern Anomalies Research Organisation), dated 1996. It functions as a direct appeal to the public to share their experiences with anomalous phenomena.

Call for Reports

The central message of the publication is a clear invitation: "Would be interested to hear from anyone who has experienced any anomalous phenomena." This indicates that NARO is actively seeking firsthand accounts and testimonials from individuals who may have encountered unexplained events or occurrences.

Contact Information

To facilitate these reports, the publication provides a list of contact persons and their associated telephone numbers. These contacts are:

• Peter Hough: 01942 604 265
• Stephen Mera & Alicia Leigh: 0161 905 3047
• Vic Sleigh & Carole Morse: 0161 280 1606

This detailed contact list suggests a structured approach by NARO to gather information and engage with potential witnesses.

Publisher and Copyright

The publication is identified as a "NARO PUBLICATION" and carries a copyright notice for "NARO 1996". This confirms the origin and the year of its release.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the investigation and documentation of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a desire to collect data from the public. The publication serves as a direct outreach tool, encouraging individuals to share their experiences with the organization.