Nessletter - No 032 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No.32
Date: February 1979
Publisher: Ness Information Service

This issue of the Nessletter, published by Ness Information Service, enters its fifth year and expresses gratitude to its members for their news, ideas, and well wishes. The editor notes that membership is just under 200, with new subscriptions replacing lapsed ones. The editor apologizes for any unanswered queries and encourages members to write again.

Smith Film TV Showing

The issue highlights the debut of Peter and Gwen Smith's short super-8 colour movie sequence, purportedly showing a 'Nessie' head and neck surfacing at Loch Ness. This film was shown on BBC 1 T.V. news on February 5th, arranged through Tim Dinsdale and Nick Witchell. Following the broadcast, Peter and Gwen Smith, along with Christopher Idle, were interviewed for the TV program 'Nationwide'. The article includes additional commentary by Peter Smith to address potential hoax concerns.

Further thoughts on the Smith Film, by Peter Smith

Peter Smith, an accountant with fifteen years of experience, provides a detailed account and analysis of the Loch Ness sighting captured on film by himself and his wife, Gwen. He argues that the sighting could not have been an inanimate object deliberately placed to mislead.

Key points from Peter Smith's analysis:

• Witness Sincerity: He asserts that the two other persons present, Idle and Coulton, were genuine, good-humoured youths who were as bemused as the Smiths. He found Idle to be shaken by the experience and Coulton to be amused and fascinated.
• Object Behavior: Smith describes the animal's movements as controlled, not exhibiting the 'bobbing' or swinging expected from wind or water effects on a dummy. He notes the head turned ninety degrees at one point and that the entire object moved vertically.
• Physical Description: The object appeared as a 'leathery, naked skin' through binoculars, paradoxically seeming 'right' despite the absence of distinct features. Gwen recalled a 'crownto the head' which he could not be certain about.
• Hoax Rebuttal: Smith questions the logistics and purpose of a hoax, deeming it incredible to go to such lengths. He points out that the object's visibility was limited and dependent on chance. He also questions the financial resources and operational complexity required for a hoax.
• Conclusion: Both Peter and Gwen Smith are absolutely convinced that they witnessed a live, intelligent animal.

Watson Pictures

This section discusses copies of photographs taken by Jeffrey, showing a wake on Loch Ness. The photographs are described as clear, with the opposite (north) shore visible. A distinct wake is noted in the dark portion reflecting wooded slopes. In the fifth picture, a small black object, described as fairly substantial, is visible about halfway across the loch. The location is identified as Achnahannett, the former site of L.N.I. headquarters. The author notes the irony that despite a 35mm movie camera with a 1000 mm lens previously covering the area, Nessie did not appear on film there. Castle Urquhart is visible in the background of the later Watson pictures, but the wake is indistinct.

Obituaries

Clem Skelton: Clem Skelton died on February 5th, 1979, in Inverness. He was remembered by Loch Ness Investigation (L.N.I.) members for his work during mid-to-late 1960s expeditions, particularly at the Achnahannet headquarters. He married Alison in 1969, and their sons Alasdair and Justin were born. Clem Skelton became a successful author in America with his book 'Hardacre'. He was working on a trilogy at the time of his death.

'Ted' Holiday: F.W. Holiday, known as 'Ted', died in late February 1979 after suffering another heart attack. He was an early investigator of the Loch Ness phenomenon, a journalist, and writer on angling topics with knowledge of wildlife from fieldwork in Africa, India, and Iraq. His 'Orm' theory was the basis of his book 'The Great Orm of Loch Ness'. Ted conducted numerous solo expeditions to Loch Ness from 1962 to the early 1970s and was involved with L.N.I. in 1964. He published a second book, 'The Dragon and the Disc', in 1973, which connected Loch Ness with UFOs. Ted had his first heart attack in 1974 while staying at Strone Point. Grahame Snape sent condolences.

Addresses

Chris Green, a new member, is seeking to spend two to three months at Loch Ness during the summer and wishes to connect with others for idea exchange. His address is Wigbolds House, Long Wittenham, Abingdon, Oxon.

Jonathan de Buriatte also wants to spend time at Loch Ness during the summer holidays and is looking for others going up. His address is Tanglewood, East End, North Leigh, Oxon.

The editor notes that the two addresses are in the same county (Oxon) and are about twenty miles apart, suggesting they might connect.

Tail Ends

• Silver Charm: The size of a charm mentioned in a previous issue (NIS 31) was corrected to 30mm or 3 cms long.
• Swimming: The Inverness District Council's Leisure and Recreation Committee is distributing a pamphlet on the dangers of swimming in Highland lochs and streams, highlighting the consistently low water temperatures.

The newsletter concludes by reminding members that their news and views are always needed and provides the editor's address and subscription details (U.K. £1.75, North America $7.00).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing investigation and discussion surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts, photographic evidence, and detailed analysis to support the existence of an unknown creature, while also acknowledging and attempting to debunk potential hoaxes. The publication also serves as a community hub for researchers, sharing news, obituaries of significant figures, and practical information for those visiting the area.