Nessletter - No 054 - 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Ness Information Service, titled 'Nessletter No 54', published in October 1982, focuses heavily on the passing of Norman Collins and his significant contributions to both the broadcasting world and the study of the Loch Ness Monster. The publication is based in Huntshieldford, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, UK, and is produced by R.R. Hepple.

Norman Collins: A Tribute

The lead article is a tribute to Norman Collins, who died in London at the age of 74. His distinguished career spanned radio, television, and novel writing. He began in publishing with Oxford University Press and published his first novel in 1934, continuing to write until 1978. Collins joined the BBC in 1941, producing for its North American service, and was instrumental in launching the BBC's General Overseas Service in 1944. He became controller of the Light Programme in 1946, nurturing programs like 'Womens Hour' and 'Radio Newsreel'. In 1947, he was made Controller of Television, facing initial resistance but ultimately leading the service to break new ground with programs like 'In the News', which encouraged fearless political discussion. His forcefulness was key to the BBC covering the 1950 General Election results. Collins resigned from the BBC in 1950 after not being appointed Director of Television. For the next four years, he was a spearhead in the movement to create an alternative to the BBC. Upon the passing of the Television Act, he became vice-chairman of the Associated Television Corporation (ATV), a post he held until 1977.

Beyond his broadcasting career, Norman Collins was deeply interested in Loch Ness. He was the founder-chairman of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau (LNPIB), where he applied his influence and organizational skills to raise support and finances. The 1969 ITV expedition, though perhaps more publicity-oriented, used the best available equipment and significantly raised public awareness of the ongoing research at Loch Ness. The article emphasizes that while Collins's work prevented him from being a full-time 'monster-hunter', he visited the loch many times and remained a gentle gentleman. He continued his interest even after the LNPIB ceased field operations and was an early member of NIS, and his passing is deeply felt.

A further tribute by David James highlights Collins's role in the formation of the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau. James recounts how Collins, after reading his article in 'The Field', initiated a discussion that led to Collins becoming the first Chairman of the ATV Board, with ATV financing the Bureau's early work. James lists Collins's numerous other involvements, including the National Playing Fields Association, the Adoption Committee for the Aid of Displaced Persons, and the Council for Nature. However, James states that Loch Ness was particularly close to Collins's heart, recognizing him as a considerable naturalist and ornithologist. James remembers Collins for his wisdom, sympathy, and support, especially during controversial times for the Bureau. He notes that while Collins did not live to see the creatures identified, his efforts helped establish monster-searching as a reputable pastime and led to recognized research groups working at Loch Ness, Lake Champlain, and Lake Okanagan, whose work is gaining scientific recognition.

Sightings and Investigations

Roger Acraman has provided slides of potential Loch Ness sightings. The first shot, taken with a 150mm lens, shows a patch of disturbed water with a possible hump. Two subsequent shots with a 500mm lens provided less clear information. While the first shot is not definitively a creature, caution is advised, and all explanations must be considered and discounted to strengthen the case for believers.

Ireland

Several members have reported on the Irish side of the mystery. John Kain visited several loughs in the west of Ireland, mentioned in F.W. Holiday's book 'The Dragon and the Disc'. While the Irish loughs appeared smaller than Loch Ness, Ted Holiday noted that Irish animals were reported to be smaller. Kain spoke to a witness at Lochagh Lake but had no sightings himself.

'Doc' Shiels recounted his 1982 activities, which included traveling around Ireland with family and friends, earning a living as entertainers. They focused on lakes in Co. Kerry, particularly Lough Leane, known for its 'Great Worm'. They reported seeing enigmatic wakes and ripples but no positive sightings. Their plans for the next year include examining lakes in Galway and Mayo. Shiels also plans to organize an expedition to Loch Ness in April 1983, a 'Nessie-raising trip' aimed at invoking the creature and obtaining video footage.

Lionel Leslie reported on a sonar survey expedition for Bob Rines to Lough Derg, County Claire, from October 1st to 9th, 1982. The party included Bob Rines, Mr & Mrs Byren, Mr Needleman, Mr Curtiss, Ivor Newby, and Lionel Leslie. Lough Derg is described as 25 miles long, with clear water up to 120 feet deep. The expedition had a boat and accommodation ready, and local witnesses who reported hump or upturned boat sightings in 1981 were contacted. The expedition aimed to survey the lake bottom, study wildlife, and search for signs of aquatic creatures, deliberately avoiding the term 'monster'. On the third day, the sonar gear picked up a target much larger than any freshwater fish, appearing to be over 5 feet in depth.

An Irish member, who wishes to remain anonymous due to previous issues with publication, has requested any reports or stories of Irish lake sightings to be sent to the Nessletter for his research.

Another Photograph?

Michael Fitzgerald of Calgary sent a cutting from the Calgary Sunday Sun (September 5th, 1982) about a photograph taken by Jennifer Bruce during a visit to Loch Ness. The photograph, taken near Urquhart Castle, reportedly shows a 'head and neck' silhouette in the mid-foreground, described as a small dark silhouette with a small pointed head on a slender curved neck. The Bruces maintain it is not a hoax. The article suggests it might be a water bird like a grebe or cormorant due to the pointed head and curved neck, and the lack of an obvious body. The photograph was reportedly to be sent to the Loch Ness Monster Museum.

Books and Magazines

The latest issue of 'Fortean Times' is reviewed, noted for its wide range of subjects and described as a must for those interested in strange phenomena. Its new address is BM Fortean Times, London, WC1N 3XX.

'Insights into Prehistory' by Michael Baran is reviewed. Baran theorizes that Atlanteans and Lemurians tapped into earth's gravitational energy, leading to cataclysms and the emergence of Cro Magnon man from an underworld. He believes in subpolarian concavities and branching water courses inhabited by 'Nether Saurians' (plesiosaur-like animals), connecting lakes worldwide, including Loch Ness. The book is available from Exposition Press, 325 Rabro Drive, Box 2120, Smithtown, N.Y. 11787, for $7.00 plus $1.50.

'Living Wonders: Mysteries and Curiosities of the Animal World' by Bob Rickard and John Michell is described as a well-illustrated book covering cryptozoology, teleportations, creatures, and controversies. It includes information on Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters, such as Ness and Champlain, and is published by Thames and Hudson Ltd. for £8.95.

Joe Zarzynski reported on issue number 82 of 'The Unexplained', which features an article on American Lake Monsters by Peter Costello, including a reversed illustration of the Sandra Mansi photograph from 1977.

A press handout for a new novel by Jeffrey Konvitz, titled 'Monster' (A Tale of Loch Ness), is mentioned. The plot involves oil extraction under Loch Ness, opposed by locals and Nessie.

Lake Champlain

Joe Zarzynski received 21 reports of sightings at his office in 1981, but animals have been keeping a low profile so far this year on Lake Champlain.

Proposed Trips

Two members have proposed expeditions. John Negus suggests a coach trip to Loch Ness to make travel more affordable, offering to organize it if there is enough response. Coach would leave Bristol with pick-ups at other locations. Peter Macfarlane (Doug) proposes a more expensive option: clubbing together to hire the Caley Cruiser 'New Atlantis' for a week or more to use sonar equipment.

Douglas Strathie reported on his family's visits to monster lochs in Scotland. While at Loch Ness, they hired a cruiser from Fort Augustus and experienced a marvellous weekend. They met up with the LNMP team, including Adrian Shine, and were shown the boat and sonar gear.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

This issue of Ness Information Service maintains its focus on cryptozoology, particularly the Loch Ness Monster, while also broadening its scope to include related phenomena and historical figures in the field. The passing of Norman Collins serves as a central theme, highlighting his multifaceted career and significant contributions to both media and paranormal investigation. The publication emphasizes a cautious, evidence-based approach to sightings, encouraging rigorous analysis and the discounting of alternative explanations. Recurring themes include the reporting of sightings, the organization of expeditions, the review of relevant books and media, and the exploration of related mysteries in other locations like Ireland and Lake Champlain. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedicated, albeit cautious, pursuit of understanding unexplained phenomena, with a strong sense of community among its members.