Nessletter - No 057 - 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE newsletter, number 57, dated April 1983, begins with an apology from the editor, R.R. Hepple, for the delay of the previous issue and the omission of an item due to a change in duplicating services. The newsletter covers various topics related to unexplained phenomena, with a focus on lake monsters and potential UFO/UAP-related events.

Lake Champlain 'Champ' Phenomenon

The newsletter highlights Joe Zarzynski's new venture, a newsletter titled 'Champ Channels,' dedicated to the 'Champ' phenomenon in Lake Champlain. It will be published three times a year and aims to provide a serious discussion platform for news, sightings, hypotheses, legislative protection efforts, and ecological status. Subscription details are provided for USA and foreign addresses.

Following this, the editor mentions receiving the first edition of 'Channels,' which includes data on sightings, the 1977 Mansi photograph, and efforts to gain legal protection for the creature. A news clipping from the Schenectady Gazette reports that on April 18th, 1983, the New York State Assembly unanimously approved a resolution calling for 'serious scientific inquiry' into the 'Champ' creature and advocating for its protection. This resolution, sponsored by local assemblymen, indicates a shift towards acceptance and conservation.

Loch Ness Monster Sightings and Research

The issue revisits the Loch Ness monster, detailing a sighting on Friday, April 28th, 1933. A local businessman and his wife witnessed a large creature, described as having a body resembling a whale, emerge from and submerge in the loch near Abriachan Pier. The disturbance was significant, causing waves large enough to be from a steamer. Their names were later quoted as Mr. & Mrs. McKay or Mackay.

Another account describes a previous encounter by Inverness anglers who noted a strange animal's bulk displacing water. The McKay report is credited with sparking renewed interest, possibly coinciding with the opening of a new motor-road along the loch.

A more recent sighting occurred on Saturday, April 4th, 1983, when Mr. Herb Macdonald, driving along the northern shore road, observed a disturbance. A black hump, about a foot high, appeared, leading to speculation about the 'monster.' Among the witnesses were Mrs. Patricia Ness from Australia and Miss Laurie Davis from the USA.

The editor notes that the Inverness Courier, a local twice-weekly paper, has consistently followed the monster story. The term 'monster' was reportedly coined by the late editor, Mr. Evan M. Barron, LL.D., when reviewing a report by Alex Campbell.

Loch Ness Monster Exhibition and Projects

During a visit to Inverness, the editor visited the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition at Drumnadrochit and spoke with Tony Harmsworth. Harmsworth apologized for the roadshow's cancellation at Norwich due to the theft of a vehicle and its contents, which impacted the Loch Ness & Morar Project's finances. New additions to the exhibition include two video tapes showcasing the Project's work, including food chain research and sonar usage. The Furuno 106A sonar's colour coding is explained, with red and yellow readings indicating substantial targets.

The Loch Ness and Morar Project is set to begin another season in mid-April, with Adrian Shine expected to implement improvements.

Academy of Applied Science Research

Bob Rines of the Academy of Applied Science outlined their 1983 programme, which includes radically redesigned sonar-triggered underwater camera equipment and simultaneous image sensing. Limited tests of portable equipment are planned for July at Loch Ness, with a view to larger-scale, automated stations. The team this summer will include Bob and Carol Rines, Bob Needleman, Ivor Newby, and Gordon Macintosh. They are also invited to join an expedition in July at Loch Morar, organized by the International Society of Cryptozoology, which will use underwater video equipment.

Bob Rines is also scheduled to give a lecture in Boston about the challenges faced in Loch Ness experiments over the past three years, including the presentation of underwater pictures. The Academy is also involved in a workshop at Oxford University and the London Youth Science International Fortnight.

Correspondence and Other Topics

Colin Mather of Wigan, Lancashire, contributed a letter commenting on previous Nessletters. He discusses 'tulpa' phenomena, suggesting they could be man-made ghosts, and relates a story from Huldine Beamish's book about a 'giant eel' in a Scottish loch. He also recommends Peter Dickinson's novel 'Emma Tupper's Diary,' which features a private loch with aquatic creatures, and raises a thought-provoking question about the ethics of studying creatures to the point of extinction.

Mather also inquires about a colour photo on the cover of Alan Landsburg's book 'In Search of Myths and Monsters.'

Travel Information

Details are provided for new coach services from Inverness to Birmingham and London (Stagecoach) and services from Inverness to Ullapool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (Newtons coaches), highlighting features like luxury coaches and meal services.

Closing Remarks

The newsletter concludes with R.R. Hepple thanking readers for their contributions and providing his contact details and subscription rates for the UK and USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are lake monsters (specifically 'Champ' and the Loch Ness Monster), cryptozoology, and scientific investigation into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, reporting on sightings, research efforts, and relevant news from scientific and governmental bodies, while also acknowledging anecdotal accounts and historical records. There is a clear interest in promoting serious scientific study and conservation of potential unknown species.