NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER, number 81, dated April 1987, focuses on obituaries, ongoing debates within the cryptozoology community, and recent sightings. The publication is from the United Kingdom and is in English.

Obituary: Ian Lyster

The newsletter begins with a somber obituary for Ian Lyster, a colleague of David Heppell from the Royal Museum of Scotland. Lyster, who had been gravely ill with a brain tumour, passed away at the age of 49. He is remembered for his sense of humour and warmth, and his involvement with the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau (NIS) since its inception. His wife informed David Heppell of his passing.

Correspondence and Debates

Doc Shiels on Erik Beckjord

Doc Shiels expresses his unhappiness with Erik Beckjord's 'press release' regarding an 'alternative convention' in Edinburgh. Shiels states he was unaware of this event and certainly did not receive an invitation. He accuses Beckjord of using his name and photographs to boost his own exploits and warns that he will take legal action if his name and images are used in any publication or video without consent. Shiels also mentions that the ISC meeting sounds interesting and he hopes to attend.

Henry Bauer on Erik Beckjord

Henry Bauer also writes in response to a previous newsletter, addressing Erik Beckjord's plans for Edinburgh. Bauer finds Beckjord tends to 'arouse his ire' and states he has not received an invitation to the 'alternative convention'. He recounts his interactions with Beckjord, including Beckjord's claim that Nessies could enter and exit the loch via the River Ness. Bauer was asked to send photocopies of publications from the International Society of Cryptozoology, which had refused Beckjord membership. Beckjord's persistent and sometimes late-night calls, along with promises of 'potentially interesting things' like a film of Nessies in Urquhart Bay or a 'less jerky' version of the Smith film, which never materialized, are detailed. Bauer also describes an incident where Beckjord persistently requested a Super-8 film showing a large black object breaking the surface near sonars, which Bauer had mentioned in a semi-jocular comment. Beckjord insisted it was his duty to science to provide it, a request Bauer refused, stating he was not prepared to misrepresent his scrap of film.

Bauer recounts Beckjord's unethical behavior when refused the film, including asking Alan Gillespie to obtain it. He also details Beckjord's attempts to sponsor his attendance at a Society for Scientific Exploration meeting in San Francisco, and Beckjord's disruptive behavior at the meeting itself, leading to his removal from the premises. Bauer notes that Beckjord's actions have made him someone who wishes to distance himself from Beckjord and not provide him with material.

Henry Bauer's Book: 'The Enigma of Loch Ness'

Henry Bauer has been researching the Loch Ness mystery for over ten years and has written a book titled 'The Enigma of Loch Ness', published in late 1986. Bauer admits to being a believer in Nessie now, though initially intrigued but not convinced by Dinsdale's book. The book presents arguments for and against Nessie, focusing on analysis of the evidence rather than a narrative of efforts at the loch. It includes detailed notes and a bibliography of nearly 800 reported sightings. Bauer's background in chemistry and experience with the scientific establishment lead him to explain why a scientific breakthrough has not occurred and outline steps for scientific acceptance. The book is illustrated with photographs, including some of the Searle fakes, and is considered a valuable addition to Nessie literature, priced at £20.75.

ISC Meeting

Information is provided about the Annual Membership Meeting of the ISC. The Saturday Symposium, 'The Search for Nessie in the 1980's', will feature speakers like Richard Fitter, Roy Mackal, Henry Bauer, Paul LeBlond, Adrian Shine, Robert Rines, and Tim Dinsdale. Sunday's topic is 'Some Cats of Cryptozoology' with speakers including Karl Shuker and Richard Greenwell. Lunches will be provided if ordered in advance. An excursion to Loch Ness is planned, requiring a minimum of 20 participants, and will depart from Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon, returning Monday evening, costing £69.

Erik Beckjord's Communications

Erik Beckjord sent two letters. One corrects a typing error in a previous newsletter regarding Dr. Maurice Burton's observations of a Nessie-like creature in 1960. Beckjord also addresses comments about him being 'pushy', stating he has mellowed and aims for a more conservative image in his videocassette on Loch Ness, which will present a three-way view: a normal zoological beast, non-existent, or metaphysical/physical in nature. He assures that anyone entrusting him with material will be paid an agreed share and he will adhere to copyright laws. Beckjord defends himself by stating Monster Hunters can be difficult and touchy, citing an incident with Alistair Boyd in 1983 where Boyd reacted negatively to Erik's association with a psychic and Tony Shiels, demanding Erik remove his video equipment or he would dump it.

Beckjord also provided more details about their 'Alternative Conference', scheduled for July 25-26th, with sessions held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This conference is intended to be 'Alternative' and 'Overflow or Supplemental' to the main museum event. Beckjord has been invited to show his 1983 film at the Museum and suggested the 'Alternative' could accommodate speakers with limited time. He invites readers sympathetic to their conference to contact him with ideas for locations near the Royal Museum of Scotland.

Steuart Campbell's Analysis

Steuart Campbell responds to comments made in NIS 80, clarifying his interpretation of a map and spot heights related to a potential Nessie sighting. He provides a section of a map and discusses the 291ft and 368ft spot heights, suggesting that if a road rises at a constant rate, a point at 351ft could be an intermediate point. Campbell doubts whether this point corresponds to Tim Dinsdale's sketch due to distance and perspective. He explains that as an architect, judging the height of a rising road is different from judging buildings and trees, and suspects Tim Dinsdale might have been lower down the road. Campbell also addresses accusations of putting his own interpretation on evidence, stating that everyone, including 'N buffs', does this. He suggests that his interpretation differs from others and that he is being chastised for it. He reiterates that he has written a book supporting his explanations and that he considers eye-witnesses unreliable. Campbell states he refers to other authors as sources of reference and does not imply they are unreliable, but that he selects information he agrees with. He argues that no author quotes opinions they disagree with without comment, and that he does not have an impossible task to explain all reports. He asserts that the burden of proof lies with those claiming Nessie exists, not with him to prove she does not. He has shown how principal reports are not acceptable evidence but offers to examine any report suggested to him.

Sighting

A report from the March 7th, 1987 issue of the Press and Journal describes a sighting by Dr. Ayles and his wife near the Foyers Power Station on Loch Ness. They observed a black cylindrical object rise from the surface, identifying it as the head and neck of an animal, possibly Nessie. They were previously skeptical but were sure of what they saw. Their camera was in the car, so no pictures were obtained.

Subscription Information and Apology

The newsletter concludes with an apology to two members who will receive subscription reminders despite having sent cheques. Two letters and cheques were accidentally destroyed on April 25th, 1987. Subscription costs are listed as £2.50 for the UK and $7.00 for the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESS Newsletter consistently features debates and differing interpretations of evidence within the cryptozoology community, particularly concerning the Loch Ness Monster. There is a clear tension between those who actively promote investigations and theories (like Erik Beckjord) and those who maintain a more critical or skeptical stance, emphasizing rigorous scientific evidence (like Henry Bauer and Steuart Campbell). The newsletter provides a platform for these differing viewpoints, often through correspondence and reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of facilitating discussion and presenting various perspectives, while also acknowledging personal opinions and experiences. The inclusion of obituaries and reports of sightings adds a personal and observational dimension to the scientific and theoretical discussions.