Nessletter

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Nessletter, No. 92, published in February 1989, marks the fifteenth year of the Ness Information Service. The editor, Rip, begins by thanking members for their support and apologizing for production delays. He assures subscribers that their subscriptions will continue at the current rate, which had nearly covered costs the previous year. Feedback indicates general satisfaction with the newsletter, though some members expressed a desire for more focus on research at Loch Ness rather than perceived 'petty squabbles' between different viewpoints.

Research at Loch Ness

The editor acknowledges that serious research at Loch Ness is unfortunately scarce. Adrian Shine and the Loch Ness Project are highlighted as the main group organizing research. Eric Beckjord's expeditions with the National Cryptozoological Society are mentioned, but noted as consisting of only a few people for limited periods with questionable results. The Academy of Applied Science, under Bob Rines, has not conducted significant work in recent years, though family visits continue. The 1983 ISCAN expedition is described as a high-tech, one-off effort. The newsletter relies on reports from independent efforts, which are covered when details are received.

Member Activities and Sightings

Several members' activities and observations are detailed:

• Doug Macfarlane has been working on improving his sonar system at the loch during his holidays.
• Alastair Boyd conducts extended camera watches over Urquhart Bay during summer vacations.
• The editor, Rip, also spends his holidays by the loch, observing and taking photographs.
• The importance of support from wives and families (Margaret, Sue, Doris) is acknowledged, drawing a parallel to Tim Dinsdale's wife, Wendy.
• Val Smith visited the loch with his family in August.
• Antony Sharratt and his father had a holiday at the loch, staying at the Foyers Hotel. They spent time watching from Foyers Point and observed wave forms, leaping salmon, and rain-storms. They also visited Loch Morar, but bad weather prevented a boat trip.
• Antony Sharratt has been holidaying at Loch Ness since 1976 and suggested organizing a more collective effort among members visiting the loch.
• The newsletter aims to connect members by printing details of those planning trips.
• Michael Holt from Richmond, Virginia, USA, joined the NIS and is seeking correspondence with other members. He also suggested inquiring about members' skills that could be useful for research.
• Joseph Rafferty, M.D. from Johnson City, New York, USA, also believes members' diverse backgrounds could provide unique ideas and resources for exploration.
• Paddy Vickers commented on a story about Lachlan Stuart and his 'elusive Taylor Hay', playing on words related to 'tailor hay'.
• Tony Triggs raised the idea of using radio beacons for tracking, questioning the possibility of animals already being marked by radio-activity due to Chernobyl, and suggesting it might be a useful research tool.

Sightings and Investigations

• Thomas Bronhy from Ireland, despite never visiting Loch Ness, noted the limitations of surface watching due to peat particles and suggested aerial surveillance or a tethered balloon as potential platforms.
• Tony Harmsworth commented on the 'Crosbie Photographs', identifying the objects as water birds and suggesting the images show grain patterns rather than a monster.
• Erik Beckjord believes the objects in the Crosbie photographs are not water birds, citing Richard Fitter, who stated the photographs do not show any kind of bird, otter, seal, or deer, but noted the object's behavior was unusual.
• Betty Gallagher reported a sighting from Urquhart Castle on December 29th, where a father and son saw a large black object disappear quickly in the water.
• A report from Weston-super-Mare on December 20th, 1988, described a fast-moving dark object skimming the water, sometimes appearing like a breaching whale or a boat, and at other times raising a long neck.
• Paul Thomas shared information about Bala, North Wales, a lake said to have something unusual. A car park attendant reported seeing a long object swim across the lake.

Books Reviewed

• 'Lake Monster Traditions, a cross-cultural analysis' by Michel Meuger: This comprehensive book (£12.95) explores lake monster lore from a global perspective, emphasizing folklore, legends, and cultural background rather than definitive proof of unknown animals. It is aimed at serious students of the subject.
• 'The Loch Ness Story' by Nicholas Witchell: The new paperback edition (£4.99) is a revised and updated version of his 1974 book. It offers a balanced view, covering the history, early work, and Operation Deepscan, along with recent conclusions and Dr. Denys Tucker's contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of Loch Ness, the challenges and limitations of research, the importance of member contributions and observations, and the exploration of various theories and interpretations of sightings. The editor's stance appears to be one of encouraging member participation, reporting on a wide range of activities and opinions, and maintaining a balanced perspective on the evidence, while acknowledging the scarcity of dedicated scientific investigation. The newsletter serves as a vital communication channel for those interested in the Loch Ness phenomenon.