Nessletter - No 125 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 125
Volume: October '94 (March '96)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001
Date: October 1994 (with a note indicating a March 1996 update or publication date).

This issue of the NESSLETTER focuses on addressing a complaint from Rita Goold, a co-researcher at Loch Ness, who took exception to remarks made about her in a previous issue. The editor apologizes if his remarks made her appear foolish, explaining his intention was to highlight how careful reporters and researchers must be. The issue then delves into several detailed eyewitness accounts and observations related to the Loch Ness Monster and other unusual phenomena.

Rita Goold's Account and Editorial Response

The editor begins by recounting a telephone call from an irate Rita Goold, who felt that previous remarks in the NESSLETTER had made her look foolish. The editor clarifies his intention was to emphasize the need for careful reporting and apologizes for any offense caused. He offers Rita the opportunity to submit her own piece or have her photographer, Arthur Mills, contribute. He also acknowledges that he was concerned not only about Rita's annoyance but also about Steve Feltham, who had also expressed displeasure. The editor admits that his eagerness to make a point might have led to overstatement.

Rita Goold's credentials are then presented, highlighting her extensive experience at Loch Ness with her partner Arthur Mills. They have reportedly taught him about the loch's moods and changes. Rita is described as a full-time researcher of anomalous phenomena, a prolific writer, and a university graduate with a background in music. Arthur Mills confirms this, stating that while her background isn't directly related to Ness, it demonstrates her intelligence.

The editor reflects on his initial impression of Rita as keen but potentially prone to over-enthusiasm, which he admits caused concern and upset her and Arthur. He expresses regret for this remark, stating that he was perhaps too eager to illustrate a point. He emphasizes the need for irrefutable evidence, noting that much of the existing photographic evidence has been explained away, leaving eyewitness accounts as the primary source. He stresses the importance of being as sure as possible about what is presented or accepted.

Cases of Over-Enthusiasm

The editor shares two personal experiences of what he perceives as over-enthusiasm from respected individuals regarding Loch Ness sightings. He recounts an incident in 1969 during a two-week Loch Ness Investigation holiday where he spoke with an early Loch Ness pioneer. This individual, a respected veteran and author, was very excited about a potential sighting. The editor also mentions a similar experience in 1970 or 1971 when he took equipment to a camera station. During a calm evening, a local resident, whom he respected and who had a history of good sightings, pointed out something flapping in the water. While initially exciting, the editor concluded these were waves from a swell, not a creature.

These experiences have led the editor to be cautious and to warn others against allowing enthusiasm to cloud judgment, stating, "Roads to Hell paved with good intentions, and all that."

Sightings Reports

The NESSLETTER then presents several recent sighting reports:

• March 8, 1996: The Inverness Courier reported an account from two groups of Abriachan children and their bus driver, Jimmy Burnett. Burnett, who has driven the route for 30 years, reported seeing something in the loch with a ripple and a visible hump. The children also saw a hump with no head.
• Tony Grice's Report: A member, Tony Grice, visited Loch Ness in March and met Steve Feltham. He heard about a sighting near Fort Augustus where John, a local fisherman, and a friend saw a bow wave and salmon jumping, but nothing else above the water.
• John Holmes's Observation: In April, John Holmes was staying at Foyers and took video footage of what he described as a slow-moving vee-wake. He suspects it might have been a large salmon or a seal, but acknowledges it could have been something else.
• David McDonald's Experience: In June 1995, David McDonald and his girlfriend encountered a local lady in Inverness who reported seeing a large black hump in the water with a triangular flipper. She described the body as seal-like and was certain it was an animal, but could not identify it.
• Douglas Bell and Cdr. Bill Bellars's Report: These members provided a newspaper cutting about Father Gregory's sighting in October 1972. Father Gregory and a friend saw the monster's head break the surface, rearing up at least eight feet, and thrashing in the water for about 15 seconds before disappearing.

Other Mentions and New Society

• Jeff Rumble (December 1995): Reported a creature called 'Morgawr' near Truro, described as long, with a long neck, thick and bulky body, tapering to the tail, similar to a sighting from 10 years prior.
• Paul Thomas (March 1996): Sent a note about a local press report of a strange sea beast with a 'sinuous' neck seen off Chesil Beach, Dorset. Local inquiries yielded little information, with some people treating the report as a joke.

The Loch Ness Society: The issue announces the formation of a new society, "The Loch Ness Society," following the release of the Hollywood film "Loch Ness." This society aims to further investigate and conserve Loch Ness and its mystery. It intends to bring together interested individuals, utilize new techniques for research, and address conservation issues. The society plans to organize annual expeditions to rekindle the spirit of the old Loch Ness Investigation Bureau expeditions. The society is formed by Richard A. Carter and Ian Kelloway, who noted a lack of organization for those interested in Loch Ness. The address for the society is provided as 34 Weston Crescent, Horfield Common, Bristol, BS7 8UT, with a phone number of 01484 844450.

The editor notes that Richard Carter might be overstating the number of members involved in past LNI expeditions, stating that at its peak, LNI had around a thousand members, with possibly 150 volunteers participating in a season.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous, irrefutable evidence in the study of anomalous phenomena, particularly concerning the Loch Ness Monster. The editor expresses a cautious approach, warning against over-enthusiasm and misinterpretation of natural phenomena. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a preference for verifiable data over anecdotal accounts, though eyewitness testimony remains a significant source of information. The publication also serves as a platform for members to share their findings and experiences, fostering a community of interest in the Loch Ness mystery. The formation of 'The Loch Ness Society' is presented as a positive step towards more organized and effective research and conservation efforts for Loch Ness.