OVNI - 1991 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, the Newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association, is dated December 1991. It focuses on recent activities and research within the organization, particularly concerning crop circles and UFO sightings.

CCCS American Lecture Tour

The newsletter reports on a significant lecture tour of the USA undertaken by CCCS (Centre for Crop Circle Studies) members "Busty" Taylor and Richard Andrews. The tour, which spanned from September 26th to November 8th, covered 12,000 miles and visited twelve major cities, including Seattle, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. The primary objective was to educate the scientific community and the public about the genuine nature of the crop circle phenomenon, aiming to counteract the negative impact of the "Doug and Dave" hoaxers. Audiences ranged from 20 to 250 people, and the tour also included numerous radio and TV interviews. Richard Andrews, described as a renowned "dowser," demonstrated his ability to sense Ley Lines and other mystical powers using a bent wire. The article notes that after deducting the circles attributed to "Doug and Dave," over 1,600 unexplained circles remain.

During the tour, in Minnesota, Busty Taylor met American researcher John Servicki. They investigated a maize field where an incomplete circle, described as a "U" shape with crop stems separated in an angled "V," was found. The middle 18 inches of the crop had disappeared. Taylor examined a piece of maize stem and revealed "burnt" nodes, a phenomenon not previously detected by American researchers, which the PRA considers a point of pride for being ahead in their field.

Busty Taylor's color photographs of crop circles are featured in the books "Circular Evidence" and "The Crop Circle Enigma." Omar Fowler offers autographed copies of the latter for £9.95 and sets of colored crop circle postcards for £2.00.

Scene Around: Severn-Trent Water Works Incident

This section details an incident that occurred at 2 am in October 1989, investigated by PRA member Alan Hitchcock. The witness, referred to as Mr. X, was on duty at a Severn Trent Water Co. works. He observed a brightly lit object, described as a bright white, round shape with a sharp outline, hovering near the premises. The object was estimated to be about 34" at arm's length and emitted a light comparable to a fluorescent tube, with no sound. The weather conditions were ideal, with a clear, starlit sky.

As the object moved off slowly towards the west, Mr. X followed it to point "B" on a sketch of the location. At this point, the witness became aware that the water works' security network of infra-red detectors was sounding alarms. The article explains that these alarms are designed to detect intruders breaking the infra-red beams. The UFO's presence had apparently "bent" the infra-red beams, interrupting the circuit and triggering the alarms. Reports of unusual lights seen north of Derby in the Heanor-Ripley area were mentioned as having been broadcast on local radio the following day.

The editor adds a note about infra-red security systems, confirming their effectiveness in darkness but acknowledging that daylight sun rays can warp the beams and trigger false alarms. Members are invited to submit theories or comments for future issues.

Tale Enders

This section provides updates on various PRA activities. The "Mc Murray Case" was the main theme of the last meeting at the "Stanley Club," which included a featured talk and slide show, serving as a forum for discussion. A small library of fifty paperback books has been started, organized by Mrs. Claire Upton.

Regarding "MICROWAVE NEWS," Professor Y.H.Ohtsuki from Waseda University, Tokyo, thanked the PRA for photographs and diagrams, finding the information on "creases" and "burn" marks very important to his research on electro-magnetic waves. He also revealed a new circle found near a radio transmitting mast, with details being sent to Terence Meaden's organization for the "Journal of Meteorology."

The PRA's technical advancements have attracted the attention of "Circlevision" Television, whose producer has expressed interest in their project to develop a microwave detector for fieldwork.

Omar Fowler gave a talk on "Crop Circles" to the Derby Round Table on December 5th, which generated significant interest. The Derby Young Farmers Club is scheduled for a talk on December 13th.

New members Gary Stapleton and Mrs. Karen Douglas are welcomed. A bus driver visitor reported his bus being followed by a glowing white light in the Derbyshire countryside.

There will be no meeting in December, with future meetings resuming in late January. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year are extended to all members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, UFO sightings, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena. The PRA appears to maintain an open-minded yet evidence-based approach, actively engaging with researchers and public education. The editorial stance is one of promoting research, sharing findings, and fostering discussion among members and the wider community, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the subjects they investigate. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of detailed observation and the potential for new discoveries, as seen in the reporting of the burnt nodes and the infra-red alarm incident. The organization also actively seeks to build its resources, including a library and the development of new detection equipment. The tone is informative and community-oriented, encouraging member participation and the sharing of experiences and theories.