OVNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: JUNE 1992
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association (PRA)
Group Leader: Omar Fowler
Address: 12 Tilton Grove, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbys. DE7 4GR
Contact: Tel: 0602 302773

This issue of the OVNI newsletter, dated June 1992, focuses on recent developments in crop circle research, a historical military UFO report, and an ongoing investigation into a mysterious 'blue stone'. It also announces upcoming events and features a prominent guest speaker.

1992 A DECISIVE YEAR?

The newsletter opens with an update on the 1992 crop circle season, quoting the Centre For Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) that 'the season has begun' with reports from several counties. However, details are limited, and some findings in Southern England are suspected to be hoaxes. The editor, Pat Delgado, reports on a visit to Lockeridge Down, Wiltshire, where 13 small 'grapeshot' circles (4'-6' diameter) appeared recently in a barley field. These are noted to be in the same field as the 'Dolphin' formation from the previous year. While most of these small circles were not near 'tramlines' and showed no pathways, other larger circle events in the area, including one with trenches and a 'bent dumbbell' formation, are considered to have been hoaxed. A 'dumbell' in oilseed rape near Beckhampton is also deemed a hoax, though another 'event' in oilseed rape is considered authentic by Delgado. A significant obstacle to investigation is the farmer's determination to prevent access, stemming from negative experiences the previous year.

The CCCS is reportedly staging a competition to reproduce a 'pictogram' in wheat at night, which the newsletter suggests might be a 'media circus' intended to expose hoaxes. The PRA Group is collaborating with the East Midlands UFO Group, Mansfield UFO Group, and CCCS (Newark) to locate crop circles in the East Midlands, emphasizing the importance of studying events before the public can inadvertently destroy evidence.

A MILITARY UFO REPORT: May 1942

Researched by Eddie Sherwood (PRA), this section details a sighting by John Moms, a military Radar operator stationed at St.Alban's Head, Dorset, during May 1942. During a critical period of WW2, a Radar 'return' signal appeared around 2 am, indicating an object of considerable size heading North towards their position. The object was estimated to be 1-2 miles wide, travelling at 10-12 knots at a height of up to 50 feet above sea level, moving against the prevailing Southwesterly wind.

The Radar signal was strong but described as 'fuzzy' and not dense, suggesting it was not a solid craft. The object originated from the direction of Cherbourg, France. Initially, the signal was thought to be a group of German invasion ships, causing alarm. Three other Radar stations (Needles, Branscombe, and Brandy Bay) also tracked the object, leading to a state of readiness alert for nearby troops and airbases. The object was initially 40-45 miles away and steadily drew nearer.

At approximately 5:30 am, the source of the signal was visually observed as a 'very well contained fog bank'. Mr. Moms and other personnel were mystified, as it did not resemble typical fog banks seen in the area. The Radar 'return' was unlike anything previously encountered. Once identified as fog, a 'false alarm' signal was sent, and personnel returned to duty. Mr. Moms reflected that the most impressive aspect was the object's movement in a dead straight line towards magnetic North, against the wind. He also mentioned seeing other unusual Radar 'echoes' that could not be explained by aircraft of the era.

LANCASHIRE "BLUE STONE" 1981

This report, possibly connected to a UFO sighting in 1981 near Skelmersdale, Lancashire, concerns a piece of blue stone shown at a Mansfield UFO Group meeting. Witnesses Mrs. Mary and Tracy Hollingworth observed three lights positioned vertically over a factory late one night. The lights moved erratically, with the center light ascending and descending. One light then moved rapidly to the right, followed by a 'clatter' sound, and the lights disappeared. The witnesses investigated the following day and found a large hole (7"-8" diameter, 5" deep) in the grass, with a 2"-3" piece of blue stone at the bottom. The stone was clean on top but dirty underneath. An initial analysis indicated the stone was artificial, with an 'aero' appearance, capable of marking glass and resisting high temperatures. A sample is being sent to a scientist at Harvard University (USA) for further analysis. The Mansfield UFO Group holds the main sample.

"REVELATIONS"

This section reviews Jacques Vallee's book "Revelations-Alien Contact and Human Deception". The reviewer notes that Vallee presents a collection of UFO encounters, including the Roswell and Bentwaters cases, but sows doubt about their authenticity, suggesting military intelligence involvement in the Bentwaters incident. Vallee's dismissal of 'little dead aliens' reports is also discussed, with the reviewer pointing out that he apparently has not seen the American video where an Army nurse recalled the stench of dead alien bodies. The review suggests Vallee's strict scientific discipline prevents him from considering the possibility that witnesses are telling the truth.

TALE ENDERS

This section provides brief updates:

• CCCS Conference: A three-day conference is scheduled for July 17th-19th at King Alfred's College, Winchester, with speakers including the Earl of Haddington, Montague Keen, Busty Taylor, and John Macnish. Ticket prices are listed.
• CCCS Field Guide: Montague Keen has sent an extract from the CCCS "Field Guide" on sample collection. The PRA had previously sent CCCS details on distinguishing genuine from hoaxed circles.
• Microwave Activity: Anne Arnold Silk is studying microwave activity and has ordered a "MICRODET" H/F detector.
• Arthur Tomlinson: The researcher recently appeared on C4's "Clive Anderson Talks Back" and visited the PRA's meeting.
• Sheffield UFO Group: Contact has been made for information exchange.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the PRA will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at 8 pm at the "Stanley Club", Stanley Common, Near Ilkeston. Busty Taylor, a founder member of CCCS, will give a talk on "Crop Circles". His extensive work in flying and photography has led to international publication of his crop circle photographs. Taylor has kindly arranged to speak to the PRA group after returning from a conference in the USA. Admission is £1.00, with non-members welcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and classification of crop circle phenomena, distinguishing between genuine events and hoaxes, and the meticulous documentation of sightings and physical evidence. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry, as seen in the analysis of the 'blue stone' and the mention of researchers studying microwave activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation or deliberate deception in UFO and crop circle reports, while also valuing eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. The newsletter actively promotes collaboration between different research groups and encourages public participation in meetings and discussions.