OVNI - 1994 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: <OVNI>
Issue: May 1994
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the <OVNI> newsletter, published by the Phenomenon Research Association, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The cover features illustrative drawings of a disc-shaped UFO, circular patterns in a field, and a stylized bird-like figure, hinting at the diverse topics covered within.

Professor John E. Mack: Coming Out of the Closet

The lead story focuses on Professor John E. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize winner, who appeared on the ITV programme "This Morning" on May 17th, 1994. Mack publicly declared his belief in alien abductions, a statement that caused a sensation. He revealed that he had investigated hundreds of abduction cases in the USA and was convinced of their reality. The programme invited 'experiencers' to call in, resulting in approximately 700 telephone calls. One caller recounted a childhood experience of being abducted in Upavon, Wiltshire, after feeling an urge to visit a specific field.

A video of Mack's appearance was scheduled to be shown at the next Phenomenon Research Association meeting on May 26th, followed by a talk by dowser Mike Newark. Gordon Creighton, editor of Flying Saucer Review, met with Dr. Mack before his return to the USA. Creighton speculated that aliens might be conducting genetic experiments to create an alien-human hybrid species capable of living on Earth, possibly due to their own planet facing ecological collapse. This raises the question of whether such hybrids could eventually take over if humanity pollutes its environment to the point of uninhabitability.

An article titled "Humans help to build an alien master race" by Jason Solomons further explores Mack's controversial stance. It notes that Mack's support for abductee claims has drawn criticism from colleagues and even led to his wife leaving him. Sceptics accuse him and his patients of seeking celebrity status. Despite the lack of concrete proof, Mack stands by his findings, having worked extensively with 90 individuals in the States and noting the consistent similarities in their accounts. He challenges anyone to offer alternative explanations for these cases.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Silver Ball UFO Seen Over Derby

On March 2nd, 1994, at 1:15 pm, Anthony Hitchcock of Derby witnessed a small silvery ball in the contrail of a jet aircraft. The object circled twice before flying off to the northeast and disappearing behind a house. The conditions were scattered cloud, dry, and cool. The object was sharply defined, appeared dull, but shone when catching the sun. A sketch illustrates the sighting, placing the ball approximately 1/2 to 1 mile behind the jet and above the cloud.

The article notes that silver ball UFOs, presumed to be observation craft, have been seen for years, including an incident over Guildford in 1965 and during the "Battle of Tobruk" in 1942.

Police Sergeant's Report from Nottingham

On April 26th, 1994, at 04:50 am, outside Sherwood Lodge Police HQ in Arnold, Nottingham, Police Sergeant X and Control Room Operator M observed an object. The object was opaque, similar in colour to the moon, and moved fast in a southerly direction at an estimated height of 1500'-2000'. It was visible for only 1-2 seconds, appearing as the size of a street lamp. It made no sound and vanished or faded out, rather than disappearing behind a building or into cloud. While a meteorite was considered, points against this theory included its direction of movement (not East-West), lack of a glowing tail, and low altitude. The report concludes that the object's characteristics were consistent with UFO activity.

Orange Flashing Ball Seen Near Derby

On April 11th, 1994, at 3:30 pm, Miss L.T. spotted a flashing orange ball in the sky near Derby. The object, sharply defined and approximately 40 degrees in the SE, was the size of a pinprick at arm's length. It was stationary before descending quickly to ground level. It was definitely not an aircraft or balloon, was round, orange, and flashing. The object was observed for about 10 seconds, estimated to be 1.5 miles distant.

The Warminster Hoax Photo Exposed

This section revisits the infamous "Warminster Thing" incident from August 1965. On August 27th, 1965, a meeting was held in Warminster to discuss strange phenomena, with an estimated 300 people attending. The article recounts an incident where retired Major Bill Hill's car was mysteriously brought to a halt with violent vibrations and noises. Other residents reported rattling roof tiles and strange lights.

However, the focus shifts to a photograph published by the Daily Mirror on September 10th, 1965, which caused a sensation and led to many visitors flocking to Warminster. After nearly thirty years, the photograph has been exposed as a hoax. Roger Hooton, now living in Adelaide, Australia, confessed that he and his friend Gordon Faulkner created the image in 1965. They made a "Flying Saucer" from a cotton reel and milk bottle cap, dropped it, and Faulkner photographed it. Hooton stated the joke got out of hand, sparking a new industry in Warminster, and they felt it was a shame to stop it.

A copy of the "Warminster UFO Newsletter" from 1965-1973 is reproduced, featuring a photograph of the alleged "Thing" and an account by Gordon Faulkner describing seeing the craft fly fast and low over the town.

On the Crop Circle Scene

Several crop circle formations are reported in Southern England, primarily in oilseed rape and barley. Pat Delgado describes four patterns near the "sanctuary" between Marlborough and Beckhampton, including a large circle (80' dia.), a quintuplet, a smaller circle (50' dia.), and a ringed circle. Another offset ringed circle is noted at "Morgans Hill". A new circle in barley near Barbury Castle, about 50' dia. with six curved spokes, is also mentioned.

Mike Newark has been actively visiting and dowsing fields in Wiltshire, tracing energy lines within crop circles. He has visited locations such as Cheesefoot Head, Devizes, and West Kennett. Newark is scheduled to speak at the Phenomenon Research Association meeting on May 26th, discussing his investigations from 1993 and 1994.

Upcoming Events and Publications

CCCS (East Midlands)

A meeting of the CCCS (Civilian Committee for the Study of UFOs) is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th, at 7:30 pm at the Aspley Library, Nuthall Road, Nottingham.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Phenomenon Research Association will be held on Thursday, May 26th, at 8 pm at the Stanley Club, Stanley Common, Nr Ilkeston. Mike Newark will present a video film of his investigations into crop circles from 1993/4. Non-members are welcome for a fee of £1.00.

Tale Enders

This section highlights recent publications and events. Gordon Millington (SIGAP) has released a new book, "Alien Encounters," described as an interpretative approach to UFO phenomena and crop circle mysteries. Philip Mantle & Carl Nagaitis have published "Without Consent" (Missing Time and Abduction Phenomena: The British Cases). LAPIS is organizing a two-day UFO conference in Blackpool on August 27th-28th, featuring speakers like Jenny Randles and Albert Budden. The British Raelian Movement is holding a weekend of "meditation" in Gloucestershire on June 11th-12th. The Derbyshire Now & Nottinghamshire TOPIC magazine (May issue) featured an article on UFOs and 'Flying Triangles', including contributions from editor Omar Fowler and hypnotist Mel Grant.

Two intriguing questions are posed: "Did a UFO land in Northern England last November?" (rumored to be covered by a 300' hangar) and "Remember the Mystery About Iceland Last Year?" concerning Tony Dodd's alleged encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the growing acceptance and public discussion of alien abductions, exemplified by Professor John E. Mack's prominent media appearance. The newsletter also maintains a strong focus on documenting UFO sightings and incidents within the UK, providing detailed accounts and witness testimonies. The critical examination of past cases, such as the Warminster hoax, demonstrates an effort to distinguish between genuine phenomena and fabricated events. The continued interest in crop circles and their potential connection to UFO activity is also evident. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena, while also employing critical analysis and debunking hoaxes when evidence supports it. The publication serves as a platform for sharing information, reporting on events, and fostering discussion within the UFO research community in the UK.