Probe Report Volume 2 Issue 3

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: VOL.2 NO.3
Date: December 1981
Publisher: PROBE UFO RESEARCH ORGANISATION
Country: ENGLAND
ISSN: 0260-8189
Price: £2.00 for four issues, post paid; 50p plus 15p postage for a single issue.

This issue of The Probe Report, published quarterly, presents a strong stance on skepticism within ufology, aiming to restore objectivity and critical analysis to the subject. The cover features an illustration of crop circles with the headline "WHIRLWINDS AT WORK ?", suggesting a natural explanation for these phenomena.

Editorial and Contact Information

The magazine provides contact addresses for editorial and international correspondence, both located in England. Subscriptions are detailed, and it is noted that cheques and postal orders should be made payable to 'PROBE'. A disclaimer states that the content does not necessarily reflect the views of the PROBE team, and all original material is copyrighted.

The team includes Ian Mrzyglod (Editor/Artwork), Terry Chivers (International Correspondence/Publicity), Bill Ryder (Meteorological Research), Mrs. Julie Mrzyglod (Treasurer/Secretarial), and Geoff Bird (Investigations Co-ordinator). Ian Mrzyglod is credited with the cover illustration.

Skepticism?

This section introduces the issue's theme of skepticism, highlighting that it includes a "CASE CLOSED EXTRA" and an article by self-confessed UFO skeptic and author, Ian Ridpath. The editorial team acknowledges that while they are not debunkers, they often feel like skeptics due to the prevalence of false tales, hallucinations, and misinterpretations in ufology. They argue that a segment of writers and ufologists damage the subject's reputation with a lack of objectivity and critical analysis, seeking fame or profit. To restore balance, The Probe Report intends to feature "Identified Flying Objects" (IFOs) alongside UFO reports, emphasizing that not all sightings are genuine UFOs. The editors make no apologies for this approach, even if it means not featuring true UFO reports in this issue due to a lack of available material. They also address a review from "MAGIC SAUCER" which questioned their "scientifically biased" approach and wondered about the term 'New Ager'.

Westbury Circles and Arthur Shuttlewood

The magazine revisits the Westbury Circles case, referencing a letter from Arthur Shuttlewood who disagreed with their explanation. Shuttlewood, like many others, preferred to believe the circles were caused by landed UFOs. The editors express concern that Shuttlewood might disregard their findings in future writings to sell more books. Despite appeals for local witnesses to strange weaving lights in the area, only one woman reported seeing anything unusual, and she refused to provide details. The Probe Report stands by its conclusion on the Westbury Circles, even if it means losing subscribers, prioritizing those who are dedicated to ufology over personal ego or financial gain.

NEWS ROUND UP

This section provides updates on the ufology community in Britain. Geoff Bird has joined the PROBE team, while Mike Seager has left to work in London. Geoff Bird's departure from the British Flying Saucer Bureau was due to his support for ASSAP, which was in opposition to the Bureau's policy. The second introductory meeting of ASSAP was held in Bristol, with representatives from three southwest UFO groups speaking. Changes within the British UFO Society are noted, with Ken Rogers resigning as chairman due to ill health, and Brian Everton taking over. The Wessex UFO Investigation & Research Group (WUFOIRG) is experiencing difficulties due to internal troubles and cash-flow problems, potentially delaying the publication of "UFO WEST".

Discussions are ongoing between PROBE and SCUFORI regarding a potential one-off Special Supplement, which might feature articles by experts like meteorologists and astronomers, or focus on solved cases. Material for another supplement, an expose of the "Warminster myth", has been gathered and is being expanded.

A statement on ASSAP and UFO investigation is published in this issue to address suspicions surrounding the organization's intentions. The magazine publishes this statement without comment, awaiting the clarification of ASSAP's investigation structure.

Contents

The issue includes several articles: "TERRY'S SKYWATCH PAGE" by Terry Chivers, "MORE OF THOSE MYSTERY CIRCLES" by Ian Mrzyglod & Dr. G.T. Meaden, "CASE CLOSED EXTRA!" by Ian Mrzyglod, "BOOK REVIEWS", "SIGNALS - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR", "ASSAP & UFO INVESTIGATION IN BRITAIN" by Hilary Evans, "CASE CLOSED" by Marty Moffatt, and "EXPOSE - THE STORY BEHIND THREE CLASSIC UFO STORIES" by Ian Ridpath.

TERRY'S SKYWATCH PAGE

Terry Chivers reflects on his skywatching experiences, noting that while it rarely produces results, it offers enjoyable social interaction. He recounts a past experience at the Warminster festival, where the event attracted unruly crowds, leading to negative press coverage for ufology. He shares a humorous anecdote about being pranked by friends who tied his shoelaces together, leaving him disoriented and lost in a lay-by. This is announced as the last installment of "TERRY'S SKYWATCH PAGE" due to a change in editorial policy deeming its purpose 'out of touch' with the magazine's aims, and the decreasing emphasis on skywatching as a prime group activity.

MORE OF THOSE MYSTERY CIRCLES

This article by Ian Mrzyglod and Dr. G.T. Meaden revisits the mysterious circular depressions found in Wiltshire cornfields, previously covered in Volume 1, Nos 2 & 3. The three circles, averaging 60 feet in diameter, appeared over ten weeks and were initially blamed on UFOs or helicopters. However, investigations, with the help of Dr. G.T. Meaden of The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, suggested they were likely caused by whirlwinds. The appearance of these circles coincided with public interest in the "Warminster Thing", a famous apparent UFO sighting. Despite the Wiltshire Times publishing their findings, the explanation was largely ignored.

In August of the same year, three more circles appeared at Cheesefoot Head, near Winchester. While the formation differed (adjacent and in a line), the circles were identical in appearance to the Westbury ones. The press and public favored more mysterious explanations, but the authors presumed they were caused by the same phenomenon. The article notes that Ken Rogers of the British UFO Society still attributed these circles to UFOs, while others suggested vandalism or a twin-rotor helicopter. SCOPE, an investigation group, found whirlwinds unlikely based on the precise damage, but seemed more open to UFOs than whirlwinds. PROBE and local villagers supported the whirlwind theory, leading them to consult Dr. Meaden.

Dr. Meaden noted remarkable similarities between the Winchester 'rings' and the Westbury ones. He explained that whirlwinds are fair-weather thermals that acquire rotation, often due to large-scale air mass movements. He theorized that in both cases, the whirlwinds formed and remained stationary due to the geographical feature of steep, grass-covered chalk hillsides. The advancing air mass would back up against the hillside, temporarily halting the frontal zone and allowing any formed whirlwinds to remain stationary. He concluded that the three rings at Cheesefoot Head were likely formed on the same occasion, possibly in sequence, due to their proximity to the hillside. The article suggests looking for further occurrences in August of the following year and advises a critical eye towards future 'UFO Landing Nests' reports.

CASE CLOSED EXTRA! ...OR HOW TO 'CRATER MYSTERY

This article by Ian Mrzyglod critiques the press for creating sensational stories and myths. It discusses the Warminster festival and the subsequent media coverage, noting that after the weekend, interest waned. However, on September 9th, the Western Daily Press published an article about a mysterious cigar-shaped crater found in a cornfield near Wylye, Salisbury, suggesting a UFO landing. The article detailed how a farm foreman discovered the hole, and that Army bomb disposal experts were called but found no solution. Mrs. Janet Denham-Cookes described the hole as "cleanly cut out". The press speculated that the 300 skywatchers at Warminster might have missed the landing.

However, the truth, as revealed by The Probe Report, is that the crater was caused by a sunken well-shaft exposed by a combine harvester. Tim Denham-Cookes, the farm manager, stated that the UFO theory was "absolute bloody rubbish!". The article criticizes the press for fabricating stories and expresses dismay at the constant stream of misinformation, making it difficult to be amazed by what is reported.

BOOKS

This section reviews "THE ANNOTATED VERSION OF THE CASE FOR THE UFO" by M.K. Jessup, republished by VARO MFG. CO., Inc. The reviewer notes the unique spiral-bound format and the laborious duplication process. The quality of reproduction of annotations is criticized as poor, and the price of $32.50 is deemed exorbitant. The book's story, concerning a lost civilization called 'Mu', warring factions ('L-Ms' and 'S-Ms'), and their destruction, is described as bizarre. It mentions the construction of megalithic monuments, the destruction of Mu and Atlantis, and the retreat of the L-Ms. The review touches upon various Fortean phenomena and pseudo-scientific theories presented in the book, such as 'force-fields' and 'magnetic nets'. The annotations are said to include a language presumed to be Romany, with a Slavic air. The reviewer suggests the book might be a work of U.S. Government disinformation and compares its story unfavorably to "Star Wars", finding the L-Ms, who live half their lives in water and communicate by telepathy, more interesting than the blonde, blue-eyed Janos Aryans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, the importance of scientific and meteorological explanations for unexplained phenomena (like crop circles), and a critical examination of media reporting. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of objectivity, critical analysis, and the inclusion of mundane explanations (IFOs) to provide a balanced perspective on ufology. The magazine aims to appeal to serious researchers rather than those driven by personal ego or financial motives, even at the risk of losing subscribers. There is a strong emphasis on debunking myths and presenting factual, evidence-based conclusions.

This issue of The Probe Report, dated September 1981, is a magazine focused on UFOs and paranormal phenomena. It features book reviews, case analyses, and discussions on the organization of UFO investigation in the UK.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books:

• DOOMSDAY 1999 A.D. by Charles Berlitz is reviewed by I.M. The reviewer notes that while the book might not be a masterpiece, Berlitz's popularity will ensure its bestseller status. The book examines ancient writings, customs, and beliefs predicting humanity's end, drawing from Hindu, Islamic, Hopi, Buddhist, and biblical sources, as well as Nostradamus. Berlitz suggests that humanity can survive by using knowledge, reason, cooperation, and compassion. The reviewer acknowledges Berlitz's research but cannot verify his facts.

• HAUNTED WARWICKSHIRE by Meg Elizabeth Atkins is also reviewed by I.M. This book is described as light reading about ghostly happenings in Warwickshire. It lists towns and villages alphabetically, detailing apparitions and hauntings. The book is illustrated with photographs of haunted sites, and the reviewer notes a section advising visitors that many haunted venues are private.

• THIS HOUSE IS HAUNTED by Guy Lyon Playfair is reviewed by J.M. This paperback details the experiences of an average Enfield family with a poltergeist case. The reviewer finds the case mind-boggling and interesting but remains unsure if the case was truly solved, questioning whether Janet Harper was genuinely affected or contracted 'Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome'.

• ROUND-UP includes reviews of three more books:
• DISEASES FROM SPACE by Fred Hoyle and N.C. Wickramasinghe, which proposes that bacteria and viruses causing diseases arrive on Earth from space. The reviewer notes it includes charts and technical diagrams, making it suitable for the scientifically minded.
• MASTERS OF THE WORLD by Robert Charroux, which presents 'proof' of ancient astronauts and spacecraft. The reviewer is skeptical, finding the interpretations of carvings and pictures difficult to accept.
• ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND YEARS OF MAN'S UNKNOWN HISTORY, which also presents 'proof' of pre-deluge civilizations, atomic wars, and Venusian settlements. The reviewer finds this material controversial but not new.

• PANTHER SCIENCE FICTION releases are highlighted:
• THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. Le Guin, described as an excellent, well-thought-out book about an envoy's mission to the planet Winter.
• THE VERY SLOW TIME MACHINE by Ian Watson, a collection of short stories, some classified as horror science fiction.
• GALAXIES LIKE GRAINS OF SAND by Brian Aldiss, a series of stories covering mankind's next 40 million years.
• EARTHWORKS by Brian Aldiss, which discusses environmental pollution and the potential for nuclear war as a solution.

Letters to the Editor

• Eric W. Westley of UFOSIS writes regarding the editorial 'What's in a Network?'. He suggests reasons for MAUFOG's lack of success, including communication difficulties due to the rotating chair principle, inaccessible meeting locations, internal communication problems within groups, and poor communication from MAUFOG. He advocates for an ongoing process of improvement and mutual trust to build a strong organization, suggesting the eventual creation of five linked networks across the UK. He notes UFOSIS's limited success with MAUFOG due to internal problems and expresses concern that MAUFOG may be defunct.

• Richard Horner writes about the 'David Kiapowski' incident, seeking further information beyond what was presented in Mark A. Tyrrell's report. Horner speculates about a psychic interface due to his own similar experience. Mark A. Tyrrell replies, defending his investigation and stating that the witness was drawn to the light visually. He dismisses Horner's psychic theories, suggesting the witness's actions were normal for a twelve-year-old boy in that context, and emphasizes that ufology should not be for 'dreamers and romanticists'.

• A letter from Ian thanks the editor for The Probe Report and acknowledges the arguments for producing magazines.

ASSAP & UFO Investigation in Britain

Hilary Evans, Publications Officer for ASSAP, clarifies the organization's aims. ASSAP is presented not as a replacement for existing groups but as a neutral, objective national organization committed to a scientific approach. Its goals include coordinating and correlating UFO investigation efforts, establishing a communications system, providing a forum for groups, acting as a liaison with the media, and enhancing the credibility of British ufology. ASSAP aims to offer interdisciplinary expertise, access to technical facilities, and a national information database. Evans stresses that ASSAP is an association of members from existing groups, not a new society, and urges support for its initiative.

Case Closed: A Trio of Light Sources

This section features a report from SCUFORI (Swindon Centre for UFO Research and Investigation) by Marty Moffatt, detailing a sighting by Mrs. Scott on May 11th, 1981, near Highworth. Mrs. Scott reported seeing a yellow light resembling half a plane, followed by three stationary petal-shaped lights, and then a searchlight-like beam. The investigation, conducted by Terry Amey and Martin Shipp, involved visiting the site and speaking with the landowner. Ground marks were noted. The conclusion reached was that the lights were an optical misinterpretation caused by a farm vehicle rounding up cows. The 'yellow light' was attributed to a misaligned headlight on a landrover, the 'petal-shaped lights' to other headlights or torches, and the ground marks to farm implements. The report classifies the case as IDENTIFIED.

Expose: The Story Behind Three Classic UFO Stories

Ian Ridpath, a journalist and broadcaster, examines three classic UFO stories:

• 'Moon Aliens': This story, originating from Maurice Chatelain and promoted by Soviet UFO enthusiasts Vladimir Azhazha and Sergei Bozhich, claims Apollo 11 astronauts saw and reported alien spacecraft, with transmissions and photos censored by NASA. Ridpath dismisses this as a fabrication, noting the lack of evidence and the transparency of the Apollo transmissions.

• 'Alien Spacecraft in Orbit': This story, also involving Azhazha and Bozhich, claims ten fragments of a wrecked alien spacecraft are orbiting Earth. It links to Alexander Kazantsev and Alexei Zolotov, who proposed that the 1908 Siberian explosion was a crashed spacecraft. Ridpath suggests the explosion was likely caused by a comet fragment. The article quotes estimates of the alien craft's size and the aliens' height.

• Travis Walton abduction case: Mentioned as a celebrated 'classic' UFO case that gained prominence through the National Enquirer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the interest in UFOs and paranormal events, the editorial stance leans towards skepticism and rational explanation, as demonstrated in the case analysis of Mrs. Scott's sighting and the debunking of sensationalist stories. The importance of organized, scientific investigation is highlighted by the inclusion of the ASSAP statement and the critical reviews of books that may promote unsubstantiated claims. The magazine appears to value evidence-based reporting and careful scrutiny of claims, as seen in the detailed breakdown of the SCUFORI investigation and Ian Ridpath's exposé.

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol. 1. No.1. - Vol. 2. No.2.
Date: 1981
Publisher: PROBE PRESS U.K.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of THE PROBE REPORT delves into various UFO phenomena, critically examining claims and journalistic practices surrounding them. It features articles that dissect the origins of popular UFO theories, investigate specific cases, and provide information on related publications and resources.

Debunking 'Phantom Moonlets'

The lead article addresses the theory of 'phantom moonlets' supposedly formed from a parent body breaking up on December 18th, 1955. This theory, linked to sudden changes in Earth satellite orbits, was put forward by scientist John Bagby. However, Belgian astronomer Jean Meeus provided a strong criticism, deeming Bagby's evidence erroneous and concluding that the objects cited by Bagby do not exist. The article suggests that Azhazha and Bozhich adopted Bagby's theory, adding a science fiction element of alien origin to create 'phantom spacecraft' for the media.

The Travis Walton Abduction Case

Jeff Wells, an Australian journalist formerly with the National Enquirer, recounts his experience investigating the Travis Walton 'abduction' case of 1975. Walton claimed to have been held aboard a flying saucer for five days. Wells describes the tense atmosphere, with Walton's brother taking charge and the local sheriff calling the event a hoax. The investigation involved James A. Harder, a professor and UFO organization leader, who interviewed Travis Walton under hypnosis. Wells notes that Walton became increasingly distressed, and his story began to unravel. A lie-detector test administered to Travis Walton was failed, with the examiner calling it 'the plainest case of lying he'd seen in 20 years.' Psychiatrists later concluded that Travis had experienced a hallucination, possibly influenced by his father's fascination with spaceships. Philip Klass, a UFO investigator, offered a simpler explanation: the case was a hoax for financial gain.

Despite these findings, the story, with assistance from James Harder, made it to the front page of the National Enquirer. A panel of UFO experts appointed by the Enquirer later voted the Walton incident the top UFO case of 1975. Crucially, the failed lie-detector test and the psychiatric conclusions were not disclosed to the panel, the Enquirer's readers, or APRO members at that time. The article highlights that this omission significantly alters the interpretation of the case, suggesting that many 'classic' UFO stories may have an unknown side.

Letters and Editorial Comments

Magda Graham of OCCULT WORLD writes, expressing a preference for explaining the explainable to better understand the inexplicable, and mentions the Roswell incident, Philadelphia experiment, and Bermuda Triangle expositions. The editor responds, clarifying that the Roswell incident was not fully debunked, but rather one photograph from a book by Berlitz and Moore was examined, which had little connection to the book's main content. The editor also notes that William L. Moore, responsible for the photograph's publication, reacted strongly to criticism from Klaus Webner.

Letters for publication are invited, to be addressed to The Editor, The PROBE REPORT, 16 Marigold Walk, Ashton, Bristol. BS3 2PD.

Magazine Exchange Arrangements

The issue lists additions and deletions to its magazine exchange list. New additions include Fortean Times, Common Ground, and BUFORA Bulletin from the UK, and Stigmata, APRO Bulletin, Guernsey UFO Research Group News Circ, and UFO News flash from international sources. Deletions include BUFORA Journal and UFO West from the UK, and Journal UFO and Notiziario UFO from international sources.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

Information is provided for subscriptions to THE PROBE REPORT at £2.00 for four issues, post free, from PROBE, 16 Marigold Walk, Ashton, Bristol. BS3 2PD. A list of available back issues is also presented, with titles and prices, including:

• Vol. 1. No.1.: "More UFO Puzzlers" Part 1, The Undersea Pyramid in the Bermuda Triangle, The Dumb-Bell Asteroid, and Terry's Skywatch Page (£1.10).
• Vol. 1. No.2.: Westbury Circles Part 1, The Lens-Flare UFOs, concluding "More UFO Puzzlers", and The Classic U.S. Cover-ups (£1.10).
• Vol. 1. No.3.: Westbury Circles Part 2, Astronauts Sightings, and The Ethics of Skywatching (65p).
• Vol. 1. No.4.: Can a Flying Saucer Fly?, Lost: Two UFOS, Incident at Devizes, and Terry's Skywatch Page (65p).
• Vol. 2. No.1.: The Mayan Connection?, Swindon Cigar, M4 UFOS, and Terry's Skywatch Page (65p).
• Vol. 2. No.2.: The Strange Case of Mister 'X', Rotating 'Balloon' Over Bristol, An Interesting Light in the Sky, and Terry's Skywatch Page (65p).

Photocopies are available for some sold-out issues.

Advertisements

The magazine includes several advertisements for UFO-related publications and services:

• UFO INSIGHT: A serious look at the UFO phenomenon, offering 6 issues for £2.20 or a sample copy for 40p.
• SKYWATCH: A publication covering UFO news, sightings, and articles, with membership and subscription at £3.00 for six issues.
• UFO INFO Exchange Library Data Sheets: Available free by sending a large SAE.
• OCCULT WORLD: An independent magazine on occult traditions, published quarterly for 30p.
• Arthur Shuttlewood's 'Warminster Mystery': A request for a hardback copy.
• UPDATED! DIRECTORY!: A worldwide directory of UFO organizations, groups, and publications for £3.
• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW: Back issues for sale at 70p each, with special issues available at £1.00.
• Keith Knight: Information on astronaut UFO sightings, with costs reimbursed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO claims, the importance of journalistic integrity in reporting such phenomena, and the distinction between explainable events and genuinely inexplicable mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized accounts and a preference for evidence-based analysis, encouraging readers to question the completeness of information presented in popular UFO narratives. The magazine actively promotes resources for further research and discussion within the UFO community.