Project Red Book vol 4 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol.4 #1
Date: July 2000
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)
Country: UK
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, focuses on UFO research and related phenomena. The cover prominently features an interview with Paul Fuller and an article by Jenny Randles.

AN INTERVIEW WITH... PAUL FULLER

Paul Fuller, born in 1960, is a statistician by profession and a dedicated UFO researcher. His interest in UFOs began at age seven when he witnessed a mysterious light. He later pursued studies in geography and statistics, working for local government before becoming deeply involved in UFO research. Fuller co-authored the book 'Crop Circles - a Mystery Solved' with Jenny Randles and is a member of the UFO Investigation Network.

In the interview, Fuller recounts his early fascination with UFOs, sparked by a childhood sighting and the 'Dartmoor incident' involving police constables Waycott and Willey. He describes his first investigated case, the Birdfield Farm incident in 1980, where a farmer reported a landed triangular, silvery object. Fuller expresses that his initial view of UFOs as alien spaceships evolved after reading John Keel's work, which introduced him to a broader range of Fortean phenomena.

Fuller discusses his educational years at Sheffield University, where his UFO research was limited by his studies, though he attended BUFORA conferences. He recounts early cases, including a film showing a ball of light that was later identified as an air show, and a saucer-shaped object sighting near the Isle of Wight.

Regarding crop circles, Fuller states that the mystery is largely solved, with most modern circles being fakes. He believes they were based on a rare, poorly understood meteorological phenomenon. He recalls his involvement in the early stages of crop circle research, where he was one of the few to suggest they might be man-made, a stance that led to conflict with some researchers and publications like 'Flying Saucer Review'. He mentions his book 'Crop Circles- a Mystery Solved' with Jenny Randles and expresses doubts about the claims of complex patterns being made in a short time, attributing the success of many formations to skilled circlemakers.

Fuller also touches upon the controversial 'Alien Autopsy' film, stating his conviction that it was a sci-fi prop created for money, not a genuine autopsy. He criticizes some UFOlogists for discrediting themselves and the subject through sensationalism and a lack of adherence to truth.

He concludes by mentioning recent research at the Public Records Office in Kew Gardens, investigating cases like the 1967 wave and the Charlton Crater case, the findings of which are to remain secret.

BEHIND 'BRITAIN'S SECRET UFO FILES'

Jenny Randles recounts the making of her 27-minute documentary, 'Britain's Secret UFO Files', originally produced for the BBC series 'Secrets of the Paranormal' in 1995/6. The documentary aimed to investigate what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) knew about UFOs.

Randles describes the challenging production process, which had a minimal budget and was undertaken during a difficult personal time following her father's death. She highlights key achievements, including securing the first on-camera interview with Nick Pope, filming in near darkness, and tracking down and filming three original crew members from a famous 1956 encounter. She also mentions obtaining a statement from the MoD admitting they did not deny the possible existence of aliens.

The documentary faced significant backlash and criticism from some media outlets and UFOlogists, who accused it of sensationalism and dishonesty. Randles defends her work, stating that it was a modest and restrained look at UFOs, avoiding crashed spaceship or alien abduction narratives, unlike some other documentaries of the time.

She details how the BBC's 'big boss' initially panicked upon learning the documentary's focus on the MoD and UFOs, leading to a last-minute intervention and a private screening. Despite this, the BBC was pleased with the balanced and restrained approach. Randles also mentions an attack on her show by Dr. Richard Wiseman on Channel 4's 'Right to Reply' and a tabloid story about her past, which caused embarrassment to her mother.

Randles expresses her hope to one day use the extensive footage she gathered to create a new documentary.

Other Articles and Sections

• CONTENTS: Lists the articles in the issue, including the interview with Paul Fuller, Jenny Randles' piece, and other features like 'FARLOW' CASE RE-INVESTIGATED', 'GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!' (a WW11 encounter), and 'UFOs- THE KEY TURNING POINT'.
• YUFOS Contact Information: Provides the address, telephone number, email, and website for the Yorkshire UFO Society.
• Subscriptions: Details subscription rates for the magazine.
• Staff Information: Lists the editor, chairman, web-master, and other key personnel of YUFOS.
• Contributions: Acknowledges individuals who contributed to the magazine.
• Research: Lists individuals involved in research for the magazine.
• Reprint Policy: Information on reprinting articles.
• Disclaimer: States that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or YUFOS members.
• Quote: A question about 'Stonehenge' is included.
• From Around the World...And Beyond!!!: A section featuring various brief reports, including a recorded voice of Nessie, lights on the Moon, a US couple suing over a 'haunted house', a giant airship sighting, and Russian crop circles.
• 'FARLOW' CASE RE-INVESTIGATED: Paul Fuller revisits a 'classic' case.
• (GOODNESS GRACIOUS!) GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!: Andy Roberts discusses a WW11 encounter with Foo-Fighters.
• UFOs- THE KEY TURNING POINT: Bill Booker shares his thoughts on 50 years of UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a serious, research-oriented approach to UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging and debunking hoaxes and misinterpretations. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis, evidenced by Paul Fuller's detailed explanations of crop circles and the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth and presenting evidence, even when it challenges popular beliefs within the UFO community. The publication aims to inform the general public about UFOs, rather than exclusively catering to existing enthusiasts, as highlighted by Jenny Randles' documentary.

The magazine also reflects a historical perspective, looking back at significant cases and research over decades, as seen in Bill Booker's contribution and the discussion of historical crop circle reports. The Yorkshire UFO Society, through Project Red Book, positions itself as a platform for rigorous investigation and open debate on UFO-related topics.

PRB is a magazine focused on UFOs, conspiracies, paranormal, and fortean events. This issue, Volume 3, Issue 12, dated June 2000, compiles reports and articles from around the world and beyond.

Response to 'The Guardian' Review

The issue opens with a strong rebuttal to a critical review by Simon Hoggart in 'The Guardian' concerning a BBC TV series titled 'Secrets of the Paranormal'. The author, who produced a documentary on UFOs titled 'Britain's Secret Files', defends his work against Hoggart's claims of it being 'screwiest', 'careless', and 'dishonest'. The author clarifies that his documentary focused on unexplained cases without suggesting alien origins, and that Hoggart's review bore little resemblance to the actual program. The author expresses disappointment that despite the documentary's high viewership (over 4 million, making it the most watched on BBC 2 that week), hostile media coverage prevented a second series. He intends to turn the footage into a feature-length program on UFOs.

'Nessie' Voices Recorded?

Stephen McGinty reports on new scientific research suggesting the Loch Ness Monster might be related to a walrus. A sonic survey by a Scandinavian team recorded unidentifiable sounds in Loch Ness that matched the frequency range of elephant seals, walruses, or killer whales. Jan Sundeberg, the expedition leader, noted the sounds were like a 'grunting' and 'sharper' than those recorded in Norway. Gary Campbell, of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, believes the research is plausible, suggesting something evolved in Loch Ness.

Lights Glow on Moon

Dr. David Whitehouse reports on new evidence suggesting the Moon is not a dead world. French astronomer Audouin Dollfus observed glows on the floor of the large crater Langrenus in 1992. These glows, which changed shape over several days before fading, are believed to be caused by escaping gas lifting dust into sunlight. While 'Transient Lunar Phenomena' (TLPs) have been reported before, definite evidence has been lacking. Neil Armstrong had previously reported seeing a part of the Moon glow during the 1969 Moon landing.

Couple to Sue Over 'Haunted House'

A US couple, Tom and Deborah Carven, are suing the estate of developer Louis Hickman for building their dream home on an old graveyard in Bishopville, Maryland. The couple claim the property is haunted and have found bones and a casket handle. Hickman's estate argues he is protected by a law limiting lawsuits after 20 years of development, as he began work on the land in 1964.

Crop Circles Mystify Russian Farmers

Russian Public TV reported the overnight appearance of crop circles in a barley field in southern Russia. Witnesses reported seeing a UFO landing. The circles, one large and three smaller, had their barley smoothed down 'as if by hand' in a clockwise direction. Local officials suppressed reports, but eyewitnesses in a neighboring village confirmed seeing a UFO landing.

Giant Airship Could End Famine

Richard Allen writes about the prototype for a gigantic airship, the SkyCat 1000, designed by British engineers. This airship, capable of carrying 880 cars or 450 passengers, uses hovercraft technology for landing anywhere, including water. Its designer, Roger Munk, emphasizes the use of helium instead of flammable hydrogen. The SkyCat 1000 is positioned as a transport system between slow shipping and fast jets, with potential applications in disaster relief, such as ending famine, and military operations. Future plans include smaller versions and a 200-tonne payload aircraft.

Is Bigfoot Lurking on the Hoh Reservation?

Nick Haney reports on disturbances in the woods behind homes on the Hoh Indian Reservation, where residents believe an 'invader' might be the elusive Sasquatch. American Indian folklore describes a tall, hairy being. Gene Sampson has found large footprints and signs of trampled trails and broken branches. While some Hoh natives believe, others remain skeptical.

'They Won't Be Said, Will They' Dept.

NASA scientists are investigating a video captured by Gary Chapman in Gran Canaria in 1997, initially suspected to be a UFO. However, South Yorkshire researchers believe the mysterious fireball was the burning wreckage of a Russian space rocket disintegrating over the Atlantic. NASA data confirmed a rocket would have been over Gran Canaria at the time. Despite this, Gary Chapman still believes he saw a flying saucer.

Farlow Case Re-investigated

Paul Fuller (UFOIN) reports on the re-investigation of the Karl Farlow UFO case from November 5th, 1967. The case involved a truck driver whose vehicle lights and dashboard lights went out when an egg-shaped object landed in front of him. A second vehicle was also reportedly immobilised. The re-investigation confirmed the event occurred at Ibsley Bridge, not Avon Causeway, and obtained the official Ministry of Defence record, which classified the event as a 'firework'. They are seeking to locate Karl Farlow for further information.

(Goodness Gracious!)-Great Balls of Fire!

Andy Roberts recounts the experience of Arthur Horton, a Lancaster bomber pilot during WWII, who encountered unidentified 'foo fighters' on a mission to Essen, Germany. These were described as four orange balls of light, about the size of footballs, with a fiery glow, that followed his aircraft. Horton performed evasive maneuvers for ten minutes, fearing they might be a secret weapon. The encounter caused a mechanical fault, forcing the bomber to land at a different airfield. Upon reporting, the crew met with ridicule from Intelligence Officers.

Surface Water Found on Mars

Kenneth Edgett reports that NASA scientists have found evidence of surface water on Mars. Water channel images captured by the Mars Global Surveyor show features resembling Earth streams, suggesting water bursts from rock strata. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that liquid water had disappeared from Mars billions of years ago.

UFOs - The Key Turning Point

W. H. Booker (YUFOS) shares his 50 years of experience as a UFO researcher. He discusses his background in aviation, radio communications, and astronomy, and his belief that while most sightings have conventional explanations, about 5% remain unexplainable. He recounts his first sighting in 1946/47, describing a red/orange ball that increased in size and appeared to stop, leading him to consider it mechanical rather than planetary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PRB consistently explores unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings and cryptozoology to astronomical anomalies and historical mysteries. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and avoiding premature conclusions, as seen in the defense of the documentary and the re-investigation of the Farlow case. There's a clear interest in cases that defy conventional explanation and a skepticism towards dismissive or biased reviews.

This issue of PRB, dated July 2000, Volume 4, Number 1, explores the UFO phenomenon with a focus on the concept of speed and the potential for advanced propulsion systems. The publication appears to be a niche magazine dedicated to unexplained phenomena.

The UFO Phenomenon and an Unconventional Approach

The author begins by recounting a personal experience of seeing a UFO three years prior, which sparked a deep interest in the subject. After reading numerous books, the author notes a recurring pattern of authors quoting the same reports and incidents. To break this cycle, the author proposes a new approach: to move away from the familiar dates and locations and instead delve deeply into the actual eyewitness accounts, examining what was seen, heard, and detected, and how events unfolded. This is described as an "unconventional or a wide off-beat scientific approach."

The article touches upon the historical descriptions of UFOs, ranging from "fiery chariots" and "celestial airships" to modern "flying saucers," "glowing balls of fire," "luminous discs," "cigar-shaped craft," and "flying triangles." These are all categorized as eerie and unusual phenomena that pique the public's curiosity and drive the desire to solve the mystery.

The author laments that humanity is only "scratching the surface" of strange events in the universe and that UFO phenomena have remained in a state of "suspended animation or limbo." Despite past attempts by scientists and researchers to solve these mysteries, many have reached a dead end. The current societal trend towards extreme specialization is seen as an impediment, where knowing "a lot about a little" and "a little about everything else" is an inefficient way to tackle complex subjects.

To address this, the author suggests a systematic approach to build a reasonable picture from fragmented information. This involves asking many searching questions to find positive answers. The proposed method encourages using all senses, not just sight and hearing, but also touch, smell, taste, and even considering telepathy or ESP. The author argues that our senses only provide a partial picture of reality, and many animals possess senses that extend far beyond human perception.

Furthermore, the article emphasizes the need to explore the vastness of the universe and the limitless borders of time, drawing parallels with the exploration of planets in our solar system. It also points out how familiar concepts like day/night, light, sounds, and time are taken for granted, and questioning them can be seen as eccentric.

Speed as a Key Factor

The author identifies themselves not as a physics professor but as someone with a logical, scientific, and enquiring mind. Their primary interest in the UFO phenomenon lies in the craft's ability to travel far and the means of power used. The author proposes splitting the study into five groups: speed, sight, sound, time, and gravity.

The discussion on speed begins by highlighting Earth's own movement. The Earth rotates on its axis at approximately 1040 mph at the equator, and at about 600-700 mph at the author's location (53/54 degrees north). It orbits the sun at 66,600 mph, and the solar system itself moves through the galaxy at 481,000 mph. This results in a combined speed of 548,640 mph, all experienced without any sensation of movement.

The author then poses a thought-provoking question: if Earth is moving so fast, why don't we feel it? This leads to speculation about whether it is humans who are moving very fast through space while UFOs are almost stationary.

Historically, speed was limited to horses and arrows. The 20th century saw significant advancements, leading to space flight speeds of thousands of miles per hour. In space, vast distances are measured in "light-years," and light travels at 186,000 miles per second. Thousands of UFO reports describe craft traveling at speeds between 1000 and 10,000 mph, often with impossible acceleration from a standstill, raising questions about the G-forces involved and the potential for human survival.

The article contrasts the energy required for space travel, noting that the rockets at Cape Kennedy contain energy comparable to atomic bombs. It expresses a need for safer and more efficient space travel methods, suggesting that such advancements are within reach of current science.

Radio waves are mentioned as traveling at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second). The time it takes for light to reach Earth from various celestial bodies is illustrated: 8 minutes from the sun, 5 hours from Pluto, over 4.5 years from Proxima Centauri, and over 2 million years from the Andromeda galaxy, which is visible to the naked eye.

These astronomical distances and speeds are presented to help readers grasp the vastness of space and time that UFO craft must traverse, and the incredible speeds they must achieve. The author expresses a desire to know their "secret formula."

Potential for Revolutionizing Transport and Energy

The author suggests that if Earth's transport system could replicate the capabilities of UFOs, it would lead to a "complete, gigantic metamorphosis." This would involve moving beyond oil, petrol, electric motors, and rocket propulsion towards an alternative, natural energy source that is also more economical.

Call for Further Research

The issue concludes with a hope that the discussed reports and scientific studies will stimulate further research from enthusiastic ufologists, scientists, and anyone interested in the phenomenon. The author encourages the sharing of any forthcoming ideas or knowledge for study. The article is marked as "continued next issue..."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unexplained, particularly UFOs, and a deep dive into the physics of speed and propulsion. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, critical thinking, and a desire to move beyond conventional explanations and methodologies. There is a strong emphasis on scientific curiosity and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries if unconventional approaches are embraced. The author advocates for a holistic and multi-sensory approach to understanding complex phenomena, challenging the limitations of specialization.