Project Red Book vol 7 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of YUFOS Project Red Book, Volume 7, Number 1, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, focuses on a variety of paranormal and UFO-related investigations and analyses. The cover features a drawing of a large footprint, hinting at the inclusion of Bigfoot-related content, alongside UFO investigations. The price is listed as £1:50.

Contents

The issue contains several key articles:

1. The View From Britain: An analysis by Jenny Randles, originally published in The MUFON JOURNAL, July 2002. It examines a 'window area' in the Pennine Hills, detailing a high concentration of UFO sightings and close encounters.
2. Michelham Priory Investigation: A report by Gary Crompton (COTC/YUFOS) detailing a paranormal investigation at Michelham Priory on October 31st. The investigation involved members of COTC and the Ghost Club.
3. International Bigfoot Symposium: A report on the symposium held from September 12th-14th, 2003, in Willow Creek, California, USA, attended by leading Bigfoot research experts.
4. UFOs: Sub Rosa (part 8): An ongoing study by Bill Chalker on the Australian Military & Government's interest in the UFO phenomenon, including Hynek's visit to Australia and RAAF reports.

Additionally, the issue includes "The Jenny Randles Column" and "Australian UFOs", and promises "And much more...".

The View From Britain by Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles presents an analysis of a 'window area' in the Pennine Hills, a region stretching down the middle of Britain, known for its paranormal activity. Her book, 'Supernatural Pennines', details many case histories. The analysis focuses on UFO activity, which is currently the most prevalent phenomenon. Randles calculated that UFO sightings in the Pennines occur twelve times more frequently than the UK average. Furthermore, while 93% of UK sightings are explained, leaving 7% unsolved, the Pennine region has only 88% solved cases, meaning the level of unsolved cases is nearly double the national average. Close encounters, defined as cases with an actual effect on the environment, constitute 10.1% in the Pennines, compared to 2.8% nationally. Alien contact cases are also four times more common in the Pennines.

Hot Spots

The study identified localized 'hotspots' of intense activity, particularly on the moors between the Rossendale Valley (Lancashire) and the Calder Valley (West Yorkshire). This area, despite being rural, accounts for almost 10% of Pennine sightings and a quarter of all British alien contacts, making it a prime location for potential abductions.

Conclusions

Randles suggests that the Pennine window area is a significant, yet missed, opportunity for UFOlogy. She advocates for mobilizing resources for a serious investigation, believing it could yield definitive evidence to advance understanding of the UFO mystery. She contrasts this proactive approach with attempts to pressure governments for information.

Henry's "Ghost" Caught on CCTV?

This section briefly mentions a CCTV photograph allegedly taken at Hampton Court Palace in London. Over three consecutive days, alarms sounded, and security cameras captured fire doors opening with no one visible. On the second occasion, a mysterious figure was seen closing the doors. The full story is promised for the next issue.

Michelham Priory Investigation by Gary Crompton (COTC/YUFOS)

This article details a paranormal investigation conducted at Michelham Priory, a historic building in Hailsham, East Sussex, with a history dating back to 1229. The priory has been the site of numerous reported paranormal occurrences, including strange noises, footsteps, ghostly apparitions, a white horse, and a grey lady.

A Brief History

Michelham Priory was originally home to Augustinian Canons until the dissolution of monasteries in 1536. It later became the residence of the Sackville family and then tenant farmers before being purchased by the Gwynne family in 1897. The paranormal TV program 'Most Haunted' conducted an investigation there.

Notable Sightings at Michelham Priory

One famous sighting in 1969 involved two friends who witnessed a black-hooded figure descend from the ceiling and disappear, followed by a woman in a blue/grey Elizabethan dress. Archaeological excavations later revealed a destroyed staircase and door in that exact location, suggesting a possible 'recording from the past'.

The Investigation

The investigation began at 7:30 p.m. on October 31st, with Gary Crompton, Gavin Moulson, COTC Paranormal investigations, and ten members of the Ghost Club participating. The team was divided into groups and rotated through different vigil locations.

#### Locations Explored:

• Upper Rooms: The 'Monks' room was explored. While initially startling due to a wax model, the room yielded little activity. However, Andy, a medium, reported sensing a presence, and 'orbs' appeared on camera when he felt something.
• Pottery Room: In an adjacent room, Andy sensed the presence of a little girl who appeared scared. Light anomalies were noted on camera.
• Gate House: This location, surrounded by a moat, proved to be active. A camera battery drained rapidly, and sporadic flashes of light were observed on night vision cameras. Andy sensed a male presence.
• Church Foundations: An exploration of the old church foundations yielded no unusual activity or presences.
• Music Room: This room is considered highly haunted. The harpsichord was reported to have played on its own during a previous investigation. Andy sensed the presence of a lady named Mary, who claimed to have worked at the priory as a servant and held a dark secret.
• Dining Room: An adjacent room to the music room, set up as a dining room, was also investigated. Andy felt drained after his contact with 'Mary'.

Séances

Several séances were conducted. In the first séance, in the Monks room, Andy became distressed, indicating a 'nasty entity' was speaking through him, asking "Where is she?". In a subsequent séance, the spirit of a maid communicated a story about a man who had abused one of the family's children. The maid had kept this secret for years out of fear. It was also suggested that the male presence was searching for the abused girl in the afterlife.

Conclusions

Crompton concludes that Michelham Priory is a very good, albeit tiring, investigation. He notes that while some information about the priory is available online, certain phenomena, like the chiming clock, were not readily found. He speculates that natural Earth energy or 'group hysteria' might contribute to the perceived paranormal activity. He recommends staying overnight if given the chance, but not alone.

Happy Birthday 'Flying Saucer'

This short piece, dated January 2, 2004, from Free Internet Press, discusses the origin of the term "flying saucer." It credits journalist Kenneth Arnold with popularizing the term in June 1947 following his sighting of nine flying disks. However, it notes that a farmer named John Martin used the term 70 years earlier, in January 1878, to describe a dark object he saw during a hunting expedition in Texas. Martin's object grew in size and appeared to be going fast, eventually being the size of a large saucer at a great height. Scientists believe this sighting might have been a solid object against the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting findings from investigations and analyses while acknowledging the difficulty in proving paranormal events. There is a clear interest in historical cases and the origins of UFO terminology. The publication encourages serious investigation and the pursuit of evidence, as highlighted by Gary Crompton's call for proactive UFOlogy. The inclusion of multiple articles on specific locations like Michelham Priory and the Pennines suggests a focus on detailed case studies. The magazine also seems to embrace a community aspect, with mentions of various groups like YUFOS, COTC, and the Ghost Club collaborating on investigations.

This document is a report by Paul Vella titled "INTERNATIONAL BIGFOOT SYMPOSIUM" held in Willow Creek, California, from September 12-14th, 2003. The author recounts his personal journey into Bigfoot research, inspired by a BBC documentary in 1972, and his attendance at the symposium.

The Journey to Willow Creek

Vella describes his childhood fascination with the Patterson-Gimlin film and his extensive reading and correspondence on the subject. He details his trip to Willow Creek, including renting a campervan after finding the local motel fully booked. He stops in Bagoda, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds," and drives along the "Avenue of the Giants" through the Redwood forests.

Meeting the Experts

Upon arriving in Willow Creek, Vella meets fellow Bigfoot enthusiasts and attends a breakfast at "Sherries" diner, where he encounters prominent researchers such as John Green, Demitri Bayanov, Jimmy Chilcutt, Thomas Steenburg, Jim McClarin, Dr. John Bindernagel, Bob Gimlin, and Dr. Jeff Muldrum. He describes the atmosphere as being like "Disneyland" for Bigfoot researchers. A press conference follows, where speakers aim to explain that they are serious researchers, not "crazy folk," who believe in an unknown ape in North America.

The China Flat Museum and Symposium Talks

The China Flat Museum, though small, houses a "Bigfoot" room with plaster casts, a Gigantopithicus Skull reconstruction, videos, and newspaper cuttings. The Skookum Cast was also on display. The symposium itself was held in the local school gym. Vella mentions that the audio recordings of the talks were largely unintelligible due to ineffective fans, but he relies on notes from his friend Jerry.

John Green's Address

John Green opens the symposium, noting the absence of Dr. Jane Goodall, who was in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Green dedicates the symposium to Bob Titmus, who he credits with starting Bigfoot research. Green presents Sasquatch as a single form of "bi-pedal wildlife" and outlines key points: the need to fit the "image" of Sasquatch to facts, the belief that it is an animal requiring scientific study, and the existence of detailed accounts like the Albert Ostman story. He shares that his files contain 3,647 cases, with only 40 involving both male and female Sasquatch. He also notes that smell is reported in 72 reports, and most sightings occur "on the side of the road."

Ray Wallace and Hoaxes

Green discusses the death of Bigfoot hoaxer Ray Wallace and the irresponsible reporting by the press. He points out that the Wallace family doesn't know how the fake footprints were made and that the discovery of tracks in Bluff Creek interfered with Wallace's construction contract, costing him money.

John Bindernagel on Anatomy

Dr. John Bindernagel discusses the apelike anatomical and behavioral characteristics attributed to Sasquatch, including long arms, short necks, flat faces, large nostrils, pointed heads with sagittal crests, deep-set eyes, and chest-beating behavior similar to gorillas. He also mentions that tracks often appear as if something was walking on a tightrope. However, he also states that people believe in Bigfoot "because they like to believe in it!" His presentations have faced rejection from wildlife meetings.

Jeffrey Meldrum on Footprints and Bipedalism

Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum focuses on the mid-tarsal break in apes and its relevance to the Patterson-Gimlin film. He describes an experiment with an ape named "Jason" that demonstrated this break and how the ape erased its footprints. Meldrum concludes that the Patterson film shows flat-footed mid-tarsal breaks and bipedalism. He also presents a 1967 track that clearly shows mid-tarsal breaks and suggests that hominids may have been bipedal for millions of years.

Jimmy Chilcutt on Dermal Ridge Evidence

Jimmy Chilcutt, a forensic examiner, shares his work on matching fingerprints and discusses his research into dermal ridge evidence in footprint casts. He believes that human fingerprints may contain sexual or ethnic characteristics useful for identification. Chilcutt was inspired to investigate Bigfoot after hearing Dr. Jeff Meldrum mention "Dermal Ridges." He examined casts and became convinced of an undiscovered North American ape. He notes that some casts show clear ridges, and that human ridges differ from primate ridges. He also found dermal ridges on casts from Georgia and the Skookum Cast. He asserts that casts made before 1999 likely did not have their ridge significance known.

Doug Hajicek on the Patterson-Gimlin Film

Doug Hajicek presents his documentary "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science," which he describes as an even-handed documentary. He discusses his analysis of the Patterson-Gimlin footage, including the discovery of a bulge on "Patty's" right leg, which he likens to an "Erectus Femoral Hernia." Hajicek used a forensic animator to create a "digital skeleton" from the footage, revealing a unique gait unlike humans, suggesting the film could not have been faked with a suit. He also noted that the hair appears to bristle and that "Patty" favors her right leg. A scientist initially skeptical agreed that 40 muscle groups could be identified on the animal, with no explanation for how this could be hoaxed.

Kathy Moskowitz on Pictographs

Ms. Kathy Moskowitz discusses the "Mayak datat," an archaeological viewpoint of hairy man pictographs found near Tuleville, California. These pictographs, dating back to at least 1889, depict a Bigfoot family. She draws a parallel to a Glenn Thomas sighting of an apparent Bigfoot family.

Alton Higgins on Photo Evidence

Mr. Alton Higgins discusses the challenges of photo evidence in Bigfoot research, emphasizing the importance of context, other evidence, and the character of the source. He notes that while presented with photos, he was asked not to photograph them and found them not entirely convincing, though some before-and-after photos showed the humanoid shape was not present before or after.

UFOs: Australian Military & Government Role

This section, authored by Bill Chalker, delves into the Australian military and government's role in the UFO controversy, specifically focusing on "SUB ROSA" (secret) investigations.

UFO Impact and the JIB

Chalker discusses the "rapid intervention" team being dropped and how political considerations frustrated official UFO research in Australia. Harry Turner's JIB report is mentioned, critiquing the Condon Report. Turner attempted to highlight potential military threats from UFOs, suggesting they might involve "weapon systems" like devices to interfere with electrical circuits, induce paralysis, or heat rays. Despite these efforts, Turner's proposed study did not progress.

Intruder at Woomera

The Woomera "intrusions" of late 1971 are detailed, including an unidentified "aircraft" observed over prohibited airspace prior to a Black Arrow rocket launch. A Department of Supply letter to Air Force Intelligence expressed concern about a possible foreign aircraft intrusion. The explanation of re-entering space debris was suggested as a more politically expedient alternative.

Science and the UFO

Ironically, a symposium on the UFO problem was organized by the South Australian division of ANZAAS on October 30, 1971, shortly after the Woomera intrusions. The symposium attracted widespread publicity, with Dr. Brian Horton emphasizing the need for scientific investigation. Colin Norris presented a history of UFOs, and Dr. Bill Taylor presented a paper by Mr. B. Roberts. Dr. Michael Duggin called for closer cooperation between UFO organizations and scientists, noting his secret work with JIB scientist Harry Turner.

Meteorological Phenomena and Psychological Aspects

Lynn Mitchell addressed meteorological phenomena relevant to UFO sightings, listing common sources like scintillation, green flash, and lenticular clouds. She reported no inexplicable sightings attributed to meteorological observers in the past 20 years. Dr. Peter Delin discussed the "Psychological Aspects of Belief and Disbelief," arguing that both skeptics and believers suffer from biased observation and strong internal motivation. He stressed the importance of separating a witness's report from their interpretation.

RAAF UFO "Counter-Intelligence" in SA

Documents from RAAF Edinburgh Base reveal frustration with the "UFO problem." The RAAF attempted to assert responsibility for investigating UFOs, but local UFO organizations were reluctant to share information until they had "picked the bones clean." The RAAF sought cooperation but found that UFO groups preferred to publicize findings themselves. A list of alleged sightings investigated by the AFSRS alone in 1971 showed that none were initially reported to the RAAF.

Tooligie Hill Incident

A second document details peculiar ground markings discovered on a farming property at Tooligie Hill, Eyre Peninsula, in December 1971. The matter came to the RAAF's attention through a newspaper clipping. The OIC UFOs contacted Peter Powell, who was investigating the phenomenon. It was noted that a meeting of local UFO groups was planned, and the RAAF deemed it prudent not to initiate an on-site investigation to avoid unwanted publicity and potential parallels with civilian investigations. A later note indicates that a Corporal had taken leave to visit the Habner property, where a "safari" had taken soil samples and photographed markings, but found no significant findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry, eyewitness testimony, and government/military involvement in phenomena like Bigfoot and UFOs. There's a recurring theme of frustration with the lack of official scientific investigation and the challenges of handling evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific investigation while acknowledging the difficulties and potential for hoaxes and misinterpretations. The publication highlights the efforts of dedicated researchers who are pushing the boundaries of understanding these phenomena.

PRB, Volume 7, Issue 1, published in 1996 by YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society), is an English-language magazine focusing on UFO phenomena. This issue covers a specific UFO sighting and associated crop mark in Australia, the influential visit of Dr. Allen Hynek to Australia, and announces the closure of the publishing society.

Habner Crop Mark Incident

The issue details an incident reported by Mrs. Habner concerning a crop mark found in her paddock on December 28th, 1971. The mark was in a wheat crop and consisted of a rim-shape approximately 7 feet in diameter. The crop within this area was laid flat in an anti-clockwise spinning motion. In the center, measuring 45 inches across, the crop was cut to a height of 9 inches. A smaller, crescent-shaped mark, not cut into the ground but with the straw spun, was also found about 12 feet away. Mrs. Habner speculates that whatever made the mark may have been deterred by a mallee stump, causing it to rise and land on the main site. A family in the district reported seeing a strange light around Christmas Eve. Approximately 200 visitors came to see the mark, which remained until the crop was ploughed for seeding. The markings of the spun straw were still visible, though less defined.

Official Correspondence

Attached to Mrs. Habner's report is a letter from Headquarters to the Commissioner of Police. Air Commodore E.T. Pickerd expresses concern that the RAAF was not informed of the incident initially, suggesting that any post-event investigation by the RAAF would be unfeasible and embarrassing. He requests that all UFO reports be referred to his Headquarters with minimal delay. The Commissioner of Police, J.G. McKinna, replies, enclosing a report from Inspector R.A. Schlein of Port Lincoln Police. Inspector Schlein's report indicates that while strange markings were observed at Tooligie Hills in December, there was no actual UFO sighting, and insufficient evidence to connect the markings to a UFO, especially given the elapsed time and existing crop growth. The Commissioner apologizes for any hindrance caused by the lack of an earlier report and states that a further instruction will be issued via the Police Gazette.

Dr. Allen Hynek's Visit to Australia

The magazine recounts Dr. Allen Hynek's visit to Australia in 1973. Dr. Hynek, who had served as an astronomy consultant for the United States Air Force UFO study since 1948, lectured on astronomy and UFOs and promoted his book, 'The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry'. His visit is described as a watershed for both Australia and himself. Dr. Hynek, who moved from skepticism to actively promoting the validity of the UFO phenomenon, championed serious research. Following his visit and a resurgence of UFO activity in America, he brought the 'invisible college' into the open and formed the Centre for UFO Studies. During his Australian stay, he researched classic cases, including meeting with Shamus O'Farrell regarding the 1954 Sea Fury incident and investigating the Boianai case in Papua, where he remained convinced of the 'bonafide nature of the visitants'. Discussions during his visit led to the formation of ACOS (Australian Co-Ordination Centre for the Centre for UFO Studies) by Harry Griesberg and David Seargent. Dr. Hynek also had an informal meeting with Group Captain K.R. Janson, Director of Air Force Intelligence, discussing investigation procedures for unusual phenomena in the USAF and RAAF.

Closure of YUFOS and PRB

Dave Baker, the editor, announces with regret that this issue of PRB is the final one, and YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society) will be closing down or placed on indefinite hiatus after seven years. Reasons cited include steadily dropping attendance at monthly meetings, a low number of UFO reports, difficulty in finding sufficient material for PRB, and the editor's personal lack of time and passion due to his roles as a husband and father. He expresses that it is unfair for people to pay for a magazine published sporadically. Baker will continue to be involved in UFOs and the paranormal through the Yorkshire Paranormal Society and as an investigator for the Centre for Fortean Zoology. He includes a cheque for refunded subscriptions and thanks readers for their support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong interest in documenting UFO sightings and associated physical evidence, such as crop marks. It highlights the importance of official channels for reporting such phenomena and the challenges of inter-agency communication (RAAF vs. Police). The influence of key figures like Dr. Allen Hynek in legitimizing UFO research is emphasized. The editorial stance, particularly from Dave Baker, is one of dedication to the subject matter, tempered by the practical realities of maintaining a society and publication. The closure of YUFOS and PRB signifies a shift in the landscape of UFO research organizations, moving towards smaller, more flexible involvement for individuals like Baker.