The Researcher - No 01 - Vol 1 No 1 - Autumn 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: THE RESEARCHER
Issue: #1
Date: Autumn 1997
Publisher: Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA)
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1

This is the inaugural issue of 'The Researcher', a publication by the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA). The magazine aims to be a platform for MARA members and others interested in UFO and paranormal phenomena to share their research and experiences. The cover features a striking red design with the magazine's title, a quote, issue details, and a list of featured articles including 'UFOs over Anglican Cathedral', 'A Pilgrim's Progress', 'Fighting the Secrecy War', 'An Urban Myth', and 'The Story So Far...some recent hauntings'.

About MARA

The Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA) was founded in February 1996 as a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, promoting, and conducting unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO and paranormal phenomena. MARA supports college and university undergraduate and postgraduate research and operates a Witness Support Group for individuals who have experienced close encounters or paranormal events. MARA is an informal group of individuals over 18 with mixed backgrounds who are interested in actively investigating and researching UFO/paranormal phenomena within Merseyside. Membership is free, but places are limited, and there is a waiting list. The association is run by co-ordinators who are amateur investigators and researchers. MARA maintains a policy of not having fixed beliefs and is not responsible for the opinions expressed by guest speakers, the magazine, or its members. MARA is affiliated with several other research organizations, including the British UFO Research Association and the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation.

The publication 'The Researcher' is described as a voice for MARA members to share their research and interests. It also welcomes letters and articles from those outside MARA, with the aim of reaching a wider audience within the UFO/paranormal community. Contributions are not paid for but offer exposure.

The Voice (Editor's Introduction)

The editor expresses that 'The Researcher' is a voice for MARA members and aims to reach those outside the group who are interested in reports from Merseyside. MARA is presented as a successful, non-politically oriented group that has been involved in interesting cases. The editor notes the current year as significant for ufology and the paranormal becoming more mainstream. They emphasize the difficulty in making the public aware of the complexities of the subject, especially when simple explanations are sought. The editor laments that the public often accepts glossy paranormal magazines and expensive videos over genuine research, which is more readily found in books. The rise of commercialism in the paranormal field is criticized, with the editor noting that many publications and videos lack strong evidence or are fabricated. The editor also discusses the media's role in producing sensationalized stories rather than objective representations of phenomena, citing the 'Strange But True' Live Debate as an example of commercial television prioritizing entertainment over serious research. The editor feels that this commercialism has led to an over-saturation of the phenomenon, resulting in poorly attended conferences, despite the opportunity they offer to meet real researchers.

Conference Details and Reviews

This section reviews several recent UFO and paranormal conferences:

• 5th BUFORA Merseyside UFO Conference: Organized by BUFORA and MARA members, this conference had an average turnout of about 150 people. It was held on Father's Day in a large historic hall. Speakers included Margaret Fry, Stan Conway, Tim Matthews, and Roger Ellison. The venue was cold due to structural refurbishment.
• BUFORA International Conference (Sheffield): The editor expresses disappointment with this event due to internal conflicts and personal disputes among organizers, which affected the planned outcome. The conference, despite being international, primarily featured British speakers. The atmosphere was described as lacking and empty, attributed to ego struggles and the subject being over-exploited by the media. Despite organizers' efforts, infighting, exploitation of the subject, and financial issues were hindrances.
• 20th September - The NARO Files 2 (Manchester): Organized by the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation (NARO), this conference suffered from low attendance. Speakers included John Hall (MARA/NARO), who discussed paranormal events from the Isle of Man, and Jenny Randles, who lectured on time and its relation to UFO and paranormal phenomena.
• 15-16th November - Lancashire Aerial Phenomena Investigation Society Conference (Lytham near Blackpool): This conference is recalled as having good memories from the previous year. Speakers mentioned include Dr. Brian O'Leary, David Percy, Simon Lewis, Matthew Williams, Dea Martin, Bill Holden, and Peter Paget. Ticket prices and workshop costs are detailed.

British UFO Research Association VIDEO & AUDIO CASSETTES

This section lists available video and audio cassettes from various Merseyside Mini Conferences held between November 1995 and June 1997. Topics covered include UFO cases from different regions, government cover-ups, origins of UFOs, close encounters, military aircraft, abduction cases, and UFO crashes (Berwyn Mountain, Rendlesham). Contact details for purchasing these cassettes are provided.

Skywatch Weekend

MARA has consistently organized at least one skywatch per year to practice astronomical and meteorological observations and to understand public perception of UFO phenomena. The 1997 skywatch, planned for June 21st in collaboration with BUFORA, was rained out. MARA then joined a national skywatch with UFO Magazine, forming two groups. One group observed from Ashurst Beacon, offering a commanding view, while the second group was at Thurstaston Common on the Wirral. The Thurstaston Common site provided a view of stars, planets (Jupiter), sporadic cometary dust, satellites, and aircraft. The author notes the presence of fault lines beneath Hilbre Island. Despite seeing nothing unusual, the experience of watching with others was comfortable. The skywatch concluded with the news of Princess Diana's tragic accident. Future skywatches are planned for earlier in the year (Spring/Summer) with the aim of observing from two locations simultaneously to cover more areas and investigate natural processes that might be related to UFO phenomena, such as earthlights and faultline processes. The author disagrees with the idea that all unidentified sightings are solely stimulated by geological processes but believes they play an important role.

To Bear Witness

This article, by Mark Glover, discusses the justification and function of the Witness Support Group (WSG) within MARA. The WSG addresses how anomalous phenomena psychologically affect witnesses, particularly in cases of traumatic experiences like 'alien abduction'. The group aims to provide a facility for understanding and coming to terms with these experiences. The article distinguishes between negatively traumatic and 'positively traumatic' experiences, where the latter can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of life. The author emphasizes that while experiences should be accepted, they should not be unquestioned. The WSG helps individuals process these events, leading to a sense of inner development and self-respect. The article stresses that the WSG is not about establishing a belief system or cult but about respecting witnesses' experiences and maintaining a balance of subjective and objective consideration. The motto adopted is "interpretation is free, experience is sacred." The article also provides biographical information on Mark Glover, highlighting his background in Psychology and Biology and his involvement in various research organizations.

Witness Support Group

This section details the MARA Witness Support Group, which was based on the original London-based group founded by Ken Philips. The group's purpose is to allow witnesses to freely express their experiences with paranormal phenomena, including UFO close encounters and poltergeist activity, in a private and non-judgmental setting. Witnesses can express themselves literally or artistically, and their expressions may be published anonymously in the future. Participation in the WSG ensures total anonymity, separate from MARA activities. The group is co-ordinated by Mark Glover and Paul Rogers to maintain balance and prevent any individual from dominating. It is stressed that the group is not a counseling or medical analysis service but a space for people to talk freely and share experiences with others who have had similar encounters, in confidence. Information on how to contact Mark Glover and Paul Rogers for further details is provided.

A Pilgrim's Progress

Authored by Anthony Eccles, this article recounts a case from 1994 involving a local government officer who experienced a car crash. Eccles suggests a paranormal link to the incident, noting the witness had been a sensitive person with prior strange experiences and a UFO sighting after the crash. The article details two specific unsettling experiences: one where the witness felt a cat-like presence in bed, and another, more frightening experience around 1992, involving a whitish streak, laughter, and a feeling of suffocation by an unseen entity, accompanied by the appearance of an old woman's face and a puppet face. A few weeks later, a similar experience occurred, involving paralysis and a sensation of being hammered. The witness believed the 'entity' was the same on both occasions. Eccles concludes that these experiences resemble sleep paralysis and the 'Old Hag Syndrome' rather than abduction, noting the witness's tendency to lie down in bed when these events occur.

Merseyside Curiosities

This section, appearing on page 26, is not fully provided in the OCR text. However, its title suggests it would cover local oddities or unexplained events specific to the Merseyside region.

An Urban Myth

This section, appearing on page 28, is not fully provided in the OCR text. Its title suggests it would explore the nature and origins of urban myths, possibly in the context of paranormal or UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'The Researcher' include UFO sightings and related phenomena, paranormal experiences, the importance of genuine research versus sensationalism, the role of media, and the support and investigation of witnesses. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor and through the MARA's policies, is one of open-minded investigation, a commitment to unbiased research, and a focus on providing a platform for members and contributors to share their findings and experiences. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between commercialized paranormal content and genuine research, and on supporting individuals who have had anomalous experiences. The Witness Support Group's motto, "interpretation is free, experience is sacred," encapsulates the magazine's approach to potentially controversial subjects.

MARA Magazine, Issue 1, September 1997, is a publication dedicated to exploring paranormal phenomena and UFO investigations. This issue features articles by Colin John Veacock and William Bimson, delving into case studies, psychological aspects of experiences, and government secrecy surrounding unexplained events.

Case Study: Witness Recovery and UFO Sighting

The issue details the experience of a witness who, after a traumatic car crash in early 1994, sustained a knee injury, shock, and depression. The witness underwent physiotherapy and was prescribed Prozac. During this period, the witness developed a fear of driving and experienced isolation at work, a state identified as 'status inconsistency'.

On August 3rd, 1994, the witness reported seeing a stationary, pulsating red ball of light low above a house. The object made no noise and was observed for about half a minute before disappearing. The investigation concluded that no military or civilian aircraft were present, and no meteorological or astronomical explanation could be found. The object was described as larger than the full moon at arm's length, with the sky being clear and mild.

The article posits that the object was not an ET craft but possibly a signal created by the subconscious to stimulate a process of healing. The witness's receptive conditioning, possibly stemming from birth trauma, made them sensitive to such signals. The profound effect on the witness is highlighted, leading to a sense of being 'special' and a re-evaluation of their place in the cosmos. This marked the beginning of a "Pilgrim's Progress" cycle of self-healing and personal growth.

Following the sighting, the witness's life changed significantly. They returned to work in a different department, experiencing less pressure. The witness stopped taking Prozac and developed a desire to become a travel representative, ultimately finding a more fulfilling career. The case is evaluated as an 'Unidentified Psychological Object', relating more to biological healing than any other explanation, with the paranormal link being the subconscious connection to the conscious as a response to trauma.

A model illustrates the type of experience that can have a strong impact on a witness's life, differentiating between the witness before (X1) and after (X2) their experience, suggesting an evolutionary process of 'enlightenment' driven by paranormal stimuli.

Investigations into Paranormal Phenomena

The magazine also presents several paranormal investigations conducted by MARA:

The 'Talking Poltergeist' of Hopwood Street, Liverpool

This case involved a family reporting disembodied threatening voices, the 'ghost' of a young girl, maniacal laughter, and instances of physical violence. Investigations included tape-recorded interviews, during which sounds compared to a horse walking on cobblestones were captured. A photograph of a bedroom allegedly showed a hovering pinkish pyramid of light. During an overnight stay, audio and video equipment recorded strange solid thumps and popping sounds, and a zipper sound was heard.

Mr. Pumpkin Head, Gateacre

This case involved a family experiencing an apparition they nicknamed 'Mr. Pumpkin Head', thought to be a deformed farmer. The investigation successfully halted the phenomena within two months, partly due to the impact on a young boy's health. It was also established that a farm named "Throstles Nest Farm" had existed on the site.

Entities in Anfield

An elderly man reported three entities in his home, two of whom were threatening him with violence. Initial suspicion of schizophrenia was investigated by a psychology post-graduate and a nurse, who concluded the witness was likely not suffering from mental illness. The investigation in the attic led to confusing experiences, including physical effects like being touched.

The Coach and Horses Pub, Chester

An overnight stay was conducted at this pub following reports of an ashtray moving by itself. Further phenomena included a spanner disappearing and reappearing, an apparition resembling a clown or Tudor figure, and light phenomena described as spinning blue balls of light. During the investigation, loud knocks and a thunderous crash were recorded, though not heard by others present. A tape recorder mysteriously turned off, and one investigator heard a sneeze.

Fighting the Secrecy War

William Bimson's article discusses government secrecy techniques, primarily 'information withdrawal'. This involves withholding information from the public, either before it enters the public domain (using the Official Secrets Act) or after it has been exposed in the media. Methods include absolute denial, persuasion by government agents, personal threats, bribes, and misinformation.

The article details how government agencies and the military use these techniques to obscure UFO incidents. The 'Men in Black' (MIB) are described as individuals who harass witnesses to persuade them to withdraw their statements or claim their sightings were hoaxes. They are often described as wearing dark suits and driving black cars, sometimes claiming affiliation with the Ministry of Defence, though the MoD denies sending them.

Bribes are mentioned as a technique used in other countries to silence witnesses. Misinformation is highlighted as a potent weapon, with the Roswell incident of 1947 cited as a prime example. The article explains how the USAF initially reported a crashed UFO but later claimed it was a weather balloon, with the official story evolving over time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and psychological experiences. There is a clear interest in how these events impact individuals, particularly in terms of healing and personal growth, as seen in the main case study. The publication also adopts a critical stance towards government secrecy and the potential for official cover-ups regarding unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and a belief in the importance of understanding these events, while acknowledging the challenges posed by official denial and misinformation.

Title: The Researcher
Issue: #1
Volume: Autumn 1997
Publisher: MARA
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of 'The Researcher' focuses on the challenges and strategies involved in UFO investigation, particularly concerning evidence handling, combating secrecy, and dealing with potential misinformation. It also features several case studies of UFO sightings and local mysteries in the Merseyside area.

Fighting the Secrecy War

The lead articles discuss the difficulties faced by UFO researchers in obtaining and preserving evidence. The first section, "Theft of evidence," explains how agencies may attempt to discredit witnesses or destroy evidence by asking to borrow it, only for it to disappear. When evidence is returned, it is often of poor quality, rendering it useless.

"FIGHTING THE SECRECY WAR" highlights the imbalance of resources between well-funded government agencies and under-equipped part-time volunteer UFO groups. It emphasizes the need for researchers to recognize and counter secrecy techniques employed by these agencies.

Prevention of Theft or Loss of Evidence

To combat evidence theft, witnesses should be immediately warned of the danger. They are advised to keep original photographs, negatives, or video footage and make at least ten good quality copies. These copies should be funded by the research group and distributed quickly to other groups to make retrieval by agencies nearly impossible. After initial analysis to rule out hoaxes, the footage should be released widely via media channels, while protecting the witness's identity.

The document also points out the low return rate of witness forms sent out by research groups (less than 25%, rising to one in three with a stamped addressed envelope). It suggests that research groups should immediately send an investigator to help witnesses fill out forms, which would retain more data. Networking between research groups is recommended to ensure the nearest group handles initial investigations.

Prevention of Misinformation

While direct control over external misinformation is limited, investigators can employ careful questioning and precise recording of answers. An example given is how to ask about alien bodies in the Roswell incident by first inquiring about other military operations or equipment, making a denial more impactful later.

Prevention of Bribery

Bribery is presented as difficult to stop, especially for individuals short of money. However, the potency of a bribe diminishes over time. Approaching a witness years after an incident, when any bribe money may have been spent, could make them more inclined to talk.

Prevention of Persuasion by MIB

'Men in Black' (MIB) are reported to use harassment, threats, and hypnosis. The article suggests that witnesses should not meet MIB alone, as they rarely back down without some concession. Safety lies in numbers; witnesses should contact local research groups to muster volunteers to be present during questioning. Investigators should attempt to photograph or video the MIB, record their vehicle details, and if possible, discreetly follow them afterward. Volunteers should avoid revealing personal details to MIB, and can even use misinformation by posing as government agents with higher security clearance.

A mock Ministry of Defence identity card is presented as an example of what MIB might carry, created by the author in about ten minutes.

Prevention of Absolute Denial

Hard evidence and professional publication are key to preventing absolute denial. This includes obtaining high-quality photographic, video, and hardware evidence, such as alien implants. The goal is to present findings in learned science journals, aiming for publication in prestigious venues like 'Nature' to lend credibility and move the subject from the realm of 'crank' to mainstream science.

Case Studies and Local Mysteries

Mystery of April UFOs sighted over Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral

This case, investigated by MARA and the British UFO Research Association, involved a joint investigation into a sighting on April 30, 1996. A family relaxing in St. James's cemetery witnessed a black oval object appear from behind the cathedral at 12:55 GMT. It moved south, then changed course to the east, appearing to 'flip over on itself' slowly. It had no wings, produced no sound, and left no trail. The sighting lasted five minutes.

Fifteen minutes later, a second object, described as a brightly lit cigar-shaped object, appeared, moving in the same direction before disappearing east. This sighting lasted about six minutes. The witnesses were deemed sincere but had experienced other paranormal phenomena previously. Enquiries to Liverpool Airport and RAF West Drayton confirmed no unusual aerial phenomena or military activity for that day. Radar tracks did not match the descriptions, ruling out dirigibles. Weather conditions were hot and dry, with no clear meteorological explanation. The case remains unidentified due to insufficient data, with the possibility of a helium balloon for the first sighting suggested.

Black oval object rises out of River Mersey

This British UFO Research Association investigation documented a sighting on July 8, 1996, at 21:45 BST. Three witnesses in Wallasey observed a very black shape just above the surface of the River Mersey, about a quarter to half a mile away. The object then rose out of the water and ascended steeply into the sky, described as a fuzzy, matt black oval shape, about the size of a moth on a window. It moved from right to left at a steep ascent. The main witness, a proprietor and ex-military, was considered credible. The object was observed by both men and later by a third witness nearby. The Harbourmaster confirmed no military use of the Mersey. Mini-submarine activity was noted off Moreton and Rock Ferry, and near Hilbre Island. RAF Valley reported no unusual military aircraft. The case remains unidentified.

Merseyside Curiosities

This section highlights local points of interest, focusing on St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Rodney Street, Liverpool, and McKenzie's Tomb within its churchyard. The church, built in 1823-4, is being renovated by John Moores University. McKenzie's Tomb is described as a large pyramidal structure where McKenzie, a wealthy promoter of railways and science, but also a gambler, was interred seated at a poker table with a winning hand of cards. The site is known for hauntings.

Several incidents related to Rodney Street are recounted:

• The Rodney Street Spectre: In autumn 1970, a middle-aged woman reported seeing a man in a top hat and cape emerge from a cemetery wall and walk back through it. A policeman later saw the same figure, with his torchlight passing through it.
• Recent Sightings: Two girls reported seeing a dark figure near the churchyard railings on Maryland Street, which walked through a wall and glided over gravestones. A security guard also reported seeing a figure dart through gravestones.

An article from 'Merseymart' dated June 5, 1997, titled "Card playing spook haunts city streets," is referenced.

The magazine invites readers to submit details of other mysterious places within Merseyside.

An Urban Myth

This article by Anthony Eccles details a case based on an actual police file of a disappearing person. A couple, Pat and Mike, moved into a house in Halewood. Mike went out to play football but forgot his keys. He returned briefly to get them, and Pat did not hear him leave again. Two hours later, Mike's friends called, asking where he was, as he hadn't arrived. Pat searched the house and found him downstairs, ready to go out again, confused about the time as his watch had stopped at 6:30, while it was actually 3:20 AM. The incident was forgotten, with Mike unable to explain it.

A month later, Mike was preparing to go out again. He said goodbye to Pat and closed the door. He then knocked again, saying he would take the car. Pat went back to her phone call. When she finished, she went to find Mike but he was gone. His sports bag was still there, and the car was on the drive. She searched the house, including the loft, but found no trace of him. Later, Mike's friend called again, and Pat contacted the police. Initial inquiries found no trace of Mike, and he remained on a police list of vanished persons for three years.

A cartoon titled "DR. UFO" is included, depicting a flying triangle object from Warton causing the character to feel isolated.

Contributors

The issue thanks contributors for articles, magazine design, and layout, listing Anthony Eccles, William Bimson, Sue McAllister, Mark Glover, and Colin John Veacock. Special thanks are given to John L. Hall for printing.

Amendments to "The Researcher" issue #1 Autumn 1997

This section lists grammatical errors found in the first edition and provides corrections. Amendments are noted for pages 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, and 28, covering issues such as structural refurbishment, the accident involving Princess Diana, a traumatized birth, and a man ordering a drink after his wife's death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of UFO research, including evidence protection, combating official secrecy and misinformation, and the nature of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more professional and scientifically rigorous approach to UFO investigation, aiming to bring the subject into mainstream scientific discourse. There is also a focus on local mysteries and unexplained events within Merseyside, suggesting an interest in regional paranormal activity. The publication encourages reader contributions to highlight such places.

Title: The Researcher
Issue Date: Winter 1998, Spring 1998, Summer 1998, Autumn 1998 (covering issues 2-5)
Type: Magazine

How to Obtain Issues

This document details two primary methods for acquiring future issues of 'The Researcher' magazine in 1998: subscription and exchange.

Subscription

Subscribers can opt for an annual subscription covering issues 2 through 5 for a total cost of £6. Alternatively, individuals can purchase single issues for £1.50 each. The subscription fee includes postage and packaging. To subscribe, interested parties must complete the provided form with their name, address, and age, and send a cheque payable to Anthony Eccles to the specified address.

Exchange

An exchange program is offered for individuals or groups who produce their own regular newsletters, journals, or magazines. This option allows for a swap of publications. To participate, individuals need to complete the form indicating their desire to exchange and provide the name of their publication. This option is presented as an alternative to monetary payment.

Payment and Submission Details

All payments and exchange requests should be directed to:

Anthony Eccles
52, Hawthorne Avenue,
Halewood
Liverpool
L26 9XD

The form includes checkboxes for 'A: Subscribe' and 'B: Exchange', along with specific options for enclosing a cheque for the annual subscription (£6), a single issue (£1.50), or indicating a desire to swap publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the distribution and accessibility of 'The Researcher' magazine. The editorial stance is one of encouraging readership and engagement through both traditional subscription models and reciprocal exchange, aiming to broaden the magazine's reach and foster a community of shared publications.