The Researcher - No 03 - Vol 1 No 3 - Spring Summer 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: THE RESEARCHER
Issue: Vol. 1 Issue 3
Date: Spring/Summer 1998
Publisher: Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA)
Price: £2

This issue of "The Researcher" is a publication of the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association, dedicated to the investigation of UFO and paranormal phenomena. The cover features a striking image of a grand staircase and highlights several articles, including "The Haunting of Liverpool's Town Hall," "The Curious Robin Hood Stone," "Detecting Physical Alien Craft Part 2," "Unexplained Voice Caught on Tape," and "A Liverpool Close Encounter Experience."

Editorial and Association Information

The editorial, "The Voice," by Anthony Eccles, welcomes readers to the third issue and apologizes for a slight delay, attributing it to personal commitments. Eccles notes that MARA has received several good cases recently and continues to debate the use of hypnosis in witness regression. He welcomes Dr. Stephen Verner Weaver, a psychologist, as MARA's second qualified consultant. The editorial also laments the public's loss of interest in paranormal subjects due to commercial exploitation and misguided ideas, contrasting this with the need for objective, serious research. It emphasizes that "The Researcher" is a voice for MARA members and encourages objective, unpolitical contributions.

Page 3 provides an "About MARA" section, detailing its founding in February 1996 as a non-profit organization focused on unbiased investigation and research into UFO/paranormal phenomena. MARA aims to encourage and promote such research, offering non-financial support for undergraduate and post-graduate studies. The group comprises individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages, with a focus on active investigation within the Merseyside region. Membership is free, though a waiting list exists due to limited capacity. MARA maintains a policy of remaining apolitical and without fixed beliefs, though it is not responsible for opinions expressed within its publications or by guest speakers. It lists several affiliations, including the British UFO Research Association and the Association for Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena.

Conference Details

Page 5 announces an upcoming MARA conference titled "UFO'S AND THE PARANORMAL" to be held on Saturday, 31st October 1998, from 11 am to 6 pm at The Unity Theatre, Hope Place, Liverpool. The conference will feature speakers such as Kevin McClure (Fortean Times), Jenny Randles, Nick Redfern, Dr. Carl Williams (Parapsychologist), Tony Eccles, Mark Glover, and Colin Veacock. Topics will range from Nazi UFOs and Spontaneous Human Combustion to UFOs over Merseyside and Hauntings in Merseyside.

Featured Articles and Case Studies

"Knock, Knock, who goes there!" A look at poltergeists by Colin J. Veacock (Page 6-7): This article explores the characteristics of poltergeist activity, describing phenomena such as scratches, knocks, vanishing and reappearing objects, cold drafts, temperature drops, objects being thrown, indentations in plaster, doors opening and closing, and tampering with electricity. It suggests that poltergeists are often creations of the subconscious mind, feeding on fear and heightened emotion, rather than the spirits of the deceased. The article also touches upon the potential for physical attacks by poltergeists.

Poltergeist Investigations (Page 7-10): This section details several investigations conducted by the author and colleagues into poltergeist disturbances. One case involves a Mr. Franco Iorio in Slough who experienced ghostly hands around his neck and fires starting in drawers. Another case describes voices heard in the West Derby area, described as a harsh whistle or guttural tone. The most extensive case study covers an apartment in Edge Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool, occupied by John and Jane Smith. Over several visits from September to October 1993, the investigators documented phenomena including cold spots, footsteps, objects moving, a cat behaving erratically, a ouija board session that produced a name (Neville Hutchinson), and a violent incident where a picture frame was thrown, causing an injury to the investigator. The author expresses his view that the "belief" aspect needs to be removed from psychical research to gain greater respect and attract scientific communities.

Other Articles Mentioned in Contents:

• "The Voice" (Editorial by Anthony Eccles) - Page 4
• "Passive detection of aerial phenomena part 2 (or how to detect physical alien craft)" by Bill Bimson - Page 12
• "Get out of my house!" The haunting of Liverpool's Town Hall by Mark J. Glover - Page 21
• "UFO research: a complimentary science" by Mark Rosney - Page 26
• "My experience (a close encounter witness)" by Avril Moore - Page 29
• "Psychic powers" by Sue McCallister - Page 32
• "Never ever heard anything like it" Unexplained voice caught on tape by Colin J Veacock - Page 34
• "Hypnosis, recovered memories & non-hypnotic eye witness interviewing - a reply to McClure" by Steve Verner Weaver - Page 38
• "Merseyside Curiosities No.2 The Robin Hood Stone" by John Hall - Page 43

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on poltergeist activity and UFO sightings, particularly within the Merseyside region. The editorial stance, as expressed by Anthony Eccles, champions objective, scientific research and laments the commercial exploitation of paranormal subjects that leads to public misconceptions. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious investigation, encouraging contributions that are objective and unpolitical. The emphasis is on documenting experiences and phenomena rather than adhering to pre-conceived beliefs about spirits or extraterrestrials.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 11, dated November 1994, focuses on the scientific and observational aspects of identifying Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover headline, "Passive Detection Of Aerial Phenomena," sets the tone for the articles within. The magazine is published by UFO DATA Magazine in the United Kingdom and is written in English.

Articles and Content

Passive Detection of Aerial Phenomena (Part Two) by William Bimson

This article, the second part of a series, explores methods for detecting UFOs without direct physical interaction. It begins by discussing the suggestion by witnesses that UFOs are associated with strong electric or magnetic fields. The author expresses doubt about strong magnetic fields, as they would likely leave evidence of heating effects and interfere with credit cards, which has not been reported. However, weak magnetic fields might accompany UFOs and can be detected with magnetic compasses. Electric fields, on the other hand, are considered more plausible. The article explains how a UFO with a significant electrical charge could create a measurable electrical gradient in the air, sufficient to make hair stand on end. A method for detecting this is described, involving a digital volt meter (DVM) connected to an insulating rod with a conductor at the top and a spade or fork for an earth connection. The DVM would register the electrical field, though it would be less than the actual field.

The article then moves on to gravity detectors. It posits that detecting a change in the Earth's gravitational field in the presence of a UFO would be strong evidence of non-terrestrial origin. While precise gravitational field mapping instruments are expensive and cumbersome, the author suggests that for detecting "extremely coarse changes," simpler methods might suffice. A simple set of kitchen scales, particularly digital ones, could potentially detect small changes in weight if loaded to 95% of capacity and compared with readings taken during a UFO event. A significant difference would suggest a change in the gravitational field.

The Importance of a Basic Knowledge of Astronomy

This section emphasizes that serious UFOlogists require a basic understanding of astronomy to maintain credibility. Skeptics often attribute sightings to known astronomical bodies like the moon, Jupiter, or Sirius. A knowledgeable investigator can counter these arguments by stating when these bodies are not visible at a particular latitude and time, or by producing a star chart to prove their absence. The article mentions that MARA members have access to computer programs for printing star charts.

Angular distance is another key concept. The article explains that an observer cannot determine the size of an object solely by its apparent size, as a small object close by can look the same as a large object far away. For example, a 5p piece at 2 meters and the full moon at 384,400 km subtend roughly the same angle. This is illustrated with Figure 7, showing two spheres of different sizes appearing the same to an observer. The article notes that most sightings occur unexpectedly, so observers are unlikely to have a magnetic compass. However, knowledge of stellar constellations and approximate time allows for rough bearings to be taken using stars. Polaris, the pole star, is mentioned as the only star that appears stationary in the Northern Hemisphere.

A list of constellations recommended for Ufologists in the Northern Hemisphere includes Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Perseus, Auriga, Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Bootes, Corona Borealis, Leo, Gemini, Canis Major (noting Sirius as its brightest star, often mistaken for a UFO), Orion, Taurus, Pleiades, Pegasus, Aquila, and Ophiuchus. The article also advises learning to recognize planets like Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter, whose positions change relative to constellations and are not shown on planispheres, necessitating star charts or astronomy magazines.

Triangulation to Determine Position, Velocity and Dimensions of Aerial Phenomena

This section details how to use observational skills, including taking bearings with or without a compass, to determine the position and size of aerial phenomena. Triangulation, the simultaneous taking of bearings and angular distance measurements from two different locations, is presented as a method to overcome the limitations of a single observer. Figure 7 illustrates the problem for a single observer, while Figure 8 shows four examples of triangulation for position determination using two observers (A and B) at different locations. By plotting their positions and drawing lines of bearing, the intersection indicates the object's location. The height of an object can also be determined by measuring the angle of elevation from the horizon. For instance, if the distance is 10 km and the elevation is 30°, the height can be calculated using trigonometry (Height = tan 30° x 10 km = 5.77 km).

Estimating the size of aerial phenomena is challenging. Observers are advised to compare the apparent size of UFOs to the moon's angular distance (about half a degree). Using trigonometry, the size of an object can be estimated if its distance and angular size are known. For example, an object at 10 km with an angular size of 0.5° would have a size of approximately 87 meters.

Velocity is described as the most difficult parameter to determine. It involves speed and direction. The article provides an example of radar measurement where an object covers 80 miles in one minute at a heading of 115°, resulting in a speed of 4800 mph. It notes that very few earthly phenomena can achieve such speeds, with intercontinental ballistic missiles and the space shuttle being exceptions. If such an object were unidentified, it would be reported as a UFO.

For groups without radar, the article suggests developing methods for measuring velocity using radio contact between observers. By taking simultaneous bearings and using triangulation to determine start and end positions, the object's path, heading, and speed can be plotted. Precise synchronization between observers is crucial for accurate readings, as even a 30-second delay can cause significant errors.

What Constitutes Good Evidence of a UFO?

This section critically examines what constitutes reliable evidence of a UFO. It describes a hypothetical scenario where multiple sensors (radio scanner, soap powder detector, PIR circuit, electric field detector, digital scales) register anomalies during a sighting of a cigar-shaped orange object with flashing lights. However, if the photographs taken turn out to be fogged and show no clear form, the author argues that this data amounts to "nothing" unless the photographs are clear. The article suggests that the media might report such a story but would likely conclude with a question about whether it's alien visitation or overactive imagination.

The author strongly asserts that "the only evidence that counts as proof is something which you can hold in your hand." Poor quality fogged photographs are dismissed as potentially caused by light exposure during development. The article contrasts this with the methods used by professionals, such as those at the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI), who constantly record evidence using magnetic tape and chart recorders. It advocates for using all available sensors (PIR, DVM, digital scales, radio scanner, video camera) to record data, emphasizing that tangible evidence makes it harder for skeptics to dismiss sightings.

References and Collaboration

The issue includes a list of references, including "Collins Atlas of the World" and "Left at East Gate" by Larry Warren & Peter Robbins. It also provides biographical information for Bill Bimson, noting his MPhil research on magnetic resonance probes and his current role as a Senior Experimental Officer at Liverpool University.

Finally, the magazine includes a call for collaboration, stating that MARA has worked with groups on reports of flying triangles over Merseyside and is seeking more witnesses to these objects. Readers with sightings of triangular craft are encouraged to contact the organization, with details available on page 3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific approach to UFO investigation, the importance of empirical evidence, and the need for rigorous methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of objective, measurable data and against anecdotal accounts or poor-quality photographic evidence. There is a strong emphasis on educating the reader with practical techniques, such as using astronomical knowledge and triangulation, to improve the quality of UFO research and reporting. The magazine advocates for a professional, systematic approach akin to that of organizations like SETI, aiming to elevate the study of UFO phenomena beyond ridicule.

This issue features an article titled "Get out of My House" by Mark Glover, detailing a paranormal investigation conducted by the MARA (Myself included) research team at Liverpool Town Hall on the night of April 25th-26th, 1998. The investigation involved six MARA investigators and a freelance camera crew.

The Vigil at Liverpool Town Hall

The investigation took place within Liverpool's Town Hall, with observations conducted in three main areas: the end of the corridor in the north basement area, the cloakroom, and the reception room upstairs. Two main two-hour observation periods were scheduled: midnight to 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Equipment Used

Various equipment was deployed to monitor the environment and potential anomalous events. This included video cameras with audio recording in key areas like the main foyer, downstairs cloakroom, and west basement corridor. Microphones and audio recorders were strategically placed in areas where anomalous events had been reported. Digital and alcohol thermometers were used to register temperature changes. An infant alert monitor was set up in the ballroom to detect sounds or vibrations. The camera crew was equipped with video sound recorders for mobile filming. Team members were also instructed to keep record sheets of incidents and temperature changes.

Initial Events and Apparitions

Events began around 8:30 p.m. while the team was setting up. One investigator, C, who reportedly has clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities, sensed a man in 18th-century clothing with a top-hat standing near the main doors. She described him as portly, late middle-aged, with a ruddy complexion and 'smiling' eyes. The man reportedly expressed a desire for the investigators to leave his 'house'. C later sensed a cold draft, as did another team member L and a camera crew member named Andy.

Further Encounters and Sensations

Later, C reported the man had moved to a desk behind a wall, writing with a quill pen, and shouted "leave me alone!". He later reappeared, asking if everyone had gone. Around the same time, another camera crew member, Rob, observed a two-dimensional light or disc. Colin, another team member, reported hearing footsteps approach him from behind in a reception room, only to find no one there. A distinct temperature decrease of around 2°C was noted in one area of a reception room.

Gloom and Doom in the Basement

Between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m., while exploring the basement area, C sensed "death" at the junction of two corridors near old prison cells. She described a sensation in her head consistent with being "struck". Another investigator and Sue later experienced a similar pain in the same location. C also described walking into the cloakroom as like "walking into a grave" and sensed "something" rushing out of a room and hitting her in the chest.

"No Harm Will Come to You"

Upstairs, C became aware of a pleasant atmosphere and heard a voice say "no harm will come to you". She perceived a young, slim, tall man in 1700s attire opening doors, and a lady looking around the doors leading into the ballroom. The room became cold and then warm again.

Basement Corridor Experiences

Later, in the basement corridor, C sensed someone walking in and the walls appeared to brighten. As she left, a young girl clung to her arm, begging her not to leave. At the spot where she had previously sensed "death", C got the impression of a woman in a grey dress, white apron, and hat sprawled on the floor, as if "attacked". The possibility that this was an apparition of a woman from the last century who died from a head injury was raised.

"Poor Child" and Spontaneous Events

In the cloakroom, C experienced an unpleasant atmosphere and saw the reflection of a face in the glass of the double doors, which had previously been seen to move spontaneously. The little girl reappeared, clinging to C's arm and saying "don't leave me", before eventually saying "this is too silly, I'm off" and leaving.

L's Experiences and Potential Identities

Following the vigil, L reported being visited for several days by the apparition of a young girl named "Molly", who looked about five but claimed to be eight. Molly described her father working "upstairs" and "downstairs", her mother as a barmaid, and mentioned names like 'Wallacre', William Eccles, Rob, Peter, and John McGregor, known as "big bad John", who was the head of the Prison. The article suggests these details need to be checked against the building's records to validate the apparitions.

Objective Evidence

Objective evidence gathered included equipment anomalies: a video camera switching itself off, walkie-talkies failing, and one activating without being switched on. Audio recordings from the main foyer camera captured hiccoughing sounds, which no one on the vigil reported experiencing. The infant alert monitor also showed occasional flashing and squealing, possibly indicating movement or vibration in the ballroom.

Mundane Explanations and Anomalous Causes

While acknowledging mundane bumps and clicks expected in an old building, the article notes that some events, like creaking boards heard by L and the author, could not be explained by the presence of team members or the caretaker, and were inconsistent with the building's structure.

Assessment of the Evidence

The article emphasizes that while much of the evidence is subjective or anecdotal, it holds value, especially if it aligns with past experiences of anomalous events in the building. It cautions that objective evidence can be misleading, as paranormal anomalies can be mistaken for mundane mechanical faults. The process of ruling out mundane causes and cross-checking with environmental events and historical facts is crucial for verifying anomalous phenomena.

The authors admit that the vigil was a "slice" of time and that their understanding of anomalous phenomena is still developing. They stress the need for more scientific rigor in data collection, suggesting separate recording of equipment changes, subjective experiences, and visual/audio effects.

UFO Research: A Complementary Science?

This section, authored by Mark Rosney, reflects on the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 UFO sighting and the lack of progress in understanding the phenomenon. Rosney argues that science has become disengaged from UFO research due to a perception of the subject being driven by "believers" and plagued by "crank claims, weirdo pseudo religions, hoaxes, downright deception, sloppy investigation and the image portrayed by the media."

He draws parallels between UFOlogy and the field of alternative medicine (osteopathy, homeopathy), which, despite similar challenges, has gained respectability by becoming complementary to established practices rather than directly challenging them. Rosney suggests UFOlogy could learn from this approach.

• Key parallels identified include:
• Effects being difficult to repeat on cue.
• Subjective experiences varying between witnesses.
• Core knowledge being based on belief rather than scientific proof.
• Methods potentially interfering with results or failing to capture phenomena.
• Observed effects being small but statistically significant.
• The potential for gaining from full, objective scientific study.

Rosney concludes that alternative medicine's success, despite its share of "cranks, quacks, mumbo jumbo, 'pseudo scientists', 'believers' and charlatans", offers a model for UFOlogy. He advises UFOlogists to persevere, not to criticize established sciences, and to hope for a "PR miracle" similar to that which benefited alternative medicine.

History of Liverpool Town Hall

The article provides a historical overview of Liverpool Town Hall, tracing its origins from the 14th century. It details its evolution from a Guild House and Court House to a more substantial building designed by John Wood and opened in 1754. The history includes damage from canon fire in 1775, a fire in 1795, additions like the copula and dome in 1802, a thwarted political attempt to blow it up in 1881, and damage from a 1941 air-raid. It is noted as the second oldest building in the city centre, with its function rooms once described as second only to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

Conclusion

The author concludes that the temperature decrease observed may not be significant without other effects. He questions whether the detected phenomena could be related to past Mayors or events like the 1795 fire. The article emphasizes the need to research building records to verify details provided by the alleged apparitions, particularly those of the little girl. The authors humbly admit they are still on a "very steep learning curve" regarding anomalous phenomena and are uncertain if the vigil provided conclusive evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around paranormal investigations, particularly UFO sightings and hauntings, and the challenges of applying scientific methodology to such phenomena. The article "Get out of My House" highlights a specific investigation with detailed anecdotal accounts and a discussion of objective evidence versus subjective experience. The "UFO research" section offers a broader perspective on the scientific community's reluctance to engage with UFOlogy and suggests alternative approaches. The historical context of Liverpool Town Hall adds a layer of depth to the investigation, suggesting that past events and presences might contribute to current anomalous experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and advocating for more rigorous, yet open-minded, investigation into anomalous phenomena.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, identified as Issue 32 and published in 1996, features a cover story titled "My Experience" by Avril Moore, alongside articles on psychic powers by Sue McAllister and Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) by Colin J. Veacock. The cover art depicts a UFO hovering over a road.

My Experience by Avril Moore

Avril Moore recounts a personal encounter on the night of May 16th, 1996. After visiting family in Crosby, Liverpool, she drove home to Runcorn via a route avoiding motorways. Near the Fords Halewood Plant on the Ford Road, she encountered a large, luminous, round object that appeared to be hovering just in front of her car. She described it as enormous, majestic, and beautiful, yet deeply frightening. The craft had pulsating green and blue lights around its rim and featured six triangular shapes with 'squiggles' on its recessed underside, topped by a large dome. The object followed her car for a short period before she lost sight of it. She describes intense fear and a sense of disbelief, questioning if she had flipped. Upon arriving home, she recounted the experience to her family, who were concerned but believed her.

The following days involved checking local newspapers and confiding in friends. Moore contacted Radio City Gold, where she was given the alias 'Crystal' and shared her story. She received a call from a man claiming to be from the Ministry of Defence, who suggested the UFO was a top-secret jet, which she dismissed as a crank call. Another woman called in, confirming she had seen a similar craft over Woolton shortly after Moore's sighting. Driven by curiosity, Moore researched UFOs at her local library and began speaking to others, finding support within the Witness Support Group. She reflects on how the experience has changed her perspective on life and her belief in a deeper understanding of phenomena.

Psychic Powers by Sue McAllister

Sue McAllister defines psychic powers as natural instincts possessed by everyone to varying degrees. She lists common examples, such as knowing someone is trying to call you, having instant distrust of someone who later proves untrustworthy, or having dreams that later come true. She explains that as children, psychic experiences are channeled through basic senses, but these abilities can lessen with age due to developing rational processes. McAllister outlines major clairsentient powers, including telepathy, clairaudience, clairvoyance, and psychometry. She shares personal experiences, such as predictive dreams, including one about her boyfriend having a car accident that later occurred. She also recounts an instance of clairaudience where a voice in her head alerted her to a bank error. McAllister believes that a stress-free environment enhances psychic abilities and suggests that skepticism often arises because these phenomena cannot be easily explained by conventional psychology.

Never Ever Heard Anything Like It by Colin J. Veacock

Colin J. Veacock explores the phenomenon of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), the recording of unexplained voices on electronic devices. The article begins with the story of Friedrich Jurgenson, a Russian-born producer who, in 1959, accidentally recorded voices speaking Norwegian while taping birdsong in Sweden. He later recorded his deceased mother's voice. Jurgenson conducted thousands of experimental recordings, capturing thousands of voices of the deceased, including a voice identified as Heinrich Himmler. His work laid the foundation for 'Electronic Voice Phenomena'.

The article notes that Thomas Edison and Guglielmo Marconi also experimented with devices to communicate with the dead. Konstantin Raudive, a Latvian Doctor of philosophy and psychology, took up Jurgenson's research. Notables like John F. Kennedy, Carl Jung, and Dostoevsky were mentioned in relation to EVP experiments, with voices sometimes speaking multiple languages or sounding metallic. Parapsychologist David Ellis was skeptical, suggesting radio interference, but Dr. Hans Bender of Freiburg University supported the authenticity of EVP.

The article then details several EVP cases. Gilbert Bonner, an EVP researcher, recorded a female voice saying, "Bonner looks quite ridiculous." Hans Lutschs recorded a voice identifying itself as Gunter Barr, who named his wife as his murderer, a fact later confirmed by police. Raymond Cass recorded his deceased friend, poet Philip Larkin, saying he was "Just Tramping." The article emphasizes how EVP experimentation has become more accessible, requiring only a simple tape recorder and microphone.

A significant case involves Ann Carr, a 13-year-old girl, whose friends were filmed singing the song "Never Ever." After her friend John Evans died suddenly from a heart defect, his younger sister recorded herself singing the song. During the recording, a baby niece spoke its first words, and an extra, distorted voice was heard singing along to the song, which some believed to be John's voice. The recording continued even when paused. The article describes the profound impact of hearing this potential communication from the deceased.

Further analysis of the Ann Carr tape by sound engineer Paul Fitzgibbon suggested the voice was slower than normal, possibly due to magnetic exposure. Fitzgibbon proposed theories for accidental recording, including faulty karaoke machines and tape storage issues. However, he concluded that the seamless continuation of the voice with the music, even when the girls' singing stopped and started, made a hoax unlikely. The article concludes by suggesting that the tape offers a glimpse into the strength of human love transcending death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine focuses on personal experiences and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and communication with the deceased through EVP. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting anecdotal evidence and research without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The magazine highlights the subjective nature of these experiences and the ongoing search for truth in paranormal phenomena.

This issue of 'The Researcher' (Volume 2, Issue 3, Special) features an article by Steve Verner-Weaver titled "Hypnosis, recovered memories & non-hypnotic eye-witness interviewing - a reply to McClure."

Article: Hypnosis, recovered memories & non-hypnotic eye-witness interviewing - a reply to McClure.

Steve Verner-Weaver's article is a direct response to Kevin McClure's piece in 'The Researcher, Issue 2', which expressed skepticism about the use of hypnosis and regression techniques for recovering 'lost' memories, particularly in the context of alien abduction phenomena (AAP).

Verner-Weaver begins by acknowledging McClure's valid concerns about the qualifications of some therapists but argues that McClure's article is marred by erroneous and misleading comments. The primary aim of Verner-Weaver's article is to correct these errors by outlining recent academic research in hypnosis as a memory-enhancement procedure and discussing the implications for UFO/paranormal researchers. He emphasizes the limitations of hypnotic procedures and the greater potential of non-hypnotic techniques for facilitating eyewitness evidence in forensic paranormal investigations.

McClure's central assumption, according to Verner-Weaver, is that alien abduction experiences (AAE's) are not real events but are artifacts of 'recovered' false memories, reinforced by investigators' beliefs and abductees' acceptance. Verner-Weaver counters that while he does not categorically assert the origin of abduction experiences (alien or otherwise), he believes that many individuals who report such experiences have had events that are genuinely anomalous, strange, or paranormal.

He asserts that these experiences are not new and have been reported throughout history, citing mythology and folklore concerning 'other world' visitors. The issue, Verner-Weaver contends, is not one of veridicality but of interpretation and definition. These experiences are typically categorized as spiritual/mystical or demonic/psychiatric, with the interpretation influenced by factors like gender, social status, and religious adherence. He notes that 'demonic possession' has largely been replaced by diagnoses of mental illness, citing clinical psychologist Wilson van Dusen, who has observed similarities between descriptions of demonic hierarchies and patient hallucinations.

Verner-Weaver stresses that regardless of interpretation, anomalous or paranormal experiences, including AAE's, are real, even if only subjectively. He criticizes McClure's assertion that real events are seldom forgotten, arguing that forgetting is common. He also refutes McClure's claim that memory enhancement techniques are seldom used by police and are wholly undependable, citing evidence of extensive use of forensic hypnosis by police in Britain over decades.

Regarding hypnosis itself, Verner-Weaver discusses the historical 'Svengali' stereotype and the more recent 'state' versus 'non-state' debate among theorists. State theorists view hypnosis as a distinct altered state of consciousness, while non-state theorists explain hypnotic phenomena through ordinary psychological processes like motivation, expectancies, and suggestibility. Verner-Weaver notes that experimental research has shown that 'non-hypnotized' subjects can experience phenomena like hallucinations and amnesia, challenging the notion of hypnosis as a state of helpless automatism.

He addresses McClure's questioning of hypnosis and regression if memories are seldom forgotten and if 'recovered memory techniques' are 'wholly undependable'. Verner-Weaver acknowledges that AAEs can involve confusion, disorientation, and time distortion, making it difficult for individuals to process them. He suggests that investigators use hypnosis and regression to help individuals clarify and interpret these experiences in a supportive environment, free from ridicule. However, he also emphasizes the need for a skeptical balance to avoid 'dogmatic opinions' and the 'need to Want to Believe'.

Verner-Weaver presents evidence that the claim of memory enhancement techniques being seldom used by police is unfounded, citing a 30-year veteran of forensic hypnosis who conducted 17 interrogations in one week. He states that while the virtues of hypnosis in memory enhancement have been largely unquestioned for over a century, since the early 1980s, experimental evidence overwhelmingly shows that hypnosis does not improve recall accuracy over motivated non-hypnotic conditions. In fact, any increase in recall is often associated with decreased accuracy and increased suggestibility to misleading information.

He clarifies that this does not mean memories are 'wholly undependable' but highlights the problems with using hypnotic techniques. He suggests that factors apart from the hypnotic induction itself, such as psychological and interpersonal skills used by trained interviewers, may enhance memory. The 'cognitive interview' is presented as a superior alternative, capable of enhancing recall by up to 35% without the memory distortion problems associated with hypnosis.

Verner-Weaver concludes by emphasizing that psychological and therapeutic interviews of this nature should only be conducted by qualified professionals. He identifies the UK's two professional bodies governing hypnosis research and practice: The British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis (BSMDH) and The British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis (BSECH), noting that membership is restricted to appropriately qualified individuals.

He suggests that UFO/AAP phenomena are a contemporary example of possession hysteria, with parallels to historical cases like Loudun in 1634. He posits that the current surge in interest in Forteana, X-Files, UFO/AAP, and conspiracy theories taps into a modern paranoia rooted in an uncertain world. He concludes that the origin of these experiences may be internal rather than extraterrestrial, and that exploring these 'inner dimensions' is a subject for future research.

Merseyside Curiosities: No.2 The Robin Hood Stone

This section, by John L. Hall, details a monolith known as the Robin Hood Stone, located at the corner of Booker Avenue and Archerfield Road in Allerton, Liverpool. The stone is approximately eight feet high, made of local sandstone, and features cup and ring marks and vertical grooves, traditionally used for sharpening arrows.

A nearby plaque indicates the stone once stood in a field called Stone Hey, about 198 feet away. The field was used for archery practice during the reign of Henry VIII. The stone was excavated from Stone Hey in 1765 and later relocated to its current position around 1928.

A photographic anomaly

The article describes a photographic anomaly reported by Mr. B.W., who took a photograph of the Robin Hood Stone on April 2, 1984. A strange light anomaly appeared on the developed film, which was not visible at the time of the photograph. Mr. B.W. used a 35mm Mamiya 645 camera and believes the anomaly might be energy given off by the stone itself. He notes that Alfred Watkins had published a photograph of the stone in 1928, defining six alignments based on its cup and ring marks, and that the stone's original location was significant in a geometric alignment.

Mr. B.W. sent his negatives and prints to the National Centre of Photography and the Royal Photographic Society. The National Centre suggested the anomaly was a fault in the film or processing, though Mr. B.W. suspects the photographs were not fully returned intentionally. The Royal Photographic Society provided a rational explanation but also did not return the negatives, leading Mr. B.W. to become suspicious.

The article mentions that light anomalies in photographs are often explained by camera faults, film issues, or processing errors. However, it cites an unexplained anomaly from 1959 at Llanhamach Stone, where a dark purple haze appeared on film, thought to be due to ultra-violet concentration.

Psi-Man Says: The Loch Ness Monster

This is a comic strip featuring Psi-Man interviewing the Loch Ness Monster. The monster expresses that being famous is not all it's made out to be, as it can't surface without causing chaos. It recounts an instance where it popped up to enjoy the sun, only to be spotted by a group on shore who shouted "Look, it's Nessie!". The monster is surprised and offended when it realizes they weren't shouting at it, but at something else entirely, exclaiming, "IT DOESN'T EVEN LOOK LIKE ME, YOU FOREIGN SWINE!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of anomalous experiences, the reliability of memory and testimony, and the scientific versus skeptical approaches to phenomena like alien abductions and unexplained photographic anomalies. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages open-minded investigation into these phenomena, while also advocating for rigorous methodology, qualified practitioners, and a critical evaluation of evidence, as exemplified by Verner-Weaver's detailed response to McClure and the exploration of the Robin Hood Stone anomaly. The inclusion of the Psi-Man comic provides a lighter, more speculative take on a well-known cryptid.