The Researcher - No 06 - Vol 2 No 2 - Summer 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: THE RESEARCHER
Issue: Vol. 2 Issue 2
Date: Summer 1999
Publisher: Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA)
Price: £2

This issue of "The Researcher" magazine, published by the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA), explores the controversial topic of life's origins on Earth, questioning whether it was seeded by an alien civilization. The cover prominently features an image of Earth and the Moon, posing the question: "Was life seeded on this planet by an alien civilisation?"

Editorial and Introduction

In "The Voice" editorial, Bill Bimson apologizes for the issue's delay, attributing it to external pressures. He introduces two guest writers, Lloyd Pye and Omar Fowler, and highlights Pye's "Star-child Project" as potentially groundbreaking in the debate about extraterrestrial visitation, particularly concerning the alleged discovery of an alien or alien hybrid skull. Bimson contrasts the religious explanation of creation with the scientific theory of spontaneous generation and evolution, noting the resistance to new evidence that contradicts established theories. He also mentions Omar Fowler's work on the Flying Triangle phenomenon and includes a complimentary letter from Fowler praising the magazine. The editorial also touches upon a personal sighting of a bright bolide while on holiday in Majorca.

Articles and Features

Life's True Beginnings by Lloyd Pye

This extensive article challenges the prevailing scientific and religious explanations for the origin of life on Earth. Pye argues that neither Darwinian evolution nor spontaneous generation adequately explains the rapid appearance of life, particularly the existence of two distinct types of prokaryotes around 4.0 billion years ago. He posits that life must have been intentionally "seeded" on Earth from an extraterrestrial source. Pye critiques the scientific community's reluctance to consider outside intervention due to its implications for human evolution theories and the potential loss of research funding. He introduces the concept of "directed panspermia," suggesting that alien civilizations may have deliberately introduced life, specifically prokaryotes, to nascent planets like Earth to initiate the process of terraforming and create an oxygen-rich atmosphere necessary for complex life.

Haunted Roads on The Isle of Man: Route 666 by John Hall

This article, the first in a series, begins an exploration of paranormal phenomena on the Isle of Man. It sets the stage for future discussions on the topic.

West Kirby and the Beach Ball UFO by Anthony Eccles

This piece recounts a UFO sighting that occurred on the beach at West Kirby in the summer of 1978. The witness, B.J., described a hovering silver ball that exhibited unusual speed and movement. During the sighting, B.J. was approached by a man who directed him to observe the object and later warned him to go home. The incident also involved the appearance of several official-looking black cars. The investigator, Mark Glover, notes the time gap between the event and the investigation and concludes that the account cannot be definitively proven or disproven.

Other Articles and Contributions

• The Voice: Editorial by Bill Bimsom
• Grey Dimensions by Julie Boyd
• David Icke in Dudley: Shock Horror! A lecture review by Julie Boyd
• Runcorn, A Gateway to UFOs? by Sue McAllister
• Titanic: Anatomy of a disaster shrouded in mystery by Colin Veacock
• Festive Hauntings by Colin Veacock
• Now you see it Now you don't by Omar Fowler
• Your letters
• Psi-man says by Colin Veacock

Contributors and About MARA

The "Contributors" section lists all individuals who contributed articles, illustrations, research, and proofreading to this issue. It also thanks readers for their support. The "About MARA" section details the organization's founding in February 1996, its mission to promote unbiased investigation into anomalous phenomena, and its structure as an informal group of individuals with diverse backgrounds. MARA is apolitical and does not hold fixed beliefs, but it is affiliated with several other research organizations. Contact information for MARA and its group co-ordinators is provided, along with a web address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the origins of life, extraterrestrial intelligence, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Lloyd Pye's article, is critical of mainstream scientific and religious dogma, advocating for open-minded consideration of alternative explanations, such as alien seeding, for life's existence on Earth. The magazine positions itself as a platform for members and readers to share their research and interests in anomalous phenomena, encouraging objective and clean submissions.

This issue of The Researcher, Volume 2, Issue 1, features a two-part article titled "The Good, the Bad and the Downright Ugly," by Tony Eccles, which examines the media's portrayal of UFOs and paranormal subjects. The issue also includes an article by Julie Boyd titled "Grey Dimensions," discussing theories of alien abduction and astral projection, and a report on a sighting in West Kirby.

The Good, the Bad and the Downright Ugly: Part Two

Tony Eccles' article continues his exploration of how the media has treated the subject of UFOs, focusing on historical accounts and the influence of media narratives. The article begins by referencing Part One, which covered 'scareship' sightings in the late 19th century. These mysterious airships were described as travelling great distances in short time spans and exhibiting capabilities beyond contemporary airship technology.

The piece then delves into the early 20th century, noting the influence of science fiction authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, whose works explored space travel and alien invasions. While science was slow to accept the possibility of space travel, the public imagination was already engaged. The development of early flight technology, such as the Wright brothers' aeroplane and Count Zeppelin's airship, is mentioned as context for the era's fascination with flight.

Eccles highlights the period of World War II and the subsequent Cold War as significant for increased UFO sightings. He discusses the 'Foo-Fighter' phenomenon, where pilots reported seeing strange fireballs, which were initially suspected to be secret German weapons but later became a subject of serious media attention. The article notes that the Allies also encountered these phenomena, labeling them 'Feuerball'.

The narrative shifts to Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, in the late 1930s and 1940s, with the emergence of the 'ghost aeroplane' phenomenon. These were described as huge, multiple-engined craft that hovered and flew over cities, making a thunderous noise. The Swedish government, along with Norway and Finland, launched an investigation, concluding that illegal air traffic was occurring over military restricted areas. The lack of national insignia on these craft made identification impossible.

The article then moves to the post-World War II era and the rise of 'ghost rockets' in Sweden. These were compared to German V-2 rocket bombs and were often seen crashing into lakes. The Swedish Air Force deployed biplanes to intercept them, and extensive media coverage, including photographs, brought these events to public attention.

Eccles suggests a link between science fiction and real-world experiences, questioning if modern aircraft shapes, like the B-52 bomber, could be recognized in earlier 'ghost aeroplane' sightings. He posits that paranormal phenomena, such as UFOs, often seem to stay one step ahead of technological advancements.

The article then focuses on the influence of the media and the US military in shaping public perception of UFOs, particularly in the context of the Roswell incident. It mentions Project Twinkle, an effort to study green fireballs, which ultimately failed to provide conclusive results.

The Roswell Incident

The article provides a detailed account of the Roswell incident, beginning with the sighting by pilot Kenneth Arnold in 1947, which coined the term 'flying saucer'. This was followed by an excited frenzy near Aurora, New Mexico, in July 1947, which became known as Roswell. The incident involved the crash of an object on a farmer's ranch, leaving behind debris.

Roswell, Corona, and Aurora were located near the White Sands missile testing range and Roswell Army Air Force base. On July 2nd, 1947, a thunderstorm occurred, and ranch hand Mac' Brazel heard a loud bang. The following morning, he discovered a large amount of debris covering a significant area. The US Army Air Force later cited a weather balloon as the cause of the debris.

Brazel reported the debris to the local sheriff, who contacted Roswell Army Air Force Base. Intelligence officers, including Major Jesse A. Marcel, examined the wreckage and found the material to have unusual properties. They collected a portion of the debris for analysis. By July 8th, the military had cordoned off the rancher's land.

The Roswell military officially issued a press release on July 8th, stating that a 'flying disc' had been recovered. This statement, released by First Lieutenant Walter Halt, was intended to inform the public and assure them that the Army Air Force had control of the situation, buying time to remove all the wreckage. Colonel Blanchard considered all communication regarding the incident to be top secret.

However, Brazel's story later changed significantly when he appeared on local radio. He then stated that the wreckage was that of a weather balloon, and the debris area was reduced to two hundred feet square. The article suggests this change in story was orchestrated to undermine the significance of the event, with Brazel possibly being bought by the military, evidenced by his subsequent improved financial situation.

Brigadier General Roger M. Ramey of the Eighth Air Force gave a press release in Fort Worth, Texas, where he showed reporters some wreckage, identified as part of a broken weather balloon with a hexagonal 'Rewin target' attachment. This narrative aimed to debunk the flying saucer story, portraying Marcel as a scapegoat.

The article questions the official explanation, pointing out that intelligence officer Jesse Marcel, who had regular experience with weather balloons, should have recognized the debris. It also questions why such a fantastic story was fed to the press if it was merely a weather balloon, and notes that flights of weather balloons were logged, with none apparently recorded for June 1st and 2nd, 1947.

Grey Dimensions

Julie Boyd's article "Grey Dimensions" explores theories related to alien abduction and the UFO phenomena. Boyd begins by referencing an article by Sue and Nora McAllister, which proposed a connection between projection and alien abduction. Boyd considers this theory, suggesting that it makes sense when looking at the whole picture of alien abduction and UFO phenomena.

She recounts her mother's recurring dream of visiting a house and attempting to touch a baby in a cot, only for her hand to pass through as if the baby were a hologram. Boyd questions whether this was a dream or astral projection. She draws a parallel to the common question about how aliens, if capable of appearing through solid objects, manage to crash their spaceships. The answer proposed is that they may not be the same group of aliens, or that mastering projection does not equate to piloting skills.

Boyd uses the analogy of human potential, noting that while humans can achieve great feats like landing on the moon, many still struggle with basic aspects of life. She suggests that a similar diversity in abilities might exist among extraterrestrial beings. She questions whether beings that manifest through solid objects are the same as those who pilot solid UFOs, suggesting that there is no hard evidence for 'nuts and bolts' UFOs compared to abduction experiences, which share similar anomalies.

Boyd believes that these phenomena are more likely related to energy and vibrations rather than physical events. She introduces a classic case involving an abduction scenario where an experiencer, while in a trance-like state aboard a craft, is perceived by witnesses on Earth as sitting in a car. The dog's agitated reaction is highlighted as a key indicator of an unusual presence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with media representation and public perception. There's a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and highlighting potential military or media manipulation to control narratives. The articles suggest that UFO phenomena often outpace human technological understanding, and that the subject has been a lucrative topic for media. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question official accounts and consider alternative explanations, while acknowledging the difficulties in definitively solving such cases. The influence of science fiction and the potential for misinterpretation of events are also recurring considerations.

This issue of the magazine features a cover story on the RMS Titanic, titled "Anatomy of a disaster shrouded in mystery" by Colin Veacock. The issue also includes articles on UFO sightings and related phenomena.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

The magazine begins with an article discussing the similarities between the intelligence that manifests as ghosts, poltergeists, fairies, genii, and aliens (greys). It suggests that animals, like dogs, may sense these energies and that the intelligence behind these phenomena could be the same, merely presenting itself through different "masks." The article posits that these entities can appear through walls, materialize and de-materialize at will, and that the phenomena exist on a spectrum of "cloudy grey" rather than simple black and white.

Following this, there is a review of a David Icke lecture in Dudley, titled "David Icke in Dudley: Shock Horror!" by Julie Boyd. The review describes Icke's complex theories, which touch upon conspiracy, governments, banking systems, the military, and UFOs. It notes that Icke's information can be frightening, especially concerning micro-chips, human cloning, genetically engineered foods, and mind control technology. The reviewer mentions Icke's views on the death of Princess Diana and the involvement of "Greys" and "reptilians." An audio tape, "From the Shadows – Exposing the New World Order" by Abdul Karim, is also recommended for its similar information.

The article "Runcorn, a Gateway to UFOs?" by Sue McAllister explores UFO sightings in the Runcorn and Liverpool areas. It details two specific incidents: the "South Liverpool Incident" on March 16, 1999, involving a bright light that blinked out when an aeroplane passed, and the "Runcorn Bridge Incident" on April 15, 1999, where a configuration of eight bright lights was observed. The author notes a wave of UFO sightings in the region and suggests a connection with waterways, possibly due to UFOs being less conspicuous over dark waters. The British Aerospace plant at Warton is also mentioned in relation to UFO sightings.

The Titanic Disaster

The main feature, "TITANIC: Anatomy of a disaster shrouded in mystery" by Colin Veacock, critically examines the sinking of the RMS Titanic. It begins by recounting the history of the White Star Line, founded by Henry Threlfall Wilson and John Pilkington, and its subsequent ownership by Thomas Henry Ismay. The article highlights a history of accidents and sinkings involving White Star Line vessels, including the Royal Standard, Atlantic, and Naronic.

It details the construction of the Titanic by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, noting the company's previous work for the Oceanic Steam Navigation Co Ltd. The article lists several near-fatal incidents involving sister ships and other vessels, such as the Germanic, Suevic, and Republic.

The narrative then focuses on the Titanic's maiden voyage, its construction as the largest moving object, and its perceived unsinkability, which led to a limited number of lifeboats. Captain Edward Smith's career is reviewed, noting his past accidents. The article discusses the critical shortage of coal due to a miners' strike and a potential fire in boiler room 6, which may have gone unreported due to the haste in loading coal.

Key events leading up to the collision are described, including the Titanic's departure from New York, the wake created by its massive structure, and the intervention of tugboats to prevent a collision with the dockside. The article mentions the pilot, George Bowyer, who had been on duty during the Olympic's collision with HMS Hawke, and a rumour about the Niagara colliding with an iceberg that same morning.

Numerous ice warnings sent to the Titanic are detailed, including messages from the Cunard-owned Caronia and a Greek ship called the Athinai. Despite these warnings, the article suggests they were not taken seriously, with Captain Smith allegedly being handed a message during dinner with Ismay, who dismissed the danger.

The article describes the Titanic's collision with an iceberg at 11:40 pm, the subsequent damage, and the realization that the ship was doomed. It recounts the final moments, including passengers enjoying themselves, Captain Smith on the bridge, and the band playing "Nearer My God To Thee."

Unexplained Elements and Conspiracy Theories

The sinking of the Titanic is presented as a disaster shrouded in mystery, with several unexplained elements. The article questions why numerous ice warnings were ignored. It highlights the testimony of survivors who saw distant lights and ships that sailed away, leaving them to their fate. The identity of these unknown vessels remains a mystery.

A significant portion of the article explores conspiracy theories. One theory suggests that the Titanic was fatally holed while in dock and that its sister ship, the Olympic, was structurally altered and renamed to take its place on the maiden voyage. Evidence cited includes discrepancies in hull plate arrangements and paintwork, which allegedly match the Olympic's specifications rather than the Titanic's. This theory suggests the deception was to avoid cancelling the voyage due to the financial implications.

Another theory posits that a fire in a coal bunker was intended to cause a massive explosion deep below decks, a disaster that could have been managed without loss of life. However, an iceberg spoiled these plans. The article also questions the actions of the Carpathia and other unknown vessels that were seemingly waiting in the Atlantic, suggesting they were there to evacuate passengers before the ship sank.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, paranormal phenomena, conspiracy theories, and historical mysteries, particularly the Titanic disaster. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting information and theories that challenge conventional explanations and encourage readers to question established narratives. The articles suggest a pattern of unexplained events and potential cover-ups, both in contemporary UFO sightings and historical events like the Titanic sinking.

This issue of 'Festive Hauntings' delves into a collection of paranormal and UFO-related incidents, primarily from the UK, with a focus on cases from the 1990s. The magazine explores alleged hauntings, UFO sightings, and local folklore, often with a critical eye towards sensationalism and misreporting.

Case 1: The Smiths of Lowes Cottage, Derbyshire

The first major case detailed concerns the Smith family (Andrew, Josie, Lindsey, Stephen, and Daniel) who purchased Lowes Cottage in Upper Mayfield, Derbyshire, in 1993. They reported over 500 paranormal incidents within four years, including swirling mists, physical assaults (Josie being strangled and her face slammed into a pillow), human-shaped mists, and the apparition of a young girl. The haunting was attributed to local legends of a milk maid named Ellen and a boy who hanged himself. The situation escalated to the point where the Reverend Peter Mockford attempted to exorcise the house five times without success, describing the place as having 'evil.' A vicar advised the family to leave during Halloween due to increased paranormal activity. Neighbours claimed previous occupants had similar experiences, though this was disputed. Ghostbusters Tony Dawson and Clive Topcliffe recorded a door latch lifting and falling, and a candle moving. Martin Stote of the Daily Star reported a door slamming shut. Bill Daniels of the Daily Mirror had an experience he later explained. The Smiths' health deteriorated, leading them to stop working. They contacted a surveyor who claimed the haunting would reduce the property's value by £20,000. This led to a dispute with the previous owner, Susan Melbourne, and her sister Sandra Podmore, over an outstanding payment. The Smiths' solicitor, Steven Savage, was confident, comparing the case to a leaky roof. However, the sisters' barrister, Thomas Dillon, highlighted Josie Smith's use of anti-depressants and noted similarities between the case and 'The Amityville Horror.' The Smiths countered by referencing 'The Haunting' film, establishing their familiarity with paranormal phenomena. Previous occupants and neighbours reported no unusual activity. In a desperate move, Josie claimed the ghost raped her. The family's financial mismanagement, including five previous county court judgments and Andrew's bankruptcy, further damaged their case. A friend's advice to use a wooden crucifix was mentioned. Judge Peter Stretton QC dismissed the claims, calling Josie's reactions 'hysterical' and Andrew 'untruthful.' The case was further undermined by Andrew Smith's attempt to sell tickets for a Halloween party at the cottage. The author concludes that the Lowes Cottage case exemplifies how the paranormal is used as a scapegoat when life becomes difficult.

Case 2: West Leigh, Hants

On January 31st, 1999, the News of the World reported on a family of five who fled their home in West Leigh, Hants, due to a ghost. This case is described as more credible, involving a bad-tempered ghost of an 18th-century farmer who moved toys and stopped clocks. The Provost of Portsmouth, Arthur Dean, failed to help the family, though later research confirmed a farmer had hanged himself in the attic.

Case 3: Belgrave Hall, Leicester

The article dismisses the security camera footage from Belgrave Hall, taken on December 23rd, 1998, as the most ridiculous and misreported case. The hall, built in 1709, is a public museum. Staff reported footsteps and cooking smells, and some claimed to have seen the apparition of Charlotte Ellis. The author argues the image is merely an erroneous light flare from sleet or a car headlight, not a genuine paranormal event. The author expresses cynicism towards exaggerated cases, suggesting they are used for self-publicity and detract from genuine investigations.

The Isle of Man: Haunted Roads and Folklore

The magazine then shifts focus to the Isle of Man (IoM), with an article by John Hall titled 'Haunted Roads on the Isle of Man: Route 666.' This section surveys folklore-related tales from various publications and the author's own research, including visits to actual locations. Hall aims to document haunted sites, photograph them, and discuss local myths with residents.

Archetypes and Deception

Hall discusses various archetypes of hauntings, including giants, witches, phantoms, bugganes, black dogs, water monsters, and fairies. He notes parallels between traditional entities and modern phenomena like UFOs and alien intrusions. The article suggests that some ghost stories may be invented or exaggerated to cover up nefarious activities like smuggling, drawing a parallel with the Chupacabras.

Fireside Stories and Local Legends

Many tales are presented as 'fireside stories' originating from times when they would be told in remote locations. The IoM is rich in Nordic history, influencing its folklore.

Specific Isle of Man Phenomena

• Meayll Circle: Reports include sounds of rushing horses, phantom armies, and nocturnal lights. A witness reported being disorientated near the 'Well of the Horses,' experiencing what is likened to a UFO/alien missing time event.
• Phantom Funerals, Fires, and Faire Processions: Spectral processions and phantom fires have been reported, with possible explanations including St. Elmo's fire or mountain discharges. Faire processions winding up hills are also mentioned.
• The Wild Hunt: An audible phenomenon involving cracking whips, thundering noises, or barking dogs, associated with old gods and the 'Crash of the Norsemen.'
• Faire Processions & Armies: Described as thousands of little girls or an army in red caps and coats, potentially another example of missing time.
• Faire Giants or UFOs?: A 1600s account describes three large figures walking side-by-side, with UFO overtones due to descriptions of 'terrible caps' and feelings of levitation and curiosity, possibly relating to the 'fiery wheel of Mannan.'
• The Chasms: A sightseer reported a figure with a dagger, who vanished when the witness fainted.
• Sea Monsters: Fishermen appeased a sea beast near Black Head, described as a shore-hunting buggane with a horse-like head. The sound from its cave was likened to a fog horn. A giant black shape was also seen moving from the sea ashore near Colby.
• The Howe: A shipping directional radio mast above CregNeish is noted for its resemblance to an upturned UFO.
• Mermaids: Mermaids have been reportedly observed, though grey seals are a possible explanation.
• Window Area: Energy phenomena linked to geomagnetic disturbances and fault zones are discussed, with Paul Devereau's 'Earth Lights' cited. The Meayll circle is situated on a quartz vein and fault line.
• Phantom Black Dog (Mohdoey Dhoo): A legendary monstrous dog, a harbinger of doom, associated with electrical storms and UFOs.
• The Buggane: A spectre with shape-shifting abilities.
• Ball of Light (BOL) / Fiery Wheel of Mannan: Associated with earthlights, plasma discharge, and modern UFOs.
• Poltergeist: A noisy ghost that can cause various phenomena, sometimes linked to young people and psychokinesis.
• Faire Folk: Described as lightforms or spirits of the dead, possibly reduced in stature by Christian worship.
• Water Horse: An abductor of humans, similar to a lake monster or sea beast.
• Giants: Associated with mountains and ancient sites.
• UFOs, Aliens and Abductions: Modern myths linked to fairy lights and mythical creatures.

Case 4: Ferry Sighting

Gordon Creighton related a story from a woman who witnessed a disc-shaped UFO craft emerge from the water and shoot skywards while she was on a ferry. Her fellow passengers were oblivious.

Case 5: Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Mrs. W. recounted an incident in October 1989 where she saw a dull, metallic, ball-shaped object. It came over her garden, expanded into a brilliant white light, and then shot off. She initially thought others couldn't see it because they didn't comment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a degree of skepticism towards sensationalized paranormal accounts, particularly those that are exaggerated or lack scientific investigation. The author suggests that many reported hauntings are scapegoats for personal or societal problems. The article on the Isle of Man highlights the rich tapestry of local folklore and its potential parallels with modern UFO phenomena, while also cautioning against mistaking natural phenomena or deliberate deception for genuine paranormal activity. The overall stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking verifiable evidence while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of 'The Researcher' (Issue 30, dated March 30, 1999) is published by MARA and focuses on UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and features articles and cartoons related to these topics.

Witness Testimony: The Flying Triangle

The issue highlights the phenomenon of 'differential perception,' questioning why some individuals can see UFO craft while others cannot. It suggests that sensory information is incomplete and that we may be entering the realms of the psychic field, with some people having out-of-body experiences associated with UFO craft. One witness, Mrs SJ from Towcester, Northants, recounts a sighting on Christmas Eve 1998. At approximately 10:50 p.m., while sitting in her lounge, she was drawn to the window and saw a huge, dark triangular object with red lights at the bottom, travelling East to West. The object made a slight droning noise and was so low that she felt it could have taken the roof off. Her husband was present but could not see the craft, and they decided to say nothing about it. Mrs SJ described the object as huge and having a funny drone.

Another witness, identified as 'Paul,' shared his belief that 'Triangles' are from the future and coming back. He claims to have seen a photo of a control panel in a Grey's ship and felt an immediate connection, describing the experience of flying it as 'terrifying.'

Theoretical Considerations

The magazine poses the question of whether UFO craft are travelling in another dimension. It suggests that 'time' is a human concept and that aliens might be time travellers from another dimension, visible only to a select few. The article posits that we tend to believe what we see, and to some extent, we see what we believe.

Research Collaboration and Call for Witnesses

Omar Fowler, founder of the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) and co-founder of Project FT (a European database of flying triangles), is mentioned. MARA has collaborated with several groups regarding sightings of flying triangles over Merseyside and is seeking more witnesses to these objects. Readers who have had sightings of triangular craft are encouraged to contact MARA, with further details available on page 3.

Letters Section

The 'Your letters' section encourages debate about 'The Researcher,' MARA, and the paranormal. Letters should be sent to Bill Bimson at 73 Eaton Gardens, West Derby, Liverpool. MARA is described as non-political and open to all beliefs, but public slander is not tolerated. The editor notes that the first letter published is from Omar Fowler, who compliments 'The Researcher' as a magazine of high literary quality, particularly an article by Larry Warren. Fowler also mentions his own recent article on UFOs moving in and out of 'reality,' a subject he believes Jenny Randles referred to as the 'Oz Factor.'

Cartoon: Psi-Man Says

A cartoon strip titled 'Psi-Man Says' investigates whether aliens are amongst us. It features Mrs Ponsenby, who claims to have been abducted by beings from the planet Thargo. She describes one of the beings as horrible, green, with big bog eyes, scaly skin, and a 'lovely tight little bum.' The cartoon then presents a lineup of individuals, asking the reader to spot the alien. Mrs Ponsenby states that their disguise is too good, but they are present. The cartoon concludes with a dialogue about aliens being amongst us and a statement from an alien: 'You're lucky we come in peace.'

Illustration: Haunted Roads

A separate illustration depicts 'Haunted Roads - The Phantom Death Coach,' showing a horse-drawn carriage with a whip-wielding figure under a crescent moon, evoking a sense of the supernatural or eerie.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings (specifically triangular craft), the nature of perception, the possibility of interdimensional or time-travelling aliens, and the importance of witness testimony. The editorial stance, as expressed in the 'Your letters' section, is to encourage open debate and the sharing of experiences within a non-dogmatic framework, while maintaining a standard of respectful discourse. The magazine actively seeks reader contributions and research collaboration.