Sky Scouts National Newsletter no 1 1967 01-02

Magazine Overview

Title: SKY SCOUTS NATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Issue: NO. 1
Date: January-February 1967
Publisher: International Sky Scouts Association (U.K.)

This inaugural issue of the Sky Scouts National Newsletter covers a range of UFO-related activities and reports from late 1966 and early 1967. It features investigations, witness accounts of sightings, and announcements for future events and schemes.

English Association Secretary Investigates:

Ken Rogers, the English Association Secretary, investigated claims made by Arthur Bryant in Devon regarding contact with Venusians. Bryant described 'straight magnetic lines' used by alien craft for entering Earth's atmosphere and for feeding from transmission lines. Rogers met Bryant and visited the alleged contact site, finding Bryant to be either a sincere individual or a highly skilled actor.

UFO Sightings Reported:

Several significant UFO sightings are detailed:

• Wood Green, North London: A spectacular sighting occurred on August 15, similar to a Bristol incident. A bush was withered in one spot near the Great Isos. eles Triangle, a primary ley line known for UFO activity. Mr. Palmer, the witness, has become the Membership Secretary.
• Hatchams, near Ringwood (Hampshire): Reported by the Bournemouth Evening Echo on September 1, 1966, two objects were sighted. One was seen at approximately 8:30 p.m., and another half an hour before midnight. These objects displayed red flashing lights and emitted a dull buzzing sound. Ringwood is noted as a sighting point on the Ringwood-Bruton orthoteny, which passes through the Charlton Crater site.
• Blackpool UFO: On September 17, around 8:00 p.m., Mr. and Mrs. Cropper witnessed a strange object over the sea, appearing to be 2-3 miles offshore at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. Described as a bright oval of reddish light, it remained poised over a cloud before slowly sinking out of sight. Doris Cropper, their daughter and a UFO enthusiast, theorized the object was attracted by the Blackpool illuminations.
• Patriotic UFO! (Southampton): On Monday, September 19, a UFO was observed hanging motionless over Southampton, dropping red, white, and blue flares. Police were also witnesses to this event, alerted by a 999 call, as reported by the Evening News.

More Sightings on I.F.S.S.D. (International Flying Saucer Sighting Day):

Ken Rogers forwarded several sightings from June 24, 1966:

• Nottingham: A cigar-shaped object was seen, with two white lights entering it from underneath.
• France (near Epinal to Rheims): A family driving saw what they initially thought was a bird hovering, which then made a fantastic burst of speed, covering about a quarter of a mile in seconds.
• Saucer News Report: A photograph taken by Mr. Manning in Blasdell, New York, U.S.A., on IFSSD, was noted as looking similar to the Gordon Faulkner photo from Warminster.

Contact?

William J. Trotter observed a UFO at Cradle Hill, Warminster, which moved slowly, hovered, and sped up. It seemed to acknowledge Arthur Shuttlewood's flashing torch. This is compared to an object seen later by Dr. Cleary-Baker of BUFORA, which responded to light signals from Mr. Arnold West. The newsletter poses whether these encounters could be considered 'contacts'.

More sightings by Membership Secretary:

Keith Palmer, the Membership Secretary, reported several sightings:

• Cradle Hill (October 29-30): Palmer witnessed spectacular UFOs, including definitely cigar-shaped ones.
• Wood Green sighting site (October): Palmer, Ken Rogers, and Bernard Kell observed twin hovering golden lights to the south, over the Great Cambridge Road, which faded after a few seconds. This sighting occurred in broad daylight.
• November 28: Palmer and a friend saw two circular UFOs travelling at high speed from west to east, visible for about a minute and appearing to brighten and dim.

Skywatch December 17-18:

A skywatch event was largely unsuccessful due to cloudy conditions. However, around 5:00 a.m. during a brief clear period, Gerald Lovell observed a moving light travelling from high elevation to the southern horizon, which was likely a satellite.

Despite no UFOs being sighted, the December skywatch was deemed useful due to publicity generated in local papers and at the Post Office in Warminster. Participants met included Doug Choundy, Mike Wakely, Ken Rogers, Bill Trotter, and Gerald Lovell. Andrew King of BUFORA provided transport to Warminster, allowing a visit to Stonehenge.

Service with a Smile:

A note addresses members who may be unclear about the purpose of Sky Scouts, inviting questions to be sent to the editor.

Sky Scouts Western Expedition:

An expedition is proposed for April or May for ley-hunting and skywatching, with potential stops in Warminster, Glastonbury (Somerset Zodiac area), and Devon. The trip would likely last about a week.

SKY SCOUTS NATIONAL SKYWATCHING SCHEME:

National skywatches are scheduled every six weeks starting January 14, 1967. Members are requested to watch for UFOs in groups between 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Further details are available from the Membership Secretary, Mr. Keith Palmer.

Skywatch List:

The idea of a Skywatch List has been discontinued due to lack of time to send out circulars.

Saucer Forum and The Ley Hunter:

Two magazines, 'Saucer Forum' and 'The Ley Hunter', are recommended for their coverage of UFOs and ley lines, respectively. Both are available from the editor.

Sky Scouts' Handbook:

A handbook covering all aspects of practical UFOlogy is planned for publication in the New Year, with an introduction by International Chairman Hon. Brinsley Le Foer Trench and articles by members.

I.F.S.S.D. 1967:

Members are reminded to look out for UFOs on June 24, 1967, which falls on a Saturday, noting the success of the previous year's event.

Local Groups:

A list of local groups across the UK is provided, including contacts for Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge & N. Essex, Carshalton, London (North, South, East, West), St. Helens, Southend, Trowbridge & Warminster, and West Kent. Organizers are asked to submit details of any new groups.

Editor Information:

The editor is Jimmy Goddard, with contact details provided for Walton-on-Thames.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The newsletter consistently promotes active participation in UFO observation and research through skywatches, expeditions, and the sharing of sightings and information. There is a strong emphasis on the connection between UFO phenomena and ley lines/orthotenies, suggesting a belief in underlying patterns or structures related to these sightings. The publication also aims to foster a sense of community among its members through local groups and organized events.