Skywatch - No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Newsletter of FSIT Manchester
Issue: 1
Volume: U.F.O.
Date: September 1973
Publisher: FSIT Manchester
Country: UK
Language: English

This is the inaugural newsletter from FSIT Manchester, a branch of an organization focused on UFO research. The cover features the headline "MAPIT SKYWATC.." and "The MANCHESTER Scene."

Your Mouthpiece

The editorial section, titled "YOUR MOUTHPIECE," explains the necessity for a newsletter. It aims to keep members informed about UFO activity in the Manchester area, foster a sense of community, and facilitate the collection of information. The goal is to build a substantial body of evidence that will compel official attention to the UFO phenomenon. The newsletter intends to cover not only local activities but also the wider global UFO field, encouraging readers to share their views, ideas for investigation techniques, and research findings. While the initial focus is on investigation reports, regular features on theoretical aspects are planned. The newsletter is being produced as a news-sheet due to economic constraints but hopes to expand.

FSIT News

"FSIT NEWS" reports that the Nottingham unit was the first operating branch, with approximately two dozen members involved in interesting cases. The national organization is being divided into eight or nine regions, and FSIT Manchester's area may be larger than initially anticipated. To manage this, the area has been subdivided into sections, and area controllers have been appointed. These controllers will contact members to help overcome geographic challenges and maintain personal contact. They will be responsible for all investigations within their areas, with reports submitted to the editor, whose role includes maintaining records, typing reports for FSIT HQ and internal files, and producing the newsletter. The editor acknowledges having a full workload and anticipates that area controllers may also need assistance, potentially requiring members to fill responsible positions. The success of the organization's aim hinges on the diligent work of its investigators.

• The following area controllers are listed:
• North East: Mr G. Leonard, 61 Brierley Av, Failsworth, M35 ORF (Tel: 682-0871)
• South West: Mr D.L. Rees, 'Leuna', 40 Mersey Rd, Sale, M33 1LF (Tel: 973-0307)
• South East: Miss C.H. Brown, 2 Shelley Gr, Millbrook, Stalybridge (Tel: 338-4923)

Talking Point

"TALKING POINT" addresses the scope of the organization's activities. It was hoped to discuss results from aptitude tests, but only 10 out of 28 returned forms. The section poses the question of whether FSIT should confine itself strictly to UFO sightings or investigate "ALL unusual phenomena." It notes that the Nottingham Unit is doing this and highlights a known correlation between psychic activity (ghosts and poltergeists) and UFOs. The possibility of UFOs causing power failures is also mentioned. Readers are encouraged to share their views on these points with the area controllers.

Investigation Section

This section provides brief synopses of selected investigations each month, with full files available for reference. Investigators are urged to be thorough, try to find explanations, and probe witnesses for forgotten details that might be crucial.

• Case: 73 h 001
• Date: August 18, 1973
• Witness: G. Dunscombe (53, invalid)
• Place: Reddish
• Duration: 2 hours

Description: The witness observed a very bright circular light above a house while closing curtains at 8 pm. The light remained stationary for about two hours before disappearing at 11 pm. It was described as similar to a Molotov Basket or a car headlight, approximately 6 inches in diameter at arm's length. There was no sound and no movement. No other witnesses were found.

Investigation: Miss Drury interviewed the witness in depth and recorded the conversation. Mr. Randies also spoke to the witness by telephone. Initial thoughts considered an astronomical phenomenon, but the witness was certain it was not a star. The object was described as much brighter than Jupiter, which was visible. The size was estimated at 40 feet, but the lack of other reports in a populated area on a Saturday night remains a question.

Conclusion: No explanation was found, and a UFO is considered probable. Investigators do not believe it was a hoax or hallucination. The suggestion is to try and find more witnesses by visiting neighbours.

• Case: 731001
• Date: September 12, 1973
• Witness: W. Davies
• Place: Moors near Oldham
• Duration: 10 seconds

Description: In the early morning, with the sun just risen, the witness saw a cone-shaped object over Potts & Pans Hill through a bus window. It hovered for about ten seconds, then shot off at incredible speed and vapourised. The object was described as metallic bronze, possibly due to strong reflection of the sun.

Investigation: The case was investigated by NE1, 2 & 5, including Mrs. Wanner, Mr. Frost, and Mr. Aspinall. They interviewed the witness and visited the scene. The area is desolate, making further witnesses unlikely. It is unknown if any markings were visible, but there was no sound. The dissolution of the object is reminiscent of an optical phenomenon, but could be due to its speed.

Conclusion: The investigators feel this was a genuine UFO experience. Further facts are needed to confirm or disprove the optical theory. Weather conditions and nearby aircraft activity could be checked with Ringway. A further interview might provide more details.

The section concludes by mentioning that several other cases are under investigation, notably a landing that appears to have left markings, and urges readers to find more cases and continue pressing for facts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of organized investigation, community building within the UFO research group, and the need for thorough data collection. The editorial stance emphasizes a proactive and diligent approach to uncovering the truth about UFOs, encouraging active participation from all members. There is a clear belief in the reality of the phenomenon and a determination to pursue it despite potential challenges. The newsletter also opens the door to exploring broader unexplained phenomena beyond just traditional UFO sightings, acknowledging potential interconnections.