SKYWATCH

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: No.12/13
Date: December/January 1974/5
Publisher: M.A.P.I.T.
Type: UFO Magazine

This issue of SKYWATCH, the publication of M.A.P.I.T., is the Christmas/New Year 1974/5 edition. The editorial address is listed as 40, Mersey Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 1LF.

Letters Page

The 'Letters Page' features correspondence from readers. Mr. J. Allen from Crewe shares his experiences seeing various UFOs, including dome-shaped and cigar-shaped objects, and expresses his belief that UFOs exist, questioning why others don't realize it. He notes that while he has seen many types of objects, he doesn't subscribe to the theory that they are from another planet. C.M. writes to thank Mr. Rees for mentioning J.E.T. (Junior Enquirer Team) and points out that juniors under fifteen can join J.E.T. for free, with the official opening on January 1st. C.M. also compliments SKYWATCH, calling it a good magazine.

News in Brief

This section provides short updates on the UFO scene. It mentions receiving a circular from the Surrey Investigation Group about their magazine 'Pegasus', which is changing to pocket size and has been in publication since 1969. A special conference was held in Clayton on November 23rd/24th, which BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) described as putting '700' UFO spotters on 'Red alert'. BUFORA, through its chairman Roger Stanway, suggests that UFOs come and go in seven-year cycles and anticipates a wave of sightings in Britain, citing recent close sightings in France.

The article also touches on the Northern UFO Conference, with Michael Dean, Advisory Officer for WUFOS, writing an open letter to Lionel Beer. Dean acknowledges the conference was not a success and was 'something of a disaster,' attributing problems to speakers and pre-conference publicity. He notes that BUFORA (Staffs) did not respond to invitations to participate, suggesting they may not want to cooperate with local groups. Dean also mentions a large display of UFO-related materials at the conference.

Sightings Section

This section details specific UFO sightings and investigations.

• Sighting 1:
• Date: April 7th, 1974
• Time: 11.30 p.m.
• Location: Woodhouse Park
• Witness: Mr. Adams, aged 76 (Retired)
• Description: The witness observed a circular, dome-shaped object moving north, which elongated before returning to its circular shape and fading. The sighting lasted approximately 6 seconds, with an angle of elevation of 45 degrees. Investigation and conclusion are deferred to the next issue.

• Sighting 2:
• Date: September 11th, 1974
• Time: 2.10 a.m.
• Location: Nuneaton
• Witness: Mr. Allen, aged 54 (works for British Rail)
• Description: The witness saw a reddish glow above a tamping machine, which flickered and zipped off at high speed without sound. Mr. Allen estimated the object's shape as disc-like, about 30 ft in size, and approximately 1/4 mile away. The object moved from South to South-East. Investigation and conclusion are deferred to the next issue.

• Sightings Still Under Investigation:
• 1967 August - Northwich (Silver Triangle)
• 1973 October - Hale (Blue/White Ball)
• 1974 October - Rochdale (Rectangle)
• 1970 Unknown - Tottington (Light)

Bolton UFO Encounter:
MAPIT investigated a UFO encounter from January, which they term a 'Landing'. The witness described a flame-colored glow in the sky, followed by a similar object falling to the ground, and then a white light moving high in the sky. MAPIT considered it a landing because the UFO ended up on the ground, even if not controlled. They ruled out meteors, fireworks, aircraft, and satellites. The report notes that two witnesses disagreed on whether the object split or fell in one piece. The sighting has been filed as 'UNIDENTIFIED' by MAPIT.

Nothing to Do With UFO's

This section contains miscellaneous items. It includes advertisements for a '68' Sunbeam Rapier car and sugar, and a note about a Northern UFO Conference. It also features an open letter from Michael Dean (Advisory Officer, WUFOS) to Lionel Beer, discussing the perceived failures of the conference.

The Loony Bin

This column discusses the 'lunatic fringe' associated with the UFO subject. The author shares anecdotes about eccentric individuals encountered during research, including an ex-clergyman who became a psychic and a man obsessed with Men in Black (MIBs). The author warns readers not to let UFOs dominate their lives, as it can lead to nervous breakdowns and neglect of personal and social life.

Quotes

• This section provides two notable quotes:
• Ex-President Truman (April 4th, 1950): "I can assure you that flying saucers, given that they exist, are not constructed by any power on earth".
• General John Samford (July 29th, 1952): "However there have remained a percentage of the total, in the order of 20% of the reports, that have come from credible observers of relatively incredible things".

Editor's Note

The editor announces a significant change in SKYWATCH's content starting from the February issue. The magazine will shift its focus to 95% UFO sightings investigated by MAPIT, with the remaining 5% dedicated to advertisements, letters, and comments. The editor believes this approach, focusing on factual reports of UFO encounters, is what publications should adopt, contrasting it with what he perceives as less factual British UFO publications compared to their American counterparts. He states that the current format is wasting time and that people interested in theories can find them in books.

A Classic Case

This section describes a large UFO reported at Godran feld, America. The object was seen clearly at eighty-seven miles away and would have to be a thousand feet in diameter or larger, described as 'Tremendous' and impossible for any nation to have built.

Advertisements

The final page contains advertisements for 'FORESIGHT' magazine, 'C.N.K. NEWSLINK INTERNATIONAL', and 'CAR STICKERS'. It also promotes membership to M.A.P.I.T. for 12 months at 50p, which includes 12 issues of 'SKYWATCH'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader UFOlogy community in the UK. There's a critical stance towards the organization and effectiveness of UFO conferences, particularly highlighting issues with BUFORA's approach. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor, is a strong push towards factual reporting of UFO sightings, moving away from theoretical speculation, and aiming to provide concrete evidence from the North-West region. The issue also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced life and not letting UFO research consume one's personal well-being.