Skywatch - No 25

Magazine Overview

SKYWATCH Magazine, Issue 25 (August/September 1977)

This issue of SKYWATCH, an informal publication by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT), focuses on UFOlogy and related subjects. The cover prominently features the title 'MAPIT SKYWATCH' and highlights that views expressed are by contributors and not necessarily shared by the Group or the Editor. Items included may be reproduced in full or part, with a request for copies of journals using material or cuttings to be sent to the Editorial Address.

Editorial Information

The publication is based at 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, England. The telephone number provided is 061-483 4210. The founding year of the team is stated as 1973.

Readers' Letters and Contributions

The magazine features a significant section dedicated to reader correspondence, offering a diverse range of perspectives and information:

Letter from Geoff Falla (Guernsey UFO Study Group)

Geoff Falla thanks David for his letter and press cuttings, mentioning a sighting near Haverfordwest reported in the Daily Mirror. He notes a recent increase in UFO reports and publicity, which he believes will foster further interest. He also adds that the project is nearing completion but publication timing depends on BUFORA. He touches upon interesting cases from the Channel Islands over the years.

Letter from Florenee McCluskie

Florenee McCluskie, a new reader, shares her experiences using a glass and alphabet method for spirit contact. She recounts asking about Nostradamus and Mother Shipton's prophecy of a 1999 upheaval, receiving a reply predicting a 'Gigantic atom bomb on China by Soviet Russia' in 1979. She also inquired about the likelihood of this happening and was told it was 'Quite within the bounds of possibility'. Further inquiries revealed that UFOs have visited Earth since the time of the Pharaohs, that these beings are highly evolved, and some are living on Earth in 'a secret place', 'keeping an eye on things'. She also confirmed the existence of 'Masters' as claimed by Theosophists. She expresses concern about the Russo/China war scenario and the lack of interference from America or Britain, and the possibility of other worlds being inhabited. She notes that while some claim such answers stem from the subconscious, she finds the Russian bomb scenario particularly staggering due to her lack of knowledge of world events.

Letter from Susal Law (UFORUM)

Susal Law introduces UFORUM, a new group formed in January, aiming to demonstrate the importance of UFOs and prove they are not Science Fiction but FACT. Their interests extend beyond UFOs to related mysteries such as Cave Drawings, Lost Civilisations, and the Bible from a scientific viewpoint. They have a library for members and aim to present facts as they see them for people to draw their own conclusions.

Letter from Enrico Ferraris (President ACOM sez.B.Allessandria, Italy)

Enrico Ferraris praises SKYWATCH as objective and precise, calling it one of the best in England. He notes that RIGAP does not have a journal or newsheet but is an incorporated group with the Rossendale Amateur Astronomy Society, covering stars, planets, meteor showers, and UFOs.

Letter from Karen Linneballe (Skandinavisk UFU Information, Denmark)

Karen Linneballe provides information about UFO-Conferences in Denmark, mentioning a UFO-Camping event from July 16th to 22nd, 1977, at Munkebjerg Skole, coinciding with SUFOI's 20th anniversary. She states that further details about projects and a potential conference will be provided.

Letter from Rudy de Groote (SPW, Belgium)

Rudy de Groote explains his quietness due to the lack of significant UFO events in Belgium since New Year, though he heard of three UFO pictures taken over Chatelineau. He also mentions the publication of a new Flemish UFO Bulletin. He expresses reservations about organizing conferences due to the extensive work involved and low results, preferring smaller, regional meetings with active members.

Letter from Hyda Rogals (Rossendale Investigation Group Aerial Phenomena)

Hyda Rogals thanks MAPIT for the informative magazine. She reports having received 177 UFO sighting reports between January 2nd and March 30th, 1977, plus six more in May. She distinguishes these from satellites, planets, or stars, and dismisses explanations of balloons reflecting the sun. She is compiling a chronology of UFO sightings in America and elsewhere, linking them with N.E. Lancs sightings. She has been asked to write for the Pendle District Library Magazine and has seen UFOs since 1964, but not 'Little Green Men'. She finds SKYWATCH to be up-to-date and an excellent reproduction.

Letter from Angela Curthy

Angela Curthy notes that she has never heard of UFO reports in Malta, despite being stationed there and reading the local papers thoroughly. She attributes this to Malta being a strict Catholic country where the UFO subject is taboo.

Media Analysis: BBC Documentary 'Out of this World'

The magazine includes comments from readers regarding the BBC Documentary on television on May 10th, 1977, presented by Hugh Burnett.

• Tony Glickman found the program interesting but questioned the segment about a woman and followers praying to a prayer machine that stored energy from prayers, considering it potentially misleading.
• Ken Stanley found the program interesting and the 'hole in the pole theory' plausible, but found the BBC generally objectionable.
• Bob Brace expressed dismay at the BBC1 Documentary, calling it a 'cheap production overall' and not giving adequate coverage to UFOs.
• Owen Taylor had heard impressions of the program, noting that it seemed to portray a 'lunatic fringe' image.
• John Rimmer (Editor of MUFOB) found the program 'marvellously funny' but criticized the portrayal of the 'lunatic fringe'. He praised Bowen for his 'fairly undogmatic line' but felt he was undermined by Creigton's 'melodramatic hints of Government interference, silencers, vampirism, and cannibalistic entities'. He described Brinsley LPT as a 'dotty English eccentric Earl' and a 'sweet old soul', reminding readers that he is one of the rulers.

Spooky Corner

This section features local ghost stories and folklore from the Stockport area, including tales of a poltergeist on Marple Road, a Puritan child at the White Houses, a haunted Monk's Room at Offerton Hall, the Offerton Boggart (Gnat Hole), a gliding woman on Bean Leach Road, and a poltergeist at the Wrights Arms.

Paper Clippings

This section compiles various news items and articles related to UFOs and space:

• 'REVEILLE' (May 6, 1977): An article titled 'She Wants a Space Visitor' expresses a desire to meet extraterrestrial beings before the age of 50, and disappointment with the American moon landings and the Venus missile. The author envies younger generations who might experience first contact.
• 'DAILY MIRROR' (May 12, 1977): An article suggests that spacemen might dry like babies or bark like dogs, having studied language at an Intergalactic school. It mentions Americans planning to dispatch spacecraft with sounds of 20th-century Earth culture.
• 'DAILY EXPRESS' (May 13, 1977): An article reports a British pilot, Captain Denis Wood, seeing two UFOs described as 'the size of battleships and nearly 300 yards long' at 35,000 feet. The sighting was corroborated by other crew members and ground radar operators.
• 'SUNDAY PEOPLE' (June 5, 1977): An advert in an Adelaide newspaper sought an 'intergalactic flying saucer' for a ten-person accommodation minimum, suggesting an Australian might have built a spacecraft in secret.
• 'SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO COSMIS UNDERSTANDING' (New Zealand): A publication from Timaru, New Zealand, Xenolog, is mentioned.
• 'RETURNED FROM THE SPACE - TIME CONTINUM?': An account from June 1950 in Times Square, New York, describes a man dressed in 19th-century attire who appeared suddenly, was killed by a taxi, and whose possessions dated back to 1876, suggesting a temporal anomaly.

Group News

This section provides updates from various UFO groups:

• MAPIT: Reports three media mentions: a letter in the Manchester Evening News, a letter in the Buxton Advertiser, and a letter in the Congleton Chronicle. They express gratitude for the positive response to their call for interested persons. Angela Carthy is commended for her work in contacting local newspapers.
• MUFON: Richard Hall, International Co-ordinator of MUFON, has offered to print MAPIT's name and address in their UFO Journal to encourage information exchange. He supports scientifically-oriented UFO study.
• MAPIT Tee-shirts: MAPIT is offering tee-shirts for sale at £3.00 each, with the wording 'MAPIT UFO RESEARCH TEAM SKYWATCH', to raise public awareness.
• UFO Clippings: Miss Susan Stebbing offers a photocopied set of UFO, Supernatural, and Space Mystery press clippings for 90p.
• Flying Saucer Review Subscription: A correction is made regarding subscription rates, stating it is £4.20, not £3.35.
• Back Issues: SKYWATCH back issues and a special issue on UFU Sightings are available for purchase.

MAPIT Member Activities and Group News

• Scunthorpe UFO Study Group: Bob Brace informs about a new group in Scunthorpe, aided by Nigel Watson, Ken Johnson, and Bob. Their local MP, John Ellis, has requested a probe into recent UFO activity over Scunthorpe.
• IVFORC (International UFO Research Council): An advertisement for IVFORC appears, seeking active involvement in research. MAPIT notes that despite writing to the address provided, they have received no reply, questioning the group's legitimacy and seeking more information.
• Quaser Books: This company offers a selection of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Occult, UFO, and Cosmology books.
• 'SKYWATCH' in South Africa: Gene Duplaintier reports a namesake publication in Durban, South Africa, which is actively involved in UFO matters.
• NUFON Skywatch Programme: Ian Sanderson, co-ordinator of NUFON's Skywatch Programme, has sent MAPIT details for 1977 Skywatches, scheduled to coincide with projected Autumn/Winter flaps on September 20th, October 15th, and November 19th. MAPIT members interested in attending are asked to contact the editorial address.
• Northern UFO Network 1977 Conference: The conference is scheduled for September 10th in Nottingham, organized by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society. It will feature papers by Berry King, Bernard Delair, and Charles Bowen, with illustrated lectures and exhibitions. Tickets are 50p. A meeting of UFOIN is also planned for September 11th.
• MAPIT Mini-Meetings: MAPIT acknowledges the difficulty of arranging large group meetings due to members' geographical spread and other commitments. They propose 'mini-meetings' where any member wishing to visit MAPIT can arrange to meet with three or four members for a more informal and personal interaction.

Feedback on David Frost's 'Super UFO Conference' Proposal

This section presents reader feedback on David Frost's proposal for a Super UFO Conference:

Letter from Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles expresses her view that the conference idea is excellent and forward-looking. However, she raises concerns about the financial feasibility for smaller groups and suggests steering clear of BUFORA/CONTACT UK ideas, believing their particular approach is not working. She advocates for a focus on research and a method that captures the public's attention without 'weird trappings'. She suggests that groups should continue their research for the National Conference Group and that the organizing body should answer to the groups, not vice versa. She proposes the conference last a full day, possibly two, with prior notice of speakers' subjects to create a balanced program. She also suggests avoiding 'pseudo-religious stuff' and focusing on topics like ancient astronauts, while encouraging sceptics to attend and inviting the media. A question time session is also proposed.

Letter from John Rimmer (Editor MUFOB)

John Rimmer expresses skepticism about the proposed nation-wide UFO conference, doubting the ability of individual groups to coordinate and overcome 'mutual hostility, jealousy and envy'. He views UFO groups as 'social clubs' or 'bureaucratic frameworks for organisers and place-seekers'. He argues that the effort spent on organizing could be better applied to UFO investigation. He believes that the best UFO investigation is done by individuals unhampered by group demands and regrets that most groups are inward-looking. He notes that MAPIT's experience of hostility or apathy is not surprising and encourages readers to 'get out and do some research'.

Media Madness

This section critiques media coverage of UFOs:

• BBC Documentary 'Out of this World': The author, who was directly involved, expresses disappointment with the program, finding it a 'great let-down'. Despite protests about the lack of quality UK cases, the producer insisted on the format. Charles Bowen provided a credible case, but the author dismisses the 'Bowles/Pratt fiasco' as unsubstantiated. The article mentions a teleportation incident involving David Harrison and continuing occurrences for Mrs. Bowles, who had a close friendship with a leading UFOlogist in the 1960s.
• ITV 'Good Afternoon' programme: The author saw this program, which featured Charles Bowen, Professor John Taylor, and Captain Woods. The program was straightforward but lasted only twenty minutes, and Captain Woods began to reach the point of attacking Professor Taylor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH revolve around UFO sightings, the activities of UFO research groups, and the critical analysis of media coverage concerning UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based research, fostering cooperation among groups, and questioning the sensationalism often employed by the media. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of investigation and analysis over mere speculation or the promotion of unsubstantiated claims. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gaining credibility and accurate representation in the public sphere.

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: May 1977
Publisher: SKYWATCH
Country: UK
Price: £0.30
ISSN: 0309-0526

This issue of SKYWATCH, a UK-based magazine focused on UFO phenomena, presents a collection of sighting reports, organizational news, and related articles. The cover prominently features a "UFO SIGHTING SECTION" and highlights the magazine's commitment to reporting on unexplained mysteries.

Sighting Reports

The magazine opens with a call for local UFO sightings, noting that information may not always reach the public. Several personal accounts are shared:

• Ashton Moss Lane Incident: Reported by Robert Bailey, this incident from February 1977 involved a man driving at night who saw a small red ball and a human-like figure. The object hovered, and when the man exited his car, it moved away rapidly without sound. The man was taken to Ashton General Hospital in mild shock. The report notes a lack of media publicity.
• Manchester Sighting: Mrs. F. Bradshaw of Old Trafford reported seeing a large, brilliant star-like object on the Thursday evening before Good Friday. The object hovered and then moved slowly across the sky around 2:20 a.m. on Good Friday morning.
• Colne, Lancs Sighting: Frank McDermott relayed a report from BBC Look North about two policemen seeing a UFO hovering over a village at dawn. The object was estimated to be about 60 ft long and moved off in the direction of Colne.

UFO Organizations and Activities

The issue provides updates on various UFO research groups:

• FUFOR (Federation UFO Research): Formed in January of the current year by Steve Cleaver and Nigel Brown, FUFOR is based in Crewe. They organized a successful exhibition and mini-conference at Crewe local library on May 28th, which attracted hundreds of people. The exhibition featured projects by Steve, Nigel, and Mark Tyrrell, and material loaned from Tony Pace of BUFORA.
• MAPIT: Members of MAPIT are interested in Sci-Fi and received a newsflash about an announcement regarding the new Star Trek series.
• Other Groups: Several other UFO organizations and publications are listed, including THE ESSEX STUDY GROUP, FORESIGHT, LANTERN, COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK, UFO INFO EXCHANGE LIBRARY, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, UFORUM, NOTIZIARIO UFOLOGICO, and ANCIENT SKILLS AND WISDOM REVIEW. Publications like "FROM OUT WORLD" and "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" are also advertised.

Feature Articles and Commentary

• "The Saucer Lecturer" by Allen H. Greenfield: This article humorously recounts a staged UFO lecture. The author describes the setup, the audience's reaction, and the performance of actors playing roles within the lecture, including a character named "Welooh" who yells "Fake!". The article is reprinted from "The Paraufologist" Vol.1 No.3.
• German Boeing Incident: A report details an incident on April 25th, 1977, where the pilot of a German Boeing 737 reported being struck by an unidentified flying object over Liege, Belgium. Investigations involving multiple authorities, including the Ministry of Defence and Air Force, were conducted. While no physical damage was found on the plane, Eurocontrol suggested that an unidentified plane flying at supersonic speed may have crossed the path of the Boeing, causing air displacement. The Air Force was investigating the incident.
• Star Trek Announcement: A news release from Paramount Television announced the return of Gene Roddenberry as Executive Producer for a new Star Trek series, emphasizing its importance for the future of Paramount Television Service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the activities of UFO research groups, and the dissemination of information through publications and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to share their experiences and supporting the efforts of organizations dedicated to this pursuit. There is also an undercurrent of skepticism and humor, particularly in the fictionalized lecture account, suggesting a balanced approach to the subject matter.