SPI Enigmas - no 20

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS
Issue: 20
Date: May-June 1990
Price: £1
Publisher: SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations)

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), delves into a variety of unexplained occurrences, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and other mysterious phenomena within Scotland and beyond.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "ENIGMAS," addresses the mystery of 'Morag,' a potential creature in Loch Morar, drawing parallels with the more famous 'Nessie' of Loch Ness. The editor notes the limited road access around Loch Morar compared to Loch Ness, which might explain fewer public reports. Despite this, local testimony suggests a 'monster' exists, often described with a long neck and short head, similar to Nessie. The editor emphasizes that while witness testimony is considered, a critical approach is maintained, particularly regarding the reliability of witnesses. Sonar contacts are highlighted as evidence of 'something' in the lochs, distinct from fish shoals.

SPI: Purpose and Aims

Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) is an organization dedicated to investigating strange phenomena across various categories, including hauntings, poltergeist events, UFO sightings, and psychic events. Conceived in 1979, SPI's involvement goes beyond academic interest, driven by a mutual belief that these subjects demand investigation to establish a firmer foundation for understanding. The organization aims to collect, research, and publish accounts of strange phenomena, informing the public that there is indeed a case to be answered. SPI maintains an open mind, avoiding strict viewpoints on the nature of events.

Contents

• The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:
• Editorial
• UFOs: A Scottish Perspective by Terry Hooper
• John Logie Baird, Pioneer of Subatomic Phenomena by Michael Roll
• SPI Case Research Work: Mrs Jean Smith (Part Three)
• UFOs Over Russia
• Book Reviews
• The Tolbooth: A case update
• Ghostly Experiences (Final Part)
• Letters To The Editor
• Tapping The Dream Store Of Ideas by Frank McKay

UFOs: A Scottish Perspective by Terry Hooper

Terry Hooper presents a collection of UFO incidents from Scotland. He begins by debunking the Cedric Allingham sighting of February 18, 1954, near Lossiemouth, which he identifies as a hoax orchestrated by Patrick Moore. Hooper then recounts an encounter near Braemar in November 1958, where two Territorial Army privates reported seeing two large figures emerge from trees. Another case from May 18, 1977, near New Elgin, describes two girls witnessing a 30ft cylindrical object with a dome and a red light, from which a thin man emerged. A sighting in Coldstream in October 1977 involved two boys seeing an oval-shaped domed object. The article also touches upon a case involving Bob Taylor in Livingston in November 1979, who encountered a dome-shaped metallic object with flanges.

Loch Morar and Loch Ness Investigations

The magazine details SPI's planned surveillance of Loch Morar. A specific report from August 16, 1969, concerning two fishermen in Loch Morar, describes their boat being rammed by a large, dirty brown animal. Another incident from August 16, 1971, near Loch Ness, involved a grey-black cigar-shaped object with entities. The article also mentions a sighting near Crookston Castle on September 8th or 9th, 1972, of a noiseless craft with flashing lights. A peculiar encounter in 1973 near Loch Ness involved writer F.W. Holiday encountering a figure described as 'malevolent'. The issue emphasizes the need for perseverance in investigating these phenomena.

John Logie Baird: Pioneer of Subatomic Phenomena by Michael Roll

Michael Roll's article highlights John Logie Baird's lesser-known work on the infra-red camera and its potential application in paranormal research, particularly for materialization phenomena. The article suggests that Thomas Alva Edison was also involved in this research from 'etheric dimensions.' It discusses how Baird's colleague conducted research with a materialization medium, resulting in a partially materialized suicide victim whose fingerprint matched that on the weapon. The author criticizes the Royal Society and editors of 'Nature' and 'The New Scientist' for their skepticism and refusal to acknowledge evidence of survival after death, citing Dr. Susan Blackmore's views as an example of 'dying brain' theories.

SPI Case Research Work: Mrs Jean Smith (Part Three)

This section details an investigation by Andrew Davie and M. Robinson into alleged strange events at Mrs. Jean Smith's home in Shieldhill. Davie uses a pendulum and 'ariels' (devices made of copper wire) to detect and supposedly reject electromagnetic forces (EM-F) which he believes cause such phenomena. He theorizes that EM-F, combined with a geological fault under Jean's home, created a 'psychic doorway' for manifestations. Davie's method is described as a form of 'De-gaussing,' aimed at severing the connection causing the events. The article notes that Davie has received a high award for his research and possesses multiple degrees.

UFOs Over Russia

This article, translated from Russian by V.B. Sokolov, discusses the increase in UFO reports from the Soviet Union, noting that some media outlets may exploit the topic for financial gain. It mentions the Voronezh hoax and the TASS news agency's role in publishing potentially unreliable information. The article describes several incidents, including a sighting near Spassk, Dal'ny, where a metallic tentacle allegedly emerged from a 'saucer' and interacted with children. Another report from October 1, 1989, details children witnessing a spindle-shaped object with multiple colors that flared and moved erratically. Further accounts include a landing or crash near Dal'negorsk with alleged extraterrestrial materials, and a sighting of a dome-shaped object by Galina Sergeevna B. in Konstantinovka, which landed on her roof and from which a tall creature descended.

Recommended Books

Two book reviews are presented:

• 'Abductions' by Dr. Edith Fiore: Reviewed by Ronald Halliday, this book recounts the abduction experiences of 14 patients under hypnosis. Halliday notes the similarity between accounts but questions the substantiation of the claims, suggesting that corroborative evidence should have been sought. He expresses skepticism, given his background in studying witchcraft.
• 'Majestic' by Whitley Strieber: This review focuses on Strieber's book about the Roswell Incident. The reviewer acknowledges Strieber's knowledge of the event but questions how much is factual and how much is dramatization. The review finds the idea of government officials being kidnapped by aliens implausible and criticizes the lack of examination of motives for alien activity. It highlights the autopsy reports as potentially credible moments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings, alleged encounters with unknown creatures (like 'Morag' and 'Nessie'), psychic phenomena, and the investigation of these events by organizations like SPI. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of accounts while maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented. There is a clear interest in exploring the boundaries of known science and the possibility of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine also highlights the importance of rigorous research and the potential for hoaxes and misinterpretations within the field of ufology and paranormal investigation.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated May-June 1990, delves into a variety of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, with a cover headline proclaiming 'GHOSTLY EXPERIENCES'. The magazine features articles on ghosts, cryptids, UFOs, and personal accounts of strange occurrences.

Reviews and Investigations

The issue begins with a review of Whitley Strieber's book 'MAJESTIC', by Dirk Van Der Plas. The reviewer notes that the book, published in 1990, contains a 'very strange story' and advises readers to wait for the paperback version, suggesting the true story of the Roswell Incident is yet to be written.

An update on research into Stirling's 'haunted' Tolbooth is provided. A group, including members of SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations), visited the former court house and jail on May 25th, hoping to perceive psychic events. They split into two groups and gathered information from a medium, Ian Shane, and a reporter from Radio Scotland. The research is ongoing, with notes being collected for a future report.

Ghostly Experiences and Photographs

Under the 'GHOSTLY EXPERIENCES' section, a story is presented about a photograph taken in August 1980 at Balnakeil, Scotland. Mrs McEwan photographed what appeared to be impressions of two ghostly human figures, an adult and a child, along with ghostly buildings that were not visible to the naked eye at the time. The article discusses the possibility of the camera penetrating time past and the value of photography in proving paranormal phenomena. A postscript by Malcolm Robinson and Paul McKay analyzes the photograph, with McKay suggesting the figures might be fence posts and the buildings part of a farmyard or croft, casting doubt on the witness's testimony. The photograph itself is noted as not reproducing well in the journal.

Personal Encounters

Frank McKay contributes two articles. The first, 'THE LIGHTNING BALL', recounts a personal experience in the summer of 1947 while serving with the Royal Engineers at South Front Barracks, Dover. McKay describes witnessing a glowing ball of brilliant light, about nine inches in diameter, floating downwards. The ball touched a metal railing and exploded in a blinding flash, accompanied by a loud bang and a gust of heat, sending him backwards. This was followed by a severe thunderstorm. McKay expresses gratitude for the experience, viewing it as a firsthand encounter with something extraordinary.

McKay's second article, 'Tapping The "Dream Store Of Ideas"', explores the role of dreams and paranormal influences in invention and creativity. He discusses how inventors often work alone and how ideas can come from dreams or subconscious contact with a 'source'. He cites the example of mathematician Fredrich August Kekule, who reportedly conceived the structure of the Benzene Ring after a dream.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are featured:

• G. E. Wallwork from Worsley, Manchester, discusses the concept of 'ghostly buildings' and suggests that some people may have a wider span of vision within the radiation spectrum, potentially allowing them to perceive entities like ghosts or UFOs that others cannot see. He emphasizes the need for serious attention to paranormal phenomena.
• Daphne Plowman from Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, comments on an account of two Church of Scotland ministers and their peculiar behavior, noting the Church's stance that exorcism 'does more harm than good'.
• A contributor (likely Paul McKay, given the context of UFOlogy) advises UFO enthusiasts to utilize map collections to better plot UFO sightings and analyze potential influences from the surroundings. They suggest consulting government agencies for maps and using resources like the U.S. Geological Survey and FAA charts.

Expedition Report: Operation Congo

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to 'OPERATION CONGO', the first British/Congolese Mokele-Mbembe expedition of 1985-86, reported by Billy Gibbons. The report details the planning and execution of the expedition aimed at finding evidence of the Mokele-Mbembe, a creature described as similar to a sauropod dinosaur, in the Likouala swamps of the Congo Basin.

The expedition involved a four-man British team joining a Congolese team. The report outlines the logistical arrangements, including transport via motor-pirogue, and the challenges faced, such as stomach problems and cramped living conditions in Brazzaville. The team visited villages, interacted with locals, and collected specimens. A retired elephant hunter, Monsieur Immanuel Mongoumele, provided information about sightings and footprints of the creature near a river lair. The report highlights the difficulties of the terrain, the swamp, and the need for medical assistance in remote areas.

Part two of this fascinating account is promised for the next issue.

News Desk

The 'News Desk' section provides updates on SPI's growing international connections, including exchanges with newsletters from Sweden and Russia, and the American magazine 'Orbiter'. It mentions a bookmaker offering a £250,000 reward for proving the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. It also touches upon 'UFO Abduction Policies' being sold in America. The editor solicits reader feedback on the magazine's format and content, mentioning a preference for an A5 size and double-spaced type. The section also promotes the 'Centre for Crop Circle Studies' and reminds readers about subscription renewals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ENIGMAS are the investigation of paranormal phenomena, including ghosts, UFOs, and cryptids, and the presentation of personal experiences and anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging research and the serious consideration of unexplained events, as articulated in the quote by G. E. Wallwork. The magazine aims to provide readers with current and historical accounts of paranormal and UFO events, bridging the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary.