SPI Enigmas - no 39

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 39
Date: February-March 1995
Publisher: SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations)
Country: Scotland

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of strange phenomena investigations, delves into a variety of unexplained events, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and paranormal activity primarily within Scotland and Wales.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Editor Malcolm Robinson, reflects on SPI's first skywatch of the year held in Falkirk, which, despite clear skies and the participation of ten members, yielded no significant sightings. He announces future monthly skywatches, including one near the A70 related to a UFO incident involving Garry Wood and Colin Wright. Robinson also provides contact details for the new SPI Secretary, Billy Devlin, and encourages members to bring cameras and binoculars to future events. A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to SPI's ongoing efforts to persuade Prime Minister John Major to launch a government inquiry into the rise of UFO reports in Central Scotland, noting support from Councillor Billy Buchanan and politician Dennis Canavan. The editorial also mentions the collection of signatures for a petition and the upcoming SPI UFO Research Assist Form training course in Stirling.

Aliens ripped Bob's trousers - now he wants them back

This article, reported by the Editor, details the renewed media interest in Robert Taylor's famous 1979 UFO encounter in Dechmont Woods, Livingston. Taylor, now 76, has reportedly expressed a desire to have his trousers back, which were taken as evidence by police and later came into the possession of Malcolm Robinson. The article includes excerpts from Scottish newspapers like the Scottish Sunday Post and the Aberdeen Press and Journal, highlighting Taylor's wish for peace and the police investigation into the missing trousers. Robinson asserts that the trousers are vital UFO evidence and should remain with SPI to inform the public and support witness testimony. He also expresses a desire for Taylor to be left alone to enjoy his retirement.

SPI Case Research Work

Preface

The preface by the Editor notes a busy period for SPI, involving both UFO sightings and ghost cases. It introduces a report on a ghostly event at Kilern Cottage, Buclyvie, submitted by new Secretary Billy Devlin.

The Millar Case

This section details an investigation into a haunting at Kilern Cottage involving Anne and John Millar. The initial visit on September 29, 1994, involved Helen Walters, Malcolm Robinson, and Billy Devlin. The family reported a small boy appearing in their daughter's room, and John Millar experienced a similar encounter. During the investigation, a ouija board session identified presences named Emma, Andrew Macauley, and Bill MacDonald, with questions revealing details about their deaths, including a burning incident in 1920 and a death by cancer. A second visit on November 15, 1994, found the family more settled, and further cleansing was performed. The article also references a related report in 'The Sun' newspaper about John Millar being haunted by a child ghost.

UFO of a plane kind

This report by Margaret Fry details paranormal and UFO-related events investigated in North Wales during 1994. It includes an account from Mr. and Mrs. Walker who witnessed a white van vanish on a road in Llangnyfon in 1992. Another incident describes Doris Walker's experience in 1964 where her dog was caught in a beam of light near Denbigh Castle, causing burns. The report also discusses the phenomenon of a 'phantom plane' – a large, unmarked black Hercules-type transport plane seen in the Wrexham and Llangernyw/Abergele districts between 1987-1989, which would appear suddenly and vanish. Finally, Ellen Ellis reported seeing a large light following her car on the Denbigh Moors in June/July 1994.

Fireside Tales (but true)

This section contains personal accounts of paranormal experiences.

I SENSED THE HORROR!

Edith Farrow recounts an experience as a working medium in Chesterfield. While visiting a client, she sensed a strong presence of unhappy spirits and a sobbing young girl in the adjoining cottage, later identified as 'Pottery Cottage'. A year prior, this cottage was the scene of a murder where a husband, mother, and daughter were killed. Upon her return a year later, the horror had dissipated, and the spirits had seemingly found rest.

BUT WHO WAS THE GHOSTLY LADY?

Pamela Williams shares an experience from Middlesex where she and psychical medium Armand Wilson encountered a spirit lady carrying heavy suitcases. Armand later revealed the lady was a spirit and that he had helped her reach the light, interpreting the suitcases as a symbol of her burden.

THE FLOATING NURSE!

Pamela Williams also recounts an incident during a hypnosis demonstration at a College of Nursing. A trainee psychiatric nurse named Arnie, under hypnosis, appeared to levitate about an inch above a treatment bed. This experience, witnessed by 13 people including nurses, left the author questioning her skepticism about levitation.

A TERRIFIC NOISE BUT NOTHING TO BE SEEN!

M.E. Haigh from Sheffield describes an experience in 1975 where he and his wife were woken by an extremely loud, oscillating noise that sounded like a helicopter hovering above their bedroom. The noise abruptly stopped when he opened the window, and no one else in the street seemed to have heard it. He remains baffled by the event.

THE EDITOR GOES BACK TO SCHOOL

Malcolm Robinson recounts his experience giving a talk on UFOs to a class of primary school children in Tullibody. Armed with UFO photographs, drawings, and Robert Taylor's trousers, he engaged the children, who showed a high level of belief in UFOs. He describes the children's artwork and their eager anticipation of learning about 'other realities'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ENIGMAS are UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The magazine maintains an open-minded stance, aiming to collect and research accounts without holding strict viewpoints, hoping to contribute to a better understanding of these subjects. The editorial team actively encourages reader submissions and participation in investigations, emphasizing the importance of evidence and research in the field of strange phenomena.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated February-March 1995, features a prominent 'Magazine Review' section on page 19, highlighting various UFO and paranormal publications. The cover also lists topics such as 'Space Poltergeist', 'Lost Worlds', 'UFOs', 'Fortean Ghosts', 'Monsters', 'Earth Mysteries', 'Ancient Astronauts', and 'ESP'. The issue is primarily focused on UFO sightings, case studies, and reviews of related literature.

Magazine Review Section

The 'Magazine Review' section provides brief overviews and subscription details for numerous publications:

• GLOBAL NETWORK NEWSLETTER (Nov 1994): Newsletter of the Andover Unexplained Phenomena Group, featuring UFO sightings and British UFO abductions.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS (Dec 1994): Features British and Welsh UFO reports, book reviews, and a look at UFOs in the media.
• UFO TIMES No 32: Magazine of BUFORA, including an interview with ex-Police Constable Alan Godfrey and UFO sightings.
• FORTEAN TIMES No 78: A leading UFO/Fortean journal with stories on various phenomena, including Roswell and Uri Geller.
• SKYLINK (LONDON UFO STUDIES) No 9: Features articles on crop circles, alien implants, and UFO sightings.
• INFO JOURNAL No 71: Publication of the International Fortean Organisation, covering topics like Charles Fort, UFOs, and the Oak Island Mystery.
• THE SPIRITUAL SCIENTIST Vol 1 No 1 (Dec 1994): A publication from the Noah's Ark Society, dedicated to proof of survival after physical death, featuring seance circle results.
• THE SCEPTIC Vol 8 No 4: A magazine with differing views on paranormal phenomena, described as potentially changing its title to 'The Debunker'.
• ANIMALS AND MEN No 3: From the Centre for Fortean Zoology, covering cryptids like black dogs, giant worms, and Bigfoot.
• ANNALS Oct/Dec 1994: Features articles on alien photos, death rays, weeping statues, and ghosts.
• PSYCHIC NEWS (Weekly): A long-running publication on Spiritualism that occasionally features UFO articles.
• WORLD UFO JOURNAL No 7 (A4): Features articles on the landed Canadian flying saucer of 1991 and Roswell.
• UFO MAGAZINE, Sep/Oct 1994: A glossy magazine covering Gulf Breeze, the McMinville UFO photo case, and the Kecksburg UFO mystery.
• SPECTRAL No 2: A publication focused on ghosts and hauntings, with articles on haunted Bath and ouija boards.
• 3rd STONE Autumn/Winter 1994: From the Gloucestershire Earth Mystery Society, covering Ley Lines, UFOs, and ancient mysteries.
• SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP NEWSLETTER (Dec 1994): A newsletter covering UFO news, magazine reviews, and TV shows on UFOs.
• THE STEADY SIGNAL (Nov/Dec 1994): A newsletter produced by Albert Budden, discussing his book 'Allergies & Aliens'.
• DEAD OF NIGHT No 2 (A4): A newcomer to the UFO and paranormal small press industry, covering Halloween, Noah's Ark, and animal mutilations.
• IUFOPRA NEWSLETTER Oct/Dec 1994: From the Irish UFO And Paranormal Research Association.
• RATTLERS TALE NO 21 (A5): A magazine of fictional stories, some dealing with the unexplained.
• PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS No 1 (A5): A publication reviewing UFO and paranormal publications and featuring a large review section.
• THE PSI REPORT JANUARY 1995 (A5): Publication of the Scottish Society for Psychical Research.
• THE NOAH'S ARK SOCIETY NEWSLETTER (Jan 1995): Focuses on physical mediumship, spiritual circles, and spirit materialisation.
• THE NEW UFOLOGIST No 2 (A4): Features articles on the Stonehenge UFO Event, UFO Cover Ups, and Roswell.
• THE CROP WATCHER NO 23 AUTUMN 1994: A magazine dedicated to crop circles.

Case Studies and Reports

The issue details several UFO sighting cases:

• Diane McCune's Flight Encounter (October 23, 1994): While flying from Glasgow to Las Palmas, Diane McCune and her husband witnessed a large, dark, cigar-shaped object that later appeared disc-shaped. It moved at high speed and then vanished.
• Diane McCune's Holiday Sighting (October 27, 1994): During a holiday in Puerto Rico, Diane McCune reported seeing a small, silent object, shaped like a loaf of bread, fly at roof height and disappear towards the sea.
• Craig Black's Carriageway Sighting (January 1, 1995): While travelling in Central Scotland, Craig Black and his girlfriend saw a large bright white light that hovered and then moved with incredible speed, displaying a tail.
• Mark Wilson's Grangemouth Sighting (December 26, 1994): Mark Wilson and Jane McDonald reported a large bright glowing light that matched their car's speed and then shot upwards and vanished.
• Jane's Kirkintilloch Encounter (March 28, 1978): A woman, referred to as Jane, reported seeing a transparent flying saucer and experiencing an abduction-like event.
• Colin Muir's Dream/Sighting (November 24, 1994): Colin Muir reported a dream of two objects of light, one of which moved and displayed a bright light with a tunnelling effect. His father confirmed seeing similar objects.
• Repeater Witness near Braco (December 13, 1994 - ongoing): A witness reported seeing a large craft with multiple lights and strobe flashes, appearing like an aeroplane but silent.
• Craigluscar Reservoir UFO Photograph (February 19, 1994): An analysis of a photograph taken by Ian MacPherson suggested the object was a distant disc, not a hoax or a hubcap.

Clash Of The UFOlogists

A report details a UFological debate held in October 1994, featuring Steuart Campbell (debunker), Ron Halliday (Earth Mystery Chairman), and Malcolm Robinson (SPI). The debate covered various UFO theories, including Steuart Campbell's view that UFOs are more myth than mystery and his explanations involving mirage phenomena. The discussion also touched upon the Bonnybridge sightings, the A70 Tarbrax case, and the Loch Ness Monster.

Book Review: Alien Identities

The issue includes a review of Richard L. Thompson's book 'Alien Identities'. The reviewer praises the book for its comprehensive approach to UFOlogy and its investigation into ancient writings, suggesting that ancient civilizations had contact with extraterrestrials. The book is recommended for anyone interested in phenomena and UFOlogy.

Other Sections

• SPI Case Research Work: Updates on ongoing investigations by SPI, including the Diane McCune flight case, the Puerto Rico sighting, the Grangemouth case, the Kirkintilloch case, and the Bonnybridge sighting.
• Precognition/Lucid Dreaming: A call for individuals with precognitive experiences or lucid dreams to participate in a photography project.
• Would You Believe?: A short piece suggesting the application of archaeological methods to UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, case investigations, and the review of related literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions while acknowledging the complexities and potential for natural explanations. The magazine actively promotes the work of SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) in researching these cases and encourages reader participation and feedback. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed accounts of sightings and the ongoing efforts to find answers, even when faced with skepticism or differing opinions within the UFO community.

SPI Enigmas, February-March 1995 issue, is a publication focused on paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and related mysteries. This issue features reviews of several books, including "Strange But True ?" by Jenny Randles & Peter Hough, "Supernatural Britain" by Peter Hough, "UFO Quest" by Alan Watts, "Alien Energy" by Andrew Collins, and "The Scientific Proof of Survival After Death" by Michael Roll. The magazine also includes updates on UFO activity in Scotland, ongoing investigations by SPI, and a video review.

Book Reviews

Strange But True ?

The review of "Strange But True ?" highlights the book's connection to a hit T.V. series hosted by Michael Aspel, which presented a more open-minded approach to the paranormal than previous British programs. The book, authored by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough, covers cases of psychic detectives, apparitions, and people foreseeing the future. A significant portion of the review focuses on the Rendlesham Forest incident, described as one of the UK's best UFO cases, with U.S. airmen reporting incredible UFO activity. The reviewer, Malcolm Robinson, strongly criticizes the book for a factual error regarding the Japanese delegation's arrival in Bonnybridge, refuting the claim of a pipe band and a UFO-shaped cake, and defending the actions of Councillor Billy Buchanan and SPI in showing hospitality.

Supernatural Britain

"Supernatural Britain," by Peter Hough, is described as a guide to Britain's most haunted places. The book not only recounts tales of haunted locations but also provides practical information for visiting them. It covers a wide range of supernatural accounts, including ghostly apparitions, witches, sea monsters, and vampires. SPI reportedly assisted with information for the chapter on strange tales from Scotland, mentioning sightings of a creature in Loch Morar similar to 'Nessie'.

UFO Quest

Malcolm Robinson's review of "UFO Quest" by Alan Watts is highly critical, labeling it an "inaccurate and very misleading UFO book." The review debunks claims about George Adamski's photographs and Steven Darbishire's faked images. It also points out that the Victorian Close Encounter case and the Mandelbrot Formation crop circle are presented as genuine but have been exposed as hoaxes. While acknowledging Watts as a qualified physicist and member of BUFORA, the reviewer found the book disappointing.

Alien Energy

Andrew Collins' "Alien Energy" is reviewed as an attempt to find an alternative to the E.T. hypothesis for UFO sightings. The book proposes that aerial phenomena are manifestations of a primary energy, scientifically isolated by Wilhelm Reich. The review notes the book's discussion of aerial light forms near reservoirs and mentions specific sightings, including one by the reviewer and Derek Lauder. It also touches upon 'Project ORGONE 93' and the appearance of strange black fuzzy balls in photographs.

The Scientific Proof of Survival After Death

This booklet by Michael Roll is reviewed positively by Malcolm Robinson, who, as a Spiritualist, believes in life after death. Roll presents arguments for survival after death, discussing experimental proof, the Etheric world, and subatomic physics. The review mentions Roll's claim to have sent proof to James Randi regarding Professor John Hasted's findings on paranormal phenomena. The reviewer encourages readers to keep an open mind and consider Roll's work.

Video Review

Cropcircle Communique 11 "Revelations"

This video is presented as the successor to "Cropcircle Communique" and aims to shed more light on the phenomenon. The review notes that while the previous video left room for alternative views, this one, by John Macnish, suggests that the subject is largely rife with hoaxes. The video reportedly shows how easily crop circle experts can be fooled, featuring Doug and Dave, and a crop circle competition. It also includes footage of hoaxers caught on camera and an incident where an American researcher's balloon fooled witnesses into believing they saw a UFO. While Jim Schnabel believes there is a genuine phenomenon beneath the hoaxes, the reviewer concludes that the video makes a strong case for 99% of crop circles being hoaxes.

News Desk & Other Items

A Taste of Things to Come

This section previews future content, including a case involving a haunted house in Tullibody where witnesses experienced a visual phenomenon of tiny white pin pricks of light. It also mentions upcoming reports on a Bonnybridge ghost, ghostly activity in Stirling and Kilsyth, and UFO activity in Scotland.

Case Updates

The Voodoo doll case is updated, with the doll having been handed to a psychic medium named Katrina McNab. The A70 UFO case notes are incomplete due to SPI's heavy workload.

Subscription Reminder

Readers are reminded that this may be their last issue if their subscription has run out, and they are urged to re-subscribe.

New UFO Groups in Scotland

Two new UFO research groups are announced: The Scottish UFO Research Organisation (SUFORO) run by Allan Brown, and another group run by Diane McCune.

Investigator Training

Individuals who returned SPI research assist forms will be notified of investigator training courses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, ghost stories, and the critical examination of claims within these fields. The magazine appears to maintain a stance of open-minded inquiry, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims and hoaxes, as evidenced by the reviews of "UFO Quest" and the video on crop circles. There is a strong emphasis on reporting on Scottish paranormal and UFO activity. The editorial stance also champions hospitality and defends against what it perceives as unfair attacks on individuals and organizations involved in paranormal research.