SPI Enigmas - no 41

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Subtitle: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS
Issue: 41
Date: August-September 1995
Price: £2.30
Editor: Malcolm Robinson

Editorial

The editorial section, written by Malcolm Robinson, reflects on the editor's previous statement about not having time to write a book on Scottish UFOlogy. He retracts this, motivated by two writers (one American) contacting SPI about the A.70 UFO Incident, which he has been researching for over a year. Robinson feels compelled to publish the full story to prevent others from claiming it and to bring it into the public domain. He highlights the A.70 case as the first reported UFO abduction in Scotland and believes a book on it would benefit Scottish UFOlogy and potentially other researchers. He emphasizes his goal is to inform the public that UFO abductions can occur in Scotland, not for personal gain. He acknowledges this project will impact his busy schedule.

The editorial also touches upon recent SPI activities, including a skywatch near Bonnybridge. SPI members Stan Brown, Jill Brown, Billy Devlin, Graham Stuart, David Coleman and his wife, and the editor participated. Despite cloudy weather, they moved to a new, higher vantage point. Another skywatch on June 26th involved Graham Stuart, Tommy Loftus, Tony Lafrate, David Coleman and his wife, Jim Malcolm, Craig Malcolm, and friends. They also visited Cairnpapple Hill near Edinburgh, experiencing heavy mist. The editor notes that a bright light seen during a BBC Scotland filming session was identified as an IFO (Identified Flying Object).

Additionally, the editorial mentions a UFO captured on video by the Rogers Family (The Malcolm Family), following the Larbert UFO Video from a previous issue. This new video was taken at the new skywatching area.

SPI Case Research Work: Ghost Case in Bonnybridge

This section details an investigation into a ghost case in Bonnybridge, Scotland, a town known for UFO activity. SPI members investigated a council house where a resident named Jackie Hamilton reported numerous strange occurrences. These included living room curtains billowing with closed windows, the sound of a baby crying, a kitchen fan switching on and off, marks on doors, and the apparition of a young man's head floating in mid-air. Jackie also reported seeing an old lady and a man at the top of the stairs. The case is noted as having similarities to SPI's Kilsyth case.

SPI, along with a psychic medium named Billy Devlin, visited Jackie's home. They noted that neighbours also reported strange phenomena. A local reporter, Raymond Hainey, interviewed Betty Campbell, who corroborated Jackie's claims. The house is situated on an 1820 battle site.

During the investigation, a recording parrot, a toy that repeats sounds, was used. It unexpectedly repeated the phrase "what are you doing" when the psychic and editor were in an upstairs bedroom, suggesting the presence of an 'earthbound spirit'. The psychic also picked up names and images which Jackie recognized. The street where the houses were built was identified as the site of the 'Battle of Bonnymuir' in 1820, with nearby Antonine Wall and Roman forts.

Sadly, Jackie Hamilton eventually fled the house due to the escalating disturbances, and SPI was unable to trace her. The editor describes it as one of the most frightening houses they have investigated.

S.PI. Assist T.V. Show Again

This report by the editor details SPI's assistance to BBC Scotland's program "The Big Country." The show, which focuses on alternative leisure pursuits, featured skywatching. The editor, Malcolm Robinson, was interviewed at his home, with filming taking place in his garden and at a local hotel near Bonnybridge where UFO witnesses were also interviewed. The filming concluded with a skywatch on the moors behind Bonnybridge. During the filming, a bright white light appeared, which Dougie Vipond, the co-presenter, initially thought might be a UFO, but it was later identified as an IFO.

The report mentions that other individuals interviewed for the show included Garry Wood (A70 UFO abductee), Craig Malcolm (witness to the Larbert UFO video), Graham Stewart (SPI member), and Billy Devlin (SPI secretary). Information about SPI skywatches was broadcast on BBC CEEFAX.

Mr X. A REPORT BY THE EDITOR OF AN UNUSUAL VISITOR?

This section discusses a mysterious individual referred to as 'Mr X' who has been interacting with Councillor Billy Buchanan in Falkirk. Mr X has reportedly made incredible revelations about mankind, the purpose of human existence, and a 'Council of Nine' overseeing the planet. The editor expresses skepticism, suggesting it might be a wind-up or disinformation tactic. Mr X is described as immaculately dressed with piercing blue eyes, and his age is indeterminate. He has reportedly stated he does not wish to meet Malcolm Robinson but has asked Councillor Buchanan to go public with the information. The editor advises caution, considering the possibilities of a prank, a government agent spreading disinformation, or a genuine encounter.

UFO COMPLEX BID IS OUT OF THIS WORLD

This news item from the Falkirk Herald (May 1995) reports on a proposal by Councillor Billy Buchanan to build a futuristic UFO-themed visitor centre in Bonnybridge. The centre, envisioned as a giant glass mushroom, would include a restaurant, bar, sci-fi creche, and an observatory. Buchanan believes this project, potentially funded by the Millennium Fund, would attract tourists and boost the local economy. A planning official noted the unique nature of the proposal.

The article in ENIGMAS comments that this proposal might be seen as an attempt by Billy Buchanan to capitalize on the UFO activity in his constituency, acknowledging the significant number of UFO reports from the area.

DREAM OR REALITY? BEDROOM VISITORS.

This report details a case investigated by SPI involving a distressed mother, Amanda, who claimed her four-year-old daughter, Sarah, was being visited by strange 'creatures' in her bedroom at night. The family, living in Grangemouth, Scotland, had also observed unusual lights in the sky. Sarah described the visitors as 'monsters' with 'slanting eyes' and reported they touched her. The mother initially dismissed it as bad dreams but became concerned by the intensity of Sarah's screams. On one occasion, Sarah's younger sister, Clare, experienced nightmares and a scratch on her nose that disappeared.

During the investigation, the mother reported feeling something grab her ankles. The report notes that the family had started avoiding their home after 9:00 pm due to the disturbances. The editor assesses the case, acknowledging the possibility of 'childish imagination' but also considering the mother's testimony and the observed strange lights. The case is presented as potentially having hallmarks of an abduction, though the editor remains unconvinced.

ROSWELL THE PHOTOGRAPHS.

This section features an interview with Ray Santilli, who claims to possess film footage of the alleged Roswell alien autopsy. Philip Mantle, Director of Investigations for BUFORA and MUFON representative, conducted the interview. Santilli explains that he acquired the footage from a former US military cameraman in the 1950s. He describes his company, the Merlin Group, as being involved in marketing and distribution of audio, video, and book products.

Santilli recounts how he came across the footage while researching a music documentary. The cameraman, who worked freelance for Universal News, provided footage of rock concerts and then offered the autopsy film. Santilli states that Kodak was consulted to authenticate the film, with markings suggesting a date of 1927, 1947, or 1967. He emphasizes that his belief in the film's authenticity stems from his direct dealings with the cameraman, reviewing his diaries, records, and photo album.

Santilli plans to sell the raw footage via mail order and to broadcasters. He acknowledges that the film's credibility will determine its future, comparing it to the Shroud of Turin if genuine, or a hoax if not. He is uncertain if the cameraman will ever go on record due to confidentiality agreements and his age and health. Santilli expresses openness to offers of assistance for verification.

An addendum details Philip Mantle's subsequent phone call with a man claiming to be the cameraman, identified as 'J.B.'. The man confirmed his commanding officer was General McMullan and that he flew from Washington to film the events. He declined to go on record but did not rule out a future meeting. He mentioned his travelling days were over due to age and ill health.

SPI Meetings and Events

This section lists upcoming SPI activities, including Investigator Training Meetings, SPI Skywatches, and SPI Guest Speakers Evenings, all to be held in Stirling. It also announces weekly SPI meetings at the Theosophical Society in Edinburgh in conjunction with the Centre For Contact Studies, focusing on UFO debates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ENIGMAS are UFOs, alien encounters (particularly the Roswell incident), and paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and hauntings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Malcolm Robinson, is one of open-minded investigation, aiming to bring suppressed information to light and to inform the public about the reality of these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on Scottish UFOlogy and cases originating from Scotland. The magazine appears to be a platform for reporting on investigations, sharing personal accounts, and discussing controversial topics within the UFO and paranormal community, while maintaining a degree of skepticism and encouraging further research.

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: AUG-SEP 1995
Date: August-September 1995
Type: Magazine

This issue of ENIGMAS delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring controversial film footage, inventor profiles, scientific theories, and reader contributions.

Alleged UFO Film Footage and the Roswell Alien

The magazine discusses alleged UFO film footage, including a 'tent scene' where an alien is purportedly examined, and two different autopsy films. It also mentions film of alleged debris, specifically 'I-beams'. The issue highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity of this footage, with a BUFORA International UFO Congress planned for August.

A significant portion is dedicated to the theory that the 'Roswell alien' might be a human suffering from Progeria, a rare genetic disease. Dale Robin Blumenthal, MUFON's biology specialist, is cited for her article exploring this possibility. The article compares photographs of a Progeria patient with the 'Roswell alien' images, noting similarities such as a strong neck, dark eyes, and mottled chest. The possibility of the 'alien' being a latex dummy filled with animal parts is also raised.

Inventor David Burns and His Flying Saucers

The magazine features an in-depth article about David Burns, an inventor who claims to have built a 'flying saucer'. Burns' design is described as having a concave and convex bottom, allowing it to hover on a cushion of air. He asserts that his craft would be highly efficient, capable of traveling from Scotland to New York with significantly less fuel than Concorde and at speeds of up to 2700 miles per hour. Burns also discusses his plans for a new type of electric car that can glide for 300 miles without charging.

Burns' early test flights of his 'flying discs' have reportedly been successful, with videos shown to the author. While international interest is noted, interest from British aviation authorities has been muted. Burns has five 'flying discs' at his workplace, powered by Tegren engines. He envisions building a 'flying disc' a thousand feet in diameter for space travel.

Electromagnetic Pollution and UFOs

Albert Budden's book 'UFOS PSYCHIC CLOSE ENCOUNTERS' is reviewed, presenting a theory that ghosts, poltergeists, and UFOs are products of electromagnetic 'hot spot' areas. Budden suggests that ambient electrical fields can cause poltergeist events, and that larger areas affected electromagnetically can lead to UFO encounters. He also posits that hypersensitive individuals exposed to electromagnetic pollution from radio transmitters and pylons can experience 'altered states' and phenomena like ball lightning or earthlights.

The review notes that Budden's theory challenges traditional ET beliefs and suggests that electromagnetic pollution might explain some UFO cases, though it questions whether this applies universally, especially in areas without significant EM sources.

Letters to the Editor and Reader Contributions

The 'Letters to the Editor' section features several contributions:

• John Rimmer discusses the 'window area' in Bonnybridge, suggesting that the increased reports are due to local individuals actively encouraging people to report sightings, rather than an objective increase in phenomena.
• James Blanche recounts an experience of flashing a torch skyward and witnessing a silent, gliding object that was not a normal aircraft.
• Len Farra responds to a review of his video 'The Pleiades Legacy', defending its content and commentary.
• Tony Sandy presents a theory that Earth is controlled by an alien race ('Grays') who manipulate humanity through subconscious programming and telepathic implants, aiming to prevent humanity from realizing its true potential.
• David Colman describes an encounter with a fast-moving, humanoid figure that appeared as a 'bright negative' on his retina.
• Malcolm Robinson reviews several books, including Erich Von Daniken's 'Signs of the Gods', Jenny Randles' 'UFO Retrievals', Richard Lawrence's 'Journey into Supermind', and Geoff Boltwood's 'The Messenger'.
• Albert Budden's book 'UFOS PSYCHIC CLOSE ENCOUNTERS' is reviewed, focusing on his electromagnetic pollution theory.
• Dr Nassif Isaac's book 'The Two Aspirations of Humanity' is reviewed, discussing his views on religion, death, and spiritual existence.

Magazine Reviews

The issue includes a comprehensive list of reviews for other paranormal and UFO-related magazines and newsletters, such as FORTEAN TIMES, THE NOAH'S ARK SOCIETY NEWSLETTER, GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER, THE STEADY SIGNAL, and STRANGE DAZE. These reviews provide brief descriptions of their content and subscription details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the authenticity of UFO footage, the exploration of alternative explanations for UFO phenomena (such as Progeria and electromagnetic pollution), and the promotion of independent research and inventor innovation. The editorial stance appears to be open to new theories and evidence, encouraging critical thinking and reader participation. The magazine actively solicits reader feedback and encourages them to share their experiences and views.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated August-September 1995, focuses on UFO case research conducted by SPI (presumably Scottish Paranormal Investigations or similar). The magazine presents detailed accounts of several sightings, alongside reviews of books related to religion, spirituality, and the paranormal, and announcements for upcoming events.

Book Reviews

The issue begins with a review by Malcolm Robinson of a book by Dr. Nassif Isaac, titled 'The Two Aspirations of Humanity'. Robinson highlights the author's critique of religious contradictions within the Bible, citing the conflict between 'Thou Shalt Not Suffer A Witch To Live' and 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'. The reviewer praises the book for its directness and for offering an alternative perspective to organized religion. Dr. Isaac also advocates for the learning of Esperanto to foster global unity and understanding.

A section titled 'HOW TO ORDER THESE BOOKS' lists several titles with their authors, publishers, and prices, including:

• 'SIGNS OF THE GODS' by Erich Von Daniken (Souvenir Press)
• 'JOURNEY INTO SUPERMIND' by Richard Lawrence (Souvenir Press)
• 'UFO RETRIEVALS' by Jenny Randles (Blandford Press)
• 'THE MESSANGER' by Geoff Boltwood (Piatkus Books)
• 'UFOS, PSYCHIC CLOSE ENCOUNTERS' by Albert Budden (Blandford Press)
• 'THE TWO ASPIRATIONS OF HUMANITY' by Dr Nassif Isaac (Regency Press)

SPI Case Research Work

This section details specific UFO sightings investigated by SPI.

Case 1: Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire (June 14th, 1995)

Reported by Craig Malcolm and his cousin Callum Mitchell, this incident occurred around 00:15 am. While walking to Callum's car, they observed a strange light in the sky. They drove to higher ground for a better view and saw a small bright light, followed by a larger object. The larger object had two bright white lights which turned off to reveal red, green, and blue lights on its underside. The smaller object met the larger one, and both vanished. Using binoculars, Craig described the object as saucer-shaped. Callum's report corroborates this, adding that the craft hovered with bright lights directed at them before the lights changed and it sped off.

SPI is investigating this case and awaiting responses from relevant agencies. They are also examining video footage of another light source.

Case 2: Edinburgh, Central Scotland (June 7th, 1995)

Witness Jane Bailey (pseudonym) reported observing a slow-moving, low-flying object at approximately 02:15 am from her third-floor flat. The object was heading towards her and appeared to be flying too low and without wings, indicating it was not a plane. The most striking feature was an intense single red spotlight flanked by two less intense white lights. The craft hovered over rooftops directly opposite and then headed west into Edinburgh. The observation lasted from 02:15 am to 02:30 am. Bailey noted that the craft made no sound and maintained its altitude and velocity. She was mesmerised rather than frightened and stated the encounter made her think seriously about UFOs and aliens.

SPI has contacted relevant agencies, and initial replies indicate no aircraft were in the vicinity at the specified time. They are awaiting further replies.

Case 3: Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland (June 14th, 1995)

This case, reported by Keith McCumiskey, involved a video recording of a UFO. At approximately 8:20 pm, while watching a video, McCumiskey noticed a light shining through his window. He observed an unusual, odd-shaped object, estimated to be 150-250 yards away. He described its colour as bright green and silver, with no visible wings or engines. The object hovered and then began to rotate and pulsate, taking on a bright, saucer-like appearance (which he attributed to the brightness creating the shape). It then moved at tremendous speed towards the clouds. McCumiskey retrieved his video camera and recorded the object, estimating only 20 seconds passed between noticing it and starting the recording.

Upon reviewing the video, McCumiskey could initially only see clouds. After several viewings, he and his wife identified a bright object travelling at tremendous speed. SPI is attempting to enhance the video. The Dunoon Observer published the story, leading to other people coming forward with similar sightings.

SPI is investigating this case and has contacted various authorities, including police, airports, and the Ministry of Defence, with replies still pending from some.

News Desk

This section contains various announcements and appeals:

• SPI Library: SPI has a book library on UFOs and the paranormal available for hire. They are also seeking donations of books and videos.
• Subscriptions: Readers are reminded to renew their subscriptions if an 'X' appears in their subscription box.
• SAE Reminder: SPI requests that correspondents include a stamped, addressed envelope for replies.
• Strange But True Appeal: Ian Read is seeking video tapes from the TV show 'Strange But True' and is willing to pay for them.
• Event Announcements: SPI offers free promotion for organised events.
• Psychic Questing Conference 1995: Scheduled for November 4th-5th, 1995, at Conway Hall, London, featuring speakers like Andrew Collins, Judith Fiskin, and Michael Bentine.
• East Anglian UFO Conference: Scheduled for October 21st, 1995, at Rainsford High School, Chelmsford, Essex, with guest speakers, videos, and stalls.
• SPI Meetings: Details for planned SPI meetings and skywatches are mentioned as being on page 14.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, particularly within Scotland, and the exploration of paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into these subjects, presenting witness testimonies and detailing investigative efforts by SPI. There is also an underlying interest in alternative spiritual beliefs and critiques of established religions, as evidenced by the book reviews. The editorial stance is one of encouraging reader participation, whether through sharing sightings, donating to the library, or subscribing to the magazine.