SPI Enigmas - no 42

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 42
Date: November-December 1995
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI)
Price: £2.30

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations, delves into a variety of paranormal and UFO-related topics. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and lists key articles, including an editorial, a 'Spirit Child or double exposure?' piece, and research into the Roswell incident and the 'Zal-us' story. The issue also highlights topics such as Radionics, The Aura, UFO's, Crop Circles, Poltergeists, Pyramid Energy, Clairvoyance, Premonition, Spiritualism, Psychic Phenomena, Ghosts, and Earth Mysteries.

Editorial

The editorial section begins with Malcolm Robinson's personal reflection on the movie 'Braveheart' and a humorous anecdote about his cousin David Hooper's attempt to steal William Wallace's broadsword from the Wallace Monument in the 1960s. He then transitions to paranormal and UFO topics, recounting his recent experience speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live about UFOs. During the broadcast, a technical issue caused a 10-minute radio link loss, which Robinson humorously attributed to his previous live interview experience where a similar incident occurred.

SPI Case Research Work: Tullibody Ghost Case

This section details an investigation conducted by SPI into alleged paranormal activity at a house in Tullibody, Scotland, on February 7, 1995. The case involved a mother and daughter who reported strange occurrences, including cold spots, objects moving, and apparitions of a tall thin man and two other 'men'. The investigation involved a psychic medium who reported sensing spirits, including a 'man' with droopy eyes and a 'shimmering' effect, a small woman, and swirling lights. The psychic also received a message about a 'boy next door' and experienced cold ankles. Later, in the son's bedroom, the psychic heard an old Scots song and sensed 'four spirit people' named Agnus and Peter. A message about insurance and death was also received, along with a vision of a body in a black bag. The psychic also described a black Scottie dog being walked by a man with a white cane, and a reference to a river. The investigation concluded with a message from extraterrestrials concerning the boy, stating their work was done and they would be leaving. The psychic also experienced a sensation of a wardrobe falling and felt unwell.

Spirit Child Or Double Exposure?

This article presents a photograph from 1972, taken in Alloa, Scotland, which appears to show an unexplained 'extra face' to the left of a boy picking strawberries. The photograph was developed in old studios that are now demolished. The person who developed it stated it couldn't be a double exposure due to the camera's make, though the camera was old. The negatives are lost. The lady who provided the photograph recounted that a medium, Colin Grant, had told her husband that the photograph depicted a 'spirit child'. The article leaves the explanation open, suggesting it could be a double exposure or a spirit child, and invites readers to submit their own paranormal photographs.

More About Roswell: The Cameraman's Story

This section features a statement from a cameraman who claims to have filmed the alleged Roswell alien autopsy film. He states that the crash occurred at least three weeks before July 1st, 1947, near the Mescalero Apache Reservation. He filmed a large disc-shaped 'Flying Saucer' on its back, radiating heat. He also claims to have filmed three alien bodies and two subsequent autopsies in July 1947, and a third in May 1949. He describes the 'Freak Creatures' as crying and protective of their boxes, and one was found dead. The medical team was reluctant to approach them. The debris was collected, and the craft was moved to Wright Patterson. The cameraman states he has retained the footage ever since.

The Zal-us Story

This article addresses the media furore surrounding the name 'Zal-us', which originated from an article in ENIGMAS about a visitor to Councillor Billy Buchanan in Falkirk. The journalist clarifies that the name 'Zal-us' was mistakenly attributed to Buchanan, who denies ever using it. The visitor was actually Geri Rogers from Edinburgh, who claims to be in communication with the 'Council of Nine', a group of extraterrestrials monitoring Earth. Buchanan was reportedly imparted with knowledge about mankind and the reasons for UFO sightings. The article clarifies that Buchanan is not suing for defamation but is considering legal action against newspapers for mishandling the story. It also mentions a record company's interest in cutting a record about Buchanan's meetings.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes letters from readers. Graham Beedie from Dundee comments on the Roswell Alien autopsy film, questioning the possibility of the 'alien' suffering from Progeria and suggesting it might be a disfigured human or a model. David Coleman from Bathgate provides historical and archeological findings about Cairnpapple Hill, a site of interest for SPI skywatching. Jonathan Rowan from Toronto shares his UFO sightings in Scotland between 1977 and 1987, describing various craft shapes and movements. A letter from Jose Hernandez in Cali, Colombia, discusses the government's handling of UFO information and calls for transparency, referencing the U.S. Constitution and FOIA.

Other Sections

• Newsdesk: Briefly mentions the Turin Threads of UFOLOGY incident and Bob Taylor's trousers.
• Annals of the Enquiring: A quarterly publication about UFOs, the paranormal, and the bizarre.
• Alien Artefacts: An advertisement for alien-themed figurines and jewellery.
• Scottish UFO Conference: Announcement of a conference in Falkirk on January 6, 1996, featuring speakers like Malcolm Robinson and Graham Birdsall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, paranormal phenomena (ghosts, psychic experiences), and government secrecy surrounding these topics. The magazine's stance, as represented by SPI, is one of open-minded investigation, aiming to gather evidence and inform the public. The editorial emphasizes the importance of investigating strange phenomena and encourages reader participation through letters and submissions. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that governments are withholding information about UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated November-December 1995, focuses heavily on the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress held in Sheffield. The magazine's editor, who also spoke at the event, provides a detailed report of the proceedings, including personal anecdotes and observations.

BUFORA International UFO Congress Report

The editor recounts his experience attending the BUFORA Congress, noting the sell-out attendance of over 1,300 delegates. He describes the venue at Hallum University, the book stalls, and the technology used for presentations. The report highlights key speakers, including Walt Andrus of MUFON, Dr. Sergey Chernouss from Russia discussing all-sky camera findings, and the editor's own presentation on Scottish UFOlogy, covering cases like the A70 UFO Abduction and sightings above Falkirk and Bonnybridge.

The report also details the highly anticipated screening of the Roswell Alien Autopsy Film, noting the controversy surrounding its surfacing and its potential offer to BUFORA. The editor describes the film's content, including the depiction of an alien entity on a table, and the audience's reaction, which was a mix of fascination and skepticism.

Key Speakers and Presentations

Dr. Leo Sprinkle, described as a leading UFOlogist, delivered a well-received talk titled 'UFOs, Examining The Evidence and Evaluating The Experience,' which was praised for its engaging and humorous delivery. The report mentions Maurizio Verga from Italy presenting his paper, though the editor missed it due to media interviews.

Media Attention and Public Reaction

The congress attracted significant media attention, with numerous TV crews and journalists present. The editor himself was frequently stopped for interviews. The demand for tickets was exceptionally high, with prices escalating significantly due to the screening of the Roswell film.

The Roswell Alien Autopsy Film

The screening of the Roswell Alien Autopsy Film is a central focus. The editor provides a detailed, albeit subjective, account of the film, describing the alien's appearance, the surgical procedures depicted, and the overall impact on the audience. He notes discrepancies between the film's depiction and witness reports of the Roswell alien. The report also touches upon the 'SAINTLY LIAR' anagram for Ray Santilli and the editor's concern that the film could be a hoax that sets UFOlogy back years.

Other UFO Cases and Reports

Beyond the congress, the magazine features several case reports:

• Wendy Graham Case: A report by Susan Mantle details paranormal activity in Wendy Graham's house in Burnley, England, involving unexplained noises and disturbances affecting her young son.
• SPI Case Research Work: Several brief case reports are presented, including:
• An Edinburgh sighting of a bright white object at 06:30 am.
• A Glasgow sighting of a silvery, diamond-shaped object.
• A sighting near Scremerston, Berwick, of brilliant white lights.
• A Falkirk sighting of an orange ball that split and rejoined.
• A Gargunnock sighting by two elderly ladies of an object that changed shape and size.
• A detailed report of an object sighted between Leadhills and Abington, described as a 'flying football' or 'bulge' with a metallic silver appearance.

Alleged Alien Photographs

A section titled 'Not Another One!' discusses a new batch of alleged alien entity photographs that surfaced in a Hong Kong newspaper, purportedly recovered from a UFO crash near Roswell in 1947. The report notes these differ from the Santilli film's alien, having four fingers and toes and burn marks. The editor urges caution due to the lack of details and later includes a 'Stop Press' note indicating the photographs were identified as a hoax, part of a circus attraction.

'Cosmic Agenda Lecture' in Falkirk

Two reports cover a 'Cosmic Agenda Lecture' held in Falkirk Town Hall, featuring speakers like Geri Rogers, Phyllis Schlemmer, and Ken Macfarlane, discussing the 'Council of Nine' and UFOs in Bonnybridge. The reports highlight the large public turnout, media presence, and the audience's frustration with the speakers' perceived new-age rhetoric and lack of concrete answers regarding UFO activity in the area. Councillor Billy Buchanan is noted for his defense of the speakers and his efforts to engage with the community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of UFO evidence, particularly concerning the Roswell Alien Autopsy Film and the new alien photographs, urging readers to exercise caution against hoaxes. There's a strong focus on UFO sightings within Scotland, particularly in the Bonnybridge area, which is presented as a UFO hotspot. The magazine also explores paranormal phenomena and the 'Council of Nine' concept, though with a degree of skepticism towards the more esoteric aspects. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, presenting various accounts while encouraging critical thinking and further research.

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: NOV-DEC 1995
Date: November-December 1995
Publisher: N/A
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of ENIGMAS delves into the controversial topic of UFOs, primarily through the lens of scepticism, alongside other paranormal accounts.

The UFO Mystery Solved?

The central feature of this issue is a report on a presentation by UFO sceptic Steuart Campbell in Stirling. Campbell, who claims to have solved the UFO mystery, presented his paper, 'Atmospheric Mirage Theory Against UFOs'. He systematically attempted to debunk well-known UFO cases, including the Trindade Island sighting (explained as a mirage of Jupiter), the Livingston Case (mirage of Venus), the Tremonton Utah UFO (mirage of stars), and the Socorro case (mirage of Canopus). Campbell asserted that temperature inversion layers and mirages are the answer to the UFO enigma, and that no single case in UFOlogy remains unexplained by him. His views, however, were met with significant audience resistance and debate, with some attendees challenging his explanations and his lack of direct communication with witnesses.

Despite the audience's strong reactions, the editor invited Campbell to speak, emphasizing the right to free speech and the importance of considering all viewpoints. The editor, however, clearly stated his disagreement with Campbell's conclusions, feeling that the sceptic was too rigid in his beliefs, likening it to wearing 'blinkers'.

Ghost Hunter Gets the Bird!

This article recounts an incident involving Malcolm Robinson, a 'ghostbuster' and psychic detective. During an investigation of a supposedly haunted house in Stirlingshire, Robinson was terrified by a toy parrot that recorded and played back sounds. He describes being chased by the parrot, falling down stairs, and experiencing an oppressive atmosphere in the house. Despite the frightening experience, Robinson remains convinced the place is haunted.

SPI News and Editor's Notes

The SPI NEWS section apologizes for the omission of the magazine review and SPI Book Review due to extensive coverage of the 'Cosmic Agenda Lecture'. The editor also notes a journalist's description of himself and Billy Devlin as 'A kind of McRandall and Hopkirk of Scottish UFOlogy', humorously questioning the identity of the deceased Hopkirk.

Lectures and Availability

An announcement is made that Malcolm Robinson and Billy Devlin are available for lectures and conferences, with a particular invitation to overseas organizers. The editor also mentions an upcoming lecture in Shotts Prison.

Missing Copies

Readers are asked to loan specific back issues of ENIGMAS (August-September 1989, May-June 1989, August-September 1990, February-March 1991, and November-December 1991) due to the loss of master copies.

Call for Information: Abducted Blind People

Dr. Karla Turner, an American UFO researcher, is seeking information from British UFO researchers about any cases involving the abduction of blind individuals. She is unaware of any such cases.

Paranormal Tales and Upcoming Events

Mark Anderson from Kilmarnock has submitted paranormal and ghostly tales for future publication. The issue also highlights the 'Enfield Poltergeist' case, noting its excellent portrayal in a recent London Weekend Television program. It also mentions a lecture by Stanton Friedman in Edinburgh, covering topics like Project Blue Book and the Betty and Barney Hill case.

Two Day UFO Conference

A major UFO conference is announced for Torquay, Devon, on June 29th-30th, 1996. Proposed speakers include Jenny Randles, Nick Pope, and American abductee Travis Walton. Tickets cost £20:00 for the weekend.

Tell It To SPI

The magazine invites readers to share their strange paranormal experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO scepticism versus belief, paranormal phenomena (ghosts, poltergeists), and the importance of open discussion and investigation within the UFOlogy community. The editorial stance, while promoting free speech and the consideration of all viewpoints, clearly leans towards a critical examination of UFO claims, as evidenced by the prominent feature on Steuart Campbell's debunking theories and the editor's personal reservations about the extent of his scepticism. There is also a strong emphasis on community engagement, encouraging reader participation and attendance at events.