SPI Enigmas - no 43

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 43
Date: February-March 1996
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations

Editorial

The editorial by Malcolm Robinson reflects on the past year and the importance of compassion and understanding. He notes that 1995 was SPI's most successful year, with a tenfold increase in membership and increased international recognition, partly due to the efforts of SPI member Dean Ladds. SPI also launched guest speaker evenings. The editor highlights the continued increase in UFO sightings in Scotland and mentions the contributions of various UFOlogists. He expresses a personal inclination towards paranormal research over UFOlogy, finding it more invigorating.

Key Events and Features

The Falkirk UFO Event

The magazine extensively covers the Falkirk UFO Conference held on January 6th, 1996. Described as 'Britain's First UFO Conference of 1996', it attracted over 500 attendees. Speakers included Graham Birdsall of Quest International, who discussed government cover-ups and UFO sightings, and Tony Dodd, a retired police officer who shared his experiences of being harassed by CIA agents and spoke about animal and human mutilations. The event featured a wide range of UFO-related items for sale and was considered a success, providing 'Wall To Wall UFOs' rather than 'Hugging Trees'. Local Councillor Billy Buchanan opened the proceedings.

Shieldhill UFO Case

This section details an SPI investigation into a UFO sighting in Shieldhill, Scotland, in October 1995. Witnesses reported seeing strange lights and a large triangular craft. They also captured video footage, which the editor, Malcolm Robinson, initially assessed as likely aircraft, explaining the 'bat-like effect' seen in some footage as a result of camcorder focus. However, he acknowledges that true UFOs have been sighted in the area and that the case is part of a learning process for investigators.

Polbeth Man Films Strange Orange Disc

Another report details Brian Curran filming a strange orange disc in Polbeth, Scotland, on November 5th, 1995. The object reportedly had segments cut out and switched colors before disappearing. The Civil Aviation Authority reported no unusual radar sightings, and the Ministry of Defence stated they are not interested in UFOs.

SPI Investigations and Activities

Malcolm Robinson and Billy Devlin were involved in several investigations. They were called to a restaurant in Kirkintilloch following claims of a ghostly presence, which they attributed to 'Spirit energy'. They also gave a lecture on UFOs and out-of-body experiences to inmates at Shotts Prison, a controversial event that drew criticism from MP John McFall but was supported by local MP Dr. John Reid.

Magazine Reviews

The issue includes a comprehensive 'Magazine Review' section, listing and briefly describing numerous other UFO and paranormal publications, such as SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP NEWSLETTER, THE CROP WATCHER, FORTEAN TIMES, UFO TIMES, THE SCEPTIC, UFO MAGAZINE, PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS NEWSLETTER, INTELLIGENCE, TRANS-UFO, PSYCHIC NEWS, ANIMALS & MEN, WORLD UFO JOURNAL, STRANGE DAZE, MUFON UFO JOURNAL, AURA Z, THE NOAH'S ARK SOCIETY NEWSLETTER, DEAD OF NIGHT MAGAZINE, MAGONIA, IUFOPRA JOURNAL, BUFORA NEWSFILE, GHOSTWATCH, SPECTRAL, THE NEW UFOLOGIST, and SKYLINK. These reviews provide subscription details and a brief overview of each publication's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and investigative journalism within the UFOlogy community. SPI's editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to rigorous investigation, acknowledging that many sightings have natural explanations but emphasizing the importance of exploring the unexplained. The magazine aims to inform the public and foster a greater understanding of these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on Scottish UFOlogy and the collaborative efforts of researchers in the field.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated February-March 1996, is a publication from SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) focusing on UFOs and paranormal topics. The magazine features a variety of articles, including personal accounts, case studies, book reviews, and letters to the editor, reflecting the ongoing interest in unexplained phenomena.

SPI Lectures

The magazine details two recent SPI lectures. The first, on November 13th, 1995, featured Ron Halliday, an old friend of SPI and investigator of paranormal phenomena. Halliday discussed his involvement with SPI's Loch Morar Project, his research into Ley Lines, Sacred Geometry, and astronomical zodiacs around Edinburgh, and his work on Scottish UFO cases, particularly those from the Edinburgh region. His talk was filmed by Carlton Television and aired nationally.

The second lecture, on December 11th, 1995, was by Mike Scott, a seasoned investigator of the paranormal. Scott spoke about early Spiritualism, the work of William Crooks, and the mediumship of Daniel Dunglass Home. A significant part of his lecture focused on his investigation into the medium Chay Backshall in November 1993, detailing physical seances held at the Arthur Findlay College. Scott's report, included in the magazine, describes his growing suspicion of the phenomena, particularly the movement of a trumpet during a seance, which he believed could be explained by simple juggling and the medium's physical manipulation rather than genuine spirit activity. He details his attempt to film the seance using an infra-red video system, which led to controversy and the discovery of the camera.

Case Research: A92 Near Dundonald, Fife, Scotland

This section presents a detailed case report from SPI's Case Research Work, documenting a UFO sighting on October 20th, 1995, at 01:00 am on the A92 near Dundonald, Fife, Scotland. The testimony comes from two gentlemen, Fraser Meiklejohn and Paul Short, who were driving on the A92. They reported seeing what appeared to be car headlights moving towards them at high speed. The object then lifted and passed over their car. Subsequently, they observed bright lights on a nearby hill, described as dancing and moving erratically. The report includes drawings of the sighting and details the investigation conducted by Mike Scott and his girlfriend, which involved visiting the location and interviewing witnesses.

UFO Terror on Late-Night Drive

This is a brief news item from 'The Weekly News' (December 16th, 1995) about two friends who were terrorized by what they believed were UFOs while driving on the A92. It mentions the Glenrothes area as a hotspot for sightings and notes that police received no similar reports.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• 'The UFO Phenomena' by Edward Ashpole: Reviewed by Marina Jones, this book is praised for its scientific approach to UFOs, discussing extraterrestrial life, propulsion methods, and hoaxes. The reviewer notes a lack of detailed referencing.
• 'Encyclopedia of the World's Greatest Unsolved Mysteries' by John and Anne Spencer: Reviewed by Malcolm Robinson, this book is described as a comprehensive alphabetical compilation of unexplained phenomena. Its drawback is the lack of in-depth detail due to the vast scope.
• 'Encyclopedia of the Unexplained' by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough: Also reviewed by Malcolm Robinson, this book is highlighted for its authors' expertise in paranormal and UFO investigation. It covers a wide range of topics, including ghosts, aliens, and UFOs, and is recommended for those new to the subject.
• 'Strange But True Casebook' by Jenny Randles: Reviewed by Malcolm Robinson, this book covers topics from the TV series 'Strange But True?', including psychic healing, time-slips, ghosts, poltergeists, and UFOs.
• 'Aliens, The Final Answer?' by David Barclay: Reviewed by Billy Devlin, this book presents a controversial theory about human origins, suggesting interbreeding with intelligent dinosaurs and that UFOs are an attempt by a superior life form to reclaim the planet.
• 'The Noah's Ark Society' by Adele Butler: A brief announcement for a collection of ghost stories.

News and Editorials

• Statement by the Editor: The editor expresses dismay at individuals who deceive and profit from bereavement, particularly in the context of paranormal research. He commends Mike Scott for seeking proof of psychic phenomena and criticizes those who backed a fraudulent medium.
• News Item: British Aerospace Stealth Project: This section reports on British Aerospace's project to develop technology for a future STEALTH fighter aircraft, with a potential demonstrator by 2005 and production aircraft for the RAF by 2013. It mentions that a stealthy flying wing design is being evaluated and that such craft may already exist and be used for night missions.
• Malcolm Robinson's Column: 'Nothing Surprises Me Anymore!': Robinson recounts an experience where the Scottish Sun newspaper featured him on its back page with a headline about SPI investigating ghosts at a hotel where the Scottish National Football squad was staying. He discusses the hotel's alleged hauntings and SPI's potential involvement in spirit rescue.
• 'Livingston Scene of Cine!': This piece details the discovery of old cine film from 1979 related to the Livingston UFO incident. The author plans to transfer the film to video and discusses the significance of the event and the marks left on the ground.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• David Colman (Bathgate, Scotland): Introduces Lothian Unexplained Phenomena Research (LUPR), formed to investigate sightings in the Bathgate area and provide support to witnesses.
• Lbdr Donald EJ.: A soldier reports witnessing an object with unusual speed and agility over the Outer Hebrides in September 1993, changing colors and moving in a figure-eight pattern. He apologizes for not remembering the names of other soldiers present and for not reporting it at the time.
• Natalie Thomason (Northampton, England): A researcher seeking ghost stories for a book and expressing interest in joining SPI.
• Ian R. Gould (Corfe, Taunton, England): Mentions reliable sources indicating that stealth aircraft are being evaluated for night missions involving Boscombe Down and Machrihanish.
• Tony Sandy (Cromarty, Scotland): Comments on the Santilli film, expressing suspicion about its authenticity and discussing the potential for staged elements, while not ruling out the possibility of genuine alien contact.

Advertising and Subscriptions

Advertisements include classified rates for ENIGMAS, book sales by Ron Pearson, and alien artifacts. There is also a subscription offer for 'Encounters Magazine' and information on 'UFOCALL'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, paranormal phenomena (including ghosts and spiritualism), and the critical examination of evidence, particularly in the context of mediumship. The editorial stance, as expressed by the Editor, is one of seeking truth and exposing deception within the paranormal field, while also acknowledging the value of researchers providing proof and not withholding information. There is a strong emphasis on case research and witness testimony, alongside a critical approach to claims of phenomena, as seen in the seance investigation and the discussion of the Santilli film.

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: FEB-MARCH 1996
Publisher: SPI (Scottish Paranormal Investigations)
Country: Scotland
Language: English

This issue of ENIGMAS focuses on paranormal and UFO-related activities, with a strong emphasis on SPI's organizational efforts and member experiences.

SPI Meetings

The magazine announces the dates for SPI Internal members' meetings, held at the Caper Ceilidh pub in Stirling. These meetings are scheduled to start at 7:30 pm and will cover SPI General Business, case discussions, and general debate on UFOs and the paranormal. A small charge of 50 pence is required from attendees to cover room hire. The dates provided are: Wednesday 17th January, Wednesday 14th February, Wednesday 13th March, Wednesday 10th April, Wednesday 8th May, Wednesday 5th June, Wednesday 3rd July, Wednesday 28th August, Wednesday 25th September, Wednesday 23rd October, and Monday 9th December. These are SPI meetings, distinct from SPI Guest speaker evenings, which will be announced separately.

Skywatching, A Guide

Iain Connon is introduced as the new SPI Skywatching Co-ordinator. He resides in Falkirk and has provided selected skywatching dates. Connon emphasizes the importance of skywatching in UFOlogy, noting that many sightings result from organized events. SPI encourages members to organize and attend skywatches. Due to the Scottish weather, these events can be last-minute. Skywatches also require coordination with the media for filming and interviews. Advice is given to attendees to bring warm clothing, a flask of hot tea and soup, cameras, camcorders, binoculars, telescopes, a flashlight, and a large supply of patience. The provisional dates for SPI skywatches are listed as: Friday 26th January, Sunday 18th February, Wednesday 20th March, Tuesday 9th April, Thursday 9th May, Friday 7th June, Sunday 7th July, Wednesday 7th August, Thursday 5th September, Wednesday 16th October, Monday 11th November, and Tuesday 10th December. For more information on skywatches, Iain Connon can be contacted at 01324 613806.

Strange and Unknown: Observation of Entities at Westbourne Gardens, Glasgow, Scotland (Circa 1955)

This section features an incident brought to the attention of the editor by a lady, who wishes to remain anonymous. The event occurred in Westbourne Gardens, Glasgow, when the witness, Emma Roberts (pseudonym), was about 8 years old. She and other children were cooking potatoes on a small fire when they became aware of several 'beings'. These beings are described as tall, thin, very pale-skinned, wearing long floating white garments and white caps, with deep, penetrating large eyes and pointed faces. They were not human, nor female, nor male, and seemed deeply intent on some business related to the ground. Between two and three initially, their numbers increased, and they floated smoothly, paying no attention to the children. One being turned towards the witness, looking intensely 'through' her. The witness's sister was frightened, and they left the area. The witness recalls an urgency and single-mindedness about the beings. She asked her mother if she remembered anything, and her mother recalled her sister running in scared, thinking they had seen ghosts or spirits. The witness plans to contact her sister in Australia for her recollection and hopes to find other children who were present. She notes that the area has a 'weird atmosphere'.

An editor's note highlights the intriguing nature of this case, occurring approximately 40 years prior, and acknowledges that the 'beings' and their purpose remain unknown, adding to the growing list of unexplained events.

Would You Believe It? by Ted Baker

This article, taken from the Noah's Ark Society Newsletter, tells the story of Jennifer, a child born with spinal bifida who was told she would never walk. Ted Baker and his wife provided healing sessions for Jennifer. One afternoon, when Jennifer was about three years old, she called Ted Baker, referring to him as 'Uncle Ted'. She spoke with a baby's voice and then ended the call. Later, Jennifer's aunt, Ella Wilcox, arrived and mentioned that Jennifer's mother, Ruth, did not have a phone. It was revealed that Jennifer had been playing with a toy phone and had told her aunt she was going to phone 'Uncle Ted'. This coincided with the actual phone call received by Ted Baker, who confirmed it was Jennifer. The editor notes this as a strange occurrence.

News Desh

This section provides various updates and short news items:

• Postal Strike: Scotland experienced a major postal strike in early December, which delayed the distribution of the Nov-Dec issue of ENIGMAS. The post office reportedly had a quarter of a million letters to sort after the strike ended.
• Conference Dope: A student named Neii Dooley was fined £50:00 at Falkirk Sheriff Court for possessing cannabis at a conference on aliens. The conference was the Cosmic Agenda Lecture in October 1995, held in Stirling.
• Apologies: Apologies are extended to Mark Fraser for not including his articles on ghostly Scotland, Susan Mantle for her UFO investigation piece, and Hazel Graham for her UFO experiences near Farnborough. These items, along with an interview with friends from Glasgow, will be featured in upcoming issues.
• Subscriptions Due: Readers are informed that if an 'X' appears in a box, their subscription has expired and they are encouraged to re-subscribe to support Scottish UFO & Paranormal research.
• SPI On T.V.: SPI was filmed for a BBC 2 programme, doing a skywatch on Edinburgh's Carlton Hill. The name of the show is not recalled.
• Morons Offer: Five signed copies of John D. Inman's book, "The Morons Guide To The Paranormal," are being offered as prizes. To win a copy, readers must answer the question: 'Which Loch in Scotland holds a famous "monster"?'. The first five correct answers sent on a postcard to the Editorial address marked 'Morons Offer' will win.
• Karla Turner: The death of Dr. Karla Turner, a leading American UFO researcher, due to cancer in January, is reported with sadness. She was widely respected in the UFO community.
• In Closing: The editor, M.R., concludes the issue, noting the amount of content and limited pages, and reiterates that UFOlogy and Paranormal events are for the people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOlogy, paranormal phenomena, and the organizational activities of SPI. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor M.R., is that UFOlogy and paranormal events are accessible to and for the general public, emphasizing community involvement and information sharing rather than exclusive or hidden knowledge. The magazine aims to document and share these experiences, encouraging reader participation and support for paranormal research.