SPI Newsletter - no 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1987 newsletter from Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), a research group focused on UFOs and the paranormal. The newsletter serves as a communication medium for its members, aiming to keep them informed about recent events and research.

Content Highlights

Future SPI Research SPI has several research projects planned. These include a trip to Inverkeithing in Fife to investigate an unusual haunting and a re-appraisal of the 1960 'Sauchie Poltergeist Case' to provide an update on this classic Scottish case. Research concerning events in Shieldhill will also continue. The President of SPI aims to produce a 1967 year report detailing all research conducted by SPI, which will be distributed to members.

Events in Scotland Two significant events are planned in Scotland concerning the paranormal. SUFOS will host the 'Scottish UFO Open Day', while SPI will stage a 'Strange Phenomena Day'. Further details for both events will be disclosed later, but the SPI Day is intended to cover a wider range of subjects related to the paranormal.

Founding of I.U.N. Recent changes in Yorkshire have led to the founding of the Independant UFO Network (IUN). This network was formed by the merger of two Yorkshire groups, WYUFORG and YUFON, with the goal of fostering closer cooperation among individuals subscribing to these groups.

Operation Deepscan SPI has been promised a broadsheet detailing the findings of 'Operation Deepscan' from Betty Gallagher, Curator of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre. The material is currently in the United States for analysis. There is hope for further research at Loch Ness next year, though no plans are set for similar activities at Loch Horar, associated with 'Morag'.

Operation Cover Up? SPI has been writing to UFO researchers across the UK to encourage them to approach their local MPs. The aim is to impress upon MPs the necessity of urging the I.O.D. in London to release further UFO documents. The response has been mixed, with some ufologists viewing it as a waste of time, but SPI believes it is crucial to pursue this to uncover valuable cases.

Providing Material SPI is accumulating a substantial amount of UFO and paranormal material for future publications. Members are encouraged to supply any substantiated and factual documentation relating to paranormal events. Ideas and inclusions for the magazine can be sent to the editorial address.

SPI Services SPI offers various services to its members, including a book lending library, a video tape library, and an audio cassette library. Members can also visit the SPI office to borrow case files for copying. Membership forms and lists of available resources can be obtained by writing to the editorial address.

New SPI Investigators Appointments SPI welcomes new investigators appointed to research UFO reports in their respective regions: Arthur Lynch (Tayside Region), Andrew Hardie and G.N.F. Stephenson (Strathclyde Region), and Garret Macfarlane (Argyll Region).

SPI Sub Groups Once SPI achieves sufficient membership, small sub-groups will be formed focusing on specific areas such as UFO Research, Ghosts and Haunting Research, and Earth Mysteries Research. Ron Halliday will host the Earth Mysteries group.

Famous Hoax: The Cottingley Fairies The newsletter features a section on the 'Famous Hoax' of the Cottingley Fairies. It includes a photograph taken in 1917 by 15-year-old Elsie Wright, showing her friend Frances Griffiths with apparent dancing fairies. This series of photographs fooled eminent people for years before being unmasked as fakes in 1982. The article suggests that many other genuine-looking photographs taken by others may await modern scrutiny.

Books for Sale A wide range of books on the paranormal can be purchased by writing to Lionel Beer at 15 Freshwater Court, Crawford Street, London, W.1.

SPI Known Worldwide SPI is now officially recognized as a Scottish research group dealing with the paranormal, with an entry in the American book, 'Annual UFO Phenomenon Who's Who'. This book is scheduled for sale from March 1988 and can be ordered from the provided address in Mobile, Alabama, USA.

In Closing The editor expresses hope that the newsletter keeps everyone updated on the UFO and paranormal field. A further newsletter is planned for January 1988, and the editor extends Merry Christmas and a happy new year wishes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the active pursuit of paranormal research, the importance of communication within the research community, and the critical examination of evidence, including the identification of hoaxes. The editorial stance emphasizes a proactive approach to uncovering the truth about UFOs and paranormal phenomena, advocating for the release of information and encouraging member participation in research and investigation. There is a clear commitment to documenting and analyzing cases, as well as to expanding the group's reach and recognition.