SPI Newsletter - no 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Strange Phenomena INVESTIGATIONS
Issue: FEBRUARY 1988
Volume: 3
Publisher: Strange Phenomena INVESTIGATIONS
Country: UK
Language: English

This February 1988 newsletter from Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) focuses on the organization's ongoing efforts to uncover UFO-related information, particularly from official sources, and to engage with the public through lectures and media appearances.

Editorial Comment: Ministry of Defence and MJ-12 Documents

The editorial comment details SPI's pursuit of documents from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) concerning UFO incidents. It highlights that the MOD has expressed keen interest in the alleged MJ-12 Documents, which purportedly reveal that President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry Truman were aware of UFO sightings in 1947. SPI researcher Malcolm Robinson claims to have copies of these documents, which he informed the MOD about when Martin O'Neil, a Scottish Labour Defence spokesman, requested further documents on Robinson's behalf. The MOD requested O'Neil send these documents to London. The editor expresses surprise that the MOD would need to ask for a copy, given that the MJ-12 Documents were reportedly widely available within UFO organizations in the UK and had been printed in British newspapers. SPI promises to keep readers updated on this development.

SPI 1987 Research Year Report

Information is provided for obtaining SPI's 1987 research report. Interested parties can send a cheque or postal order for £200, made payable to Malcolm Robinson, to the Editorial Address.

SPI Researcher on Radio

SPI researcher Ron Halliday from Bridge of Allan was featured on Radio Scotland's 'Jimmy Mack Show' on January 27th. The segment discussed Halliday's new booklet, "Mysteries Of The Scottish Landscape." The broadcast generated interest, with listeners calling in, including actor Russell Hunter, inquiring about the booklet. A number of other callers, potentially interested in joining SPI, also contacted the station. Halliday's booklet is available for 65p from 35 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling-shire.

The Alien Line?

BBC Radio One featured a segment called 'The Alien Line' on January 23rd, allowing listeners to phone in with paranormal experiences. The newsletter recounts a humorous story about a talking dog that commented on the 'EastEnders' theme tune. The editor uses this anecdote to question the seriousness with which the paranormal is treated when such stories are aired.

The Evidence for UFOs

This section briefly mentions a book titled "The Evidence For UFOs" by Hilary Evans, available by writing to Lionel Beer.

SPI Road Tour

SPI is planning a road tour with meetings in Dundee, Perth, and Edinburgh. The aim is to attract more people to SPI and provide a platform for individuals to share their paranormal experiences, as many people may not know who to turn to with such accounts.

BUFORA Congress 1989

BUFORA (The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association) is organizing its fifth International UFO Congress in London in 1989. SPI members are encouraged to start saving for this event, with more details to be announced.

SPI Lectures 1988

A series of lectures on the paranormal is scheduled for 1988, aimed at both SPI members and the general public. The lectures will cover various aspects of the paranormal. Scheduled lectures include:

• April 8th: Andrew Davie on 'GEO RHEOLOGY'
• April 23rd: Steuart Campbell on 'The Livingston UFO Incident?'
• May 26th: Charles Heath on 'Modern Witchcraft In Scotland'
• October 28th: Professor Archie Roy on 'Explaining The Paranormal'

All lectures are held at the Cowane Centre in Stirling, commencing at 7 pm, with a duration of 7 pm to 8:15 pm. Ticket prices are 65p for adults and 35p for under 16s. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend.

Lionel Beer, FRAS

Lionel Beer, a specialist bookseller and publisher of SPACELINK, is listed with his contact details in London.

Riddle of E.T. Skeleton

This section details a news story from the Daily Star on January 30th, concerning the discovery of a small, mummified skeleton with fierce claw-like teeth. The find was made by Phil Carlin (22) during renovation work in a 112-year-old Unitarian Church in Nottingham. Carlin described lifting a floorboard and finding the remains. The editor contacted the Brewhouse Yard Museum in Nottingham, whose representative was unaware of the find but promised an inquiry. The editor regrets not being able to show readers the photograph from the newspaper.

In Closing

The newsletter announces that this is the last free issue due to costs. Readers are encouraged to subscribe using the form provided with the newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pursuit of UFO-related information from official sources, the promotion of paranormal research and awareness through lectures and public events, and the sharing of anecdotal accounts and book reviews within the UFO and paranormal community. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation, a desire for transparency from authorities, and a commitment to educating the public about the paranormal, albeit with a touch of skepticism towards sensationalized or frivolous content, as seen in the 'Alien Line' anecdote.