SPI Newsletter - no 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Strange Phenomena Investigations Newsletter
Issue: 12
Date: November 1988
Publisher: SPI Publications
Price: 30p

This issue of the Strange Phenomena Investigations Newsletter delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, from the controversial Turin Shroud to UFO sightings and the enduring mystery of the Yeti.

Exclusive: Turin Shroud A Fake - What Next?

The lead article announces that the Turin Shroud has been definitively declared a fake. Scientific studies using the Carbon 14 method have established that the linen cloth dates from the Middle Ages, not the time of Christ's crucifixion. The article notes that while this may not shake the faith of many Roman Catholics, it raises the question of how the image was created. It also touches upon the historical tendency for forgeries related to Christ during the Middle Ages and mentions the Cottingly Fairies photographs as another example of hoaxes eventually exposed by scientific advancement. The author expresses a personal belief in the existence of unexplainable events and the importance of research in this field. Lindy Whitehurst, an American UFO consultant, is quoted as finding it puzzling that the image on the Shroud is a 'negative' and that a forger in the Middle Ages would possess such a quality. She also notes the presence of pollen from Palestine and the 3-D nature of the image as factors that initially supported its authenticity, but ultimately concludes it is a fake.

Archie Roy Lecture

The newsletter reports on a lecture given by Professor Archie Roy of Glasgow University titled "The Challenge Of The Paranormal." Professor Roy shared his personal journey into psychical research, starting from his early surprise at the content of books in the University library, which he later discovered were written by eminent scientists. He has since devoted a significant part of his life to seeking explanations for paranormal phenomena. The report highlights his involvement with numerous cases, from ghosts to poltergeists, and his aim to gain public acceptance for the reality of such occurrences. SPI Publications sold well at the event, and new members were recruited. A reporter from the Stirling Observer covered the lecture, and feedback from the audience was productive. SPI is planning its 1989 lecture program.

Expedition to Loch Morar

This section, by Ron Halliday, discusses the possibility of an expedition to Loch Morar, distinct from the more famous Loch Ness. It mentions sightings of an unidentified large animal in Loch Morar, including an incident in 1969 where Duncan Macdonell reported being bumped by a submerged creature and fired at it. A 1970 survey of Loch Morar collected 33 reports of sightings between 1887 and 1971. Alan Butterworth reported seeing a "regular shaped hump 15 feet long and 3 to 4 feet high." The planned expedition aims to establish survey positions, familiarize the team with the environment, and address logistical issues. A confidential method is planned to elicit a response from the creature. Interested individuals are invited to contact Ron Halliday.

Science and Life After Death

This article, written by the editor, expresses a strong belief in 'Life After Death' based on personal involvement and research. It references historical figures like Pythagoras and Eratosthenes in the context of proving the Earth's shape, drawing a parallel to the current scientific efforts to prove survival after physical death. The author mentions the work of Sir William Crookes and Professor B.D. Josephson in this area. The article suggests that modern nuclear physics provides a rational scientific explanation for psychic phenomena, viewing them as subatomic phenomena operating on specific wavelengths.

A Psychic Book Makes an Ideal Christmas Gift

Two books are recommended for Christmas gifts: 'Dimensions' by Jacques Valles and 'Parapsychology and the UFO' by Manfred Cassirer, with prices and availability details provided.

SPI's Editor's New Position

The editor announces his new role as a field investigator trainee for MUFON (The Mutual UFO Network), based in Seguin, Texas. He sees this as an opportunity to inform MUFON about the latest UFO sightings in the UK and believes that cooperation between UFOlogists worldwide can help solve the UFO problem. MUFON was founded in 1969 and has a board of consultants with expertise in various scientific and academic fields. Philip Mantle is mentioned as MUFON's English Representative. The newsletter promises to keep readers informed about major UFO stories in the USA, including information from SPI's US consultant, Lindy Whitehurst.

No Sign of Him Yeti?

This section discusses a BBC Television program about the search for the Yeti. It mentions a 3-month expedition in the Himalayas led by British mountain climber Chris Bonnington. The article also includes an amusing anecdote about how to evade a Yeti, attributed to a Nepalese guide, involving running uphill from a male Yeti and downhill from a female Yeti due to their physical characteristics. It also notes that Sir Edmund Hillary reportedly suggested that Eric Shipton may have 'touched up' alleged Yeti footprints to make them appear more spectacular. The Yeti is described as remaining elusive.

Janet Middleton's Request

Janet Middleton is seeking assistance from readers for research into her experiences with psychic happenings and UFO sightings to uncover the 'real Truth' behind strange events in her early life. Interested individuals are asked to contact the editor.

News Desk

Tom Barlow: The Scottish Daily Record featured Tom Barlow, an authority on reincarnation and alternative medicine, and his hypnotic regression work. Tom Barlow will be writing for the newsletter on these subjects.

Mail Problem: The editor is experiencing mail problems, with some mail not reaching him. He asks readers to phone if they are expecting a reply and haven't received one.

New Charges for the Newsletter: To mark its first anniversary, the SPI Newsletter will have a slightly longer issue and a new front cover. Rising costs in photo-copying and postage will necessitate an increase in subscription charges, which will take effect when regular subscribers' current subscriptions run out, starting in January 1989.

Amazing Cure: A Scots girl, Denise McDermott, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease and given little hope by doctors, made a miraculous recovery after a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Her disease completely vanished upon her return to Scotland, leading her to believe in the power of prayer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained and the paranormal, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena, psychic experiences, and cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking scientific explanations for phenomena while acknowledging the existence of events that currently defy easy explanation. There is a clear interest in debunking hoaxes (like the Turin Shroud) while simultaneously investigating genuine mysteries. The newsletter also promotes the idea that science can both disprove and potentially prove aspects of the paranormal. The editor's personal involvement and belief in life after death and the reality of psychic phenomena are evident throughout the publication.