Strange Daze - number 6

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE DAZE
Issue: Number 6
Date: July 1995
Publisher: Northern UFO Research and Investigation (NUFORI)
Price: £1.00

This issue of Strange Daze delves into the controversial Roswell Film footage, featuring an interview with Ray Santilli, the businessman who purchased the film. The magazine also presents a collection of UFO sightings and personal experiences from the UK, alongside news and reviews relevant to the UFO community.

Editorial: The Roswell Film Controversy

The editorial addresses the significant buzz surrounding the alleged Roswell Film Footage, describing it as kicking up a 'stink' in UFOlogy. The editor expresses pleasure in including an interview with Ray Santilli, who bought the film from an American cameraman, hoping it will answer many questions. The editor acknowledges receiving photographic stills from Mastervision but notes they do not copy well for the publication. He looks forward to seeing the film at the Sheffield conference and mentions the possibility of purchasing the footage on video tape. The authenticity of the film is questioned, with the editor stating he will 'sit on the fence' until more is known and experts have conducted analysis. Kodak has dated the film to either 1927, 1947, or 1967, but further analysis is needed. The presence of a wall-mounted telephone with a curly wire is noted as a point of contention regarding its 1947 authenticity. The editorial highlights that if the film is genuine, it would be the most important piece of film ever discovered, proving extraterrestrial life. It also references a scathing attack on the autopsy footage by Roswell researcher Kent Jeffrey in MUFON UFO Journal, who declared it a fraud, though he also stated he would celebrate its genuineness. Bob Rickard, Editor of Fortean Times, also viewed the screening and described it as a 'fantasy post mortem on a fake ET'. Stanton Friedman and Steve Gerrard are also mentioned for raising points about the film's authenticity and the coiled telephone wire issue. The editorial touches upon the 'stench of commercialism and profiteering' surrounding the film and quotes Jenny Randles' strong criticism of BUFORA for working with Santilli, which led to her resignation from BUFORA's council. The editor defends Santilli's desire to make a profit and questions why other UFO groups wouldn't do the same. He concludes that the film's impact on UFOlogy may be limited, as believers will believe regardless of evidence, and skeptics will dismiss it as a hoax. A humorous closing remark suggests some UFOlogists would still deny a flying saucer landing in front of them.

Contents and Features

The issue's contents include:

• Editorial: Discussing the Roswell Film.
• News: Brief updates.
• North East Case: "Eve Wilkinson" by Gloria Dixon.
• The Ray Santilli Interview by Philip Mantle.
• The Roswell Film – A link in the Chain by C. Jackson.
• Successful Skywatching by Dave Newton.
• Reviews: Book and media reviews.
• The Feud Court: An article related to the Santilli film controversy.

News and Events

BUFORA Regional Lectures in Newcastle: BUFORA is holding quarterly regional lectures starting in September. The first lecture in Newcastle is on Saturday, 28th October 1995, at the University of Northumbria, featuring Eric Morris presenting on 'The New Welsh Window Area' and Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs). Tickets range from £1.50 to £2.50.

North East U.K. Nerve Centre: Due to high response to the BUFORA conference and the Roswell film, Gloria Dixon is handling UFO reports for BUFORA in Newcastle.

Report Round Up: This section details various unusual sightings, including white strips of light, rotating square or diamond-shaped lights, and disc-shaped objects. It also notes the brightness of Jupiter, which might account for some sightings. A witness in Dunoon, Scotland, may have captured a UFO on video, and Malcolm Robinson of SPI is investigating. Reports also include possible close encounters and an encounter with a hairy creature in Wales.

Skywatch Dates: Upcoming skywatch sessions are scheduled for Sundays: 27th August, 24th September, 22nd October, and 19th November. Interested individuals should contact Dave Newton.

Lord Clancarty Dies Aged 83: The death of Lord Clancarty (also known as Brinsley Le Poer Trench), a notable UFO author and former Editor of Flying Saucer Review, is reported.

North East Cases: The "Eve Wilkinson" Case

Gloria Dixon details the case of 'Eve Wilkinson', who reported powerful dreamlike encounters and UFO-type dreams from the age of eight up to the 1980s. These experiences, which involved precognitive dreams and visions of strange beings in unknown places, have been upsetting for Eve. Her background includes a difficult childhood in County Durham marked by poverty, her father's violence, and lack of emotional support from her mother. After traumatic events, including the rape of her sister by their father, Eve and her family moved into a workhouse and then a council home. She developed an artistic talent and later married Mike, who confirms her experiences and describes her as having had unusual experiences. Extracts from interviews reveal Eve's early premonitions and a vivid account of an encounter at age eight or nine. She describes being outside the Earth, looking into a black void with stars, and interacting with a kind, benevolent man via mental telepathy. She felt like his 'creature' and understood his gestures. The experience felt intensely real, more so than a dream. The man had flaxen hair, a wavy beard, a cream tan complexion, and appeared both old and young. The encounter involved seeing large, planet-sized soap bubbles rolling past, which seemed to surprise the man as much as Eve.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding the Roswell Film footage and the documentation of diverse UFO sightings and personal encounters within the UK. The magazine appears to adopt a balanced, albeit slightly skeptical, editorial stance, presenting various viewpoints on the Roswell film while encouraging detailed reporting of sightings. The publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and analysis, as seen in the editorial's call for expert examination of the film and the detailed reporting of the 'Eve Wilkinson' case. There is a clear focus on UFOlogy as a field of study, with announcements of lectures and calls for information. The magazine also highlights the personal impact of UFO experiences on individuals, as exemplified by Eve Wilkinson's narrative.

This issue of Strange Daze, identified as Volume 11, Issue 11, published in 1995, delves into two primary areas: the extraordinary experiences of Eve Wilkinson, which she interprets as more than mere dreams, and the controversial claims surrounding the Roswell alien autopsy film footage presented by Ray Santilli.

Eve Wilkinson's Experiences

The bulk of the magazine features an extensive interview with Eve Wilkinson, conducted by GD. Wilkinson recounts a series of unusual, vivid experiences that have occurred throughout her life, beginning in childhood. These experiences, which she initially dismissed as dreams, are described with a level of detail and emotional impact that leads her to question their true nature.

Early Encounters

Wilkinson describes an early experience around the age of eight or nine where she saw an elderly gentleman who seemed out of place and upset, as if he had made a mistake. This encounter was perceived telepathically, with no spoken words, and she was instructed to think of it as a dream upon returning home.

Another significant childhood experience involved waking up by her bedroom window on a cold night, with the window wide open. She felt as though she had been hypnotized and was frightened of toppling out, leading her to tie the window down subsequently. She also recalls a vivid experience of seeing a large, cherry-red, metallic saucer-shaped object filling her garden, described as having a shimmering quality like face powder. This object had rings of light moving in opposite directions and small square windows with amber lights. She also perceived two slim, tall figures, possibly men, dragging long black cables. One of these figures waved at her, and she waved back before waking up to find her garden normal.

The 1979 Experience

Wilkinson recounts an experience in 1979 where she felt a presence in her room. She described being unable to move her head, feeling like she was in an 'invisible clamp.' She received a mental telepathy message that she was being taken into an experience to receive a message. This message was profound and conveyed that Earth needed improvement and was heading towards destruction, a concept she felt was beyond her usual conscious thought processes. She also experienced her inner ear vibrating and felt as if her head was a 'golden ray.' She felt angry about being contained and not having a body, thinking, 'They've got my mind.' The message conveyed that humanity, despite perceived progress, was on its 'last life.'

The 1980s Encounter

In the 1980s, Wilkinson had an experience involving a female entity from a 'binary system.' This entity communicated that there were two stars where she came from, not just one, and that Wilkinson would learn more about her origins throughout her lifetime. The entity also mentioned that humanity was on its 'last life.' The encounter took place in a garden with gigantic statues, and the entity pointed to a window which was a huge clock, indicating that Wilkinson would find out where they came from at an allotted time.

The Ear Buzzing and Interpretation

Following one of these experiences, Wilkinson experienced a persistent buzzing in her ear, which she initially thought was an insect. This sensation lasted several minutes and gradually subsided. She later linked these experiences to UFO phenomena, particularly after reading an article in 'The People' magazine, which prompted her to question if they were indeed just dreams.

Wilkinson's son also had a shared dream experience with her, including a vision of the Earth's environment being so damaged that life could not be sustained. This shared sensitivity and concern for the environment are noted.

Conclusions and Editor's Comment

The 'Conclusions' section, attributed to GD, suggests that Eve Wilkinson is a genuine and sensitive individual who has had unusual experiences manifesting as 'dreams.' These experiences have left a powerful impression, suggesting they are more than ordinary dreams. The editor notes that these 'dream contacts' are bizarre and do not fit easily into conventional categories, raising questions about abduction, spirit contacts, parapsychology, or psychological explanations. The astronomical details mentioned, such as binary star systems, are discussed in relation to their distance and appearance from Earth.

An Interview with Ray Santilli

This section features an interview with Ray Santilli by Philip Mantle, Director of Investigations for the British UFO Research Association and MUFON Representative for England. The interview, recorded on June 27, 1995, focuses on Santilli's claims regarding the Roswell UFO crash footage.

Santilli's Background and the Roswell Footage

Santilli, involved in media for twenty years, including promotion, marketing, and copyright brokerage, claims to have acquired film footage of an alien autopsy related to the 1947 Roswell incident. He states he came across a cameraman while researching a music documentary in the US about two and a half years prior to the interview. This cameraman, a freelance worker in the 1950s, had filmed various events, including rock concerts. Santilli acquired some of this footage, building a relationship with the cameraman.

The cameraman then offered Santilli footage of an alien autopsy. Santilli and his associates, initially unaware of the Roswell event, found the offer intriguing. They took the footage, which included an internal flight to the cameraman's house, and showed it to Santilli. He mentions that Kodak was consulted to date the film, with estimates ranging from 1927, 1947, to 1967. The footage was brought back to the UK, circulated for authentication, and eventually, Santilli's company, Polygram, became interested in purchasing it.

The Negotiation and Authentication Process

Santilli details the complex negotiation process, involving Gary Shoefield from Polygram meeting the cameraman. The cameraman fell ill, leading to delays and complications. Polygram eventually withdrew due to legalities concerning ownership of the footage, as it was believed to be owned by the US military. After eighteen months, Santilli managed to rebuild the cameraman's confidence and acquire the entirety of the film.

Regarding authentication, Santilli emphasizes his direct dealings with the cameraman over two years, reviewing his diaries, records, and photo albums, and visiting his home and meeting his family. He believes the cameraman and the footage are genuine, but acknowledges that further research by others will be necessary for critical judgment.

Future Plans for the Footage

Santilli states that the raw, uncut footage will be sold via mail order video, and broadcasters will have the freedom to colorize, enhance, or otherwise process it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights themes of unexplained phenomena, the nature of consciousness, and the interpretation of unusual experiences. It explores the blurred lines between dreams and reality, suggesting that some experiences may transcend conventional understanding. The concern for the environment, presented through Wilkinson's visions, adds a layer of socio-political commentary. The magazine appears to present these accounts and interviews without explicit endorsement but with an open-minded approach, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities beyond established scientific paradigms. The editor's comment suggests that the case of Eve Wilkinson is complex and warrants further exploration, hinting at a broader scope of paranormal phenomena and human consciousness.

Title: Strange Daze
Issue: 22
Volume: 2
Date: May-June 1995
Publisher: Strange Daze Publications
Country: UK
Price: £5.00

This issue of Strange Daze, a UK-based magazine focusing on UFOs and paranormal phenomena, features a significant portion dedicated to the controversial Roswell film and related investigations. It also includes practical advice for skywatching and reviews of various UFO-related books and newsletters.

The Roswell Film: A Link in the Chain?

The cover story, written by Craig Carl Jackson, examines the Roswell film, which allegedly shows an autopsy of an alien retrieved from the 1947 crash. Jackson discusses the potential credibility of the footage, referencing an earlier report from 1953 in 'Flying Saucer Review' that described a similar film showing a crashed disc and alien bodies, predating the 1993 surfacing of the Santilli footage. Discrepancies between the 1953 and 1993 versions are noted, particularly regarding the film's color and the mention of Roswell as the crash site. The article questions whether this is crucial evidence or an elaborate hoax.

An interview with Ray Santilli, the purveyor of the Roswell film, is presented. Santilli expresses uncertainty about the footage's future credibility, comparing it to the Shroud of Turin. He discusses the cameraman's reluctance to go on record due to confidentiality agreements, stating that obtaining the film was dependent on respecting this. Santilli also mentions that Kodak is involved and that the footage might be recreated for a UK TV documentary. He indicates openness to offers of assistance for verification but is unsure about providing raw footage.

An addendum details Ray Santilli's efforts to contact the cameraman, identified as 'JB'. Santilli claims to have spoken with JB by phone from the USA, who allegedly agreed to call back. The author of the addendum did receive a call from someone claiming to be JB, and the conversation focused on building trust rather than interrogation. The author also confirmed with Gary Shoefield, a Polygram representative, that Santilli's account of Shoefield's involvement was accurate. The author states they have personally seen four segments of film, including a 'tent scene' and autopsy footage, as well as film of alleged debris.

Images are included, described as a close-up side view of an alleged alien and an alleged alien body in an autopsy room, noting damage to the leg and six digits on the hand. The editor apologizes for the poor quality of these reproductions.

Successful Skywatching

Written by Dave Newton, this article provides practical guidance for amateur UFO observers. Newton emphasizes that a 'successful skywatch' is about remaining alert and watchful, not necessarily seeing a UFO. The first part focuses on essential clothing, recommending layers including a woollen balaclava, fingerless gloves, thermal vests and long johns, thick shirts and pullovers, jeans, thick socks, army boots, and a warm parka or overcoat. He stresses the importance of keeping the head warm.

The second part details what to take on a skywatch: a flask with a hot drink (soup or hot chocolate preferred over coffee/tea due to caffeine's effect on night vision), snacks, a torch with a red light attachment to preserve night vision, binoculars (7x35 or 7x50 recommended), a camera with a tripod, and a notebook and pencil. Newton advises using fast film (Kodak Ektar 1000, Fujicolor 1600, or Konica SR 3200) and suggests specific camera settings for bracketing exposures. He also recommends taking maps, a compass, a star map or planisphere, and a ruler for measuring angular size. The importance of written notes and sketches is highlighted, as photographs may not always be clear.

Reviews

The magazine includes a 'REVIEWS!!!' section, featuring critiques of several UFO and paranormal-related books and magazines.

• The Complete Book of UFOs by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough (1994): Described as a historical overview of the UFO phenomenon, it includes details of German flying discs from WWII and reports of alleged Roswell bodies at Area 51. However, it is noted to have 'glaring errors,' such as misidentifying the Aurora spy plane and the F51 prop fighter. Despite mistakes, it's considered a good introduction and an absorbing read.
• The Second Coming by Andrew Collins (1994): A 336-page psychic questing adventure that covers magic, mythology, and local history. It is praised for its engaging writing style and thorough index, though the 'scary bits' are found to be not particularly frightening.
• The Green Stone by Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman (1983): Reviewed as an older but relevant book offering a different slant on paranormal adventures, concentrating on a 'green Meonia stone.' It is rated as 'Superb.'
• UFO Quest by Alan Watts (1994): This book is dismissed with a single word: 'Rubbish. Don't buy it.'
• The New Ley Hunter's Guide by Paul Devereux (1994): A concise introduction to ley lines, recommended for its practical approach and disregard for 'new age' theories. It covers markers, ley hunting, and theories, with examples of 15 leys across the country.

• Exchange Magazines: Several newsletters and journals are listed:
• Southampton UFO Group Newsletter: Monthly, A4 pages, covers news and reviews. Editor Steve Gerrard is noted for being 'overly acidic' towards the Roswell film in recent issues. Subscription costs £5 for 12 issues.
• OVNI The Phenomenon Research Association newsletter: Monthly, includes news, reports, photographs, and a Sky Guide. Costs £1 including postage.
• Northern UFO News: Jenny Randles' magazine, covering news, reviews, brief cases, and her perspective on skepticism and the Santilli film. Costs £7.00 for six issues.
• ENIGMAS: The journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), bimonthly. The May-June issue is a 44-page A5 journal covering news and reviews, particularly on the Bonnybridge case. Costs £15 per year, including SPI membership.
• INTELLIGENCE: The journal of the British UFO Studies Centre. The March 1995 issue is noted as promising, with amusing cartoons.
• The Crop Watcher: Paul Fuller's quarterly magazine on crop circles, described as 'wonderful stuff' with astonishing goings-on. A full year's subscription costs £6.
• Promises and Disappointments: Kevin McClure's magazine on paranormal and UFO events, highly recommended at £7.50 for four issues.

• Other magazines:
• The New Ufologist No 3: The status of this magazine is questioned due to delays in publication.
• Magonia 52: Described as a 'bumper UFO edition' with articles on 'godships,' 'abduction absurdities,' and 'dark and lonely work.' It is considered an essential antidote to Quest's UFO Magazine and is available for £5.00 for four issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on the Roswell incident and the authenticity of the associated film footage, presenting interviews and investigative articles. There is a practical, hands-on approach to UFOlogy, evident in the detailed skywatching guide. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging both the potential significance of UFO evidence and the possibility of hoaxes. The reviews section demonstrates a broad interest in UFO literature and related paranormal topics, offering diverse opinions on various publications. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in in-depth investigation and practical engagement with the UFO phenomenon.

This document comprises reviews of several UFO and paranormal-related magazines and a detailed account of disputes within the UFOlogy community. The magazines reviewed are UFO Magazine (May/June 1995), Fortean Times (June/July 1995), and UFO Times (May/June 1995), along with a mention of 'Children of the Fox' magazine and a subscription advertisement for 'PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS'. The primary focus, however, is on the interpersonal conflicts and professional disagreements among prominent figures in the UFO field.

UFO Magazine (May/June 1995)

This issue is described as bright and glossy, featuring articles on George Adamski, Area 51, Stealth aircraft, airships, the Roswell film, and an Australian abduction case. The reviewer finds the articles too shallow for regular purchase but acknowledges their timely publication. It is published bimonthly and costs £1.75 from large newsagents.

Fortean Times (No.81: June/July 1995)

This journal of strange phenomena includes an article by Jenny Randles on the Roswell film, with Bob Rickard's impressions. It also features an article on the Bonnybridge/Central Scotland UFO wave by 'Eris E. Andys'. The reviewer suggests buying it to discover the world's weirdness. It is published bimonthly and costs £2.00 from newsagents.

UFO Times (Number 35: May/June 1995)

This magazine, from the British UFO Research Association, now has two editors, Ken Phillips and Mike Wootten, and an editorial board of four, plus an assistant editor. It offers a mix of articles, news, and reports, including a report on the Swedish wave of 1988 and T. Roy Dutton's article 'Definitive Astronomical Resolution of the UFO Enigma'. The editorial address is provided as 16 Wedgewood Walk, London, NW6 1XR.

Children of the Fox

A brief mention is made of 'Children of the Fox', described as a 'Recondite Pagan Magazine of Ancient Magic', sent by The Touchwood Society. Subscriptions are £1.25 quarterly or £4.00 per year, sent to PO Box 36, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 1TN.

THE FEUD COURT: UFOlogist Disputes

This section details several ongoing conflicts within the UFOlogy community:

Erik Beckjord -v- Peter Hough

This dispute centers on the copyright of the Ilkley Moor entity photograph. The Associated Press reportedly paid Peter Hough damages for breach of copyright after Erik Beckjord provided them with a copy of the photograph, which Hough claimed copyright over. However, Beckjord disputes Hough's copyright claim in UFO Times, seeking to see the contract between Hough and the original photographer. Beckjord also criticizes Hough for not enhancing the computer-generated image. The reviewer suggests this may end up in court.

Erik Beckjord's Public Statements

Erik Beckjord is described as an 'angry chap'. Examples of his writings are cited from 'The Crop Watcher', where he allegedly refers to 'The Informer' magazine (produced by Paul Fuller) as producing 'garbage' and being unclear. Fuller quotes Beckjord as saying, "You write garbage, in an attempt to insult, yet avoid libel, at the same time. You can't do this and be clear, you dumb yob."

Jenny Randles -v- Peter Brookesmith

This long-standing feud began in January 1994 when Peter Brookesmith, former editor of 'The Unexplained', wrote a critical review of Jenny Randles' talk at a 1993 UFO conference in Sheffield. Brookesmith suggested Randles had a 'tendency to find what you are looking for' in her discovery of a 'window area' near her home. Randles responded with an article in her journal, 'Northern UFO News'.

Brookesmith later criticized Randles' and Peter Hough's book 'Spontaneous Human Combustion' in 'Fortean Times' (No. 73, March 1994), calling it a "barrel of laughs" and criticizing their use of English. He also expressed disappointment that Randles responded in her own journal rather than 'Fortean Times'. In 'Fortean Times' (No. 76, September 1994), Randles defended 'Northern UFO News', but Brookesmith noted she did not disclose its circulation.

The conflict escalated in 'Magonia' magazine. In issue 50 (September 1994), Brookesmith attacked Randles' and Tim Good's accounts of a radar-visual UFO report in an article titled "Screen memories", calling Randles' account "a masterpiece of opacity, lack of detail and incipient confusion".

In 'Magonia' 51 (February 1995), Randles and Paul Fuller wrote letters criticizing Brookesmith. Randles defended her work and competence, while Fuller questioned Brookesmith's "personal agenda".

Brookesmith's article "Dark and lonely work" in 'Magonia' 52 (May 1995) marked "round three" of the "Brookesmith - Randles slugfest". Brookesmith defended his position and again criticized Randles, warning other UFOlogists about his willingness to criticize poor English. The reviewer notes Brookesmith's 'great sense of humour and sound logic' but finds his precise use of English sometimes difficult to follow.

Jenny Randles -- Philip Mantle

This dispute began in March 1993 when the Independent UFO Network (IUN) held a conference at the University of Northumbria, arranged by Philip Mantle. The conference clashed with a BUFORA investigation team meeting. Jenny Randles, then BUFORA's Director of Investigations, expressed concerns about Mantle's involvement with the IUN to other BUFORA officers. One officer taped the conversation, which was later played back to Mantle, causing significant trouble.

Randles explains in 'Northern UFO News' (No. 166, Summer 1994) that she was forced to resign from her BUFORA post (held since 1981) because Mantle raised a vote of no confidence against her, citing the private phone conversation. Randles offered to resign from her directorship to resolve the matter amicably, but Mantle insisted she be removed from BUFORA council entirely.

The conflict resurfaced concerning the disputed Roswell autopsy footage. Philip Mantle was acting as a UFOlogical consultant for Ray Santilli, who owned the film. Jenny Randles stated that Mantle and the BUFORA council had "signed a pact with the devil" and were endorsing the film for "purely commercial reasons", undoing 20 years of ufologists' work. She resigned from BUFORA's council 18 months prior due to this. The reviewer questions whether Randles was misquoted by 'The Independent' regarding the reasons for her resignation.

PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS Magazine

This section is an advertisement for 'PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS', described as a sharp, intelligent magazine dealing with the paranormal, alien experiences, visions, spirit visitors, channelling, and warnings of apocalypse. It is presented as controversial, informed, and original. Issue 1 features articles by Martin Kottmeyer, Robin Ramsay, and Jake Kirkwood. Issue 2 covers memory, regression, exorcism, Devonshire Pixies, alien abductions, New Age paranoia, and 'total darkness materialisation'. Subscription details are provided for the UK, Europe, and elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the review of UFO and paranormal publications, and a detailed exploration of the conflicts and disputes within the UFOlogy community. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical observation, highlighting the personal feuds and professional disagreements among key figures, while also acknowledging the value of some of the publications reviewed. The reviewer expresses a personal enjoyment of Peter Brookesmith's writing style, despite finding it sometimes challenging to follow. The overall tone suggests a fascination with the 'weirdness' of the world and the often-contentious nature of UFO research.