SUFOG Newsletter No 016

Magazine Overview

This document is the "SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP NEWSLETTER NO. 16", dated August 1991. It serves as a compilation of recent media reports, sightings, and discussions related to UFOs and crop circles, primarily from the UK.

Content Summary

What the Papers Say (March 1991)

The newsletter begins by listing newspaper articles from March 1991 concerning UFOs. These include reports from local papers like the "SOUTHAMPTON EVENING ECHO" and national publications such as "THE INDEPENDENT" and "THE DAILY STAR". The "DAILY STAR" featured sensational headlines like "I WAS KIDNAPPED BY A UFO SNATCH SQUAD" and "MY DOGFIGHT WITH A UFO". Regional papers also covered UFO-related stories, with the "WESTERN DAILY PRESS" reporting on a "BAE ENGINEER BUILDS FLYING SAUCER DETECTOR" and the "WESTERN EVENING HERALD" discussing "SPACE OBJECTS STILL MYSTERY".

Crop Circles

Several sections are dedicated to crop circles. An article from the "GOOLE & DISTRICT ADVERTISER" is mentioned, and the "WILTSHIRE TIMES" reported on a "SPARKLING DISC FILMED OVER CROP CIRCLES". The "SOUTHAMPTON EVENING ECHO" published an article titled "MORE MYSTERY CROP CIRCLES : PULL THE OTHER ANTENNA", noting that this summer's crop circles resembled "LEGLESS ANTS" and featured an aerial photograph taken near Cheesefoot Head. The controversy surrounding the formation of these circles is highlighted, with two main camps: one, including researchers Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, attributing them to a "HIGHER INTELLIGENCE", and another, including Japanese scientists, suggesting they are caused by an "ELECTRONICALLY CHARGED BALL OF AIR". A more popular, less serious theory is also mentioned: that they are created by "DRUNKEN STUDENTS".

A "LATE NEWS ITEM" from the "PORSTMOUTH NEWS" (July 1, 1991) details a "PUZZLED POLICE OFFICERS" investigation into a UFO seen falling from the sky at Southsea, which was dismissed by a spokesman as possibly "A SHEET OF ICE FALLING FROM AN HIGH ALTITUDE AIRCRAFT".

The "CROP CIRCLE UPDATE" section notes a decrease in reported formations in 1991 compared to 1990, with a significant portion of the remaining ones considered hoaxes. It also mentions arrests made during the creation of hoax formations and questions how pictograms can be explained if laboratory-created circles are accepted.

Another report from "MAIL ON SUNDAY" (August 25, 1991) and "IT'S COAST TO COAST" (August 29, 1991) describes a couple witnessing a formation being created, accompanied by mist, a high-pitched sound, and a strong wind, leaving them with a tingling feeling. Dr. Terence Meaden is cited as finding the story "magnificent".

Reports from the "SOUTHAMPTON EVENING ECHO" (August 16 & 30, 1991) mention a photograph of a "LEGLESS ANT" formation and reiterate the claims of Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews about higher intelligence.

Historical Sightings

A "MINIHS SIGHTING FROM THE PAST" section recounts a "DAILY MAIL" article from July 18, 1977, about PC Peter Frost spotting a "WHITE CIGAR-SHAPED OBJECT" hovering over Arkesden, Essex. The object was described as being "ABOUT 13,000 FEET HIGH & WAS VERY BIG" and stayed for "ABOUT 25 MINUTES". A similar object was reportedly seen by another woman in the same area. PC Frost reported the sighting to the Ministry of Defence and UFO experts.

Editorial and Other Content

The "EDITORIAL" section discusses "FLIGHT 19", questioning whether recently discovered aircraft wreckage off the Florida coast was indeed the famous Flight 19 lost in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945, given discrepancies in engine numbers. It raises the question of how five aircraft of the same make could be lost simultaneously in the same area.

An article from the "NATIONAL ENQUIRER" (August 27, 1991) is cited, revealing that NATO has had a UFO investigation since 1961 and a secret report concludes Earth has been under alien surveillance. This information is attributed to former Army Master Sgt Robert Dean and confirmed by retired French Col. Jean D'Arcier.

"WOMANS OWN MAGAZINE" (August 5, 1991) featured an article with the headline "I KNOW ALIENS ARE IN TOUCH WITH ME", including interviews with Phil Mantle (IUN) and Dr. Richard Lawrence, as well as individuals who claim to have lost time during UFO sightings.

Forthcoming Events and Resources

The newsletter lists upcoming events, including a lecture by Norman Oliver on "UFOS & COINCIDENCE" at The London Business School on October 5, 1991. It also mentions a scheduled Channel 4 program called "EQUINOX" in October, focusing on crop circles and their hoaxes.

"FORTEAN TIMES MAGAZINE" is recommended for purchase, priced at £2.00, for its coverage of occult topics, crop circles, and UFOs.

Three new audio tapes are advertised: "THE BOB LAZAR TAPE" (covering secret alien bases in the U.S.), "THE UFO OCCUPANTS" by Dr. X, and "SPACEMEN SHOWS US YOUR POWERS". A contact editor is available for a full list of approximately 60 audio tapes.

Sales and Services

Page 3 details "ITEMS FOR SALE", including a large collection of audio tapes (around 59), slides, UFO models, kits, books, posters, badges, T-shirts, and memorabilia. A catalogue is available from UFORIA. Specific books listed include works by Bill Moore, R. Chapman, Carl Sagan, B. Steiger, J. Whritenour, M. Flindt, O. Binder, J. Michell, and Le Poer Trench. A MUFON JOURNAL and a photocopy of original pages are also available. A new book, "ALIEN LIAISON : THE ULTIMATE SECRET" by Timothy Good, is also listed.

Page 4 provides "UFO HOILINES" with charges per minute for various services, including a BUFORA weekly news update and SKYLINE information. It also details the "COMPUTER UFO NETWORK/UFO REPORTING AND INFORMATION SERVICE", with contact numbers and operating hours for reporting and information functions. Useful addresses are provided for "Midnight Books" (Book Service) and "UFO BRIGANTIA", described as a bi-monthly journal of the Independent UFO Network (IUN), featuring articles on various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. Subscription rates for "UFO BRIGANTIA" are listed for the UK, Europe, and USA.

Meetings and Contact Information

The "NEXT MEETING" is scheduled for 7:30 PM at 25 Weston Grove Road, Woolston, Southampton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently presents a wide range of UFO and crop circle reports, often drawing from media sources. There's a clear interest in presenting different theories, from the more conventional (hoaxes, weather phenomena) to the more speculative (higher intelligence, alien surveillance). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities while also maintaining a critical eye, as evidenced by the parenthetical editorial comments (e.g., "(ED)" for editor's notes and skeptical remarks). The inclusion of sales items and contact information for reporting services suggests an active local UFO group aiming to inform and engage its members and the public.