SUFOG Newsletter No 023

Magazine Overview

This document is the June 1992 issue, number 23, of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. It is coordinated by Steve Gerrard and published by the Southampton UFO Group. The newsletter's primary focus is to compile and present information from various media sources regarding UFO sightings and crop circle phenomena, particularly drawing from articles published in August 1991.

What the Papers Say for August '91

The newsletter meticulously lists newspaper and magazine articles from August 1991, categorized by publication type (Paper Unknown, Regionals, Magazines, Locals, World, Nationals). This section serves as a media digest, showcasing how UFOs and related phenomena were reported across different outlets. Notable regional reports include a 'Riddle Of Droning Red & Green ufo' from Hull Daily Mail, a 'Close Encounters Of The Balled Kind' from Mansfield & Sutton Observer, and a 'Silent Ufo' hovering over Dalby reported by Yorkshire Gazette. National coverage includes 'Ufo Watchers Declare War on Little Green Men' from The Guardian and 'ET Scoop Comes Down To Earth' from The Times.

Crop Circle Articles

This extensive section collates numerous articles concerning crop circles, predominantly from August 1991. It reflects a significant media interest in the topic, with headlines ranging from 'Corn Circles Ufo Theory Is Scorned' (Bucks Examiner) to 'Crop Circles Take The Underground' (Independent on Sunday). The articles highlight the ongoing debate about the authenticity of crop circles, with many suggesting they are hoaxes. Specific reports mention 'Cornfield Mystery Shape Is Back' (Colchester Evening Gazette) and 'Mystery Over New Corn Circle' (W. Wales Weekly News).

Crop Circles as of July 1.92

This section provides an update on crop circles as of July 1992, noting that they are appearing and that 'hoax circles are winning the day'. It discusses rules about entering fields and the potential for prosecution. The article highlights the division among experts, such as Pat Delgado and George Wingfield, regarding the genuineness of formations. It then lists specific formations found since the last newsletter, including those at Chilbolton, Beckhampton (Baltic Farm and Furze Farm), Upton Scudamore, Warminster, Mitchel Dever station, Blacklands, and Lockeridge. The 'Grape Shot' formations at Lockeridge are described in detail, with observations from aerial views.

Further details are provided on 'The Devil's Punch Bowl nr Winchester' formations, described as hoaxes. The newsletter also mentions a competition launched by the C.C.C.S. to create crop circles at night, with a prize of £3,000, questioning if it will turn into a 'media circus'.

Personal Encounters

This section introduces a series of upcoming articles detailing encounters with the strange and unknown. It presents one specific incident in detail: 'PC HEAD OVER HEALS NEAR UPPER HEYFORD AF BASE, OXFORDSHIRE'. This account, taken first-hand from the police constable involved, describes a mysterious event where the officer lost approximately 40 minutes of time, during which his police car was moved 300 yards and ended up on its roof. No obstruction was found on the road, and the car, which was new, had no mechanical faults. The incident remains unexplained, particularly the loss of time and the short distance traveled in that period.

Items for Sale

This section lists various items available for purchase, including approximately 90 audio tapes on UFOs and crop circles, with costs ranging from £3 to £5. It also offers a list of slides from other UFO groups concerning UFOs. Additionally, there is a 'FOR SALE' section for UFO models, kits, entity figures, books, posters, badges, and T-shirts, with contact information for UFORIA and a UFO-LINE number.

Useful Addresses

Provides contact details for several organizations and services related to UFO research, including Book Service (Midnight Books), Northern UFO News, and SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) with Malcolm Robinson. It also lists a new book, 'SIGNIFICANCE OF BENT STEMS IN CROP CIRCLES' by Omar Fowler, available for £6.50.

UFO Headlines & Computer Services

This section provides telephone numbers for UFO headlines, including a weekly news update, information on astronomy and space exploration, and up-to-date information on UFOs. It also details computer UFO network and reporting services, including a computer line number and reporting service functions with specific operating hours and time zones. The newsletter also advertises two 3-hour VHS videos for sale on the subject of UFOs.

UFO Brigantia & Subscription Rates

This part promotes 'UFO Brigantia', a bi-monthly journal from the Independent UFO Network (IUN), described as essential for serious UFO researchers. It details the journal's content, including articles, archive cases, and reviews. Subscription rates for six issues are provided for the UK, Europe, and the USA.

Items for Sale at Give Away Prices

This section lists several books on UFO topics with prices, such as 'Flying Saucers are Hostile' by Brad Steiger and 'The Cosmic Question' by Karl Sagan. It also offers all listed items for a combined price of £5.00 plus postage.

Next Meeting

Announces the next meeting of the Southampton UFO Group, scheduled for 7:30 pm at 25 Weston Grove Road, Woolston, Southampton.

Editorial

The editorial section addresses the reader's potential need for elusive newspaper or magazine articles on UFO sightings or crop circle formations. The editor highlights their extensive collection of approximately 4,035 articles dating back to the 1940s, broken down by category (UK Articles, World Articles, Magazine Articles, USA/Canada Articles, Origin/Date Unknown, Southampton Echo, Nationals (UK), Crop Circles). The editor is seeking assistance in building an index and is looking for specific articles, offering to send a wants list to interested readers. They also mention acquiring twenty more crop circle articles from the early 1980s.

Media News

Reports that Colin Andrews was interviewed by 'South Today' on 22.6.92 regarding an upcoming crop watch event. The event, estimated to cost one million pounds and involving American and Japanese participants, aims to solve the mystery of crop circles. The editor expresses hope that hoaxers will not disrupt the event and that any verified circles will be properly documented.

Conferences

Details two upcoming conferences: the '1st International Conference on Crop Circles: The Enigma Of The 90's' in Winchester (July 17-19, 1992) with contact information and costs, and the Sheffield Conference (August 15-16, 1992) with details available from the editor.

Magazine Review

Provides reviews of several magazines:

1. Northern UFO News (No. 155, June 1992): Described as a must for ufologists, packed with news, reviews, sightings, and media news.
2. SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) (May/June 1992, No. 28): Praised as interesting and a very good read, available for £7.50 for 5 issues.
3. Fortean Times (No. 63): Features 66 pages on strange phenomena, including a pull-out on crop circles and an article on amphibious aliens. Nigel Watson's article 'Ufos: Really Fantastic' is also mentioned.
4. Weekly World News (Unsolved Mysteries, June 1992): Criticized as 'utter tripe' with sensationalist titles like 'Mexican valley is secret base for 500 ufos'.
5. Quest (May/June 1992, Vol. 11 No. 2): Notes a new format and content focused on secret services, with crop circles also mentioned. It anticipates 'shattering' news for crop circle hunters in the next issue.
6. Martian Horizons (Vol. 1-3, 1991/2): Highly recommended for its in-depth look at Mars and the Cydonia Region, comparing structures seen there with Earth phenomena and crop circles.

Further Magazine Review Notes

Continues the review of Martian Horizons, discussing its comparison of Martian structures with Earth phenomena and crop circles. It mentions that copies are available at a nominal cost to cover postage. The editor plans to review magazines from Paul Fuller and Pat Delgado in the next issue and invites readers to submit their own reviews.

Last Minute News

Reports that Pat Delgado is reportedly suspending his crop circle newsletter, with more details to follow in the July newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the media's portrayal of these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on cataloging and analyzing media reports, with a critical eye towards sensationalism and potential hoaxes, particularly concerning crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research and information gathering, encouraging reader participation and aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the UFO and crop circle landscape as reported in the press. The newsletter also highlights the ongoing mystery and unexplained aspects of some reported incidents, such as the police car incident.