SUFOG Newsletter No 024

Magazine Overview

This document is the July & August 1992 issue, number 24, of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. It is coordinated by Steve Gerrard and published in Southampton, UK. The newsletter primarily focuses on compiling reports of UFO sightings and crop circle phenomena from various newspapers and magazines, with a significant portion dedicated to events and articles from September 1991 and July-August 1992.

Regional UFO Reports (September 1991)

The newsletter meticulously lists regional newspaper articles from September 1991 concerning UFOs. These include reports such as 'EXPERTS BAFFLED BY UFO LIGHTS SPOTTED IN WEST' (Western Independent, 1.9.91), 'UFO EXPERTS INUNDATED WITH CALLS' (Paper Unknown, 5.9.91), and 'DID YOU SHARE MY CLOSE ENCOUNTER ?' (Gateshead Post, 5.9.91). Other articles touch upon the secrecy of UFOs, sightings of aircraft, and specific incidents like the 'DARTFORD CREEK UFO' (Dartford Times, 16.9.91). There are also mentions of meteorite theories, UFO mysteries, and questions about government cover-ups regarding UFO facts.

National Newspaper Reports (September 1991)

National newspaper coverage from September 1991 includes 'UFOS - THE EVIDENCE' from News of the World and 'MYSTERIES OF THE UNKNOWN' from The People, the latter being a four-page pull-out.

Crop Circle Articles (September 1991)

A substantial section is dedicated to crop circle articles from September 1991. Newspapers like the Sunday Telegraph, Mail on Sunday, and Daily Telegraph reported on the phenomenon, with some articles questioning whether it was a hoax or genuinely mysterious. The Somerset County Gazette featured an expert's opinion that a crop circle was not a hoax. The Southampton Echo reported on a 'CORN CIRCLE JOKE' that left an expert with 'EGG ON FACE'. Other articles discussed men who 'conned the world', growing phenomena, and experts investigating the circles. The Independent and The Guardian also featured articles on the topic.

Crop Circle Articles (July - August 1992)

Further crop circle reports from July and August 1992 are detailed. The Southampton Echo covered 'CIRCLES AROUND AGAIN' and a 'CROP CIRCLE HOAX BATTLE'. The Daily Mail discussed 'CULTIVATING A FIRST-CLASS CROP OF FAKES'. The Times reported on 'CROP CIRCLE HOAXERS GO FLAT OUT FOR PRIZE'. There are also mentions of a 'FIELD OF POWER CURED' and a 'CROP CIRCLE MYSTERY'. A book review of 'RAVISHING EXPERIENCE' is noted, and 'THE PEOPLE' published an article titled 'MOVE OVER E.T. THE REAL ALIEN IS HERE'. Chat Magazine featured 'I WAS ABDUCTED BY ALIENS'.

Crop Circle Up-Date: July - August 1992

This section provides a calendar of events, including the 'WORLDS FIRST CROP CIRCLE COMPETITION' in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and a 'LARGE SNAIL PATTERN FOUND IN FIELD' at Alton Barnes. A conference held by a cerealogist in Salisbury and a crop circle convention in Winchester are also mentioned. Three new books on crop circles are highlighted: 'CROP CIRCLES...CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE' by Pat Delgado, a book by Busty Taylor, and 'THE CIRCLEMAKERS' by Andrew Collins.

Dr Terence Meaden is quoted expressing his opinion that out of 120 sighted systems in 1992, he considered them all fakes. The section also includes a personal account of observing a 'DUMB-BELL IN SHAPE' crop circle formation near Maldon and a smaller plain circle formation near Colchester.

Items for Sale

The newsletter lists various items for sale, including around 100 audio tapes on UFOs and crop circles, a list of slides from other UFO groups, UFO models and kits, UFO entity figures, second-hand UFO books, posters, badges, and T-shirts. It also advertises VHS videos containing rare film footage and mentions new books to look out for, particularly those on crop circles.

UFO Hotlines and Services

Several UFO hotlines are listed, offering weekly news updates, information on astronomy and space exploration, and up-to-date information on UFOs. Computer UFO Network and Reporting/Information Service details are provided, including dial-in numbers and operating hours. Useful addresses for book services like Midnight Books and Atlantis Books are included, along with information on the 'UFO Brigantia' journal, which is described as a publication for serious researchers of the UFO phenomenon.

Conferences

Information on upcoming conferences is provided, including 'UFO 92' in Kent and the BUFORA 30th Anniversary Conference in London.

Magazine Reviews

• Reviews of several magazines are featured:
• FATE (August 1992): Noted for its content on UFOs in Puerto Rico, but considered not much worth the price.
• SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) (August/September 1992): Praised as a great magazine, covering the Livingstone UFO event, Loch Ness Project, and crop circles.
• CROPWATCHER No 11 (May/June 1992): Described as a 'must for the circle addict,' covering crop circle hoaxing and anomaly clustering.
• Pat Delgado's Newsletter (July 1992): Sadly noted as suspended, this issue covered a close encounter at Chilbolton and crop circle reports.
• Fortean Times (Number 64): Packed with Fortean news, including supernatural Spielberg, crop art, the Livingstone UFO plaque, and the Alternative 3 hoax.

Editorial Notes

The editor announces a change in the newsletter's format, with the purchase of an Amstrad 9512 word processor to improve layout and presentation, potentially leading to a larger circulation. Readers are asked to bear with any delays in receiving the next issue due to the learning curve with the new machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the investigation into their causes and authenticity. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent compilation and reporting of available information from various sources, presenting a wide range of perspectives from newspaper articles, expert opinions, and personal accounts. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, with a critical eye towards sensationalism. The newsletter actively promotes resources for further research, including books, magazines, and hotlines, positioning itself as a hub for UFO enthusiasts and researchers.