SUFOG Newsletter No 033

Magazine Overview

This document is Newsletter No. 33, published in July 1993 by the Southampton UFO Group. The primary focus of this issue is a compilation of media coverage, specifically newspaper articles, concerning UFO sightings and crop circles that appeared in May 1992. The newsletter also includes sections on crop circles, press cutting collection statistics, reviews of various UFO and paranormal magazines, and advertisements for related publications and events.

Media Coverage: Regional Newspapers

The newsletter presents a detailed list of regional newspaper articles from May 1992. These include:

• 2.5.92 GREENOCH TELEGRAPH: "BEAMING DOWN."
• 6.5.92 CHAD: "DON'T BE PUT OFF BY HOAX."
• 7.5.92 COLCHESTER EVENING GAZETTE: "DID YOU SEE THIS UFO ? (LETTER)."
• 13.5.92 EASTBOURNE GAZETTE: "WAS IT A PLANE ?"
• 14.5.92 COLCHESTER EVENING GAZETTE: "NO TITLE. (REFS TO UFO SIGHTING OVER COLCHESTER)."
• 18.5.92 LINCOLNSHIRE DAILY ECHO: "NO TITLE."
• 19.5.92 YORKSHIRE POST: "MOTHER KILLED 'TO SAVE HER FROM ALIENS.'"
• 20.5.92 ST ALBANS DISTRICT OBSERVER: "ALIEN LIAISON. BY TIMOTHY GOOD. (BOOK REVIEW)."
• 20.5.92 FENLAND GAZETTE: "FLOOD OF UFO SIGHTINGS."
• 21.5.92 WALTHAM FOREST GUARDIAN: "PULSATING UFO SEEN."
• 22.5.92 LONDON EVENING STANDARD: "NO TITLE."
• 23.5.92 ROCHDALE OBSERVER: "A FLASHLIGHT, A BALLOON, A LAUNDRY, AN MP & THAT DINGHY."
• 23.5.92 ROCHDALE OBSERVER: "ALL I'M ASKING FOR IS EVIDENCE. (LETTER)"
• 23.5.92 ROCHDALE OBSERVER: "I SAW THROUGH THE FLYING SAUCER. (LETTER)."
• 23.5.92 ROCHDALE OBSERVER: "GULLIBLE, WELL-MEANING PEOPLE IN HOPE."
• 25.5.92 BELFAST NEWSLETTER: "PROBING THE PARANORMAL. (BOOK REVIEW)."
• 27.5.92 HALSHAM GAZETTE: "GHOST PLANE MYSTERY DEEPENS."
• 28.5.92 WELWYN & HATFIELD REVIEW: "NO TITLE."
• 28.5.92 BOURNEMOUTH EVENING ECHO: "STAR GAZER'S NEW UFO SIGHTING."

Media Coverage: Other Publications

Further media reports are listed:

• CROP CIRCLES:
• 8.5.92 PAPER UNKNOWN: "MYSTERY VEILS CHARLTON LAKE SIGHTING."
• 29.5.92 PAPER UNKNOWN: "PINK UFO SIGHTED OVER PRESTON BROOK."
• TIMES (THE):
• 19.5.92: "EARTH MOVES IN AN ET WAY."
• NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS:
• 15.5.92 THE SUN: "BOB RELIVES A VERY CLOSE ENCOUNTER."
• 23.5.92 DAILY MIRROR: "NO TITLE."
• 23.5.92 THE INDEPENDENT: "ALL SPACED OUT."

Press Cutting Collection

The editor, Steve Gerrard, maintains a monthly running total of his press cutting collection and offers to provide articles for research. The collection statistics as of the newsletter's publication are:

• CROP CIRCLES: 692
• UK NATIONALS: 861
• UK REGIONALS: 2351
• HAMPSHIRE ARTICLES: 87
• NEWSPAPERS UNKNOWN: 592
• MAGAZINE ARTICLES: 211
• REST OF THE WORLD: 56
• SOUTHAMPTON ECHO: 388
• TIMES (THE): 135
• AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS: 505
• BERMUDA TRIANGLE: 2
• BIG FOOT: 4
• PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT: 1
• CATTLE MUTILATIONS: 13
• STEALTH FIGHTER/BOMBER: 2
• FACES ON MARS: 2
• MYSTERY CATS: 3
• AURORA PROJECT: 2
• SEARCH FOR ET: 3
• LOCH NESS MONSTER: 2

TOTAL: 6427

General Information

Useful Addresses:

• UNEXPLAINED BOOKS: PO BOX 1651, WARMINSTER, WILTSHIRE, BA14 9XJ.
• Quest International: 18 Hardy Meadows, Grassington, Skipton, N. Yorkshire BD23 5LR.

Slides:

A list of around 300 slides is available from Quest International.

Press/TV/Radio Matters (15.6.93 - 15.7.93):

• Southampton Evening Echo (17.6.93): Reviewed the film 'Fire In The Sky', based on the abduction of Travis Walton.
• This Morning (14.6.93): Featured Jenny Randles and a caller who reported a UFO sighting on the West coast of England and East coast of Ireland on 31 March 1993.
• Meridian News: A small item about seven hoaxed circles found in a field, with farmers union and police intending to prosecute those found creating circles.

Magazine Reviews

The newsletter reviews ten magazines received over the past four weeks:

1. Ufo Magazine (Quest International) - March/April 1993: Covers topics like the Phobos 2 Incident, The Hidden Agenda, the New Zealand UFO Wave of 1909, and recent UFO sightings. Contact: Quest International, 18 Hardy Meadows, Grassington, Skipton, N. Yorkshire BD23 5LR.
2. Circles Research (Maria Ward) - June 1993: Updates on 1993 formations and UFO sightings in Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire. Contact: Maria Ward, 1 Louvain Road, Greenhithe, Kent.
3. OVNI (Omar Fowler) - June 1993: Reviews the Mansfield conference, a UFO sighting at West Bridgeford, Nottingham, and a sighting in Turkey. Contact: Phenomenon Research Association, 12 Tilton Grove, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4GR.
4. Fortean Times - No 69: Discusses crop hoaxer groups in the UK and an interview with David Jacobs, author of 'Secret Lives'. Available through newsagents.
5. Cosmology Newslink - No.47: This edition does not cover UFOs, focusing instead on ghosts, fairies, the yeti, and dinosaurs. The magazine will cease at the end of the year and be replaced by a new psychic magazine. Contact: Edward Harris, 16 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DU.
6. Bufora (Ireland) Journal - Vol 1 and 2 1993: A new journal from Bufora Ireland, featuring articles on Irish sightings, Socorro, Roswell, and photographs of aliens. Contact: Bufora (Ireland) Branch, P.O. Box 3070, Whitehall, Dublin 9, Eire.
7. Crop Watcher (Paul Fuller) - No. 16 1993: Features news, views, and information on crop circle phenomena, including an interview with Doug Bower and a Physical Trace catalogue by Ted Phillips. Contact: Paul Fuller, 3 Selbourne Court, Tavistock Close, Romsey, Hampshire. S051 7TY.
8. The Circular Review: Journal of East Midlands, Yorks and Humberside branches of C.C.C.S.: A newsletter on the crop circle movement, listing formations from April to early June. Contact: Circular Review, 62 New Terrace, Pleasley, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG19 7PY.
9. The Hereford Ufo Research Group Journal - Issue 1 1993: A new journal with reviews, information, and case reports from the UK. Contact: Paul John, 6 Whitehouse Drive, Kingstone, Hereford, Herefordshire. HR2 9ER.
10. Northern UFO News (Jenny Randles) - No.161 June 1993: A magazine with news, reviews, and information. Contact: Jenny Randles, 37 Heathbank Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 0UP.

UFO Hot Lines

• Charges: 36p Standard Rate, 48p Peek Rates (Per Minute).
• Bufora Weekly News Update: 0898 121 886.

Second Hand Books For Sale

• Unidentified Flying Objects by Robert Chapman (1970): 50p plus postage.
• The Bermuda Triangle Mystery - Solved by Lawrence Kusche (1975): 50p plus postage.
• Mind Monsters by Jenny Randles (1990): £3.50 plus postage (cost £6.99 new).

Paul John also has the following books for sale:

• 2 copies of 'THE INTERUPTED JOURNEY': £1.50 + p & p
• 2 copies of 'CHARIOTS OF THE GODS': £1.50 + p & p
• 'RETURN TO THE STARS' (VON DANIKES): £1.50 + p & p
• 'BLACK HOLES: THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE': £1.00 + p & p
• 'THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE' (BERLITZ): £1.50 + p & p
• 'CHARIOTS OF THE GODS' (H/B): £3.00 + p & p
• 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST MYSTERIES' (BOAR): £1.50 + p & p
• 'SETI' (ASHPOLE) NEW BOOK: £5.00 + p & p

Videos to look out for

• Terrestrial Connection: (Presented by Richard C. Hoagland to the United Nations). Price £15 incl p & p. Contact: David Percy, 25 Belsize Park, London, NW3 4DV.
• The Warminster Thing: 2 HRS. VHS. £15.99. Contact: Unexplained Books, PO BOX 1651, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9XJ.
• UFO -> The Evidence: 90 Mins. £12.99 Plus £1 postage. Contact: Ufo Video Offer, Free Post, SW 6096, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1YA.

Subscription Details

The newsletter consists of no less than 4 double-sided A4 pages, including new cuttings. An extra page is included in summer months for crop circle news. The cost is £5 per year (including postage).

Monthly Events

• The IUN conference: Sheffield, 14/15 August. Contact Stewart Smith on Burnley (0282) 424837. Accommodation: around £35 per night, £8 per day conference entry fee. (The editor will be attending).
• Ufo magazine & Quest International Ufo congress 1993: Leeds, 25th September, 11am - 7.00pm. Prices: Adult £7, Under 16: £3.50. Contact: Quest International, 18 Hardy Meadows, Grossing, Skipton, N. Yorkshire. BD2 SLR.
• The Seventh International Ufo Congress: University of Bristol, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July 1993. Presented by BUFORA.

Magazines to look out for

• The Ufologist: Due out Nov/Dec 93. A 40-page magazine, A4 format, costing around £9 per year. More information closer to December.
• Wonderland: 60p per issue or £2.00 for 4. Contact: Craig Harris, 5 Willow Court, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 9HL.
• Gloucestershire Earth Mysteries: £5.75 per year for 3. Contact: Jo-Anne Wilder, Po Box 258, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 153 OET.

New Book

• The Warminster Triangle, by Ken Rogers. Due out 16th December. Available from: Specialist Knowledge Books, 20 Paul Street, Frome, BAIL IDX.

Round-up of recent sightings/reports

• Bristol area (end of June): Up to 30 people reported seeing up to 8 objects between 23.00hrs and 06.00hrs. More details are expected in the next newsletter.
• Warminster area (end of June): Two objects reported flying towards Cley hill. Subsequently, a circle was found in grass on Cop Heath nr Cradle hill, approximately 15ft across and burnt in places. A report of 5 shooting stars was also noted. A friend investigated Cop Heath and found the area mowed short with no sign of the circle.

Crop Circle Update (as of 5-7-93)

The newsletter provides a detailed list of crop circle locations, descriptions, sizes, and the type of crop:

• LITTLE HOWARD NR WINSLOW: SINGULAR CIRCLE, 45 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• NEWTON ST.LEO. BATH: (No details provided).
• ASTON ROWANT, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: LARGE RING, 30 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• WANTAGE BYPASS ALONG M40: SINGULAR CIRCLE, 30 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• SILBURY HILL: SINGULAR CIRCLE, 5 FT, GREEN WHEAT.
• IFIELD, NEAR MARLBOROUGH: SINGLE CIRCLE, 51 FT, RAPE.
• GLAISGATE CROSS, CHILTERNS: PLAIN CIRCLE, 60 FT, RAPE.
• COUNTY LOUGH, IRELAND: 4 CIRCLES, (No size or crop).
• SILBUERY HILL WEST: RINGED CIRCLE, (No size or crop), GREEN WHEAT.
• SOKE NR ROPLEY, WINCHESTER: CRESCENT SHAPE, (No size or crop), GREEN WHEAT.
• WEST ISLEY, OXFORD: SINGLE CIRCLE, 80 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• AST ISLEY, OXFORD: SINGLE CIRCLE (1), 62 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• EAST ISLEY, OXFORD: SINGLE CIRCLE (2), 30 FT, OIL SEED RAPE; SINGLE CIRCLE (3), 20 FT, OIL SEED RAPE. (Circles 1-3 were found within 300yds of each other).
• THE GALLOPS, BECKHAMPTON, WILTSHIRE: SINGLE CIRCLE, 15 FT, OIL SEED RAPE; SINGLE CIRCLE, 15 FT, OIL SEED RAPE; SINGLE CIRCLE, 20 FT, OIL SEED RAPE.
• THE AVENUE, AVEBURY, WILTSHIRE: A DUMBELL WITH 2 CIRCLES, 7 FT & 10 FT, OATS.
• WEST KENNET LONG BARROW: (No details provided).
• NORTH OF DEVIZES, (ROUND WAY HILL): 3 CIRCLES, (No size or crop).
• SOUTH OF DEVIZES: 2 PICTOGRAMS, (No size or crop).
• NORTH FARM, AVEBURY: (No details provided).
• SOMPTING, (W.SUSSEX): TRIANGLE OF 3 CIRCLES WITH ONE IN THE CENTRE, (No size or crop).
• SOUTH OF SILBURY HILL: RINGED CIRCLE. (WHOLE CIRCLE LAYED DOWN RADIALY), (No size or crop).

Advertisements

The newsletter includes advertisements for:

• LONDON UFO STUDIES: Head Office: 10A Tudor Road, Barking, Essex IG11 9RX. Tel: 081 594 4797.
• TOM TRUBRIDGE (CROP CIRCLE RESEARCH): 15 Westfield Rd, Gosport, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO12 3RU.
• INDEPENDENT UFO NETWORK: 15 Rydal Street, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 1HS.
• PAUL JOHN, HEREFORD UFO RESEARCH GROUP: 6 Whitehouse Drive, Kingstone, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 9ER.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: C/O Jenny Randles, 37 Heathbank Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 0UP.
• WORLD UFO JOURNAL: C/O Edward Harris, 16 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DU.
• MALCOLM ROBINSON, SPI: 41 The Braes, Tullibody, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, FK10 2TT.

Other Sightings and News

• Southampton sighting (end of June): Up to eight objects, described as orange/yellow circles of light, were seen over Totton. They appeared to disappear and then return in groups of two, one at a great height. Two objects then appeared to be 'driving' down a mountain road with sweeping lights.
• Warminster filming (around 3rd July): Possible filming of two UFOs over Warminster.
• North Wales sightings (early July): The editor is seeking information on any recent UFO sightings over North Wales in early July.
• Havant UFO Group: Information is sought about a crop circle/UFO group in the Havant area of Portsmouth, Hampshire.
• Sunday Telegraph 4.7.93 - New Light on Ghoulies: An article explaining that 'Will o' the Wisp' may be caused by diphosphane gas, which ignites spontaneously when released into the air. This gas is found in decaying organic matter and in the digestive tracts of animals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the media's portrayal of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent information gathering and dissemination, encouraging reader participation through submissions and press cutting contributions. The editor, Steve Gerrard, actively curates and reviews a wide range of UFO-related materials, from newspaper articles to specialized magazines and books, aiming to keep the Southampton UFO Group informed and to facilitate research within the community.