SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This document is the August 1994 issue (Number 46) of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. It is a monthly publication that covers a wide range of topics related to UFOs and related phenomena, including crop circles, media coverage, and reviews of other publications. The newsletter is organized by Steve Gerrard, with contact details provided.

Editors Corner

The 'Editors Corner' section reflects on the end of the summer harvest season and the crop circle phenomenon. It notes that this year has seen a significant amount of hoaxing, with over 100 formations reported, primarily in Wiltshire. The editor expresses concern that the crop circle scene is becoming 'more violent' and that the cause of genuine circles remains unknown. The editor also anticipates an increase in television programs about UFOs, questioning the sudden interest from broadcasters and suggesting it's an opportunity to engage the public. The upcoming 1995 UFO Conference is announced, with tickets priced at £5 and limited to 100 seats, scheduled for April 22nd, 1995.

Media Coverage

The newsletter meticulously lists media articles related to UFOs and crop circles, categorized by date and publication. This section spans several pages and includes local, regional, national, and magazine articles from June 1993 through August 1994. Notable headlines include 'UFO PHOTOS NOT ENOUGH TO CONVINCE' (Portsmouth News), 'SPACED OUT JONATHAN' (Daily Mirror), 'I WAS SNATCHED BY ALIENS..HONEST' (Today), and 'LIGHTS IN THE SKY HAD TO BE UFO'S' (Paper Unknown).

Press/TV/Radio Matters

This section provides a more detailed look at specific media reports. A report from the 'Independent on Sunday' on July 3rd, 1994, quotes Defence Minister Lord Cranbourne admitting the government's open-mindedness towards 'strange things' in the sky. Another report from the 'Daily Mail' on July 22nd, 1994, discusses sightings of a 'Beast of Otmoor', a wild panther-type cat near Oxford, which is presented alongside UFO-related content, possibly as a parallel mystery or misidentification.

Jupiter Impact

A 'Daily Mail' article from July 22nd, 1994, reports on the impact of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter, describing the event as a 'gigantic scar' and a massive explosion. This is presented as a cosmic event of significant scale.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus Report

A brief mention of an article from the 'Bradford Telegraph & Argus' on April 30th, 1994, states that Bufora reported 167 sightings so far that year, questioning whether this is a national total or just reported to Bufora.

Magazine Reviews

The newsletter includes reviews of several UFO-related magazines and publications:

• WORLD UFO JOURNAL: No 6 1994: Described as packed with news, press cuttings, and reader letters, covering recent UFO sightings.
• OVNI: JULY 1994: Edited by Omar Fowler, this edition covers an international awareness program, a flying triangle mystery, and a UFO report from Derbyshire.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: No 166 Summer 1994: Edited by Jenny, this magazine is praised for being informative and well-presented. It notes a vote of no confidence against Jenny by a Bufora member, leading to a change in position. The review mentions Jenny's magazine covers media matters, book reviews, and northern sightings.
• CROP WATCHER: No 22 SUMMER 1994: Edited by Paul Fuller, this edition focuses on the 1994 crop circle season, ice rings, CSETI reports, and book reviews. It is recommended.
• SOUTHERN PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS (PORTSMOUTH) NO. 8 1994: This edition features an article by Steve Alexander, news on 1994 crop circles, and a sighting in Hampshire.
• AWARENESS: VOL 19 No 4 1994: This magazine from Contact International (UK) visits public records, propulsion systems displayed by UFOs, and the 15th year of crop circles.
• CONTACT INTERNATIONAL UFO REGISTER: VOL 15 1994: A journal from Contact International (UK) that records and disseminates factual information about UFO phenomena, including reported sightings, case summaries, and descriptions.
• CENAP: NO 216 MAY 94: An excellent magazine in German, edited by Werner Walter, covering sighting reports, German press cuttings, UK UFO sightings, and German UFO reports.
• ENIGMA: NO 3 SUMMER 1994: A relatively new magazine focusing on crop circles and UFOs, covering hoaxing, computerised crop circle formations, the Bythorn Crop Formation, AAC day of action, survival after death, and haunted places.

Press Cutting Collection Summary

The newsletter details a comprehensive press cutting collection, with a running total of 7132 items. The collection is categorized by subject, with 'Crop Circles' having the largest number of entries (784 UK Nationals, 965 UK Regionals, 3136 Hampshire Articles, 92 Newspaper Unknown, 649 Magazine Articles). Other categories include 'Rest of the World', 'Bigfoot', 'Philadelphia Experiment', 'Cattle Mutilations', 'Stealth Fighter/Bomber', 'Faces on Mars', 'Mystery Cats', 'Aurora Project', 'Search for ET', and 'Loch Ness Monster'.

Update of Crop Circle Formations 1994

This section provides details of crop circle formations found between July 1st and August 15th, 1994:

• July 3rd, 1994: A circle, 40-50ft in diameter, consisting of two outer rings and a main centre circle, found near Up-Park House, West Sussex. This formation was concluded to be a hoax by the Southern Paranormal Investigations Group.
• July, 1994: A couple of formations were found in Derbyshire.
• July 16th, 1994: A 25m circle with a passage on the southeast side was found in the Cowdown Area, Andover, Hampshire.
• July 16-20, 1994: A formation described as a 'PICTOGRAM' was found at Cheesefoot Head, Winchester, Hampshire.

Books for Sale

A list of books is provided for sale, with prices ranging from £1.50 to £7.00 plus postage. Titles include 'The UFO Encyclopedia', 'UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse', 'More UFO's Over Warminster', and 'Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind (Fiction)'.

New Book to Look Out For

'Allergies & Aliens' by Albert Budden is recommended, with availability from 17 Brook Road South, Brentford, Middlesex, for £5.50.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles (including hoaxing and updates), UFO sightings reported in various media, and reviews of other UFO publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting of sightings and providing a platform for discussion through the newsletter and the upcoming conference. There is a clear emphasis on cataloging media coverage and sharing information from various sources within the UFO community.

This issue of ENIGMAS: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS features a range of topics related to the unexplained, with a strong emphasis on crop circles and UFO phenomena. The cover highlights investigations into UFOs, crop circles, poltergeists, and other psychic experiences. The issue includes news updates, event announcements, and discussions of recent sightings and mysteries.

Crop Circle Reports

The magazine details several crop circle formations. On 24th July, a formation in East Dean, Sussex, described as a circle with a half moon and satellite circles, was investigated by the Southern Paranormal Investigation Group (Portsmouth) and deemed a hoax. In July, the Alton Barnes 'Eye' formation appeared in Wiltshire, prompting speculation about its meaning. A friend of the editor reported seeing someone leaving the formation in the early hours with a drum or garden roller, suggesting a hoaxer. Another report mentions a new formation in the Punch Bowl at Cheesefoot Head, where observers noted vehicles and individuals seemingly setting a trap for those in the formation. Additionally, researchers in Wiltshire encountered men in yellow uniforms with pick axe handles near a formation, indicating a potentially hostile environment for investigators.

Featured Articles and Books

A significant portion of the content is dedicated to the work of Busty Taylor, a renowned crop circle photographer from Wiltshire. The article details his expertise in photography, flying, and his role as a founder member of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies. His photographs have been featured in numerous documentaries and publications. The issue also promotes the book 'Without Consent' by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle, which investigates the abduction phenomenon in the British Isles, drawing on researched case accounts and witness interviews.

Television and Events

Information is provided about the BBC television show 'OUT OF THIS WORLD', an investigation into paranormal experiences presented by Sue Cook. The show was recorded at Television Centre on Tuesday, 13th September 1994. The magazine also announces a change of venue for a forthcoming two-day conference in Blackpool, organized by LAPIS, which will now be held at the Park House Hotel. Furthermore, details are given for a 1995 One Day UFO Conference to be held in Portsmouth on 22nd April, with proposed speakers including Paul Fuller, Gordon Millington (SIGAP), Roy Lake (London UFO Studies), and Malcolm Terry (Andover Group). Contact for details is Steve Gerrard.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial tone suggests a serious approach to investigating unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the challenges faced by researchers. The 'ED' signature on a cautionary note implies a personal involvement and concern for the safety of those exploring these phenomena. Recurring themes include the mystery of crop circles, the reality of UFO sightings, and the psychological and physical aspects of alleged alien abductions. The magazine aims to inform and engage readers interested in the paranormal and the unknown, providing a platform for news, research, and event information within the UFO and strange phenomena community.