SUFOG Newsletter No 053

Magazine Overview

This document is the March 1995 issue (Number 53) of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. The cover features a drawing of an alien and lists the contents, including media reports, press cutting collections, magazine reviews, and details about an upcoming UFO conference. The newsletter is organized by Steve Gerrard, who is also a part-time policeman and a special constable.

Editorial

The editorial section, dated March 1995, apologizes for the newsletter's lateness, attributing it to the editor acquiring a new computer and organizing the 1995 UFO Conference. The main focus of the editorial is the controversial film allegedly showing the autopsy of an alien recovered from the Roswell crash. The editor discusses the film's prominence in British ufology and references an update from Maria Ward's newsletter, 'Circles Research'. Ward's account suggests the autopsy took place in a 'BARN' with doctors removing intestines, and notes a discrepancy between the film's date and the Roswell incident date (July 30, 1947). The editor expresses disbelief at an autopsy being performed in such unhygienic conditions and questions why the bodies weren't flown out to a proper mortuary.

The editorial also references an article by Philip Mantle of BUFORA in the 'Independent' newspaper (March 29, 1995), describing a scene in the desert with two men in white coats inspecting something on a bench. Mantle is quoted in the 'Daily Mail' (March 28, 1995) stating the film shows the inside of a 'temporary' structure, possibly a tent, lit by lamps. The editor sarcastically questions the need for 'Men In White' to wear miners' helmets with lamps if electric lighting was available.

The editor expresses skepticism about the Roswell film footage, warning potential buyers and noting its planned screening at the BUFORA conference in August. The editorial also mentions a new video titled 'Roswell' (possibly 'Roswell: The Movie') from Polygram Video, set for release on April 19, 1995, at a cost of £35.00.

Media Coverage - January 1994

This section provides an extensive compilation of media articles related to UFOs published in January 1994. It is categorized into Local Press Articles, Magazine Articles, National Articles, and Regional Articles. Each entry includes the date, the publication name, and the headline or a brief description of the article's content.

• Local Press: Includes an article from the 'Southampton Echo' titled 'ALIEN LIFE DEBATE IRRITATES EURO MP'.
• Magazine Articles: Lists articles from 'The Universe', 'Private Eye', and 'The Tablet'.
• National Articles: Features headlines from publications like the 'Daily Mail', 'The Sun', 'The Independent', 'The Guardian', 'Today', 'People', and 'Sunday Telegraph', covering topics ranging from flying saucers and alien encounters to government interest in extraterrestrial life.
• Regional Articles: A comprehensive list of articles from various regional newspapers across the UK, with headlines such as 'FLYING SAUCERS PUT TEDDY IN A SPIN', 'MP HITS THE ROOF OVER EC PLANE FOR UFO OBSERVATORY', 'MYSTERY UFO SIGHTING', and 'UFOS THAT STRUCK EURO-MPS DUMB'.

Press Cutting Collection

This section details the editor's ongoing effort to maintain a monthly running total of press cuttings. The total number of cuttings is 7,534. The collection is categorized by topic, including Crop Circles (807), UK Nationals (1003), UK Regionals (3393), Hampshire Articles (104), Newspaper Unknown (660), Magazine Articles (278), and Rest of the World (59). Specific topics like Bermuda Triangle, Bigfoot, Cattle Mutilations, and Loch Ness Monster are also listed with their respective counts.

Press/TV/Radio Matters (February-March 1995)

This section reviews media coverage from mid-February to mid-March 1995.

• 23.2.95 (Southampton Evening Echo): An article titled 'WE ARE NOT ALONE!' announces a Hampshire conference organized by Steve Gerrard, attracting UFO spotters worldwide. It highlights Gerrard's role as organizer of the Southampton UFO Group and mentions his extensive collection of press cuttings, books, and videos. Gerrard recounts a personal sighting of a 'big ball of orange light' over Hythe in 1985. He states that 96% of sightings can be explained, but the remaining 4% are of interest. He also suggests the government is covering up information about extraterrestrial life due to potential panic. The conference was scheduled for April 22 at Warblington Secondary School, Portsmouth.
• 5.3.95 (The People): An article titled 'ALIENS ARE CAPTURED....ON FILM' discusses Reg Presley's appearance on 'Ann & Nick' and his comments about the Roswell incident film. The article suggests Presley's statements have upset people and mentions the film will be available on video in April.
• 7.3.95 (The Portsmouth News): This article is noted as being better than a second article from the same publication, focusing on the Portsmouth group and promoting the conference.
• 11.3.95 (The Portsmouth News): Titled 'SEARCHING SKYLINE FOR THOSE VISITING ALIENS', this article is seen as advertising for events. While it covers the Portsmouth group (Southern Paranormal Investigations), the journalist is accused of twisting words, though the article is credited with providing publicity for the 1995 UFO Conference.

• Radio:
• 16.2.95 (BBC Radio 2, Jamessons Show): Peter Hough was interviewed about his new book 'Supernatural Britain'.
• 2.3.95 (BBC Radio Solent): Steve Gerrard was featured, discussing the UFO conference and conspiracy theories. He mentioned being employed by Hampshire Police Authority.

• Television:
• 16.2.95 (The X-Files): The program is praised for its content, particularly an episode involving a listening station in Puerto Rico making 'Contact'. The editor gives it 10 out of 10.
• 18.2.95 (Discovery Channel): This program focused on the Stealth A117 fighter, its development, aerial footage, and pilot interviews. It is described as a very interesting look at an aircraft often blamed for UFO reports and is given a rating of 10 out of 10.
• 2.3.95 (Ester Ransen talk show): The editor felt Maria Ward was not given a fair chance and that Ester Ransen did not believe the featured stories. The audience's reaction is also noted as strange. The program featured Harry Harris and Alan Godfrey, along with two abducted females. It received a rating of 6 out of 10.

Magazine Reviews

• 1. ENIGMAS (Feb/Mar 95): Features articles on 'Aliens ripped Bob's trousers !', S.P.I Case research, UFO reports from Margaret Fry, Fireside Tales, Magazine Reviews, Clash of the Ufologists, and book reviews. Contact details for Malcolm Robinson are provided.
• 2. Northern UFO News (No 169 Winter 95): Includes a review of recent television events, a roundup of news, magazine reviews, books, and recent cases. Contact details for Jenny Randles are provided.
• 3. ENIGMA (No5 Spring 1995): Covers crop circle happenings, CSETI fieldwork report 1994, a UFO sighting at Silbury Hill, and archive UFO reports. Contact details for Paul Vigay are provided.
• 4. UFOMEK (U.F.O Monitors East Kent) Newsletter No 8 1995: Contains group news, sightings, newsletter and magazine reviews, and recent press cuttings. Contact details for UFOMEK are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the extensive media coverage of UFO phenomena, particularly the Roswell incident, and the promotion of UFO-related events and research groups. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, particularly regarding sensationalized accounts like the Roswell autopsy film, while also acknowledging the public's fascination and the ongoing interest in unexplained aerial phenomena. The newsletter actively compiles and disseminates information from various media sources and encourages engagement through conferences and publications. There is a clear emphasis on cataloging and analyzing UFO reports and media mentions.

This document appears to be a newsletter or fanzine, likely titled "UFO HOTLINE" or similar, with a focus on UFO publications and related events. It includes reviews of several UFO magazines and journals, a personal account of a UFO sighting, and details about upcoming UFO-related events and subscription information. The content is primarily focused on the UFO phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on news and analysis from various publications.

Reviews of UFO Publications

Phenomena Magazine

The newsletter reviews "Phenomena Magazine," Issue 2, dated Jan/Feb 1995. The reviewer notes it as an improvement over the first edition, covering topics such as secret societies, T.R.E.A.T. (via the Internet), the "Who shot JFK?" mystery, the Meier Case, and a review of 1994. Contact details are provided for "Phenomena" via Andy at 10 Ceredig Court, Llanyrafon, Cwmbran, Gwent, NP44 8SA.

World UFO Journal

"World UFO Journal," No 8, 1995, is described as a magazine packed with news, views, and information. Key articles mentioned include one by Ros Reynolds-Parnham, who claims to have been abducted and raped by aliens, numerous press articles on UFO cases, and details about the Roswell declaration. For more information, readers are directed to contact Edward Harris at 16 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DU.

UFO Magazine

"UFO Magazine," Vol 10 No 1, Jan/Feb 1995, is highlighted as one of three American magazines received by the reviewer, considered one of the best available. This edition reportedly covers New Mexican cattle mutilations, questioning documents, and includes book reviews. Contact details are not provided for this publication within the review.

Heartland UFO Journal

"Heartland UFO Journal," No 31, Oct 94, is praised for its local focus and monthly publication. The reviewer enjoys this magazine, noting that this edition includes an article on "Alien abduction: overcoming the first hurdle" and a "large object covered with lights." Contact information for Heartland UFO Journal is provided: Po Box 440, Lockwood, MO 65682, USA.

UFO Hotline Details

The "UFO HOTLINE" section provides contact details for a telephone service, with charges listed as 36p Standard Rate and 48p Peak Rate per minute. The number provided is 0891 121 886, associated with "Bufora Weekly News Update."

Newsletter Subscription Details

The newsletter itself consists of no less than 5 double-sided A4 pages, with newscuttings that may be of interest. During the summer months, around April, an extra page is included to cover crop circle news. The subscription cost is £5 per year, including postage. The newsletter is published "MONTHLY."

Video and Audio Material

A collection of video and audio material is offered, described as possibly the largest in Southern England, containing references to 151 videos and 320 audio tapes. Catalogues are available for 4 first-class stamps (for one type) or 6 first-class stamps (for both). The editor is open to exchanging video or audio material.

Letter From America

A letter from Chester Grusinski of Michigan recounts a UFO sighting in 1958 from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. While on a shake-down cruise near Gitmo, Cuba, a cigar-shaped object with windows approached the ship, with figures visible inside. The object turned a red-orange color and departed rapidly. The incident was reportedly kept quiet, and Chester Grusinski has sent multiple letters from other witnesses and documents for future review.

UFO Talk Oaklands Community School Event

An event at Oaklands Community School on 23 February 1995 is described. The author attended a talk for the Paranormal Studies & Investigations Group, which lasted about an hour. The author presented 3 cases they had dealt with over the past 5 years to an audience of approximately 40 members, followed by questions and a debate.

Tail Ender...Conference 95

An update on the 1995 UFO conference scheduled for 22nd April is provided. As of 6th April 1995, 195 tickets had been sold, with only 5 tickets remaining before the conference. An additional 50 tickets will be available at the door on the day. Speakers are confirmed, and someone will be present to sell food and drink. Items available for purchase at the conference include video material, audio material, new and secondhand books, magazines, and T-shirts/baseball caps with logos, and computer discs. The organizers hope to run a similar event in 12-15 months if this one is successful.

Readers' Letters

A new feature is introduced: a readers' letter page. The editor invites readers to send in their letters for publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the review and discussion of UFO-related publications, personal accounts of UFO sightings and experiences (including abduction and close encounters), and information about UFO events and resources. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO community, providing a platform for news, personal testimonies, and critical analysis of the phenomenon through various media. There is a clear effort to connect readers with different sources of information and to foster a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts.