SUFOG Newsletter No 056

Magazine Overview

This document is the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter, Issue No. 56, dated June 1995. It is published by the Southampton UFO Group and organized by Steve Gerrard. The newsletter covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including analysis of alleged UFO footage, crop circle reports, media coverage, and reviews of other publications and television programs.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled 'EDITORIAL.', discusses the author's review of press articles concerning a famous photograph taken by Gordon Faulkner on August 29, 1965. The articles from April of the previous year claimed the photograph was of a cotton reel and other items, dismissing it as a hoax. The author notes that over the years, many photographs and films have been proven to be hoaxes or misinterpretations of objects like airplanes, birds, stars, and planets. The editorial specifically addresses the Roswell film, stating that it is likely a hoax and that more people are coming to this conclusion. The film has not garnered the media attention the finder(s) might have expected, and the media has been silent. The author references the May/June edition of UFO Magazine, where Stanton Friedman, who has been denied access to the film, raises several points that cast doubt on its authenticity:

1. No military records could be found of the 82-year-old American gentleman who allegedly made a secret copy of the film.
2. Kodak has no record or knowledge of this film, contradicting statements made by Philip Mantle of BUFORA in the national press.
3. President Truman's diaries for the relevant period show no visits outside Washington D.C., despite him allegedly appearing in the film footage.

A fourth point of contention is the presence of a coiled telephone wire in the film, a type of cable that was not used on phones until approximately 1949/50.

The editorial concludes by warning investigators about the dangers of admitting a photograph or video is genuine without thorough investigation, as it can lead to embarrassment or regret.

What the Media Had to Say in April 1994

This section provides a list of national and regional newspaper articles from April 1994 related to UFOs. The national articles include:

• The Guardian (9.4.94): 'Not seen but Herd.'
• The Guardian (15.4.94): 'Clouding the UFO Issue.'
• Daily Mail (15.4.94): 'Why they never Cottoned on to the Thing.'

The regional articles list numerous newspaper titles and their respective articles, such as 'Warminster Journal: Pub Talk,' 'Wakefield Express: UFO Body Believes 'Sightings Genuine',' and 'Ipswich Evening Star: UFO Hunt.'

Press Cutting Collection

The author maintains a monthly running total of their press cutting collection. This section lists the number of articles collected by category:

• Crop Circles: 815
• UK Nationals: 1011
• UK Regionals: 3455
• Hampshire Articles: 107
• Newspaper Unknown: 661
• Magazine Articles: 279
• Rest of the World: 59
• Southampton Echo: 401
• Times (The): 148
• American Articles: 570
• Bermuda Triangle: 3

Additionally, there is a list of other topics with their corresponding article counts:

• Bigfoot: 4
• Philadelphia Experiment: 1
• Cattle Mutilations: 13
• Stealth Fighter/Bomber: 5
• Faces on Mars: 3
• Mystery Cats: 22
• Aurora Project: 3
• Search for ET: 2
• Loch Ness Monster: 2

The total number of press cuttings is 7620.

Press/TV/Radio Matters Over the Past Month (15.5.95 - 15.6.95)

This section details recent media coverage of UFO-related topics:

• 24.4.95: Portsmouth News: 'UFO Conference is out of this World.' This is a repeat of a previous article, featuring a different caption and photograph of UFO researcher Margaret Fry. It was reviewed in the previous newsletter.
• 19.5.95: Independent (The): 'Big Bangs and Barking Bishops.' This is the fifth part of a series on modern beliefs and UFOs. It discusses the nature of Ufology, the feuds within the community, and suggests a more sinister explanation involving governments.
• 19.5.95: Southampton Evening Echo: 'Circle Crops Up.' Reports on the first mystery pattern in a field between Winchester and Basingstoke, comprising six circles and straight lines in oilseed rape.

Crop Circle Discussion

The crop circle riddle has fascinated the nation, with theories ranging from pranksters to electrified whirlwinds and UFOs. The article 'Stalk of the town as circle crops up' (20.5.95, Southampton Evening Echo) describes the first crop circle of the year in Hampshire, located between Winchester and Basingstoke. The exact location is kept secret to protect the farmer's crop. The complex shape consists of six circles and straight lines. The riddle of crop circles gained attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with theories involving whirlwinds and aliens. In 1991, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley claimed responsibility, but were dismissed by experts. Despite their retirement, circles continued to appear.

Lucy Pringle, a researcher, inspected a formation dubbed a 'pictogram' and described it as magnificent and spectacular, noting that some stems were broken but most were intact. Oilseed rape stems are described as thick, like 'sticks of celery,' and experts believe it is impossible to bend them without snapping, suggesting this as evidence against hoaxing.

'Still lord of the Rings' (22.5.95, Southampton Evening Echo) revisits Doug Bower, the crop circle hoaxer. The article notes that he claims to have retired but questions whether he can be believed. It suggests that if one sees an old man dressed in funny clothing running around with small figures in a field, they might be 'In Circles' trying to find their way out of a 'Maze' or trying to find a 'Key'.

'Encounters of the UFO Kind' (27.5.95, Southampton Evening Echo) is a book review of 'The Complete book of UFOs' by Peter Hough and Jenny Randles, subtitled 'An Investigation into Alien Contacts and Encounters.' The book is described as covering many sightings of extra-terrestrial activity and is considered both splendid and scary, with some abduction stories being funny and nonsensical, while others leave a hollow feeling.

Further Media and Book Reviews

• 3.6.95: Independent (The): 'UFO prof could find himself alienated.' This article discusses Dr. John Mack, author of 'Abductions: Human Encounters with Aliens,' who suggests millions of Americans may have been victims of alien sexual experiments. A committee was formed to investigate his beliefs.
• 31.5.95: Southampton Evening Echo: 'Light show sparks UFO alert.' A UFO scare occurred when a couple spotted strange revolving shapes in the sky. Janine Atkinson described seeing a ring of small lights and a larger disk. However, Havant-based UFO expert Chris Harrison suggested a terrestrial explanation: searchlights used for an event at Southsea's Pyramid Center.
• 10.6.95: Southampton Evening echo: 'Going round in circles (Letter).' A letter questioning why crop circle hoaxers Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, or anyone else, have never been caught despite their claims.

The newsletter also discusses the mystery of crop circles, noting that despite years of reports, no one has ever reported seeing the hoaxers making them. The author suggests that farmers and landowners would be vigilant, and the public would report suspicious sightings, implying there is more to it than meets the eye.

Television Reviews

• 21.5.95: Mysteries: Crop Circle Communiqué 2: Revelations. A video documenting hoaxers making crop circles in England. It is available from local video stockists.
• 21.5.95: Mysteries, Magic and Miracles: UFO's: Are we alone... A short program featuring interviews with Dr. Frank Strange and Sean Morton, discussing Roswell, New Mexico sightings, and Area 51. It is described as having nothing new but serving as a 'space filler'.
• 28.5.95: Mysteries: ET Please Phone Earth. A repeat of an Australian program about SETI and a mystery signal from space in the 1970s.
• 7.6.95: Arthur C. Clarkes Mysterious Universe. This program looked at reports and sightings of mystery cats worldwide, offering pictorial evidence and discussing animals like the Tasmanian Wolf. Arthur C. Clarke concluded that these animals should not be killed but captured alive.
• 11.6.95: Mysteries, Magic and Miracles: 'Are the Governments keeping secrets about UFO's.' This program focused on the Roswell case of July 1947, including interviews with Roswell residents and Senator Shipp. It is described as not offering much new information, as the Roswell case has been extensively covered.
• 14.6.95: Arthur C. Clarkes Mysterious Universe. Arthur C. Clarke examined evidence for alien encounters, concluding that he thought the idea was absurd and that visitors had not been to Earth. The author of the newsletter expresses concern that people experiencing such phenomena need guidance and help rather than being dismissed.

Magazine Reviews

• 1. Enigmas. No 40. May/June 95. Malcolm Robinson's magazine is described as packed with news, views, and information, including UFO reports from the local area. It features a large magazine review and book/video reviews. Contact information for Malcolm Robinson is provided.
• 2. The Circle Hunter. No 14. May 95. A 20-page edition focusing on crop circles, including the Eccleston bubble formation, Hampshire formations from 1994, and sand circles from Oregon. Contact information for Anthony Horn is provided.
• 3. Spiline. No 3. May 95. This magazine from the Southern Paranormal Investigations Group is noted for its new editor and improved layout, though spelling can be wayward. It includes articles on Operation Majority, UFO reports, and the Ilkley UFO Mystery. Contact information for Bob Schindler is provided.
• 4. IUFOPRA Journal. Vol 4. No 6. Spring 95. Described as a favorite, this magazine is well-presented with drawings and photographs, and is packed with information on Roswell, an Irish UFO flap, a lost city on Mars, Men in Black, and Ghosts. Contact information for IUFOPRA is provided.
• 5. Northern UFO News. No 170. May 95. Jenny Randles' magazine is recommended for serious researchers, offering up-to-date information. This edition covers Roswell, magazine reviews, books, the Allingham Affair, and more. Contact information for Jenny Randles is provided.
• 6. UFO Magazine. Vol 10. No 3. May/June 95. This is the only trade stand magazine devoted to UFOs in the UK. The edition includes news and information, with Stanton Friedman critiquing the Roswell film. It also features articles on Adamski, Area 51, Keith Basterfield, Kelly's Abduction, and Airships. It is available through W.H. Smith.
• 7. Cenap Report. No 222. 1995. This magazine is recommended for those who can read German and covers UFOs shown on RTL2 television, German press reports, UFOs in Russia, and other information. Contact information for Werner Walter is provided.
• 8. Enigma (Independent Research Center for Unexplained Phenomena). No 6. 1995. This edition includes an article by David Icke, a look at the Roswell film autopsy, crop circles, the missing two minutes of Apollo 11, and an update on 1995 formations. Contact information for Paul Vigay is provided.
• 9. BUFORA Newsfile.. Nos 26 - 28 1995. Subscribing to this is recommended for keeping up with press coverage of UFOs and Crop Circles, as it contains useful articles that other services might miss.

Newsletter Subscription Details and Other Information

Information is provided on charges for standard and peak rate calls to a UFO HOTLINE and the BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE. The newsletter itself consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages, with extra pages for crop circle news in the summer. The annual subscription cost is £15, including postage. The newsletter is published monthly. Additionally, four videos are for sale at £8 each, plus £1.00 postage, each lasting 3 hours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter include the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic and filmic evidence, with a strong emphasis on identifying hoaxes and misinterpretations. The newsletter actively tracks media coverage of UFO-related topics, compiling extensive lists of newspaper articles. Crop circles are a significant focus, with discussions on their origins, potential hoaxers, and expert analysis. There is also an ongoing interest in the Roswell incident and its associated controversies. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, advocating for thorough investigation and research before accepting claims of genuine UFO phenomena. The newsletter also touches upon the broader cultural and psychological aspects of belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, as well as the role of governments in potentially withholding information.

This issue of 'The Wheatear' from May 1995 delves into two primary subjects: UFO sightings and crop circles, with a secondary focus on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Roswell film footage. The magazine presents a detailed account of a UFO sighting from the USS FDR Roosevelt and provides a comprehensive update on crop circle formations reported in the UK and internationally.

FDR Roosevelt Sightings (Part 2)

The article revisits a UFO sighting that occurred on July 26, 1956, involving a witness who was a duty Petty Officer (RD3) in the radar shack of the USS FDR Roosevelt while it was anchored in Rio-De-Janeiro, Brazil. During the 0000 to 0400 hrs watch, with only surface radar operational and the VL (Height) radar down, a lookout reported two strange objects in the air. The witness activated the VL radar and went topside to observe the objects himself. He describes them as 'Things' that were watched by many for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Despite attempts to find rational explanations, all proved wrong, leading to the conclusion that the objects had no apparent reason for being there. The witness does not explicitly state if the objects were tracked by the VL radar, but the article suggests, based on letters sent to the Defense Department, that the sightings were hushed up. The author, ED, indicates that the next part of the article will examine the replies from the Defense Department regarding these sightings.

Knockin' on Odin's Door!

This section shifts focus to crop circles, beginning with a reflection on the 1994 season, which saw nearly 50 formations, and the early stages of the 1995 season. While the 1995 season started later, it already presented more formations than the previous year. However, the author notes that 'tell-tale damage' has appeared, suggesting less mystical forces at play, a topic he chooses not to delve into further. The article then concentrates on crop-circle-related matters, highlighting the famous East Field near Alton Barnes in England, known for its 'breathtaking pictograms' from 1990-1992, including a double pictogram, the 'Dodman' (snail), and the 'Eye'. The author questions why this area is so active and ponders if it's due to expert hoaxers or if a deeper clue lies in the past.

The narrative then explores the historical and mythological significance of the area around Alton Barnes and Alton Priors. It mentions the prehistoric Ridgeway track, numerous barrows, hillforts, camps, and stone circles, emphasizing the land's importance to ancient ancestors. The area is described as 'Sacred and wondrous,' possessing a distinct atmosphere. Adams Grave, a viewpoint on Walkers Hill, is identified as Woden's Barrow or Wodensbury, suggesting a connection to the Norse god Woden (or Odin). The article draws parallels between Woden's mythological practice of abducting people across the sky and similar beliefs among the Celts, whose equivalent was Annwn. The 12-mile earthwork called Wansdyke, derived from 'Woden's ditch,' and Woden Hill are also mentioned as links to this mythology. Knapp Hill is also noted as a viewpoint near East Field, with a hill camp dating back to 2,500 B.C. where ancient people's corpses were left to 'Return to nature.' The author suggests that people visiting these sites, especially during the 'Crop' months, might be searching for answers to questions dismissed as absurd, seeking a 'doorway to another dimension' that could allow contact with unknown entities.

A 'Suggested further reading' is provided: Andy Collins - Alien Energy.

Circle Update....

This section lists crop circle formations notified from various sources, without personal confirmation of locations or descriptions. The listed formations include:

1. Dundry, Bristol: Ringed circle and grapeshot.
2. Windmill Hill, Wiltshire: A spiral formation in Barley.
3. Telegraph Hill, Cheesefoot head, Winchester: A circle (approx. 90ft) with a center circle (30ft), a 20ft circle of standing crop, and a 30ft band of flattened crop. The crop flow in the center circle is clockwise, then anti-clockwise in an 'S' pattern. Four smaller circles form a Celtic cross within the standing crop band.
4. Avebury Trusloe, Wiltshire: A formation in Barley (50ft across) surrounded by 8 rings, which was actually a continuous spiral. Appeared around May 29, 1995.
5. Alfreston, Sussex: A 250ft ringed galaxy with 4 arms, described as a 'Catherine wheel.' Appeared on June 1, 1995.
6. Alton Barnes: A scruffy formation of a circle and a smaller circle.
7. Lebanon, Oregon, USA: The first reported crop circle outside the UK, an 11ft ellipse with an anti-clockwise swirl and a 3ft standing tuft.
8. Cowdown Farm, Andover: Appeared on June 14/15, 1995. Approx. 90ft in diameter, with an outer flattened circle, a central circle of standing crop, and 3 small circles within. Notably, only the top 2 inches of the crop were flattened.

The author invites readers to share information about any further formations.

MUFON JOURNAL MAY 1995.

This section discusses the Roswell film footage, noting that it is 'rolling along in America' and that some individuals are still 'chasing shadows.' Mr. Philip Mantle (Bufora) wrote an open letter to Mr. Santilli and The Merlin Group, requesting to interview the alleged photographer in America. The author poses several questions regarding this request:

1. Who or What is The Merlin Group?
2. Analysis of the Film: Mantle states two companies agreed to analyze the film, one being Kodak (which the author doubts, as Kodak denies knowledge) and Hasan Shah Films. The author questions why these companies would suddenly agree to analyze it.
3. Visual Check: The author implies that the telephone in the film is anachronistic, suggesting it's not of the era.
4. Mantle's Funds: The author questions whether Mantle's funds for the interview are personal or from BUFORA, and if the committee and members agreed to the expenditure, considering the potential cost.

The author speculates on the publicity that could be gained if the 'photographer' visited Otley and attended the MUFON UFO conference in August, suggesting it would be a significant draw.

Stanton Friedman's 'Challenge to Ray Santilli'

Quoting from the same magazine, Stanton Friedman, described as the first investigator of the Roswell story, expresses concern that despite nearly four months since the footage's public release, no evidence has been provided to substantiate its claims. Friedman lists at least 11 points of interest and data that should have been provided, concluding that Santilli should 'put up or shut up.' The author of the article agrees with this sentiment.

Badges For Sale

Margaret Fry, an ex-Bufora Researcher, has started a venture selling UFO badges to support her work. The badges are described as 'eye catching' and reasonably priced at £2.50 plus postage. Contact details for Margaret Fry are provided, along with an image of the badge which features 'UFO WORLD FELLOWSHIP'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the investigation into the Roswell incident. The magazine appears to adopt a critical but open-minded stance towards these phenomena. It presents eyewitness accounts of UFOs and detailed reports of crop circles, while also questioning the authenticity and evidence presented for the Roswell film. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the commentary on Stanton Friedman's challenge to Ray Santilli. There is also an underlying interest in the historical and mythological connections to these modern mysteries, suggesting a broader, more holistic approach to understanding unexplained phenomena.