SUFOG Newsletter No 057

Magazine Overview

This is the July 1995 issue, number 57, of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. The newsletter is produced by the Southampton UFO Group, with Steve Gerrard listed as the organiser. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of two grey aliens, with a UFO visible in the background, and the group's name and newsletter title prominently displayed.

Editorial

The editor begins by noting the summer season and the newsletter's delay due to holidays. The main focus of the editorial is the Roswell film, which is described as 'bubbling along'. The editor mentions receiving a copy of a program from German TV station RTL that showed an 'alien body' and was reproduced on the internet. He also notes that the program featured Ray Santilli, Johannes Von Buttlar (a German researcher), and Philip Mantle of BUFORA, who believes the film is genuine. The editor expresses curiosity about whether BUFORA shares this belief, considering the potential fallout if the film is proven to be a hoax.

Further discussion on the Roswell footage highlights a special program on French TV with high-quality photos, including an appearance by DR Jessy Marcel JNR. Johannes Von Buttlar also showed photos on German SAT 1. The editor questions why these images haven't appeared on British TV. A special program on Channel 4 is scheduled for August 26th, a week after BUFORA's conference in Sheffield, which will screen the pictures.

The editor states that due to space limitations, some items have been omitted, but mentions that the 'special correspondent the Wheatear' has been investigating the crop circle season.

What the Media Had to Say in May 1994

This section provides a chronological list of newspaper articles from May 1994 related to UFOs, categorized by publication type:

National Articles: * Daily Telegraph (7.5.94): 'the mugs who believe in the saucers.' * The Guardian (8.5.94): 'It' only came from an astronomical mirage.' * The Guardian (11.5.94): 'Red Admiral.' * Sunday People (15.5.94): 'Major gets a rocket over UFOs.' * The People (29.5.94): 'UFO video sparks new alien fears.' * Daily Mirror (30.5.94): '999 - help! The Martians are coming.'

Crop Circle Articles: * Daily Star (23.5.94): 'Wild thing Reg in £1m UFO hunt.' * Wolverhampton Express and Star (23.5.94): '60s song windfall for veteran rocker.' * Western Daily Press (23.5.94): '£1m Trogg on the UFO trail.'

Paper Unknown: * 23.5.94: 'MPs to get UFO report.' * 23.5.94: 'MoD's UFO 'lies'.'

Magazine Articles: * 5.94: 'Public Policy Review': 'UFOs tackle crime.'

Regional Articles: This extensive list details numerous articles from various regional newspapers across the UK, covering topics such as 'Close Encounters', 'UFO sightings', 'alien abductions', and 'ET secrecy'. Notable locations mentioned include Denbyshire, Inverness, Yorkshire, Burton, Hartlepool, Colchester, Warminster, Sudbury, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Christchurch, Northern Echo, Slough, Somerset, Todmorden, Southend, Eastern Daily Press, The Scotsman, and Western Daily Press.

Press/TV/Radio Matters Over the Past Month (15.6.95 - 15.7.95)

Press: * Southampton Echo (24.6.95): A letter from the editor in response to an enquiry about crop circle hoaxers, reassuring the reader and promoting the group. * Mail on Sunday (2.7.95): An article titled 'ET LIVES, SAYS THE MAN FROM THE MINISTRY'.

#### ET LIVES, SAYS THE MAN FROM THE MINISTRY:
This section details the story of Nick Pope, who headed the Secretariat (Air Staff) 2a office at the Ministry of Defense, responsible for dealing with UFO inquiries. It states that Pope, previously considered a 'maverick' government expert on UFOs, has become a convert to belief in aliens. The article notes that his bosses were displeased with his manuscript for a book provisionally titled 'Open Skies, Closed Minds: Official Reactions to the UFO Phenomenon'. Pope's conversion was reportedly influenced by a small number of British sightings that defied conventional explanation, citing the Rendlesham Forest case as a prime example. Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO magazine, welcomed Pope's bravery. The MOD refused to comment.

Menace

This section expands on Nick Pope's story. He describes his transition from an 'open-minded skeptic' to a 'believer' during his time as Britain's first line of defense against an 'alien menace'. His book, 'Open Skies, Closed Minds', is expected to face opposition from the Ministry. While the book examines Whitehall archives and new cases, Pope offers little evidence of a government cover-up, suggesting that files eventually filter down to the Public Record Office. He rules out an alien plot for his conversion, attributing it to specific British sightings, particularly the Rendlesham Forest case in December 1980, which he considers the best-attested case outside the US. Graham Birdsall of UFO magazine praised Pope's courage in the face of pressure.

Hot Property from Outer Space

This article discusses the Roswell footage and the controversy surrounding it. Philip Mantle is quoted as stating he lacks concrete evidence for the film's authenticity, but also that he has no evidence to disprove it, advocating for its public viewing. Ray Santilli admits he withheld the film from ufologists for commercial reasons, fearing it would be copied and devalued. Jenny Randles, speaking for Ufology worldwide, criticizes this stance, suggesting they have 'signed a pact with the evil' and are endorsing the film for commercial gain, which undoes years of work by serious ufologists. The article also mentions a letter from Harry Harris to The Sunday Telegraph, suggesting small cells within defense departments know more about abduction scenarios.

Dominican Republic

A brief report mentions a claim by an expert that a music video of a popular merengue singer might show a flying saucer in the background. The object was captured by a cameraman filming near Santo Domingo for a video of singer Eddy Herrera. Danilo Rodriguez, who studies UFOs, stated, 'Evidently, we have witnessed the presence of a UFO.'

Out of This World?

This section reviews an article featuring interviews with abductees like Maria Ward and Alan Godfrey, discussing the Roswell story and abductions by creatures from outer space. The editor dismisses it as a 'run of the mill article' not worth writing home about.

Fans' Message to Terry

This section expresses strong disapproval of a 'matchstick man kicking a football' formation found near Winchester, calling it a 'total waist of time' and suggesting the perpetrators should face the full weight of the law. The writer notes it's 'funny' that a local Hampshire group was filming in the Southampton area for a record release, implying a connection.

PN Prints First Stills from 'Alien' Film in UK Exclusive

This article is described as the best one yet on the Roswell footage, featuring interviews with P. Mantle, R. Santilli, and Jenny Randles. It suggests readers can obtain a copy of the full story from the editor.

Television

• 18.6.95: Mysteries, Magic and Miracles (Cable TV): This program is praised as the best in its series, focusing on the Roswell incident with interviews of Don Schmitt, eyewitnesses, and Congressman Steven Schiff. It is described as well-produced, lasting 30 minutes, and portraying the incident accurately.
• 7.7.95: James Whale: A 10-minute item featuring an interview with abductee Ross Reynolds. The content is noted as not new, as Reynolds has appeared on other programs before.
• 12.7.95: A.C.Clark (Cable TV): This is described as a repeat of an older item concerning UFOs, recommended for newcomers to the subject.

Magazine Reviews

1. The Circle Hunter. No15 June 95: This edition covers crop circle news, the Roswell Autopsy video, and 1995 formations and photographs. Contact: Anthony Horn.
2. INUFOR Digest. Vol Nol June 95: An exchange magazine from Australia featuring sightings in Australia, press cuttings, Roswell photographs, and sighting reports. Contact: INUFOR.
3. Skylink (London UFO Studies). No 11 1995: A comprehensive edition covering Roswell, Abduction or Infection?, People to People visits, Sighting reports, and Crop Circles. Contact: Roy Lake.
4. Annal 2. No 25 July/Sept 95: Features UFOs, Paranormal and Fortean news, including Roswell, monuments of Mars, UFO worldwide reports, Lazar claims, near-death experiences, UFO Abductions, ball lightning, and the crystal skull. Contact: Gerry Lovell.
5. Fortean Times. No 81 1995: Includes an article on flying saucers and abductions in Scotland, and a piece by Jenny Randles concerning the Roswell alien autopsy footage.
6. Spiline. June 1995: Contains local reports from Portsmouth, press articles, and Crop Circle news. Contact: Bob Schindler.
7. OVNI. June 95: Reviews 1995 Crop formations with photographs, and includes a report from Guatemala. Contact: Omar Fowler.
8. EMUFORA. Summer 95 No.6: Features the Roswell autopsy footage, UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and other articles. Contact: Anthony James.
9. Skywatch Newsletter. July 95 No 1: A new newsletter from Skywatch Network U.K., covering sighting updates, Crop Circle updates, men in black, Area 51, and more. Contact: Marcus Walker.

UFO Hotlines and Subscription Details

• UFO HOTLINE: Standard Rate 36p, Peak Rate 48p.
• BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE: 0891 121 886.
• NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS: The newsletter consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages, plus newscuttings. An extra page is included in summer for crop circle news. The cost is £5 per year, including postage.

Crop Circle Update: June 95

• 11th June: A formation at Cow Down Farm, Near Andover, Hampshire, was found. It consisted of a ringed circle with 3 small circles within it.
• 19th June: A second formation was found at Cow Down Farm, a ringed circle with a zigzag pattern.
• Around 16/17th June: At Bratton, Wiltshire, 8 concentric rings were discovered. Also, a 30ft single circle was found North east of Upham, Hampshire, in wheat, near the site of an 'Insectagrams of 1991' formation. This single circle was reported as a hoax.
• 20th/21st June: The editor, along with a friend, observed two new formations near Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire. The nearest was at Matterly farm, about 60ft across, with 30 circles forming a circle shape. Later, at Bishops Sutton, a similar but larger formation with an 85-circle design was observed.
• 27th/28th June: At Longwood warren, close to Cheesefoot Head, a ring of circles appeared, approximately 200ft across, with 5 standing rings. The editor suspects this is a hoax due to dowsing results and a hole in the center. Nearby, a ringed circle of about 30ft across appeared in wheat near Morestead.
• End of June: The Telegraph hill formation appeared worn out. A small circle also appeared, along with a 30ft 'OM' sign. The 85ft formation at Bishops Sutton had an additional 10 circles added.

The editor notes that June was quiet compared to the previous year and wonders what July will bring.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are UFO sightings, the Roswell incident and its associated media coverage, and crop circles. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and reporting, with a clear interest in UFO phenomena. The editor appears to be a believer or at least deeply interested in the subject, as evidenced by his detailed reporting on crop circles and his coverage of Nick Pope's conversion. There is a critical perspective on media coverage, questioning why certain information appears in foreign media but not British media. The newsletter also serves as a platform for group members to share their findings and opinions, as seen in the crop circle reports and the letter to the Southampton Echo.

This document is a special report detailing an investigation into a crop formation known as the Telegraph Hill Quintuplet Set, observed on the evening of Monday, June 12, 1995. The report is written by 'The Whitear' and focuses on the characteristics of the formation, the investigation process, and the author's conclusions.

Investigation of the Telegraph Hill Quintuplet Set

The report begins with the author receiving a phone call from a friend named Wayne about a formation seen near Cheesefoot Head. Intrigued, the author, accompanied by another friend named Brian, set out to investigate. They arrived at the location around 7:45 pm and approached the area from Morstead Down via the A31 and A272.

The formation was described as a huge inverted ring with some formations within it. It consisted of a wide ring of depressed barley, a narrower band of standing crop, and a depressed center. Attached to the narrow band were four sets of quintuplet circles, roughly aligned with the compass points. The formation's size was evident due to the rising hill.

After waiting for darkness in the Cheesefoot Head car park, the author and Brian entered the formation from above via Telegraph Hill at 9:40 pm to minimize attention. The author noted a small, half-made circle to the left of the footpath, speculating it might have been a test.

By 10:10 pm, they were on the hill, and by 10:15 pm, they began videoing the formation. The formation was impressive in size, with the outer band gently compressed clockwise. The center was also partly standing, with a lay that twisted clockwise and then anti-clockwise. The author searched for signs of human creation and found evidence in the Northern most center quintuplet: a standing center swirl with a single barley stem uprooted and suspended about an inch from the ground. About 8 inches from its root, the stem was broken, suggesting the use of a pole or similar device.

Analysis and Suspicions of a Hoax

The author found several suspicious signs and methods in the formation's construction that indicated a hoax. One notable observation was a strong energy line coming from the barrow on top of Telegraph Hill, which seemed to intercept the main outer ring. Four days later, the author attempted to find this energy line near the A272 and confirmed it passed through the formation's eastern side.

The author questioned whether the small circle near the car park was a test sample for hoaxers. The following day, visitors Steve Alexander, Lucy Pringle, and Richard Andrews also visited the formation. Lucy Pringle had observed the area the previous evening and stated the formation was not there. These later visitors experienced battery problems with their equipment, which discharged and then re-charged itself the next day, leading to speculation about whether the energy line was creating an anomaly.

Despite these issues, the author experienced no battery problems with their own video recorder, torch, and Dictaphone. Dowsing within the formation revealed strong energy in the center, while the Western most quintuplet seemed void of response. The author suggested that a study by dowsing could reveal more about the formation.

Historical Context and Conclusion

The report references a similar crop formation from mid-June 1990, a 'Phoenix' dumbbell with three semi-rings, which appeared near this quintuplet set. The author notes that most of the lay in the older formation was clockwise, similar to the new one, deepening the mystery.

Considering the context of alleged agreements among hoaxers regarding activity that year and the style of the formation, the author speculates that its creators might be continuing the 'glove' of hoaxing. Despite the formation's positive effect on many visitors, the author concludes that it is likely a hoax and advises caution in praising it. The report states that the circle enigma has returned at Cheesefoot and this formation is certainly part of that category.

The report concludes with thanks to Wayne.

Audio/Video Collection

Following the main report, there is a section about the author's extensive video and audio collection. The author has over 170 videos and 300 audio tapes covering UFOs and Crop Circles. Catalogues are available upon request by sending six first-class stamps. The author states they cannot lend out videos due to past losses but can supply copies for a small charge. Inquiries should be directed to the editorial address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are crop circle investigation, the analysis of their construction, the potential for hoaxes, and the presence of unexplained phenomena such as energy lines. The author's stance is one of critical inquiry, leaning towards the conclusion that the Telegraph Hill Quintuplet Set formation was a hoax, despite acknowledging its impressive nature and the positive public reaction. The report also highlights the author's personal engagement with the subject through extensive data collection (video and audio) and personal investigation.