SUFOG Newsletter No 066

Magazine Overview

This is the April 1996 issue of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter, identified as Newsletter No. 66. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of two grey aliens flanking a flying saucer, with the group's name prominently displayed. The newsletter is organised by Steve Gerrard, with contact details provided.

Editorial

The editorial section begins with an apology from the editor regarding an "editorial blunder" and a computer issue that caused the newsletter to be "eaten," necessitating the re-creation of the entire edition. This resulted in a shortened newsletter, with the editor promising to make up for the missing content in future editions. The editor then introduces a letter received from Mr. Robert Irving, which follows the publication of an article titled 'The Return of the Wheatear,' concerning George Wingfield's allegations about the 'Roswell Autopsy' footage. The editor states that the letter will be presented word-for-word, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

Letter from Robert Irving

Mr. Robert Irving, writing from London on March 13, 1996, addresses Mr. Gerrard. He expresses surprise that the newsletter would relay "contentious information" without evidence, particularly from individuals like George Wingfield, whom he describes as someone who will "tell anyone anything he anticipates they're gullible enough to believe." Irving predicts that Wingfield will never provide evidence for his claims. He questions whether Gerrard is a "complete fool" for presenting "empty stories as fact." Irving notes that he and Gerrard have not had prior contact, yet Gerrard seems to know much about him, making an assumption that Irving wrote the 'Wheatear' article. Irving offers to provide comments on any future assumptions published about him, suggesting it would lend "some semblance of even-handedness" to the newsletter. He also states that the article was irresponsible and, if the newsletter were not so "stranded out in the wilderness of rant," it could be considered actionable. He concludes by stating that readers are not obliged to reply.

Editor's Response and Reader's Choice

The editor responds to Mr. Irving's letter, stating that he pointed out "one or two little errors" in Irving's letter. He reiterates his intention to publish Irving's letter in the newsletter and will proceed if he does not hear back from Irving. The editor then poses three rhetorical questions to the reader, presumably related to Irving's criticisms:

1. I am a complete fool.
2. Is the newsletter stranded out in the wilderness of rant?
3. Does the newsletter enjoy complete ignorance of truth?

The section ends with the phrase "(The Truth Is Out There... Somewhere ?)."

Press/TV/Radio Matters Over The Past Month (15.3.96 - 15.4.96)

This section provides a comprehensive roundup of UFO-related media coverage during the specified period:

• 15.3.96: Manchester Evening News: An article about an aircraft encounter in January 1995 that the CAA cannot explain, featuring an interview with first officer Mark Stewart, who considered the object to be "just something in the wrong place at the wrong time."
• 25.3.96: Womans Own Magazine: An article titled 'Have aliens landed in Britain?' included interviews with Philip Mantle, Elsie Oakensen, Ros Reynolds, and Jane, who claimed to have had sex with a 7ft tall alien. The article focused on Susan Mantle's hotline for abductees.
• 30.3.96: Daily Mail: Covered a TV program 'UFOs - Britain's Secret Files,' where a Ministry of Defence (Mod) official confirmed the existence of UFOs. However, a later Daily Mail article on 24.4.96 headlined 'UFOs are just a flight of fancy,' indicating a shift in the Mod's stance.
• 30.3.96: The Independent: An article titled 'Alien Visitors Restore Ghost Town's Spirit' discussed Rachel, Nevada, Area 51, and the 'Extra Terrestrial Highway.' It mentioned the Little A'le'Inn, UFO merchandise, Bob Lazar, and the strict security measures around Area 51.
• 2.4.96: Southampton Evening Echo: Reported a UFO sighting in Saudi Arabia's oil-producing eastern region, with the headline 'Flying saucer illuminates Jubail.' The sighting was reported by campers.
• 2.4.96: The Independent (Dubai): A similar report to the Southampton Evening Echo, detailing the UFO sighting near Jubail.
• 3.4.96: Southampton Evening Echo: Announced a 'Fact or Fiction?' workshop on UFOs at Totton College, featuring video evidence of crashed UFOs.
• 6-12.4.96: TV Quick: Reviewed the BBC 2 program 'Secrets of the Paranormal,' presented by Jenny Randles. The article mentioned the Burgh Marsh photograph (May 1964) and the Woomera, Australia sighting (July 1964), noting that a film of the Woomera rocket launch was missing.
• 5.4.96: Southampton Evening Echo: An article titled 'Total Eclipse Brings Home The Martians' reported two sky-gazers in Stubbington who described a triangular-shaped UFO. Inspector Russell Bray noted the object moved at speed and was last seen heading south-east. The editor expressed surprise that no other witnesses came forward during the eclipse.
• 11.4.96: Southampton Evening Echo: A review of the TV program 'Secrets of the Paranormal,' which included an Mod official stating that while most cases are explainable, a "hard core of observations that defy explanation" remains.

TV Listings

This section lists various TV programs related to UFOs and the paranormal:

• 22.3.96: Live Wire: 'Why Files - Avebury Stone Circle' with Chris Trubridge.
• 27.3.96: Live Wire: 'Why Files - UFO Over Kent' with Jerry Anderson.
• 28.3.96: Live Wire: 'Why Files - Alien Abductions.'
• 2.4.96: Hanger 18: (Feature Film) (Rpt).
• 5.4.96: Live Wire: 'Why Files - Triangular UFO's' with David Kingston.
• 8.4.96: Live Wire: 'Why Files - UFO Over Kentish Town, London.'
• 11.4.96: BBC 2: Secrets of the Supernatural: This program, presented by Jenny Randles, is described as enjoyable but with some camera work issues. It aimed to show that the government was hiding information. The editor found it proved the government was hiding truth.
• 14.4.96: Discovery Channel: 'UFOs and Close Encounters.' This was considered the best program of the year, featuring interviews with Timothy Good, a video of a UFO, the Warminster Thing, abductions (Maria Ward), crop circles (Colin Andrews, Pat Delgado). This program was scheduled to be shown at the next group meeting.
• 14.4.96: Discovery Channel: 'Visitors From Space.' (Rpt).
• 14.4.96: Discovery Channel: 'ET Please Phone Earth' (Rpt).
• 15.4.96: Discovery Channel: 'Visitors From Space.' (Rpt).
• 15.4.96: Sky 1: 'Sightings.' This program featured the Allagash Wilderness abduction (August 1976) in Maine, USA, involving the Jack and Jim Weiner brothers. It detailed their experience of missing time, subsequent nightmares, hypnotic regression, and the development of new abilities.

The section concludes by mentioning upcoming programs on the Science Fiction Channel ('Alien Autopsy - Fact or Fiction,' 'Hanger 18') and Bravo ('UFO Documentary').

Forthcoming Television Items on Cable TV

• 15.5.96: Science Fiction Channel: Alien Autopsy - Fact or Fiction. (7pm).
• 15.5.96: Science Fiction Channel: Hanger 18 (Rpt) (Feature Film). (8pm).
• 30.5.96: Bravo - UFO Documentary. (8pm).

UFO Hotline

Details are provided for a UFO Hotline with charges for standard and peak rates.

BUFORA Weekly News Update

A phone number is given for the BUFORA Weekly News Update.

Newsletter Subscription Details

The newsletter consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages. The annual subscription cost is £5, including postage. The newsletter is published monthly.

Forthcoming Events and Lectures

• 18 May 1996: Bufora Merseyside Meeting. Speakers include Jenny Randles, John Spencer, and Tony Eccles.
• 22nd June 1996: Cricklade Theatre, Andover. Speakers include Colin Andrews, Hopi Indian Morning Cloud, and Busty Taylor.
• 22nd June 1996: Journeys & Encounters - Exploring Human & Non-Human Contacts, at The Nixon Hall, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Speakers include Hilary Evans, Philip Mantle, and Kevin McClure.
• 29th September 1996: Contact International 1 Day Conference at The Exeter Hall, Kidlington, Oxford. Speakers include Roy Dutton, Roy Lake, and Lee Winterson.
• 16th-17th November 1996: Lancashire Aerial Phenomenon Investigation Society at The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, Near Blackpool. Speakers include Jenny Randles, Nick Pope, and Philip Mantle.

Next Meeting Of The Southampton UFO Group

• Date: 21st May 1996
• Venue: The Chatter Box, Junction of Victoria Rd and Station Road, Netley, Southampton.
• Time: 7.30pm - 10.30pm.
• Entrance Fee: £1.00 (Refreshments: 75p).

Copyright Notice

A notice states that all articles and material in the newsletter are copyrighted to the editor and cannot be copied, reprinted, or reproduced in any format without express permission. Breach of copyright will result in appropriate action.

Press Release: The UFO Phenomena by Edward Ashpole

A press release announces the publication of a book titled 'The UFO Phenomena: A Scientific Look At The Evidence For Extraterrestrial Contacts' by Edward Ashpole. The book, priced at £7.99, was published on 4th April 1996. It is described as the first comprehensive look at the UFO phenomena, aiming to bridge the gap between SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and UFO research. Ashpole, a former biology and general science teacher and science writer, argues that scientific expertise is needed to solve the UFO mystery and that the book explores the link between SETI science and UFO phenomena. Contact information for Mark Hutchinson at Headline Book Publishing Ltd is provided for interviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include media coverage of UFO events, the presentation of various UFO sightings and alleged encounters, and the role of scientific investigation versus sensationalism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, though challenged by a reader's criticism regarding evidence. The editor is willing to publish dissenting views and encourages readers to consider the information critically. There is a clear effort to document and disseminate information about UFOs through various media channels and to foster discussion within the UFO research community.