SUFOG Newsletter No 068

Magazine Overview

This document is the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter, Issue No. 68, dated June 1996. The editor is Steve Gerrard, and the newsletter is published from Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom. It covers a range of UFO-related news, opinions, and media reviews.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "URGENT ... URGENT ... URGENT CHANGE TO GROUP MEETING VENUE", begins by discussing the resignation of Philip Mantle, former Director of Investigations for BUFORA. Mantle reportedly deposited copyrighted photographs with a picture agency without proper authority, leading to serious trouble and his subsequent resignation to spend more time with his family. The editorial notes that this incident, along with internal wranglings within BUFORA and the Roswell Footage, has dented Mantle's credibility. Gloria Dixon is introduced as the new Director of Investigations for BUFORA, and the editor wishes her stability in the role.

The editorial also touches upon the enduring topic of Roswell, mentioning that alleged material from the crashed object has surfaced, possibly as a 'red herring' following the release of the 'Roswell Autopsy'.

Mr. Ernie Sears is welcomed as a new reviewer who will help with magazine reviews. The editor expresses disappointment with the low response to a questionnaire about organizing sky watches, with only two replies received. However, plans are underway for a day trip to a UFO Conference in Oxford on September 29th, with a competition offering a video prize.

Press/TV/Radio Matters

This section provides a chronological listing and brief commentary on media coverage related to UFOs from February 1995 and May-June 1996.

February 1995: A list of regional and national newspaper articles is presented, with titles ranging from "Tales of the Unexplained" and "Aliens Welcome" to the more sensational "Aliens Raped me on their spaceship... then they stole my body juices and skin."

May-June 1996: This section focuses on press coverage, including letters to the editor. A letter from Andrew Guest in the Daily Mail questions the 'closed minds' of conspiracy theorists and suggests UFOs might originate from Earth's future. Another letter from P.D.Rendall dismisses corn circles as mostly hoaxes. K.Berry suggests an alien takeover might be preferable to the Euro State. N.Moorhouse questions the uniformity in reported alien descriptions (height, weight) and speculates on their true diversity. An article from the Independent on Sunday, "A Town Like Rachel", is summarized, detailing how a Nevada town became a tourist centre due to alleged alien activity. The Independent also features an article about Nick Pope's role at the MoD and his shift from sceptic to believer. The Southampton Evening Echo reports on a lecture by Robert Morning Sky, who reportedly met with an accident, with Colin Andrews and Busty Taylor stepping in to lecture.

TV Coverage:

• May 17th: BBC1 News mentioned Dr Richard Lawrence and Rev George King's new book.
• May 19th: 'Everyman' program.
• May 20th: 'Big Breakfast' featured an advert for a video collection "UFO Diaries - First Encounter".
• May 20th: 'The Big Bang' (Children's TV) briefly covered Belgian UFO sightings from 1991.
• May 29th-30th: Carlton TV's 'After 5' featured Roy Lake and Nick Pope discussing UFO sightings.
• May 31st: 'The Time - The Place' program included an interview with Roy Lake, but the editor criticized a 'comedian' who disrupted the show.
• June 1st: 'Communion - The Film' was noted as a repeat.
• June 3rd: 'The Why Files - Maria Ward' discussed a woman's abduction experience.

Reply from The Wheatear to Mr Irvings Letter

This section is a response from 'The Wheatear' to remarks made by Mr. Rob Irving concerning the Roswell autopsy film. The Wheatear defends their article and poses questions to Mr. Irving, challenging him to address George Wingfield directly rather than attacking Steve Gerrard and his newsletter. The Wheatear implies Mr. Irving has made claims about creating crop circles and releasing illuminated balloons, and demands proof for these claims. The identity of 'The Wheatear' is stated to be censored, and correspondence is directed to Steve Gerrard.

Crop Circle Up-Date

A list of 11 recent crop circle formations is provided, with locations primarily in Wiltshire and Hampshire, and some in Cambridge, Lancashire, and Oxford. The formations include "Petal Formation", "Crescent with outer ring", and a "Double Helix (DNA ?)" at Alton Barnes.

Magazine Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews several UFO-related publications:

• UFO REALITY: Praised as the best magazine read in years, it features articles by Colin Andrews, Jon King, and David Icke, along with new photos and an exposé on "THE AVIARY". Price: £2.50.
• SIGHTINGS: A glossy, mail-order magazine (£25 for 12 issues) covering British abduction incidents, Roswell, alien movies, astronaut experiences, and Nick Pope interviews.
• ENCOUNTERS: Described as sensational, this issue focuses on ghosts, Borley Rectory, Menwith Hill, and the Solway 'spaceman' photo. Price: £2.99.
• World UFO Journal: A small, 20-page magazine with worldwide sightings and news, produced by Edward Harris. It mentions a "Giant UFO" and Patrick Moore's reassurance about a comet.
• AREA S1: The magazine from Sheffield UFO Research Association, featuring articles on triangles, Kirtland Air Force Base, Jenny Randles' UFO chase, and a "build your own UFO Detector" guide. Price: £1.
• UFO NETWORK NATIONWIDE U.K.: A 20-page magazine with UFO photos, news cuttings, and sightings. Price: £1 per copy, bi-monthly.
• COVERUP: A seven-page A4 magazine from Lothian Unexplained Phenomena Research, including photos, cuttings, sightings, spiritual internet, lectures, Bigfoot, and various other topics. Price: £1.

A Close Encounter with Nick Pope! by Ernie Sears

This article recounts an event on June 10th where Nick Pope, former Ministry of Defence 'UFO EXPERT', gave a talk at Dillons bookshop in Southampton. Nearly 200 people attended. Pope, described as a quiet but forceful man, shared personal anecdotes and presented slides, discussing his years at the Ministry and his book "Open Skies, Closed Minds". The article notes that Pope firmly supports 'alien' answers to UFO phenomena and is at the forefront of uncovering the 'inside story'. The book is seen as a positive step towards understanding the subject.

UFO Hotline & BUFORA Weekly News Update

Provides hotline charges (36p standard, 48p peak) and a BUFORA Weekly News Update number (0891 121 886).

Newsletter Subscription Details

The newsletter consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages and press items. The cost is £5 per year, including postage.

Group Meeting Report: 21st May 1996

The report details the Southampton UFO Group's bi-monthly meeting, noting an increase in attendance from 18 to 26 members. The group screened "UFO's and the paranormal". Discussions led to a desire for sky watches and other activities. The editor is organizing a coach trip to a UFO lecture in Oxford on September 29th, costing approximately £10 per person.

BUFORA Newsfile

Subscription costs are £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues. Contact details for Michael Hudson are provided.

Forthcoming Events and Lectures

This section lists several upcoming UFO-related events:

• August 17th, 1996: East Midlands UFO Research Association event in Nottingham, with speakers Nick Pope & Matthew Williams.
• September 29th, 1996: Contact International 1 Day Conference in Oxford, with speakers Roy Dutton, Roy Lake & Lee Winterson.
• October 25th, 1996: Event in Bristol featuring Timothy Good.
• November 16th-17th, 1996: Lancashire Aerial Phenomenon Investigation Society event in Lytham, with speakers Jenny Randles, Nick Pope and Philip Mantle.

Next Meeting Of The Southampton UFO Group

The next meeting on July 23rd has changed venue due to the closure of the previous location. The new venue is Woolston Community Centre, from 7:30 PM to 10 PM. Directions and transport information are provided. The venue is suitable for future lectures, and refreshments will be available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently covers UFO news, media reviews, and upcoming events within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be critical of misinformation and sensationalism, while also being open to genuine research and discussion. There is a focus on debunking hoaxes (e.g., corn circles) and scrutinizing claims (e.g., Philip Mantle's actions, Roswell material). The editor, Steve Gerrard, actively engages with readers and promotes group activities. The newsletter also highlights the work of prominent figures in the UFO field, such as Nick Pope and Colin Andrews, and provides a platform for various perspectives through its press reviews and letters to the editor.

This document appears to be a newsletter or a section of a larger publication from the Southampton UFO Group, dated around September 1996. It primarily focuses on organizing a coach trip to an international UFO conference in Oxford and includes various UFO-related content, such as a quiz and historical references.

Southampton UFO Group Coach Trip

The main announcement details a coach trip to an international conference in Oxford on September 29th. The conference will feature speakers Roy Dutton, Nick Pope, Roy Lake, and Matthew Williams. The cost for the coach hire is estimated between £170 - £240 for a 32-seater coach. The fare for the trip is £7.50, with a £4.50 discount for block bookings, totaling £12 for the day. With group funding subsidizing £1 per seat, the final price for attendees is £11 per person, which includes the coach fare and entrance tickets. An application form is provided, requiring a £5 deposit per person to secure a seat, to be returned by August 30th. The remaining balance is due by September 15th. The organizers state that if not enough people are interested, the venture will be cancelled, and deposits will be fully refunded.

Southampton's First Internet Cafe

A separate section promotes 'Southampton's First Internet Cafe,' offering services at £3.00 per half hour (with a student discount) and training courses. Its opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, and Sundays from 2 pm to 9 pm. The telephone number provided is 01703 635429, and the address is 75 Bedford Place, Southampton, Hampshire.

Editor's Collection Video Contest

Readers are invited to win a 3-hour video from the editor's collection by answering 12 UFO-related questions. The first correct answer, or the one with the most correct answers, drawn on September 1st, will receive the prize. The questions cover a range of UFO topics, including:

1. The name given to Area 51 in Nevada.
2. Who first used the term 'Flying saucer' in 1947.
3. The name of a crop formation in Ickleton, Cambridge in 1991.
4. The name of an area on Mars that appears to show a face.
5. Who stated that UFOs are real and fly at incredible speeds (options: Arthur C. Clarke, Yuri Gagarin, President Clinton).
6. The name of the town near a 'UFO Nest' found in Australia in 1966.
7. The names of two major energy lines crossing over Avebury and elsewhere in England.
8. Which of these lines passes through Silbury Hill towards West Kennet Longbarrow.
9. Who said 'The signs are increasing...' (options: David Icke, Jimmy Carter, Pope John XXII, Neil Armstrong).
10. The better-known name for Project Grudge, set up by the US military in the 1950s.
11. The name of the Australian scientist who discovered Orgon Radiation.
12. The group that had 22 crop circles on their 1994 CD cover (options: The Troggs, Eat Static, Killing Joke).

Answers are to be submitted on a postcard or by completing the provided form, to be returned by September 1st, 1996. The questions were compiled by 'THE WHEATEAR'.

Oxford Conference Ticket/Travel Application Form

This section provides a detailed application form for the Oxford conference trip. It outlines travel details from Southampton, including pick-up points at Woolston Church Road Centre and the Rear of Civic Centre Central Library. Departure times from Southampton are 8:00 am and 8:30 am, with arrival in Oxford around 10:00-10:30 am for an 11 am conference start. The return journey departs Oxford at 5:00/5:30 pm, arriving back around 7 pm. Tickets are priced at £10 each. The form requires the applicant's name, address, and telephone number. A deposit of £5 per ticket is enclosed, with a note that all deposits will be returned in full if there is insufficient interest. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to S. Gerrard. The completed form should be returned to Steve Gerrard at 25 Weston Grove Road, Woolston, Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 9EE, no later than August 31st, 1996.

Copyright Notice

A prominent notice at the bottom of the first page states that all articles and material contained within the newsletter are copyrighted to the editor and may not be copied, reprinted, photocopied, stored, or reproduced in any other format without express permission. Any breach will be considered a copyright infringement, and appropriate action will be taken.

Unorganized Flying Objects - Musical Story

Page 2 features an advertisement for 'Unorganized Flying Objects' by 'cano ofle'. It describes this as a musical story about two hikers and their unusual experience one evening, performed in an 'Electronic Ruralism' style, blending sci-fi synthesizer with banjo. Samples are available online, and the CD can be ordered for $10 (US) or $11 (outside US) from Lazy Eight Records in Berkeley, CA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter clearly caters to an audience interested in UFO phenomena, conferences, and related topics. The editorial stance is active and community-oriented, as evidenced by the organization of the coach trip and the interactive quiz. There is a strong emphasis on UFO history and research, as indicated by the quiz questions referencing historical events and figures. The copyright notice suggests a professional approach to content creation and a desire to protect intellectual property. The inclusion of an internet cafe advertisement and a musical CD promotion indicates a broader scope of interests within the group or its readership.