SUFOG Newsletter No 069-70

Magazine Overview

This document is the "SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP NEWSLETTER NO 69/70" from 1996, edited by Steve Gerrard. It serves as a comprehensive update on UFOlogy, media coverage, and related events for members of the group.

Editorial

The editor, Steve Gerrard, begins by apologizing for the newsletter's lateness, attributing it to the summer holidays and a slow period in ufology. He notes that replies to letters and calls will be made soon. July and August were busy months, with two people completing a quiz and twelve expressing interest in an Oxford conference. Gerrard mentions that if enough interest is not generated, the conference may be cancelled.

The press has been active with articles on Crop Circles, with an update promised. While there were no direct UFO sightings reported in Southampton, mystery lights were observed in late July, which remain unexplained. Television has also featured UFO-related programs.

Gerrard corrects a previous statement, clarifying that Philip Mantle has not yet resigned from BUFORA, with his departure set for April 1997. He then discusses the film "Independence Day," which was a box office success and is part of a trend of at least 10 UFO-themed films expected in 1996/7.

The newsletter reports on the discovery of potential life on Mars, based on microscopic fossils found in a Martian rock. President Clinton has backed a project to launch 10 probes to Mars in the next decade. Additionally, a News of the World article quotes Tory Defence Minister Nicholas Soames, who dismissed flying saucers as a threat to Britain but stated the government is monitoring the situation.

Press Coverage and UFO Incidents

Government Statements and Investigations

Nicholas Soames told MPs that no UFO had been investigated, despite a government unit logging 300 sightings annually. He stated there was no evidence of UK air defence compromise. The newsletter contrasts this with Nick Pope's earlier statement about investigating the Bentwaters case. It also mentions a BA aircraft incident in January 1995 near Manchester airport, where a 'Flying Triangle' was logged as an 'unknown object' by the air accident investigation unit.

Personal Encounters and Sightings

Malcolm Terry, who ran the Andover UFO/Crop Circle group, is reported to be well and involved in fundraising. A personal account details an incident where Roger Rosag, visiting from a German UFO group, was severely beaten by four youths in Southampton. Gerrard expresses outrage at the unprovoked attack.

Regional and National Press Articles (March 1995)

The newsletter provides an extensive list of newspaper articles from March 1995, categorized by region (Gloucester, Kidderminster, Widnes, Burnley, Dursley, Burton, Glasgow, Belfast, Huddersfield, etc.) and national publications (The People, The Independent, The Observer, Guardian, Daily Mail, Chronicle, Evening Echo, Portsmouth News). These articles cover a wide range of UFO sightings, crop circles, and alien-related claims.

Crop Circle Articles

Specific articles from Dorset, Hull, and Manchester discuss crop circles, with some experts attributing them to alien forces.

Press/TV/Radio Matters (June - August 1996)

A detailed listing of television programs and radio broadcasts related to UFOs and aliens from June to August 1996 is provided. This includes shows like "Mysteries, Magic and Miracles," "The X-Files," "Strange Days," "Future Fantastic," "The Why Files," "Unexplained," and "Out of this World." Specific episodes mentioned cover topics such as alien abductions, government cover-ups (Rendlesham Forest), UFO incidents, and the discovery of life on Mars.

Specific TV Program Highlights

• "The Unexplained: Alien Abductions" (Discovery Channel) is described as an excellent program featuring interviews with Dr. John E. Mack and Budd Hopkins.
• Roy Lake of the London UFO Studies Group was interviewed on CNN regarding the Mars fossil discovery but had limited airtime.
• "The X-Files" series finale is noted, leaving viewers anticipating the next season.

Press (June)

• "Southampton Evening Echo" reported on crop circles, with a 900ft pattern at Alton Barnes described as the most astonishing formation ever seen, potentially the work of a higher intelligence.
• Circle expert Lucy Pringle commented on the 'mind-blowing' nature of the shapes.
• Doug Bower, a local crop circle hoaxer, is mentioned as being unable to create new shapes due to illness.
• Japanese scientists are reportedly interested in the crop circles as potential sources of secret energy.
• Polly Carson, a farmer, believes the circles bring people together.
• Andrew Alexander's "Daily Mail" column is mentioned.
• A letter to the "Southampton Evening Echo" discusses Nick Pope's lecture, suggesting his statements about no UFO cover-up might be tongue-in-cheek due to his MoD ties.

Press (July)

• "Southampton Evening Echo" reported on a promotional laser light show from a nightclub being mistaken for UFO activity.
• A woman in Southampton reported seeing what she believed to be the Northern Lights, a phenomenon not typically seen there.
• "Sunday People" and "Daily Mirror" articles on UFOs are listed.

Press (July) - Crop Circles

• "Southampton Evening Echo" reported on a spectacular crop circle at Stonehenge, initially attributed to a higher intelligence by experts like Colin Andrews and Ilyes. However, Chris Nash from Southampton University claimed responsibility, identifying the pattern as a representation of the Fibonacci Series.
• Robert Morning Sky and an Aztec elder were expected to visit the Stonehenge site.

Press (July) - The Unexplained

• "The Sun" featured "The Unexplained."

Press (July) - Southampton Evening Echo

• "Southampton Evening Echo" reported on crop circles, with a 900ft pattern at Alton Barnes described as the most astonishing formation ever seen, potentially the work of a higher intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the public's fascination with UFOs and related phenomena, as evidenced by the extensive media coverage listed. There's a recurring theme of skepticism versus belief, particularly concerning crop circles, with claims of higher intelligence challenged by scientific explanations. The editor appears to maintain an open but critical stance, reporting on various claims and events within the ufology community. The newsletter also reflects a concern for broader issues, such as environmental destruction, linking it to the 'catastrophic state of the planet' as a potential underlying message in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is to inform the readership about ongoing developments, media reports, and personal accounts within the field of ufology.

Title: BUFORA NEWSFILE
Issue Date: August 1996
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE from August 1996 provides a comprehensive look at contemporary UFO and paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on crop circles and related sightings.

News of the World: Terminators on your Doorstep

The issue opens with a brief mention of the upcoming sci-fi film 'Independence Day' and its anticipated impact on public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial sightings. The 'News of the World' section reports that the article contains sightings of strange black helicopters and a photograph of an alleged UFO, based on reader responses.

Press (August)

Southampton Evening Echo: Hoax or horror? (2.8.96)

This section details the visit of Tlakgelel, an indigenous elder from Mexico and descendant of the ancient Inca 'Poet King' Netzahualcoyotl, to investigate mysterious crop circles in Southern England. Tlakgelel believes these formations are messages from a higher intelligence warning of environmental catastrophe. One significant formation near Stonehenge, composed of 150 circles, is described as a complex mathematical symbol. However, scientists at Southampton University offered a more mundane explanation, suggesting they may have assisted hoaxers. The article notes that Tlakgelel was invited to visit circles in Hampshire and Wiltshire, including one near Alton Barnes that represented a DNA spiral. Circle expert Lyn Gladwin expressed excitement about Tlakgelel's visit, hoping he could decode the messages within the crop circle patterns.

Daily Mail Magazine: X Marks the spot where the aliens were sighted - But what on earth were they doing in Bonnybridge? (3.8.96)

A brief mention of an article in the Daily Mail Magazine concerning alien sightings in Bonnybridge.

Southampton Evening Echo: Belief which really leaves its mark. (8.8.96)

This report highlights a surge in interest in alien culture in Southampton, benefiting a local tattooist who opened a shop specializing in 'little grey men' tattoos. The trend is attributed to the success of shows like 'X-Files' and movies like 'Independence Day.' Richard Cubbin, the 29-year-old owner of 'Alien tattoos,' believes this growing public interest signifies something deeper than mere entertainment, suggesting that people are starting to believe in a higher intelligence and that tattoos serve as a message.

Mike Rogers, a 24-year-old from Southampton, is also presented as a believer in a higher intelligence. He has co-founded a new center for Ufology studies in Southampton with Jason Gray. They advocate for open-mindedness regarding the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, citing the increasing number of similar personal experiences reported.

Southampton Evening Echo: Circling on truth. (9.8.96)

This article revisits Tlakgelel's visit, emphasizing his role as a spiritual leader of South American Indians and holder of ancient knowledge. He is described as being five feet tall but possessing great stature in his homeland. Tlakgelel viewed crop circle formations, including one near Stonehenge and another near Avebury, and stated that he believed there was a connection between these circles and earth patterns in Mexico. He referred to the circles as 'messages' but was unsure of their origin. Researcher Lucy Pringle is mentioned for her work involving burying bottles of water within formations for analysis and for claiming to have uncovered evidence of a mysterious energy force, with ECG brain tests on visitors yielding 'exciting results.'

Radio (July)

Talk Radio - Dr Richard Lawrence and radio phone in. (31.7.96)

A brief summary of a radio interview where a caller claimed to have been in contact with aliens for 15 years, disagreeing with Dr. Richard Lawrence and the Aetherius Society. The interaction is described as amusing but not particularly informative.

Radio (August)

BBC 1 FM Radio 7pm - 8pm. Independence Day.... (4.8.96)

This was a humorous 'P*** Take' of the film 'Independence Day,' likened to H.G. Wells' 1938 broadcast of 'War of the Worlds.' The segment involved Patrick Moore and a radio presenter, with a notable amusing line about Patrick Moore fist-fighting an extraterrestrial.

BBC Radio 2: Nick Pope and the UK's X-Files. (10.8.96)

A missed item featuring Nick Pope discussing the UK's 'X-Files.' The author expresses regret for missing it and asks if others recorded it.

REPORT OF FLYING TRIANGLE OVER SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR. WARWICKSHIRE.

This section details a sighting by a witness and his girlfriend on a Tuesday in February or the first Tuesday in March 1996, between approximately 19:20 and 19:35. The witness initially observed a bright 'star' with two flashing lights (one orange, one green) which he viewed through binoculars. Subsequently, two aircraft approached the 'star,' which then began to move. Later, a group of three white lights appeared above the house in a triangular formation. The witness noted that there was no sound, and he could not determine what the lights were attached to, suggesting they might be separate objects. The lights were observed flying over a factory. The witness then ran back inside and observed the lights make a 90-degree turn towards Moreton, stop suddenly, move back, and descend behind trees. The report is printed with the witness's permission.

UFO HOTLINE.

This section provides contact details for charges related to UFO Hotline calls (36p standard rate, 48p peak rate) and the BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE (0891 121 886).

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS.

Information is provided about the BUFORA Newsletter, stating it consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages and press items. The cost is £5 per year, including postage.

CROP CIRCLE UPDATE AS OF 1.8.96.

This update discusses the significant number of crop formations in Southern England during July 1996. The Stonehenge formation is noted as being approximately 950ft long with over 150 circles, derived from a computer-generated mathematical formula. An article from the Southampton Evening Echo is mentioned, where a professor from Southampton University allegedly discussed formation creation with crop circle hoaxers. The report questions how a formation could appear so quickly, noting that a pilot observed the field as normal, but 45 minutes later, the formation was present. The author speculates about the possibility of hoaxers with 'wings' or a 'mass invasion.' The update also mentions formations in Somerset and near Brighton.

Crop Circle Locations:

• Berkshire: Ruscombe, Caversham (40ft circle with ring and 4 satellite circles).
• Cambridgeshire: Girton Nr M11 (Large circular ring, large appendages; Large circle with crescent appendages).
• East Sussex: Near Saltdean.
• Hampshire: Near Basingstoke (Crescent inside a ring; Circle with ring), Goodworth Clatford (Approx. 80ft across), Ropley Dean (Double ring, 150-200ft dia), Kingsclere (Ring and central Celtic cross), East Oakley (S. American symbol), Privett (Circle with circles around it).
• Lancashire: Sollion, nr Southport (Large anti-clockwise circle with path and smaller circle).
• Oxfordshire: Denton (45ft dia circle), Garsington (Path approx. 1,000ft long with smaller circles), Wheatley (Circle, two rings and two grapeshot), Burford (97 ft circle and 2 extrusions).
• Somerset: Matlock (No Other Details).
• Wiltshire: Opposite Silbury Hill (6 Petal formation; Spiral), Devizes (20ft circle with ring and 6 smaller circles), East Field, Alton Barnes (12 circles and interwoven 80 circle double helix 'DNA' type pattern), Cherhill (30ft single circle), Milk Hill, Alton Barnes (Scorpion pictogram), Stonehenge (Julia set style pictogram, 150 circles, 950ft long).

BUFORA NEWSFILE.

Subscription details are provided: £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues. Contact Michael Hudson at Linden Trees, 70 High Street, Wingham, Kent, CT3 1BJ.

Forthcoming Events and Lectures.

• Contact: Contact International, P.O Box 23, Wheatley, Oxon, OX33 1FL.
• Speakers: Roy Dutton, Roy Lake & Lee Winterson.
• Venue: The Exeter Hall, Kidlington, Oxford.
• Time: 11am - 5pm.
• Tickets: £5.00 Each.
• 16th-17th November 1996: Lancashire Aerial Phenomenon Investigation Society.
• Venue: The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, Near Blackpool.
• Speakers: Jenny Randles, Nick Pope and Philip Mantle.
• Telephone: 01253 391704 or 01253 404532.
• Next Meeting Of The Southampton UFO Group:
• Date: Tuesday 3rd September 1996.
• Time: 19:30 - 22:30 hrs.
• Venue: Church Road Centre, Junction Church Rd and Weston Grove Road, Woolston.

SOUTHAMPTON'S FIRST INTERNET CAFE.

Details for Southampton's first internet cafe, offering services at £3.00 per half hour (with student discounts) and training courses. Opening hours and contact telephone number (01703 635429) are provided.

VIDEO REVIEW BY THE WHEATEAR.

U.F.O.S CROP CIRCLE FORMATIONS & THE PARANORMAL. SUBTITLED: THE SECRETS UNFOLD. AS TIME RUNS OUT.

This review critiques a video that features U.F.O.s and crop formations. The reviewer finds the content less exciting than anticipated, focusing on segments involving 'The 'A' team' (three individuals known from crop circle development), an account of the UFO incident at Alton Barnes in 1992, and experiences recounted by Colin Andrews and others. The reviewer is skeptical of the video's claims, particularly regarding the authenticity of crop circles, suggesting many shown were hoaxed. The review criticizes the video for presenting questionable evidence and for the presenter 'Busty' admitting to having 'secrets' about crop circle phenomena without revealing them. The review also points out an alleged geographical error regarding the location of the Von Dorkheim footage. The reviewer concludes that the video is 'rather pointless' but may appeal to the American market.

SUMMER QUIZ.......

This section presents a quiz with 12 questions related to UFOs, crop circles, and paranormal events, offering a 3-hour video from the editors' collection as a prize for the first correct answer received by October 1st, 1996. The editor apologizes for an error in the previous month's quiz regarding a scientist who discovered 'Orgone Radiation.' The questions cover topics such as crop watch operations, definitions of UFO encounters, specific sightings, crop circle hoaxers, wartime aerial phenomena, crop types, abduction experiences, and the Philadelphia experiment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and the broader paranormal. There is a clear interest in exploring both the mysterious and potentially hoaxed aspects of these subjects. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in unexplained phenomena, providing news updates, expert opinions, witness accounts, and even a quiz to engage readers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, skeptics, and researchers, while also maintaining a critical eye, as seen in the video review. The emphasis on recent events and ongoing investigations suggests a commitment to covering current developments in the field of ufology and the paranormal.