SUFOG Newsletter No 072

Magazine Overview

This is the October 1996 issue, number 72, of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. The editor is Steve Gerrard, and the newsletter provides contact details for the group, including an address in Woolston, Southampton, Hampshire, and a telephone number.

Editorial

The editorial discusses recent UFO-related news, starting with the claim that material from the Roswell crash is of earthly origin, made from copper. It also addresses footage from Oliver's Castle showing three lights creating a crop circle, which is suspected to be a hoax. The editor references a letter from Colin Andrews dated 16.9.96, who concluded, pending analysis, that both the crop pattern and video were likely hoaxes, possibly by the same group. The person who filmed the footage, John Wheyleigh, is mentioned as potentially using details of John Web, who partners with a Bristol company editing video for television. Colin Andrews states his intention to focus on the people involved rather than the film itself, expressing regret that such hoaxes damage researchers like himself and Peter Sorenson, and the phenomenon.

The editorial then reflects on the gullibility of some ufologists who are quick to accept apparent evidence of UFOs or crop circles, only to be disappointed when hoaxes are revealed. It suggests that clever hoaxes are possible with modern computer technology and questions whether there is a secret government plan to flood ufology with hoaxes or if it's simply people seeking attention. The editor notes that the early 1990s have been characterized by pranksters and hoaxers, and wonders about the late 1990s. The newsletter is described as a lengthy edition, with the next issue also expected to be substantial, coinciding with the Christmas period. A competition is planned for the December or January edition with prizes such as a trip to the Moon or a visit to Area 51.

Press and Media Review

The newsletter includes a section titled 'WHAT THE PRESS HAD TO SAY IN MAY 1995', listing numerous articles from regional, national, and local newspapers and magazines, covering topics such as UFO sightings, alien conferences, and investigations into UFO researchers. It also lists 'CROP CIRCLES' related articles from the Southampton Evening Echo.

Another section, 'PRESS AND TV MATTERS OVER THE PAST MONTH', details media items from September and October 1996. This includes magazine articles like 'News of the World Magazine - Area 51' and 'Sunday Mirror : Real Life X Files'. Television programs reviewed include Sky 1's 'Sightings' and 'Sky Movies' episodes on UFOs, notably 'Dreamland' (24-25.9.96), which is highly praised for its investigation of Area 51 and S4, featuring Bob Lazar. 'Intruders (Part 1 of a 4 part series)' based on Budd Hopkins' book about abductions is also reviewed as a lengthy but excellent dramatisation.

UFO Hotline and Subscription Details

Information is provided for a UFO Hotline with standard and peak rates, and a BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE number. Details for subscribing to the newsletter are given, costing £5 per year, which includes postage. The BUFORA NEWSFILE subscription costs £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues, with contact details for Michael Hudson.

Forthcoming Events and Lectures

An event is listed for 16th-17th November 1996: the Lancashire Aerial Phenomenon Investigation Society at The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, featuring speakers Jenny Randles, Nick Pope, and Philip Mantle. The next meeting of the Southampton UFO Group is also mentioned.

The Wheatears Column

This column addresses an error in a previous review of the video 'UFOs Crop Formations and The Paranormal'. The editor apologizes for 'dickey fingers' and computer glitches that led to inaccuracies in the original review, promising a corrected version in the November edition. The column also touches on a radio talk show about crop circles featuring Scot Chisholm, Gerry Adams, and Terence Meaden, discussing Meaden's dismissed plasma vortex theory and Andy Thomas's views. The presenter's apparent belief that lights seen during crop circle creation imply alien involvement is noted, and the editor expresses a belief that the Oliver Castle crop formation footage will prove to be an elaborate hoax.

The Views of the Press

This section critiques the press's coverage of ufology, suggesting it sometimes damages the field. It references an article by John Sweeney titled 'ALIENS FADE TO GREY IN UNITED STRIP', which describes a lecture by Mike Wooten about alien abductions. Sweeney's article humorously portrays Wooten's lecture and the attendees, noting the common depiction of aliens as 'greys' and the historical progression of abduction narratives from solar system tours to more distant journeys.

Letters and Sightings

Two letters are included. The first is from Jamie (Doncaster, Aged 14), who thanks the editor for information and describes three UFO sightings: a black diamond-shaped object with lights hovering over treetops; a ball of light that stopped, zipped into clouds, and lit them up; and a star-like object seen in broad daylight that was joined by another before both disappeared. The second letter is from Darren, who received information from Jamie and believes he may have seen a UFO around Edlington – a round dome-like plate with lights. Darren requests more information to prove to his mother that UFOs exist.

What is SUFOPIA?

This section introduces SUFOPIA (Southern UFO & Paranormal Investigation Association), a new group formed to investigate UFOs and paranormal subjects. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and sharing information among different groups. SUFOPIA aims to assign cases to appropriate investigators within the group and keep the Investigations Co-ordinator informed. They are actively seeking members and encourage anyone interested to contact Joe Jenkins. The group is already collaborating with the Southampton UFO Group.

SUFOG Trip to Contact International UFO Conference

This is a personal account of attending the Contact International UFO Conference on Sunday, 29th September 1996, in Exeter Hall, Kidlington, Oxford. The author describes the event, including lectures by Ray Hunt (discussing the inability to explain UFOs/civil aircraft incidents as military activity), Brian James (co-ordinator of Contact International, discussing black triangular UFOs and comparing them to stealth aircraft), and Matthew Williams (discussing secret bases like Area 51 and crop circles). The author expresses skepticism about the origin of triangular UFOs, suggesting they could be advanced aircraft, but acknowledges the possibility of alien connections. The author also discusses the crop circle phenomenon, questioning the motives of hoaxers and their potential to discredit genuine theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently expresses a critical stance towards sensationalism and potential hoaxes within the ufology community. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, particularly regarding crop circles and alleged alien encounters. The editor, Steve Gerrard, appears to be a proponent of rigorous investigation and is wary of misinformation that could damage the credibility of serious researchers. The newsletter also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena, reviewing both positive and negative coverage. The formation of new investigative groups like SUFOPIA and the importance of sharing information are also recurring themes, suggesting a desire for a more organized and collaborative approach to UFO research.

This issue, Volume 4, Issue 14, of UFO Magazine, dated September 1996, is primarily a review of various UFO-related publications and a report on the Oxford Conference. The magazine's cover headline highlights UFO sightings across the UK.

Oxford Conference Report

The author recounts attending the Oxford Conference, which featured presentations on UFOs and related phenomena. The first half of the conference included a presentation by Matthew, who discussed the alleged UFO cover-up by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and investigations at Rudlow Manor. Despite the MoD's denial of any such investigations, Matthew's persistence and interviews with locals suggested otherwise, leading the author to believe the MoD's credibility is crumbling. The author expresses a desire to know the 'whole truth' about what is going on.

The second half of the conference began with Nick Pope, described as eloquent and professional, discussing his dealings with UFO sightings and government departments. Pope's book, 'Open Skies Closed Minds,' is noted as a bestseller. During his presentation, Pope asked the audience about their experiences with UFOs. While approximately 140 people had seen a UFO, only about 40 had reported it, and a mere one person had reported it to the MoD. This led to the conclusion that the MoD's assertion of no strategic threat from UFOs is questionable, and the author wonders if any government department is truly investigating these reports. A concern raised is whether Nick Pope, who admits to receiving only 300 reports a year, has access to all the facts held by the MoD.

Roy Lake, with 40 years of study in UFOs and abduction experiences, shared his findings in a calm and engaging manner, drawing the audience into his world. His presentation was described as intense and electrifying, with people openly sharing their experiences.

Roy Dutton presented theories based on collecting UFO sighting data to predict patterns and times of appearances. His presentation was described as dense with facts and figures, requiring an hour to deliver.

The day concluded with a 'Brains Trust of the Paranormal' panel, including the day's speakers. A key question asked was about a UK equivalent to the US's Area 51. The panel's response was evasive, mentioning two locations in Scotland, leaving the audience uncertain.

The author thanks Steve for organizing the event and expresses hope for future contributions to the magazine.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears provides reviews of several UFO-related magazines:

• UFO Reality: Described as a 'commercial' glossy with interesting articles, including one on the 'Tumi' artifact and a discussion with Bob Dean. It features 'mystery' pictures of UFOs and crop circles, and is professionally produced. The reviewer treats suggestions on combating abductors with caution.
• Trans-UFO: A 'foreign' based product with translated articles from Poland and Argentina. It includes Swedish and Danish sightings, and UFO/Aircraft cases from Argentina. It is available with 'Area 51' magazine for £12 a year.
• AREAS1: A compact and well-printed issue covering sightings and featuring an article on 'Triangles and Technology.' The cover photo shows a 'glowing triangle' over the moon in 1995.
• QDW: An Australian magazine described as 'NEW WORLD ORDER' focused, covering topics like 'Big Brother Network Watching,' secret societies, and ancient magic. The reviewer finds it hard to take and notes it appears 'trifle racist' with a 'whites only' implication.
• EMUFORA: From the East Midlands UFO Research Association, it features articles on alien biology, a Bob Lazar interview, 1996 sightings, and crop circles. It costs £5 for 4 issues.
• Skylink: From Roy Lake's London UFO Studies, it includes 1996 sightings and a review of a book by John Clarke. It costs £12 for 4 issues.
• Malta UFO Research: Covers lectures by Hoagland and Hancock, Egyptian controversy, a Japanese UFO/Air Line incident, and 'Life on Mars' media. Contact details are provided.
• OVNI: Features reports of 'FTs' (Fast Transients) seen across the UK, a review of EMUFORA, and discussions on military attitudes towards UFOs. It mentions a 1981 'triangle' sighting and a Guatemalan 'Blood Sucker' legend. It also notes Sky TV presenting a sighting report.
• NEUFORM Times: A new publication covering 'Dreamland,' Area 51, and UFO-related material, including a petition to the UN.
• World UFO Journal: Features 'Mirror' photos from NASA's 'secret' files, coverage of the Dumow, Essex UFO, and the Truro, Cornwall events. The editor, Edward Harris, produces it on a non-profit basis.
• LUFOPRA: From Ireland, it discusses the Apollo moon landing, alleged UFOs, and a 'DEEPSPACE DATA RECOVERY OPERATION.' It also covers a British Rail 'Flying Saucer' patent and a review of the 'Cash/Landrum' event.
• LUFOPRA Journal: A thick magazine with articles on classified craft, the 'Russian twin,' and 'Spontaneous Human Combustion.' It includes a 'Casefile' of sightings over Ireland and details on an Irish company's contract with NASA.
• Intelligence UFO Magazine: Features an article on an abductee confronting issues and an update on Bonnybridge. It also covers the Laguna Canyon crop circle.
• Coverup (Scottish Unexplained Phenomena Research): Covers Bonnybridge phenomena, sheep mutilations, and UFO reports. It includes articles from the media and a mention of Bob Dean.

Other Content

The issue also includes answers to 'Quiz No.2,' with Mrs Stone from Basingstoke declared the winner. The author indicates that a special quiz will be featured in a future edition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the perceived secrecy and denial from government bodies like the MoD, and the review and promotion of various UFO-related publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a strong belief in the need for transparency and further investigation into UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of independent research and the sharing of information through magazines and conferences.