SUFOG Newsletter No 075

Magazine Overview

This document is the 75th issue of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. It primarily focuses on cataloging media coverage of UFO phenomena from various newspapers, magazines, and television programs, with a particular emphasis on events and reports from late 1995 through early 1997. The newsletter also includes an editorial, reviews, and information about local UFO-related activities.

Editorial

The editorial section begins by reflecting on the start of 1997 and the anticipation surrounding the screening of 'Roswell The Movie' on Ch4, which was unexpectedly pulled due to "contractual problems." The editor expresses skepticism about this reason, suggesting it might be a cover for other issues, and humorously calls for Scully and Mulder to investigate. The editorial then discusses the first episode of the TV series 'Dark Skies' on Channel 4, describing it as a mixture of 'The X-Files,' 'The Invaders,' and 'ID4.' While initially unimpressed, the editor admits the show is growing on them, noting its explanations for events like the Roswell incident and the inclusion of elements like 'pictograms' and alien-influenced congressmen, which stretch the limits of ufology.

Media Coverage: August 1995

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to listing articles related to UFOs that appeared in various publications during August 1995. This includes:

Regional Articles:

Numerous local newspapers across the UK reported on UFO sightings, alien ideas, hotlines for sightings, mystery UFOs, and questions about extraterrestrial life. Examples include reports from Shoreham Herald, Dundee Courier Advertiser, Chichester Observer, Oldham Evening Chronicle, Stretford & Urmston Messenger, Willenhall Adnews, West Sussex Gazette, Hemel Hempstead & Kings Langley Express, and many others, covering a wide range of sightings and encounters.

National Articles:

National newspapers also featured UFO-related stories. These included reports on Argentine jets having near misses with UFOs, discussions on whether alien encounters are fact or fiction, articles about Britain being a "UFO Capital," lectures on flying saucers, and speculation about aliens looking like celebrities. The articles touched upon themes of space travel, the possibility of alien life, and media portrayals of UFOs, such as a TV film about aliens crash-landing.

Newspaper Unknown:

One entry notes a "Secret History Ch4" program without specifying the newspaper.

Magazine Articles:

Several magazines also covered UFO topics, with articles on "Alien Abductions" in The Oldie, "The Day the Aliens Failed to Land" in New Scientist, "The Real X Files" in News of the World Magazine, and discussions on alien creatures and the X-Files in Time Out, What's on Tv, and Radio Times.

Crop Circles:

Reports on crop circles appeared in the Trowbridge Advertiser and Southern Daily Echo, with one article linking crop circle mysteries to UFOs and another suggesting a sceptic faked crop circles.

Media Coverage: Other Dates

Foreign Articles:

An article from the International Herald Tribune discussed a psychiatrist being cleared by Harvard regarding alien 'victims'.

Local Articles:

Reports from Devizes, Melksham & Vale of Pewsey News mentioned police being floored by a UFO sighting, and Portsmouth News covered "No Outer Limits."

Press/TV/Radio Matters Over the Past Month:

Press: A review from 'Frontline' newspaper discussed Bob Price's book 'UFOs Over Hampshire and The Isle of Wight,' noting its re-publication and a new chapter. The review mentioned larger pictures and contributions from S. Gerrard, but corrected an error about Paul Fuller being a co-editor. It also highlighted that the enigma of UFOs is not confined to the South Coast but is a worldwide phenomenon.

Live TV Captures UFO: An upcoming paranormal show on LIVE TV, 'The Why Files,' was set to feature exclusive footage of a UFO, described as having a large light and image, possibly the largest ever recorded on tape.

Film Crew Fail to Shoot UFO on Sight: A BBC natural history program, 'Spirits Of The Jaguar,' captured footage of a bright light in Mexico. The assistant producer, Sarah Byatt, described the light shaking from side to side, and the cameraman reported seeing a porthole and a cabin.

Daily Mail - The Far Side (16.12.96): Nigel Lea-Jones recalled an incident in 1972 where he and a friend saw a silver and orange spherical object near the water, which opened to reveal a dark circular window before disappearing.

The Independent (17.12.96): An article discussed the Ministry of Defence's examination of 'uninhabited' flying saucers as part of the future Air Offensive System (FAOS) to replace Tornado bombers. This program involves a £35m study into options including unmanned air vehicles and stealth technology, with international collaboration.

The Independent (18.12.96): A report on a £1m payout to a man who took out an insurance policy against alien abduction, with the insurer expecting to profit from selling the evidence, including photographic footage.

Daily Mail (19.12.96): A review of 'The X-Files' episode involving a young couple being abducted, noting that the scenario was questioned due to the male character's behavior.

Southampton Daily Echo (9.1.97): An announcement for a new ten-week UFO night school at Totton College, covering spaceship sightings, alien abductions, and crop circles, led by Psychology lecturer Craig Roberts.

Ernie Sears' TV Review: Ernie Sears reviewed several TV programs, including 'Dark Skies,' which he found to be a lukewarm imitation of 'The X-Files' and disappointing. He also commented on the prevalence of "sci-fi" substitutes for documentary-style programs and the "bandwagon" effect of UFO-themed shows.

Radio: A news item on Radio 5 Live reported an insurance company paying £1m for a claim of alien abduction, with the claimant providing physical proof (an alien's hand).

Magazine Reviews by Mr Ernie Sears: Mr. Sears reviewed a total of nine magazines, ranging from "sublime to the almost ridiculous."

Specific Incidents and Reports

• UFO Sighting in Caribbean (1972): A detailed account of a spherical object with a window observed near the water.
• Alien Abduction Insurance Claim (£1m): An insurance policy taken out against alien abduction led to a payout, with evidence including photographic footage.
• BBC Film Crew UFO Encounter: A sighting of a bright light with a cameraman's report of a porthole and cabin.
• Totton College UFO Course: A new course offering education on UFO phenomena and alien encounters.
• Reg Presley Interview: Reg Presley stated that "We will know the truth this year from President Clinton," hinting at potential revelations about Area 51 and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the widespread media attention given to UFO phenomena, suggesting a growing public and media interest. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of sightings while also critically examining media portrayals and sensationalism. There's a clear effort to document and archive these reports, providing a resource for UFO enthusiasts. The inclusion of reviews and local group information reinforces the newsletter's role as a community hub for those interested in the subject. The recurring theme is the pervasive nature of UFO reports across various media platforms and geographical locations, often linking them to popular culture phenomena like 'The X-Files'.

This document comprises reviews of various UFO-related magazines and newsletters, along with announcements of upcoming events and lectures. The primary focus is on the content and contributors of these publications, offering a snapshot of the ufology scene in the mid-1990s.

Magazine Reviews

Unsolved UFO Sightings This American glossy magazine is described as well-produced, featuring articles that 'grip and puzzle'. It includes contributions from authors like Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger, who discuss 'Tricksters from Outer Space'. Hans Holzer contributes an account of an abductee with healing powers and updates his book 'The Ufonauts'. The review also mentions articles on 'Earth Disaster Before 2000', 'UFO's Lead Man to Buried Treasure', 'The Original Face on Mars', crop circles, Men in Black, and missing UFO films. No price is mentioned, but a New York publishing address is provided.

Dragon Watch This is the second issue of the magazine from the Welsh Federation of Independent Ufologists. It features a 'Historical Flashback' to a 1952 newspaper article about 'Flying Saucers' over the Washington Capitol, with radar returns and pilot reports. An article discusses a man who terrorized the Broad Haven neighborhood in 1977, confusing UFO and 'entity' events. It includes a report on the Supernormal Research Conference 1996 at Cardiff, with speakers like Michael Roll and Ron Pearson. Other speakers mentioned are John Holman, Nick Pope, George Wingfield, Colin Andrews, Maurice Cotterell, and Dr Francesca Rossetti. The editor, Anthony Barcello, is noted for his 'Planetary Aid Network' aims. The magazine costs £2 per copy and is available from 29 Ovington Terrace, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 1GF.

INUFOR DIGEST This Australian-based publication from November 1996 is noted for its lack of stapling. It covers UFO and 'other phenomena' and lists speakers from an October 1996 Symposium, including Walt Andrus, Stanton Friedman, Bill Chalker, George Wingfield, Whitley Strieber, and John Mack. The symposium's findings are summed up as a 'warning to all Governments', mainstream religions, Western Scientific Materialism, and a challenge to all individuals.

BUFORA NEWSFILE This is the monthly newsletter of BUFORA. The subscription cost is £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues. Contact details are provided for Michael Hudson.

The Magazine (Unnamed, likely related to the DC10 crash) This magazine contains reports on UFO connections with the DC10 crash in Antarctica in 1979 and 'unknown craft' messages from the plane prior to its crash. It also covers lesser-known Australian sightings and two strange objects videoed at a barbecue. A TV request for film was cancelled, returning only four stills. It mentions the 'Aurora' craft and the USA-controlled Menwith Hill 'listening station' having an equivalent at Pine Gap in Australia. No price is shown, but enquiries can be made to PO Box 783, Kogarah, NSW. 2217, Australia.

Circular Forum This is the quarterly magazine of the Gloucestershire UFO group. It is well-printed and features 'skywatches', conference attendance, crop circle investigations, and a visit to Rendlesham. It advises readers to 'stay balanced' and watch for 'sinister' spiritual aspects. It includes sighting reports and an in-depth look at an alleged abduction case with Nick Pope. There is also a humorous article on Stealth craft. The magazine costs £10 a year and is available from Circular Forum, The Flat, Sheldon, Battledown Approach, Cheltenham, Glos, Gl52 6RA.

Skylink NO.17 This is the magazine of the London UFO Studies Group, with a new, professional format. It features an article on Bonnybridge and surrounding areas by Malcolm Robinson. Mark Torrender writes about meanings behind crop circles. Clinical Hypnotherapist R. Lamont offers advice for abductees. The magazine includes an improved 'Sighting Reports' section, illustrations of 'Beamships' from Billy Meier's 'Pleiades' system, and a feature on military activity in Wiltshire's UFO 'hotspots'. It also includes an interview with a former intelligence agent. The magazine is available from Roy Lake at 10a Tudor Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 9RX, costing £15 annually or £2.50 per single copy.

Intelligence This Christmas issue is noted for the humor of Director Eric Morris. It covers queries on moon landing photos and the 'LAPIS' Conference in November, with good speakers. It mentions a 'tirade of obscenity' by someone at an 'al fresco' interval talk by Harry Harris. Eric criticizes 'morons' and 'downright liars' in the House of Commons and calls for a commission to study the subject. The magazine costs £2 quarterly from 52 Dart Walk, Wharton, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3JE.

Emufora This is the 'Final Edition' of the East Midlands UFO Research Association. The group continues despite the editor, Carole James, facing pressure from daytime work and NVQ Level 2 studies. Sightings can be reported to Tony James or Steve Hayhoe. An article discusses a multi-witnessed UFO in East Anglia seen on radar, with questions raised in the House and suspected 'D' Notices. It also covers the Bob Lazar interview and Carole James's article on the origin of 'visitors'. The review questions if she saw a 'Children's prog' ('It's a Mystery') depicting 'future mankind'.

UFO Magazine This well-established glossy magazine features an article by Robert Bauval on the Mars 'Face' enigma and details of the Hale-Bopp comet, suggesting it is not a 'normal' object and has an 'Earth sized' companion emitting its own light and radio signals. It reports UFOs in formation over the Scottish Islands, and Jenny Randles urging cooperation. An article discusses an 'alien claw' insurance scam. Blackmore is mentioned versus Harry Harris. The magazine costs £1.95 in shops. The reviewer notes the print quality and requests readable black type on white paper.

Sightings This section concludes the reviews. Jenny Randles features 'The Fog From Nowhere', the Roswell 'alien' surfaces, and the Nazca Lines. Russell Warren speculates on UFO technology. Nick Pope forecasts 'sensational developments'. The magazine costs £25 for 12 issues from Rapide Publishing, 14a Union Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2JS.

UFO Reports A personal report from Andrew Norton (Doncaster, South Yorkshire) describes observing a bright, egg-shaped light moving and stopping suddenly through a telescope, which then vanished.

Upcoming Events and Lectures

Southampton UFO Group Meetings The next group meeting is on April 27th at Woolston Community Centre, Church Road, Woolston, at 19:30. Starting June 29th, 1997, guest speakers will be organized every four months. The first speaker is Roy Lake of the London UFO Studies Group. Tickets are £5, and refreshments will be available. Applications should be sent to Steve Gerrard, 25 Weston Grove Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9EE.

Southampton's First Internet Cafe Offers internet access at £3.00 per half hour, with student discounts and training courses. Opening hours are 9 am - 10 pm Monday to Saturday, and 2 pm - 9 pm Sundays. Telephone: 01703 635429. Address: 75 Bedford Place, Southampton, Hampshire.

Forthcoming Events and Lectures

• March 23, 1997: UFO and Paranormal Conference, Glenvilles Conference Hall & Night Club, Nr Cogenhoe, Northampton. £10 per ticket. Speakers include Derrel Sims, Robert Bauval, Nick Redfern, Malcom Robinson, Dr Richard Lawrence, Matthew Williams, Marcus Allen.
• April 6, 1997: Dorchester - The Corn Exchange. Speakers: Nick Pope, Anthony Dodd, David Percy, Marcus Allen, David Kingston. 9:30 am - 6 pm. £15 per ticket.
• May 3, 1997: Newcastle - The Civic Centre. Speakers: G.Birdsall, Anthony Dodd, Russell Callaghan & William Holden. 11 am - 7 pm.
• June 21-22, 1997: London - Imperial College. Speakers: S.T.Friedman, Anthony Dodd, George Knapp, G.Birdsall, Nick Pope. 11 am - 7 pm. £20 for both days.

Lecture by Mr Roy Lake The Southampton UFO Group presents a lecture by Mr Roy Lake of the London UFO Study Group on June 29, 1997, from 2 pm - 5 pm at Woolston Community Centre, Church Road, Woolston, Southampton. Details from Steve Gerrard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and related phenomena across various publications. There is a strong emphasis on independent ufology groups and their magazines, often highlighting their critical stance towards official explanations and mainstream scientific or governmental perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation and the sharing of information, while also maintaining a critical eye on the quality of reporting and the potential for misinterpretation or deception within the field. The inclusion of upcoming events and lectures suggests an active community dedicated to the study of UFOs.