SUFOG Newsletter No 076

Magazine Overview

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, Number 76, is dated February 1997. The newsletter presents a "new look" with improved design and the ability to include more pictures. The editorial section is particularly critical of Philip Walton, a director of BUFORA, for his stance on the lack of physical evidence for alien visitations. The editor argues that such a viewpoint is unscientific and discouraging to genuine investigators.

Editorial Content

The editorial expresses dismay at Philip Walton's assertion that there is "no actual physical evidence" of alien visits. The editor contrasts this with the "mounting evidence of alien visitations, landings, abductions etc." and questions whether abductees and witnesses are lying or dreaming. The editor feels that individuals like Walton have already made up their minds and would discourage anyone seeking truth from BUFORA. The editorial also notes that BUFORA was scheduled to hold a national sky watch on June 21, 1997, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting.

The Southampton UFO Group is planning several events: quarterly lectures starting in June with guest speakers like Roy Lake, a potential trip to Contact International's conference in October, a joint UFO conference in the Southampton area in 1998, and lectures by the editor in Swindon and Hampshire.

Media Coverage and Reviews

What the Press Had to Say in September 1995: This section provides an extensive list of newspaper articles from various local and national publications in September 1995, covering a wide range of UFO-related topics, including sightings, abductions, alleged cover-ups, and specific cases like "The M Files."

Television: Reviews of television programs discussing UFOs are presented, including "Sightings" on Sky One, "Sci-Fi Channel" programs covering cases like Socorro and alien abductions, and "The Why Files" which explored topics such as ancient civilizations, UFO conventions, and the Rendlesham Forest incident.

Radio: Reviews of radio shows are included. The Steve Wright Show featured Timothy Good, whose interview was described as repetitive. The Jamesons on Radio 2 featured Reg Presley discussing his music career and crop circles. Talk Radio's "Paranormal Day" is also mentioned.

Magazine Reviews by Mr Ernie Sears: This section reviews several UFO-related magazines:

• Ovni: Praised for detailed sightings reports, including a "Halo triangle" and "Italian balls."
• EMUFORA: Mentioned for a "football field sized" flying wing sighting over New York and Connecticut in 1986.
• ALIEN: Described as a "smartly printed and bound" magazine from the Irish UFO Network, featuring articles on Area 51, "moon landings" controversy, and "Dark Skies."
• UFO Magazine (American): Reviewed positively for its coverage of Area 51, "HALE-BOPP" objects, "Mexican waves," and "alien body" mutilations. It also includes articles on "The Arrival" film and "The Israeli alien body."

Other Reviews:

• UFO_REALITY: Described as an issue with good articles on unmanned spy craft, the Hawaiian Kelly Cahill abduction, and a "near miss" UFO computer re-creation.
• UFO MAGAZINE: Another positive review, highlighting NASA's involvement with religious figures and scientists, and Vice President Al Gore's interest. It also covers the "Israeli alien body" and "animal mutilations."

Readers' Letters

A letter from "Steve" thanks the editor for the newsletter and expresses disappointment with Kevin McClure's newsletter, "Promises and Disappointments." The letter criticizes McClure for attacking well-known and respected investigators, suggesting that such behavior is counterproductive to the UFO community's goal of collating and investigating UFO activity. The writer emphasizes the importance of an open mind and collaboration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the nature and evidence of UFO visitations, the role of investigators and organizations like BUFORA, the extensive media coverage of UFO phenomena, and the importance of collaboration within the UFO community. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open-minded investigation and critical of those who dismiss evidence or attack fellow researchers. The newsletter aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of UFO-related news, media coverage, and community activities.

The SUFOG Newsletter, Issue 11, presents a detailed account of a UFO sighting and announces upcoming events for the Southampton UFO Group. The issue includes a witness testimony, details about group meetings, and information on a special lecture.

Witness Testimony: The Linke Sighting

The primary focus of this newsletter issue is a compelling witness account from a person identified as Linke, detailing an encounter with an unidentified flying object. Linke, accompanied by his daughter, observed a conical object that initially appeared to have holes which began to glitter. The object's color changed from green to red, and it emitted a distinct hum and later a whistling sound. The object seemed to be supported by a cylindrical plant that extended from its top and then reappeared from its bottom on the ground. The object then rose slowly, rotating like a top, and was surrounded by a ring of flames. As it gained altitude, it moved horizontally towards a neighboring town and disappeared over forests in the direction of Stockheim. Other local residents also reported seeing an object they thought was a comet.

Crucially, after the object disappeared, Linke investigated the site and discovered a freshly dug circular opening in the ground, precisely matching the shape of the conical tower he had observed. This physical evidence convinced him that the experience was not a dream.

Upcoming Events

Next Group Meeting

The newsletter announces the date for the next SUFOG group meeting: April 27th, to be held at the Woolston Community Centre, Church Road, Woolston. The meeting is scheduled to run from 19:30 to 22:30 hrs in the usual meeting room.

Guest Speaker Series

Starting from June 29, 1997, the group plans to organize a series of guest lectures. The inaugural lecture will feature Mr. Roy Lake from the London UFO Studies group. The event will take place at the Woolston Community Centre, Church Road, Woolston, Southampton, on June 29, 1997, from 2 PM to 5 PM. The newsletter notes that if this event is well-supported, guest speakers will be booked every four months. Attendees are advised that numbers will be restricted and tickets should be purchased early. The ticket price is £5, and refreshments will be available. Completed application forms for tickets should be returned to the editor, Mr. Steve Gerrard, at 25 Weston Grove Road, Woolston, Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 9EE.

Page 12 is dedicated to a flyer-style announcement for this lecture by Mr. Roy Lake, reiterating the date, time, venue, and contact details for Steve Gerrard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG Newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the dissemination of information within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of the Linke sighting and the follow-up on physical evidence. The organization actively promotes engagement through regular meetings and guest lectures, aiming to educate and involve its members and the public in UFO research.