SUFOG Newsletter No 079

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: Number 79
Date: May 1997
Publisher: Southampton UFO Group
Editor: Steve Gerrard

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, dated May 1997, addresses publication delays and the editor's desire for greater collaboration within the UFOlogy community. It includes a review of recent media coverage, details of upcoming events, and extensive reviews of other UFO-related publications.

Editorial

Steve Gerrard, the editor, begins by apologizing for the delay in publishing the April and May editions, explaining it's to bring the newsletter back in line. He notes that this issue will look at recent media coverage, including TV, radio, and tabloids. As a part-time police officer, Gerrard plans to dedicate the next edition to police involvement and reports on UFO sightings. He observes a positive trend in UFOlogy with an increase in group exchanges, noting his own exchange listing has grown significantly. Gerrard questions the reasons behind this growth, pondering if it's due to an increasing number of sightings, people seeking financial gain, or increased media attention, citing Nick Pope's book and TV programs. He advocates for pooling resources and working as a unified 'family' rather than bickering or withholding information. Gerrard highlights the availability of information through the internet, fax, and postal services, emphasizing the value of private researchers' experience.

He also mentions receiving information about forthcoming talks by Larry Warren and Peter Robins, associated with the Bentwaters-Woodbridge incident. Gerrard suggested they contact Dillon's book shop in Southampton for a potential talk, and while the publishers were interested, a date couldn't be agreed upon. However, he notes that Warren and Robins would be back in the country in August, potentially allowing for a talk with unique video and slide footage.

What the Press Had to Say in December 1995

This section provides a comprehensive list of newspaper articles from December 1995 that reported on UFO sightings and related topics across various UK publications. Headlines range from direct questions like "Did they see UFO?" and "Do you believe in aliens?" to more descriptive ones such as "Alien encounters on the decline," "UFO sightings of 'brightly-lit craft'," and "Spotted - mysterious ball of flashing lights."

Forthcoming Lectures for 1997

Details are provided for a lecture event on July 5th, 1997, at the Civic Center, Southend. Speakers include Busty Taylor, Robert La Mont, Maria Ward, Steve Gerrard (SUFOG), and Roy Lake (London UFO Studies). Ticket prices are £10.00 on the day and £8.00 pre-booked. The Southend UFO Group can be contacted at 01702 79253.

Dorchester Conference 6th April 1997

An account of the Dorchester Conference held on April 6th, 1997. The author expresses some disappointment with the cramped stall areas and refreshment arrangements. He notes that speakers David Percy and Marcus Allen focused on the moon landings being a hoax, which he felt was repetitive. Nick Pope gave a lecture covering UFOs and the MoD, with the author anticipating his new book. The conference was enjoyed overall, with a special mention for David Kingston and his wife's organization. Tony Dodd gave a lecture but was unwell. David Kingston concluded the day with a presentation on the 1996 crop circle season.

Skywatch Dates

A reminder for upcoming skywatch events: July 18th (New Forest), August 23rd, and September 27th. Attendees needing transport are asked to contact the organizer. Participants are expected to stay for the entire duration if they accept a lift.

Advertisement Space

An invitation for advertisers to contact the editor to reach a wider UFO audience.

Newsletter Subscription Details

The SUFOG Newsletter consists of at least 5 double-sided A4 pages and press items, costing £5 per year including postage, and is published monthly.

BUFORA NEWSFILE

Subscription details for BUFORA are provided: £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues. Contact Mr. Michael Hudson in Wingham, Kent.

BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE

A phone number (0891 121 886) is given for BUFORA's weekly news update.

Southampton's First Internet Cafe

Information about an internet cafe in Southampton offering services at £3 per half hour, with opening times and contact telephone number (01703 635429).

A Web Site or Two

Links are provided for Smitty's UFO Page and Nexus Magazine.

Group Contact Numbers

A comprehensive list of contact numbers for various UFO research groups across the UK is provided.

Press/Tv/Radio Matters Over The Past Month

The Press:

• 19.4.97 Daily Mail: Article on "Alien in a dirty mac," promoting "The Field Guide to Extraterrestrials" by Patrick Huyghe, which classifies over 50 alien shapes. The book is described as a bible for alien enthusiasts and was launched at a conference for paranormal enthusiasts.

Sunday Telegraph (20.4.97): This section reviews three articles from the paper:
* "When green children fell to planet earth": A review of the Fortean Times Unconvention held in London.
* "Fact, fiction and a helping of alien gossip": An overview of Fortean Times and its aims by editor Paul Sieveking.
* "Unearthly killer who spills no blood": Discusses lecturers such as Jon Downes, who spoke about animal mutilations coinciding with mystery lights near Newquay Zoo.

Sunday People (11.5.97): Report on a video showing a "glowing dwarf with stumpy antennae" in Mexico, claimed as the first film evidence of a living alien. Ken Parsons of the British Earth and Aerial Mysteries Society commented on its importance.

Television

This section reviews television programs related to UFOs from April and May 1997. The author found the television scene disappointing, with few unique programs. Mentions include:

• 17.4.97 Ch5: Budd Hopkins program.
• 19.4.97 Sky News: "Unconvension."
• 21.4.97 Earthscan: Marcus Allen.
• 24.4.97 Mysteries, Magic and Miracles: "UFO Encounters."
• 26.4.97 Earthscan Special Report: "UFO Sweden 1997."
• Various Sci-Fi Channel programs like "Philadelphia Experiment," "Kidnapped by Aliens," "What If," "UFO & Close Encounter," "Nova - Kidnapped by Aliens," and "The UFO Incident."

The author notes that the Swedish program had subtitles and hopes to show it at a group meeting, along with a video from Malcolm Robinson titled "We The Jury."

Hospital Radio 6.5.97: The editor recounts being invited to chat about UFOs on hospital radio, describing the experience as a relaxed conversation covering UFOs, parallel universes, and out-of-body experiences.

Men in Black

This section previews the upcoming film "Men in Black," scheduled for release on August 1st, 1997. It describes the plot involving agents who regulate aliens on Earth and uncover an intergalactic plot. The film is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie Macdonald.

Magazine Reviews by Mr. Ernie Sears

Mr. Ernie Sears provides reviews of several UFO-related magazines:

• Dragon Watch: Praised for its improved layout and coverage, including an article on Michael Roll's "Proof of Life After Death" and "canals" on Mars. Priced at £2 per quarter.
• Skywatchers: A well-produced publication from the Cornwall UFO Group, featuring articles on "Are we Nearing the Big Announcement?", Cornish triangles, American implants, abductions, and Hale-Bopp. It costs £7 per year.
• Trans-UFO: Features translations of reports from various countries, including a "globe" article from Denmark and a "flying wing" in 1996. It is published twice a year for £8.
• UFOMEK: Covers international and local reports, including astronaut Gordon Cooper's landing report and Edgar Mitchell's claims about world leaders interviewing aliens. It also mentions Nick Pope's admission of ignorance and Mexican chupacabras. No price is given.
• Ovni and Ovni: This issue includes a report on a Falkland Hill landing, discussions on "triangle" photos, and Omar Fowler's booklet "The Flying Triangle Mystery." It also mentions Eduard Meier photos being assessed as genuine.

Page 8 Magazine Reviews

• Enigma: Described as Paul Vigay's neat and interesting magazine, covering chupacabras, Paul's Hale-Bopp update, and Nostradamous predictions. It also touches on the Heaven's Gate mass suicide, "mind control," and NORAD's satellite vanishing. It costs £8 for four issues.
• Circular Forum: This edition covers UFOs and crop circles, with the editor noting the media's tendency to ignore such experiences. It mentions the Rockefeller Institute and "exclusive" information shared with world leaders. It costs £10 a year.
• Skysearch: Features a chupacabra article and encounters described by a psychic. It includes theories on ley lines, UFOs, and crop circles. It costs £9 for four issues.
• UFO Magazine: A commercial publication costing £1.95, covering topics like the triangle near Michael Howard's home, the Mantell crash, and "unknowns" hovering over American ships. It also discusses the "spaceman" photo and Tel-Aviv "greys" encounters.

Page 9 Magazine Reviews

• Sightings: Features a poster of a "grey" alien, a new abduction video, the Nazi connection, America's Black Triangle, USO sightings, Mind Control Technology, and reports from Falmouth, Cornwall. It discusses conspiracy plots and collective consciousness. It costs £2.95 per issue.
• Unsolved UFO Sightings: This magazine has a sensational cover and content, including articles on alien abduction, life forms, "alien" messages channeled by Diane Tessman, and UFOs and ancient sites. It mentions George Adamski and the "chupas" phenomenon. It is published quarterly for $4.99.
• UFO Report (and phenomena report): This American publication reviews a new "Roswell" book by Philip J. Corso and Richard Hall's "Reality Check" on astronaut claims. It mentions a London UFO art exhibition and "Superluminal Communication." It also covers spurious Hale-Böpp photos and the UFO enigma. It costs $25 per year.

Note from the editor

The editor thanks Ernie Sears for his reviews and apologizes if any magazines were missed, explaining that he receives 12-15 magazines monthly. He requests assistance in translating German magazines for review.

Page 10 Book Review

Malcolm Robinson's Book Review:

• Title: Who On Earth Am I?
• Author: Terry Le Riche Walters
• Publishers: Amora Books
• Price: £7.99

Robinson reviews this 'channelled' book, finding it superior to others in its genre. The author shares personal experiences, including the belief that the Giza plateau was an alien spacecraft base, with craft originating from Orion and Sirius. The 'aliens' are described as 'Nordics' - six feet tall, tanned, leathery-skinned, with blonde hair. They are concerned about Earth's environmental impact. The book details Orion spacecraft, described as three-floored, 25 feet tall, 55 feet in diameter, and blue-green in color. Robinson finds it peculiar that the Orion friends did not recognize horses. He concludes that the book is a "mind blower" and educates the public on the reality of human perception.

Group Meeting 27.4.97

Details of a SUFOG group meeting are provided, noting 13 attendees and income from entry fees, book/magazine sales, and tea/coffee sales, resulting in £55 in club funds.

A First-Hand Investigation of the Bentwaters-Woodbridge incident

A talk by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins is scheduled at various locations in June 1997, with contact numbers provided for each location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings through media coverage and personal accounts, the review of UFO literature and publications, and the promotion of UFO research groups and events. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gerrard, emphasizes collaboration, information sharing, and a critical yet open-minded approach to UFOlogy, while also acknowledging the potential for financial motives and the need for skepticism. There's a clear effort to connect local UFOlogy (Southampton UFO Group) with national and international UFO research efforts.

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: 11
Date: January 18, 1997
Publisher: SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group)
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

1997 Crop Circle Update

The newsletter begins with an update on crop circle formations in 1997. As of the publication date, several formations have appeared worldwide. These include:

• January 18th: North of Amsterdam, Holland - 3 circles in a group, 50 meters in diameter, in winter grain.
• February 5th: Portland, Maine, USA - A snow crop circle, 40ft ring, with a complex pattern.
• February 7th: Cornwall (referencing previous editions).
• February 7th: Michigan, USA - No further details provided.
• February 27th: Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil - A 10m crop circle swirled in corn, following a UFO sighting.
• February 28th: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - Approximately 1km from the previous formation, a large crop circle with a dusting of white dust on the crop.
• April 20th: Barbury Castle, Wiltshire.
• April 27th: A second formation at Barbury Castle, consisting of 11 circles lined up on the tramlines, known as 'The Tree of Life' formation.

The editor expresses hope that hoaxters attempting to create better formations will be caught in 1997 and encourages readers to report any sightings or formations they encounter.

Personal Anecdote: Eating 'Alien Chewits'

The editor shares a humorous and somewhat bizarre personal experience of eating 'Alien Chewits', a candy shaped like grey aliens. After purchasing a packet for 25p, the editor describes the 'alien' as a grey block with pink ripples. The experience of chewing it is described as surprisingly pleasant, though it led to a 10-minute visit to the toilet the next day. The editor muses on the trend of advertising firms using alien themes, citing the popularity of 'The X-Files', 'Area 51' references, and adverts featuring spaceships and Coca-Cola machines being beamed up.

'Men in Black' Film and Media

A section details the film 'Men in Black', based on a comic book series by Lowell Cunningham and executive produced by Steven Spielberg. It stars Linda Fiorentino and Ed Solomon. The film's visual effects are by Industrial Light & Magic, and make-up by Rick Baker. The soundtrack will be released by Columbia Records, featuring a song by Will Smith, who also stars in the film. An animated TV series is also forthcoming.

Tale Enders: UFO Sightings and Events

This section covers various UFO-related news and events:

• Steve Ryder's Investigation: A group member, Steve Ryder, is investigating a UFO sighting involving a 'Flying Triangle' accompanied by a round object over Southampton on April 13, 1997. A report is expected by the next meeting.
• Roy Lakes Lecture: Ticket sales for a talk by Roy Lake of the London UFO Studies group are reportedly low, with only two tickets sold by May 24th, despite many expressing interest. The event has a capacity of 48 tickets.
• Next Meeting: The next Southampton UFO Group meeting is scheduled for June 15th at Woolston Community Center, Church Road, Woolston, from 19:30 to 22:30 hrs.
• Guest Speakers: Starting June 29th, the group will organize guest speakers. The first speaker will be Mr. Roy Lake. Subsequent speakers will be arranged every four months. Tickets are required, priced at £5, with refreshments available.

Feature Article: Opening X-Files of Hampshire

This article focuses on UFO sightings in Hampshire, with interviews with Bob Price, a civilian controller at Hampshire police headquarters.

• Bob Price's Background: Price became interested in UFOs in 1978 after a patrol witnessed a mystery object. He believes that while 95% of sightings are misidentifications (e.g., hot air balloons, aircraft, stars, polythene bags), the remaining 5% remain unexplained.
• Skepticism and Belief: Price is not a fanatic and approaches the subject dispassionately. He suggests that if humanity is sending probes into space, it's plausible that beings from other planets are doing the same, possibly with unmanned craft, but he believes some could be crewed.
• Witness Reluctance: Despite growing interest in UFOs, fueled by media like 'The X-Files', witnesses are often reluctant to share their experiences due to fear of ridicule.
• Personal Experience: Bob Price has never seen a UFO himself and admits that encountering one might frighten him.
• Official Recognition: Price anticipates that official secrecy surrounding UFOs may soon be lifted, leading to greater openness and possibly government statements.
• UFO Sightings in Portsmouth Area: The article details specific incidents:
• November 7, 1978: A 'huge, silent, mushroom-shaped object' with lights was seen over Portchester Hill, moving rapidly towards Fareham.
• December 13, 1982: A 'perfect circle of bright light' was observed moving fast over Portsdown Hill, accompanied by a humming sound. This was witnessed by multiple people.
• September 1981: Strange bands of light, described as two bright circles, were seen near Denmead and Westbourne.
• April 3, 1978: A three-cornered flying object appeared in photographs taken over HMS Vernon in Portsmouth, and was also seen by a local couple.
• Publications: The article mentions 'UFOs Over Hampshire And The Isle Of Wight' by Halsgrove (£6.95) and 'The X-Factor' magazine (£1.75).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG Newsletter consistently covers crop circle phenomena, UFO sightings, and related media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena while also recognizing misidentifications. There's a focus on local events and reports within Hampshire, encouraging reader participation. The newsletter also touches upon the cultural impact of UFOs and aliens in popular media and advertising. The tone ranges from serious reporting of sightings to lighthearted personal anecdotes.