SUFOG Newsletter No 081-82

Magazine Overview

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, numbers 81 & 82, is the Summer Edition from July & August 1997. It is published by SUFOG and is based in the UK. The editor is Steve Gerrard, who also contributes to the content. The newsletter covers a wide range of UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, official explanations, press coverage, upcoming events, and personal accounts.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Steve Gerrard, expresses skepticism towards official explanations for UFO sightings, particularly those from the USAF and CIA regarding the Roswell incident and the suggestion that early UFO reports were American spy planes. Gerrard questions these explanations, citing multiple object sightings and global consistency as evidence against them. He humorously refers to those who accept these explanations as 'dummies'. The editorial also mentions upcoming features in the newsletter, including a listing of crop circle formations, a look at the Arizona UFO Sightings in March, TV coverage of the Roswell Anniversary, a lecture by Roy Lake, the Southend UFO Conference, and a UFO week on ITV. Gerrard also notes that Southampton has its own UFO course accredited by Totton College.

Meet the Editor

Steve Gerrard is 34 years old, born in Hanover, West Germany. He is married with two sons and works as a Computer Terminal Operator for Hampshire Police. His other interests include being a Special Constable for Hampshire Police for 10 years, photography, and real ale. He has personally witnessed four UFO sightings and has been investigating UFOs for 19 years.

Press Coverage: February 1996

Pages 2 and 3 extensively list press articles from February 1996 concerning UFOs. These articles are categorized into Regional Press, Local Press, World Press, and National Press. The regional articles cover sightings and reports from various UK newspapers, including Tamworth Herald, Staffordshire Times, Scunthorpe Star, The Scotsman, Scottish Daily Mail, Oldham Evening Chronicle, Thanet Times, The Lakes Leader, Dundee Courier & Advertiser, Surrey Mirror, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, Edgeware Mill Hill & Kingsbury Times, Wanstead & Woodford Guardian, Loughborough Echo, Manchester Metro, Edinburgh Evening News, Exeter Express & Echo, The London Standard, Aberdeen Press and Journal, Chepstow & Caldicot Press, Newcastle Journal, Bournemouth Advertiser, Morpeth Herald, Newbury Weekly News, North Wales Weekly News, Bury Times, Somerset County Gazette, Sheffield Star, Crawley News, Northwich Guardian, Chichester Observer, Mid-Essex Express, and Scarborough Evening News. World Press articles include one from Tribune (London & Paris) about Roswell. National Press articles are from the Daily Mail, The Times, Daily Express, Daily Star, and The Observer.

Forthcoming Lectures and Conferences

Page 4 details several upcoming UFO-related events in 1997:

• UFO KENT 1997: October 11-12, 1997, at Butlins Grand Hotel, Margate, Kent. Speakers include Mervyn Newell, Michael Green, Marcus Allen, James Nicholls, Maxine Pearson, Terry Walters, Keith Wakelham, Ian Baillie, and Roy Lake. Tickets are £10 per day or £15 for both days.
• Contact International UFO Research 1997 Conference: Sunday, October 26th, 1997, 11 AM - 5 PM. Speakers include Graham Birdsal, Ananda Sirisena, Busty Taylor, and Edward Ashpole. Tickets are £8 on the door or £6 in advance.
• Cornwall U.F.O Research Group 1st UFO Conference: September 20-21, 1997, at Truro College, Cornwall. Speakers include Marcus Allen, Terry Waters, Pauline Declour-Min, Nick Pope, Roy Lake, Andy Thomas, Robert Lamont, and David Icke. Tickets are £10 per day or £18 for both days.

Group Meeting 15.6.97

The newsletter reports on a SUFOG group meeting held on June 15, 1997, which was attended by about 10 people. The meeting included group information, a video, and fundraising activities. £1.15 was collected for tea and coffee, £5.00 as donations, and £10.00 for entry charge. Five magazines were sold, generating £3.40 for the group. As of August 13, 1997, the group funds stood at £110.30.

Press/TV/Radio Matters Over The Past Month (15.6.97 - 15.8.97)

This section reviews recent media coverage of UFO topics:

• 15.6.97 - News Of The World: An article titled 'Aliens Are taking over our bodies' discusses Derrel Sims and his work on alien implants recovered from people.
• 15.6.97 - News Of The World Magazine: 'Our Close Encounters' features claims from three people who believe they have been abducted or encountered aliens, including Debbie Jordan-Kauble.
• 20.6.97 - The Sun: 'Riddle of biggest UFO yet' reports on a massive V-shaped object with red and white lights sighted over Arizona for nearly two hours. The article mentions that the US Air Guard attempted to explain it as flares for target practice. It also covers the Rendlesham Forest incident and interviews Nick Pope.
• 21.6.97 - The Sun: 'It's the X fools' reports on Arizona Governor Fife Symington announcing an official inquiry into a mass UFO sighting, only to later claim he was kidding, causing anger among officials.
• 22.6.97 - The People: 'Aliens! They're Here!' details the Arizona sighting, referring to it as a historic event. It also mentions the Rendlesham Forest incident and an interview with Nick Pope.
• 22.6.97 - The Independent on Sunday: 'They came from out'a space' reviews the film 'MIB' and discusses Kenneth Arnold's sighting.
• 24.6.97 - Daily Mail: 'Is anyone out there?' features letters from Denis Plunkett and Simon Lewis discussing extraterrestrial craft and flying triangle sightings.
• 24.6.97 - Southampton Daily Echo: 'Unexplained! Is anybody out there?' introduces a two-part documentary.
• 25.6.97 - Daily Telegraph: 'UFO buffs scoff at debunking of legend' covers the US Air Force's report attempting to debunk the Roswell legend by claiming alien bodies were dummies from high-altitude parachute tests. UFO believers rejected this explanation.
• 25.6.97 - The Independent: 'Pentagon closes real-life X-file after 'solving the Roswell affair'' discusses the USAF's answer to Roswell.
• 26.6.97 - The Independent: 'The View From Here' features Dr. Susan Blackmore discussing her views on UFOs and alien implants.
• 4.7.97 - The Independent: 'US storms back to the last frontier:' looks at the Pathfinder Mars landing and Col. Philip Corso.
• 5.7.97 - The Independent Long Weekend: 'Flying saucer spotting' examines the Roswell case and alleged cover-ups, questioning the effectiveness of UFOlogy.
• 6.7.97 - Sunday Mirror: 'Aliens 'Kidnap a Brit and operate on him'' discusses Derrel Sims' claims about alien implants and Philip Mantle.
• 6.7.97 - The People: 'Take me to your leader's wives!' discusses the 1897 Aurora, Texas crash and alien pictures found online.
• 13.7.97 - The People: 'SAS in alien riddle' reports on SAS soldiers encountering small grey figures and a flash of light in Ireland, and includes an extract about cattle mutilations.
• 27.7.97 - The People: 'Alien flying docs cured my cancer!' tells the story of Lynne Plaskett, who claims aliens cured her cancer.
• 3.8.97 - Independent on Sunday: 'The man in black is laughing' reviews the film MIB.
• 4.8.97 - The Daily Mail: 'Is this proof that aliens like corn flakes?' reports on a crop circle formation shaped like a snowflake.
• 4.8.97 - Independent: 'US spy jets behind UFO hysteria' suggests the US Air Force fueled conspiracy theories to hide sightings of secret spy planes.
• 5.8.97 - Daily Mail: 'As the CIA claims to come clean about the UFO phenomenon, the mystery still remains' discusses recent CIA claims about UFO sightings being US spy planes.
• 6.8.97 - Southampton Echo: 'EuroDisney corn circles!' describes a crop circle formation resembling Mickey Mouse.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 5 Content

Page 5 provides subscription details for the SUFOG Newsletter, costing £5 per year. It also includes information on BUFORA NEWSFILE subscriptions (£7.00 for 6 issues, £13.00 for 12 issues) and a BUFORA WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE hotline. Southampton's First Internet Cafe is advertised, offering internet access and training. Several websites are listed, including Smitty's UFO Page and Nexus Magazine. The page concludes with a comprehensive list of Group Contact Numbers for various UFO research organizations across the UK.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 6 Content

Page 6 continues the review of press coverage. It details articles from the News of the World about Derrel Sims and alien implants, and another about 'Close Encounters' featuring Debbie Jordan-Kauble. The Sun's report on the Arizona UFO sighting is discussed, along with The People's coverage of the same event and the Rendlesham Forest incident. The Independent on Sunday's article 'They came from out'a space' is reviewed, as is The Daily Mail's 'Is anyone out there?' which features letters discussing extraterrestrial craft. The Southampton Daily Echo's 'Unexplained! Is anybody out there?' is also mentioned.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 7 Content

Page 7 continues the review of press coverage. It discusses the US Air Force's attempt to debunk the Roswell legend, with UFO believers rejecting the explanation. The Independent's articles 'Pentagon closes real-life X-file after 'solving the Roswell affair'' and 'US storms back to the last frontier:' are mentioned. Dr. Susan Blackmore's views on UFOs are also highlighted.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 8 Content

Page 8 continues the press review. It covers The Independent's 'Flying saucer spotting' article on Roswell and cover-ups, and the Sunday Mirror's 'Aliens 'Kidnap a Brit and operate on him'' concerning Derrel Sims. The People's article 'Take me to your leader's wives!' about the Aurora, Texas crash is mentioned. The People's report on 'SAS in alien riddle' and an extract on cattle mutilations are also included. The story of Lynne Plaskett, who claims aliens cured her cancer, is detailed.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 9 Content

Page 9 continues the press review. It discusses the US Air Force's explanations for UFO sightings during the Cold War, suggesting they were often misdirections for secret spy planes like the U-2. The CIA's concern about public knowledge of these flights is noted. The Independent's article 'Military lied about nature of UFOS, CIA reports' is mentioned. The Daily Mail's 'As the CIA claims to come clean about the UFO phenomenon, the mystery still remains' is discussed. The Southampton Echo's 'EuroDisney corn circles!' article about a crop circle formation resembling Mickey Mouse is also featured.

SUFOG Newsletter - Page 10 Content

Page 10 continues the press review. It covers the Daily Mail's 'The stars who saw E.T.' featuring celebrities who claim to have seen UFOs. The Independent on Sunday's 'Safari in search of strange circles to mix in' discusses crop circles and the effects they have on people. The Mail on Sunday's 'Close encounter in a Chelsea flat' about Sir Peter Horsley meeting 'Mr. Janus' is mentioned. The Daily Mail's 'Why MIB is no fib' report on Men in Black is also discussed, along with a list of 1997 Crop Circle Formations up until the end of July.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER include UFO sightings, government explanations and alleged cover-ups (particularly concerning Roswell), alien abductions, and crop circles. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a critical examination of media reports, often highlighting the perceived inconsistencies and implausibility of official explanations. The newsletter actively promotes UFO research and encourages reader engagement through event listings and contact information for various UFO organizations.

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, dated June 29, 1997, covers a range of UFO-related television programs, media reports, and personal investigations from June to August 1997. The publication focuses on UFOlogy and related phenomena, offering reviews, news, and personal opinions.

Television Reviews

The newsletter provides a detailed rundown of television programs watched by the editor and other contributors. This includes:

• 'UFO (PT 1)' and 'UFO (PT 2)' on CH 5 (June 15 & 22, 1997): These were noted without much comment.
• 'The Aliens Are Coming' on ITV (June 21, 1997): Presented by Jonathan Ross, this program was dismissed as a 'P*** take' of UFOlogy.
• 'We Are Not Alone (PT 1)' and '(PT 2)' on ITV (June 24 & 26, 1997): These programs were mentioned.
• 'This Morning' on ITV (June 24, 1997): Stanton Friedman reportedly appeared on this show, which featured a phone-in and UFO video footage from Arizona.
• 'GMTV: Stanton Friedman' on ITV (June 25, 1997): Stanton Friedman discussed UFOs, with the program focusing on the Roswell Dummy fiasco.
• 'The Why Files' on Cable (June 25, 1997): This program examined messages behind crop circles, which the editor found to be 'old hat'.
• 'Strange But True' (Live TV Debate) on ITV (June 27, 1997): A 90-minute studio discussion featuring Stanton Friedman, Timothy Good, and Nick Pope. Despite high coverage, it fell short of expectations, with Friedman not getting a fair hearing. A telephone vote at the end showed 90% believing in alien life.
• 'Tonight' on Sky 1 (June 27, 1997): Featured Roy Lake discussing the Roswell flying dummies fiasco, noting that tests occurred in the 1950s.
• 'Sci-Fi Scene: Nick Pope' on 7.7.97: A standard segment with Nick Pope promoting his new book.
• 'Roswell - 50 Years On' on Sci-Fi Channel (July 7, 1997): A 2-hour program that examined the Roswell case 50 years on, introduced by Jonathon Thwakes.
• 'Contact' on Sci-Fi Channel (July 7, 1997): An 'America' program dealing with abductions.
• 'Paul Mckenna Show: Mexico Film Footage' on ITV (August 8, 1997): A 10-minute segment concerning recent Mexican UFO footage.
• 'Roswell Special' on Sci-Fi Channel (July 12, 1997): A repeat of the 'Roswell - 50 Years On' program.
• 'Roswell Chain Reaction' on Sci-Fi Channel (July 13, 1997): A full day of UFO documentaries and films.
• 'Breakfast Tv' on Ch4 (July 14, 1997): Featured an interview with alleged abductee Ros Reynolds and Will Smith.
• 'Earthscan' (August 14, 1997): Reported on strange black helicopters over a German coal field.
• 'Magic & Mystery Show' on ITV (July 25, 1997): Mentioned without detail.
• 'National Geographic Tv' on NBC (August 2, 1997): Concerned the SETI program and the search for extraterrestrial life.
• 'The Mag' on CH5 (August 2, 1997): The editor was unable to appear on this program due to holiday.
• 'CNN American Edition' (August 4, 1997): Discussed the CIA's release of information about UFO sightings during the cold war being spy planes.
• 'BBC 1 News' (August 4, 1997): Followed up on the CIA report regarding UFOs being spy planes.
• 'Talk Radio' (June 24, 1997): Featured the 'Snowflake' hoax.
• 'With Fox Mulder himself: Nick Pope' on Radio 2 (June 30, 1997): Nick Pope was promoting his new book.
• 'James Whale Show: Nick Pope' on Talk Radio (July 24, 1997): Nick Pope was again promoting his book.
• 'Nick Pope (New Book)' on Radio 2 (August 2, 1997): Another mention of Nick Pope promoting his book.
• 'Radio Solent' (August 4, 1997): Steve Gerrard of SUFOG was interviewed about the CIA statement on UFOs being spy planes.

Arizona Invasion 13th March 1997

This section details sightings of 'Lights' from outer space in Arizona. Reports came from former police officers and other witnesses describing clusters of bright red-orange lights forming a boomerang shape, and other triangle and straight line shaped objects. Lt. Col. Mike Hauser stated that the objects were not identified as their planes. Peter Davenport, director of the Seattle UFO Center, described it as a 'dramatic event'. The objects were filmed, and footage was aired on American TV. A full-length video was planned for September.

UFO Reports & Skywatch Results

This issue includes several UFO sighting reports from July 1997:

• July 8, 1997 (Southampton): Three bright white lights in a triangular formation with a central red light, moving fast.
• July 9, 1997 (Fareham): A large, round/oval, reflective object that seemed to wobble and turned off and on.
• July 10, 1997 (Romsey): A black, saucer-shaped shape with no lights, hovering.
• July 30, 1997 (Southampton): A flying triangle with a red central light and other colored lights, moving slowly then speeding off.
• July 31, 1997 (Southampton): The same object as July 30th, but moving slower.

The 'Skywatch Results from 18.7.97' details a skywatch event in Winchester. Sightings included an arrow-shaped orange light, a cigar-shaped orange object with flashing lights, and a flying triangle with white and red lights. Some objects were caught on video.

Magazine Reviews

The newsletter features reviews of several UFO-related magazines and publications:

• INTELLIGENCE UFO MAGAZINE: Described as a quarterly magazine from the British UFO Studies Center, edited by Eric Morris. It contains a lot of information and covers various topics.
• OVNI: The June issue raised good questions in its editorial. It mentions a 'foo fighters' photo and an investigation into sightings in Fife and Livingston.
• CUFORG'S: Mentioned in relation to Tatton Cinema's UFO film conference.
• UFO MAGAZINE: Described as a 'glossy' publication, it covers sightings from various locations and includes reviews and articles.
• SKYWATCH: A publication from the Cornwall UFO Research Group, featuring articles on crop circles, UFOs, and investigators.
• The Cerealogist: No.19 Summer 1997: Reviewed positively, with praise for John Sayer's style. It discusses crop circles, including the Stonehenge 'big one', and features pieces from Kevin Ollier and George Wingfield. It also addresses the 'Hale-Bpp UFO nonsense' and the 'Oliver Castle Balls of light' footage, deeming it a hoax.
• Alien Contact (The First Fifty Years) by Jenny Randles: Reviewed by M. Robinson, this book covers various UFO cases, including alleged alien abductions and the 50th anniversary of 'Flying Saucers'.
• AWARENESS FILE: A new magazine from a Hampshire group, noted for being legibly printed.
• UFO SIGHTINGS “Unsolved”: An American glossy issue featuring 'startling facts', abduction cases, and topics like the New World Order.

Other Content

• Project Maxim: Mentioned as a story that can be read in 'Alien Encounters' or an article written by the editor online.
• Men In Black Film Review: The editor saw the MIB film and found it disappointing, rating the plot low but the acting and special effects higher.
• Advertisements: Several advertisements are included for UFO-related merchandise, books, and services, including alien embryo props, glow-in-the-dark stickers, a UFO CD-ROM, a booklet on the Great Pyramid, and a PC TEXT service for researchers.
• Next Meeting: Announced for September 14th at Church Road Center, Woolston.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reviews and reports on UFO sightings, media coverage of UFO phenomena, and related research. There is a clear interest in documenting and discussing these events, though the editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding some claims, particularly concerning crop circles, which the editor believes are largely hoaxes. The publication aims to inform its readers about current events in UFOlogy, providing a platform for various perspectives while maintaining a critical approach. The editor encourages readers to submit their own reports and findings.