SUFOG Newsletter No 083-84

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: Numbers 83 and 84
Date: September / October 1997
Publisher: SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP
Type: UFO Group Magazine

Editorial

The editorial, written by Steve Gerrard, begins with a somber reflection on the recent death of Diana, Princess of Wales, drawing parallels between the fragility of life and Elton John's song 'Candle in the Wind'. Gerrard then addresses the significant challenges he has faced in producing the newsletter monthly, leading to its new bi-monthly format. This change means two issues will be sent together, still providing 12 copies per year. He attributes the difficulties partly to a lack of help from group members with events and the newsletter itself, noting that only two 'active' members have consistently assisted. To maintain his sanity and marriage, he has decided on the bi-monthly schedule, which will allow for more diverse and longer articles.

Gerrard expresses concern about the future of the SUFOG group, suggesting it might fold within two years if he continues to handle everything alone. He calls for members to get involved, stating, "Your group needs YOU!!!!" He also mentions a planned group visit to a conference in October, requiring 20 deposits, and warns that if this doesn't proceed, he will not organize further visits or lectures.

The editorial concludes by outlining the content of the current edition, which includes reports from police officers on UFO sightings, recent lectures by the editor, media events that have impacted ufology, and other controversial topics. He humorously promises no more pictures of himself in the edition.

Next SUFOG Group Meeting

A notice announces the next SUFOG Group Meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 23rd, 1997.

What the Press Had to Say in March 1996

This section provides an extensive list of newspaper articles from March 1996, detailing various UFO sightings and related stories reported across the UK. The entries include the date, the newspaper, and a brief description of the headline or content, covering a wide range of topics from 'UFO sighting at spy base' to 'UFO mystery solved' and 'Is there anyone out there?'. It highlights the significant media attention UFOs received during that period.

Local Hampshire Articles

This small section includes two article titles: 'Question Time' from Portsmouth News and 'Listen - and all will be revealed' from Andover Midweek Advertiser.

Crop Circle Articles

A single entry notes an article titled 'Probing mystery of crop circles' from Dorset Evening Echo on March 15th, 1996.

World Articles

An entry for March 27th, 1996, mentions 'No Headline' from the International Herald Tribune, with a parenthetical note '(Re-naming Alien highway)'.

National Articles

This section lists various national newspaper articles from March 1996 concerning UFOs and related phenomena. Topics include 'Flying saucer scare at Balmoral', 'Plane pair saw royal spacecraft', 'SOS from randy aliens... Send Out Sex!', and a call for radio hams to join an alien search. It also notes articles about 'Alien visitors restore ghost town's spirit', 'The MoD man and some close encounters', and a prediction that "In just 20 years we will discover life beyond Earth."

Magazine Articles

Two magazine articles are mentioned: 'Welcome to Extraterrestrials' from Psychic News and 'Have aliens landed in Britain?' from Woman's Own.

Forthcoming Lectures for 1997

Details are provided for The First Ireland UFO Conference on Saturday, November 8th, 1997, including speakers like Graham Birdsall, William 'Bill' Holden, Jenny Randles, and Russell Callaghan. Ticket information for IUFOPRA is also included.

Conference Date in 1998

Information for 'Conference 98' on April 19th, 1998, organized by David & Virginia Kingston, Dorchester, Dorset, is listed, with instructions to write for more details.

Recent SUFOG Group Skywatches

This section updates readers on recent SUFOG group skywatch events. The August 23rd event was canceled due to weather and low interest. The September 12th and 27th skywatches also did not proceed due to a lack of phone calls and communication. A recent skywatch with three members was held at the last minute. The future of group skywatches is uncertain, and the editor plans to notify interested individuals directly via phone number if future events are organized.

National Attention for Galway Ghost

This article, written by Dermot Butler (IUFOPRA), discusses the interest SUFOG has in paranormal phenomena beyond UFOs, including ghosts and poltergeists. It reproduces a feature from The Irish UFO and Paranormal Research Association about a poltergeist haunting in Galway City. The Fahy family experienced terrifying events, including strange smells, pulsating lights, and moving objects, which attracted significant media attention. The article details the sequence of events, the media's involvement, and the intervention of a Dublin psychic, Sandra Ramdhanie, who performed a cleansing ceremony. It also mentions that an ITV film crew from 'Strange But True?' filmed at the house for a program to be aired in October.

Ye Oldie Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

Ernie Sears reviews various newspaper articles and books related to UFOlogy and the paranormal. He discusses a book titled "Sharing the Universe" by Dr. Seth Shostak, which posits the existence of advanced alien civilizations. Sears also critiques articles from The Daily Mail and The Independent, noting their coverage of topics like 'flying saucers', 'MIB', 'abductions', and 'paranormal' phenomena. He mentions a 'Bumper Crop of Circles' article and a survey on belief in UFOs. The section also touches upon 'Out of the Body' experiences and 'abductions', referencing 'greys' and 'spacemen'.

SUFOG Group Meeting (September 14th)

This report details a bi-monthly SUFOG group meeting attended by seven members. The editor updated attendees on recent UFO sightings and future events. Meeting fees were increased to £2 per meeting to cover hall costs. The group also discussed acquiring a second-hand video player. A lecture by independent UFO researcher Mr. Paul Vigay on 'Mars Attack' and alleged UFO photos was announced for November 2nd.

Talk Given to National Women's Register (September 16th)

Mr. Dennis Plunkett of the British Flying Saucer Bureau asked the editor to give a talk to the National Women's Register meeting. Due to the distance, the editor and Ernie Sears attended. The talk, which included videos and magazines, was well-received, with many questions asked. The evening concluded late, and the participants missed the full eclipse of the moon.

Television and Radio Reviews by Steve Gerrard

This section reviews television and radio programs from August 15th to October 15th, 1997. Steve Gerrard notes a lack of significant new programs, with many being repeats from the Sci-Fi channel's 'Sightings' and 'The Why Files'. Specific programs mentioned include 'UFO report - Mysteries of the Earth', 'UFO over Norfolk', 'Men In Black', 'Mass Sightings - Mexico 1991', 'Encounters In Space', 'Marfa Lights', 'SETI Update', 'Physical Effects - Vicki Landrum Interview', 'Surveillance', 'Contact: Anza (California)', 'The Uninvited (Kecksburg, Pennsylvania - 1965)', 'Alien's Among us' (featuring David Jacobs, Budd Hopkins, and Phil Klass), 'UFO Films & Phobos 2 Update', 'Area 51 and Rendlesham Forest', 'Scranton UFO Mystery', 'Fire in the Sky', 'Welsh UFO Crash', 'Mass Abductions', 'Men on the Moon - Did man really go to the Moon', 'Crop Circles & Russian Ufology', 'Mysterious West', and various 'Earthscan' programs. A BBC Radio Solent feature interviewing Steve Ryder about the UFO course at Totton College is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG Newsletter consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on reporting media coverage of UFOs and paranormal events, including newspaper articles, television programs, and radio discussions. The newsletter also highlights the activities of the SUFOG group itself, including meetings, skywatches, and lectures, while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining group engagement and volunteer support. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs and the paranormal, while also being realistic about the difficulties of organizing and sustaining a group dedicated to these interests. The inclusion of a ghost story from Ireland suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs.

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, spanning pages 11 through 20, focuses heavily on reviews of various UFO-related magazines and detailed accounts of UFO sightings, particularly those involving law enforcement. The publication appears to be a UK-based newsletter, with a strong emphasis on UK and international UFO phenomena.

Magazine Reviews

The newsletter begins with a section by Ernie Sears reviewing several magazines:

• Global UFO Magazine (June/July 1997): Described as a 50-year anniversary issue with contributions on a Sussex source, pictograms, space exploration, new airforms, Stealth Black operations, and local Isle of Wight sightings. It also mentions a '580 Security Group' and Stephen Greer's efforts to promote a UFO debate in the US Congress. Contact details for Global UFO Magazine are provided.
• Awareness (June 1997): From the Contact International UFO Research Organization, this magazine is noted for its readable print and pocket size. It covers 'paranormal activity,' sighting reports from the Oxford area, 'airships,' 'abductions,' 1996 Crop Circles, the Roswell incident, and the Heaven's Gate suicides. It also mentions Roy Dutton's interpretation of 'trance' messages and an East Anglian incident. Price and contact details are given.
• Southend UFO Group (July 1997): Titled 'THE S FILES,' this publication offers a short review of 50 years of UFOlogy, including Dr. Steven Greer's 'openness' attempts in the USA, Arizona sightings, an 'asteroid' companion to Earth/Moon system, and 'ice cubes from space.' An Essex UFO report is clarified as a sewage lid. Price and contact details are provided.
• Skysearch (July 1997): A glossy magazine featuring articles on underground facilities, geomagnetic connections, RAF sightings, and crop circles. It discusses the Harmonic Convergence of July 1997, a 1996 Missing Time event in Sussex, and a sighting near Brighton. Subscription details are provided.
• UFO Reality: This magazine is highlighted for its strong stance against debunkers, particularly NASA's denials regarding moon landing anomalies and 'alien' spaceships. It features articles on 1997 crop circles, underwater warfare in Puerto Rico, the opening of a Japanese Space and UFO Museum, and Arizona 'lights.' It also includes contributions from Bob Dean. Price and contact details are provided.
• OVNI (July 1997): A regular bi-monthly publication by Omar Fowler, focusing on Flying Triangles and 'doorways' for open contact with ETs, including 'sowing family genes.' It mentions a 1996 encounter with 'alien' craft and helicopters, and questions posed to the MoD. It also covers sightings and crop circle reports. Contact details are provided.

Other Magazine Reviews

The newsletter continues with reviews of more publications:

• USA TODAY magazine item: Mentioned in relation to triangle sightings in Essex, Banbury, and Heaton Moor, as well as a simulated photo from Arizona and the Gulf Breeze incident. Price and contact details are provided.
• Alien Magazine: From the Irish UFO Network, this magazine features 'triangle' encounters, remote viewing, 'greys,' Martians, and a 1994 article on alleged evidence of cover-ups involving 8,000 ground troops and a large UFO. Contact details are provided.
• UFO Magazine: A professionally printed American magazine featuring 'selected witnesses' like Steven Greer. It discusses congressional statements on 'unusual looking aircraft,' 'secrecy problems,' new mutilations in the Mojave desert, and a debunked 'genesis' video. It also includes an article by C.D.B. Bryan and reviews of books by Michael Craft and Strieber. Price is $4.50.
• UFOMEK (No. 19 1997): The East Kent magazine of the UFO MONITORS EAST KENT. It covers Fortean Times Unconvention, skeptics, abductions, Hale Bopp, and a 1965 MoD document. It also mentions a B52 bomber contact with a UFO in Vietnam. Price and contact details are provided.
• Down To Earth (No. 1 July 1997): The first issue of the ELUFON magazine (Essex and London UFO Network). It includes articles on East London Skies, ancient sites, ley lines, and 'doorways' for open contact with ETs. It mentions hybrid alien/human breeding and a 1996 encounter with 'alien' craft and helicopters. Contact details are provided.
• Alien Encounters (No. 15 August 1997): A glossy magazine covering 'The Truth about the Men in Black,' a photo of 'scoutships,' anomalies on the Moon, Australian UFO photos, and a statement from the New Mexico Governor about the Roswell crash. It is priced at £2.99.
• Dragon Watch: This magazine is ending its run. It covers deeper aspects of UFOlogy, including reviews of Larry Warren's book. It also discusses a Hale-Bopp article and flying triangles. Price is £2 per issue.
• Jersey UFO Research Team (The Caller, issue No. 3): Aimed at increasing UFO interest in the Channel Islands. Editor Kevin Giannomi criticizes a TV program. It includes a 1969 sighting over Guernsey and reviews of Quest Publications. Contact details are provided.
• Enigma: A pocket-sized magazine covering the crop circle enigma, spiritual growth, HAARP, Tesla's technology, 'death rays,' and ozone damage. Price is £8 for four issues.
• Malta UFO Research (July 1997): Devoted to historical UFO sightings and encounters from WW2 onwards, including Roswell 'explanations.' It discusses older encounters being important and reproduces Roswell wreckage 'symbols.' No price is given.

Police Sightings

The issue features a significant article titled "WHEN POLICEMEN SEE UFO'S........" which compiles numerous reports of UFO sightings by police officers across the UK and beyond, spanning from the 1960s to the 1990s.

• 1960s - The Start: Reports include a Southampton man seeing a red, white, and blue object in 1966, and two police officers in Hindley, Lancashire, seeing a fast-moving, round object in 1967. Another 1967 report details two police officers in Devon chasing a strange glowing object.
• 1970s - More Sightings: This section includes alleged police officer sightings and even an abduction.
• 1980's : Abduction of the law?: A policeman, P.c. Alan Godfrey, reported encountering a metallic, diamond-shaped UFO in Yorkshire in 1980.
• Further Police Reports: The article details a 1982 sighting by two police officers in Monmouth, Gwent, of a flickering blue and white object, followed by two red objects. In 1983, two police officers in Bristol followed a 'light' that was joined by a second object, after which their patrol car's battery died. A 1998 report describes police officers seeing an object with red and green lights and experiencing missing time. A 1990 sighting by police in Somerset of a strange object with blue and white lights is also mentioned.
• International Police Sightings: The newsletter also includes reports from other countries, such as Mexico, detailing hundreds of sightings since 1991, including photos and film footage of aerial objects.

Crop Circles and Investigations

• **Crop Circles At “Cetatea Alba

This document contains a review of the book "Fifty Years Of UFOs" by John and Anne Spencer, published by Boxtree, Macmillan Publishers Ltd. The review is dated July 1997 and was written by Malcolm Robinson of Strange Phenomena Investigations in Scotland. The book is priced at £18:99.

Book Review: Fifty Years Of UFOs

The review highlights that the book was released during UFOlogy's anniversary year and is one of many such publications. It is authored by John Spencer, described as one of Britain's foremost researchers, and co-authored by his wife, Anne.

The book covers the period from 1947 to the present, detailing cases known to seasoned UFOlogists. It includes the story of George Adamski, who claimed to have met Venusians in 1952, and the birth of modern UFOlogy through Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine unusual objects near Mount Rainier. The book also explores theories suggesting that some UFOs might be the result of secret German circular aircraft designs, rather than extraterrestrial in origin. Other topics covered include disinformation, government UFO cover-ups, and UFO sightings by pilots.

The reviewer particularly appreciated the numerous photographs and illustrations within the book, including artist's impressions. The book also delves into subjects such as Crop Circles, mysterious triangular UFOs, and crashed saucer retrievals. The reviewer states that the book covers virtually every case they could think of, mentioning Roswell and Gulf Breeze as examples.

Despite the proliferation of UFO books, the reviewer believes this one is exceptional and that people will not tire of such works. They assert that John and Anne Spencer have accurately captured the essence of the UFO phenomenon, presenting an excellent study.

The reviewer emphasizes that the book is not a superficial attempt to capitalize on the anniversary but is a well-thought-out and effortful work. It is suggested that UFOlogy is gaining recognition as a serious subject, and books like this highlight its importance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the review of a comprehensive book on UFOlogy. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the reviewer Malcolm Robinson, is that UFOlogy is a serious subject worthy of in-depth study and that "Fifty Years Of UFOs" is a significant contribution to the field. The review suggests that public interest in UFO phenomena remains strong and that well-researched books on the subject are valuable and enduring.