SUFOG Newsletter No 095-96

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 95 AND 96
Date: September/October 1998
Publisher: SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group)

Editorial Content

Editorial: Addressing Disputes and UFOlogy's State

The editorial section opens with a direct address to a Mr. Andy Thomas, whose publication 'SC' is criticized for misrepresenting SUFOG and its members. The editor refutes Thomas's claims that Graham Harrop, an article contributor, is a SUFOG member or has been paid, stating Harrop has never paid his membership fee nor received payment for his work. The editor suggests that 'SC' might be the 'paranoid newsletter' Thomas refers to, implying 'SC' itself is paranoid. The editorial then broadens its critique to the UFOlogy field, suggesting it is a subject 'well past its sell by date' and potentially created by 'graffiti artists' seeking a larger canvas. A point of contention is Andy Thomas's statement in his video 'Croppies' that it makes no difference if formations are made by ETs, humans, or human subconsciousness, which the editor interprets as an acceptance of human-made formations, questioning Thomas's motives and implying he profits from the subject.

SUFOG Questionnaires

Steve Gerrard, the Editor, appeals to members to return their questionnaires concerning the group's future, meetings, and skywatches. As of September 26th, only 15 out of 49 distributed questionnaires had been returned. He requests all replies by November 15th to allow for publication of results and planning.

Local Sighting and Paranormal Interest

A report from the New Milton Advertiser (Hampshire) on July 25th, 1998, details a sighting by a 'Martin' who observed a black object circling a plane, which he identified as a UFO. Martin's files focus on crop circles and clairvoyance, aiming to collect paranormal stories to help answer the world's greatest mysteries and potentially present findings to the government.

Obituary: Ron West

Roy Lake of The London UFO Studies group reports the death of Ron West of the Essex UFO Group on October 15th, 1998, after a battle with cancer. The writer knew Ron for about 18 months, exchanging information on the Flying Triangle phenomenon. Ron is described as knowledgeable and fair, and his passing is a loss to the UFOlogy field. Michael Joyce is mentioned as taking over the leadership of Ron's group.

What the Press Had to Say in September 1996

This section provides a comprehensive list of newspaper articles from September 1996 concerning UFO sightings and related topics across various UK publications. Examples include "Boy's UFO shock" (Aberdeen Press & Journal), "UFO proof is still up in the air" (Birmingham Post), "The day a UFO flew past" (Oxford Mail), and "Woman say they watched UFOs for an hour" (Salisbury Journal). The entries cover a wide range of reports, from simple sightings to investigations and speculation about alien contact.

Crop Circle Articles

Brief mentions of articles related to crop circles from September 1996, including "Exploring mysteries of crop circle phenomenon" (Chichester Observer) and "Aliens or corn flakes?" (Southampton Evening Echo).

Newspaper Unknown: Fife Man's Triangle Sighting

A report from September 19th, 1996, from an unknown newspaper, where a Fife man describes a 'triangle' in the sky.

National Articles

A selection of national newspaper articles from September 1996, including "Florida buzzing over alien cure" (The Guardian), "The alien secret of..." (News of the World Magazine), and "They've landed!" (Daily Star).

Book Review: The Alien Intent by Raymond A. Robinson

Reviewed by Malcolm Robinson of Strange Phenomena Investigations, England. The book "The Alien Intent (The Truth Behind The Cover-up?)" by Raymond A. Robinson is reviewed. The book examines UFO abduction, potential government collaboration with aliens, and the possibility of the U.S. Government utilizing recovered alien technology. It also discusses historical contactees like George Adamski and figures like Bob Lazar. The reviewer notes that the author offers his own opinions and presents 'new material' which is rare in UFO literature. The book is recommended for both believers and skeptics.

Television & Radio Reviews by Steve Gerrard (Aug 15th - Oct 15th 1998)

• August 19th: Ch 5 - "Brazilian Aliens" reviewed, focusing on alien encounters in Brazil. It is recommended for screening at a group meeting.
• September 8th: Ch 4 - "The Big Breakfast" featured SUFOG member Steve Rider discussing a Totton College course on UFOs. The interview, conducted outdoors in the rain, is praised for Rider's performance.
• September 13th: "The Why Files" featured footage of a UFO over South London, including an interview with Roy Lake. The footage was unclear but noted as an example of home video UFO capture.
• September 24th: "The Why Files" covered UFOs over Headington, Oxfordshire, with interviews of local UFO experts. It's described as a short but useful segment.
• October 5th: Sky TV's "UFO's - The Best Evidence" is a repeat program showcasing UFO footage from around the world, recommended for a group meeting.
• October 7th: "The Why Files" examined UFOs over Woolwich, featuring interviews with local investigators and witnesses.
• October 8th: "Ultra Science" explored space travel, life beyond Earth, Area51, and UFO footage, including a visit to the Little A'inn.
• October 11th: "UK Horizon's - The UFO Diaries" (available on video from Australia) looked at UFO hoaxing, including Roswell and Gulf Breeze. It's a 30-minute item suggested as a video filler.

Radio Reviews

• September 4th: Power Fm - "UFO Sighting..." - The editor has little information about this item but notes it concerned recent UFO sightings.
• September 7th: Radio 5 Live - The editor caught the end of an interview with Graham Birdsall of Quest International and Eric Von Daniken, finding it interesting.
• September 18th: Radio Solent - Radio Solent contacted the editor at home late at night regarding reports of strange lights and seeking a local UFO expert. The editor was asleep and unable to participate.

Ye Oldie Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

• June 27th, 1998: Southampton Evening Echo - An article titled "'Coming out' over aliens" featured group member Ernie Sears and his UFO experiences. Sears's quote, "Whether you believe me or not doesn't really bother me," is highlighted, with the reviewer agreeing with his sentiment. The article describes Ernie as a state pensioner living in anonymity, which the reviewer considers an effective disguise for someone with a message from the universe. The reviewer notes that the SUFOG group was not mentioned in the article.
• August 4th: Daily Telegraph - A full-page feature on David Duchovny and aliens is mentioned.

SUFOG Diary And Events 1999

A schedule of SUFOG's planned Skywatch events and Group Meetings for 1999 is provided, from January to December. Contacting the Editor before the dates is advised to confirm the schedule, as Skywatch dates are subject to last-minute changes due to weather or unforeseen commitments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG Newsletter consistently covers UFO sightings, crop circles, and related phenomena, often drawing from newspaper reports and media reviews. The editorial stance appears critical of sensationalism and those perceived to be exploiting the UFO subject for personal gain, as evidenced by the critique of Andy Thomas. There's a strong emphasis on gathering evidence and sharing information within the UFOlogy community, as seen in the questionnaire appeal and the book review. The newsletter also highlights local sightings and events, fostering a sense of community among its readers. The editorial also touches on broader societal issues, such as government transparency (Freedom of Information Bill) and the public's perception of truth versus myth.

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, spanning pages 10 through 19, delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, alien encounters, and paranormal phenomena. It features a mix of personal accounts, magazine reviews, and discussions on historical and contemporary UFO cases. The publication appears to be a regular newsletter for the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG).

Articles and Features

Page 10:

The newsletter begins with a brief mention of James Randi's skepticism, contrasting it with the more open stance of the DAILY MAIL regarding aliens. It then highlights a Southampton Evening Echo article about a local UFO group seeking to convert a former RAF base into a refuge for residents in case of an alien invasion. Another article from the same publication features Steve Rider, a tutor for the Totton UFO Course, discussing the course and its attendees. Ernie Sears contributes a piece titled "Woolston UFO Talk...", detailing his experience giving a talk on UFOlogy to a ladies' group.

Page 11:

Ernie Sears continues his account of the Woolston UFO talk, tracing his involvement with UFOlogy from 1947, including personal experiences and sightings. He emphasizes the importance of bringing knowledge to the masses and questioning official denial. The "Next Months Newsletter" section previews upcoming content, including a lecture by Malcolm Robinson, a UFO sighting over Southampton, the second part of Brian James's article on 'UFO and ET Encounters in Astral Realms', a group member's close encounter in Blackpool, and a report on a skywatch at Portsdown Hill.

Page 12:

Ernie Sears reviews two issues of "SKYWATCHERS," the magazine of the Cornwall UFO Research Group. He discusses articles on Whitley Strieber's "Secret School," the Woodbury Triangle incident, alien implants, and various sightings from Kent, Egypt, Spain, and Cornwall. A particularly "gripping and DISTURBING" encounter of Strieber's in a Toronto hotel room is highlighted. The review also touches upon Strieber's evolving views and his new book.

Page 13:

This page features reviews of "UFO MAGAZINE" and "OVNI." "UFO MAGAZINE" is praised for its continued quality under Graham Birdsall, with articles on Stephen Greer, Pine Gap, and the controversial Hawaii photo. "OVNI" is noted for an article on the death of Col. Phillip Corso and discussions on 'Shadow Beings.' The page also reviews "ABDUCTION WATCH" by Kevin McClure, which discusses Remote Viewing and demands 'proof' for UFO claims, and touches on the existence of UFOs and their crews.

Page 14:

The "ABDUCTION WATCH" review continues, with McClure's points on Pope and salary comparisons being mentioned. The page also reviews "FASTER THAN LIGHT," the August issue of the Hull UFO Society's publication, noting its format change and an article on The Welsh Triangle. A meeting with UFOlogist Albert Budden is described, where Budden shares his belief that the UFO mystery is purely the result of 'Electromagnetic Pollution.'

Page 15:

This page details a talk given by the author at Ringwood Library to a group of 7-11 year old children, based on UFO-themed children's books. The children were asked to draw their idea of a UFO, with varied results. Video footage of a Mexico UFO and discussions on aliens and abductions followed. The author recounts a child's question: 'Steve, how do we know that you are not an alien?'. A "SKYWATCH 28TH AUGUST - CHEESFOOT HEAD..." report describes a night of observation that was initially hampered by cloud but later yielded sightings of satellites, Jupiter, and a shooting star.

Page 16:

The skywatch report continues, describing the clear sky and the sighting of Venus and Saturn at sunrise. The author expresses gratitude to participants and looks forward to the next skywatch. An article titled "Encounter with the unknown" by Tom and Julie Trubridge recounts their experiences investigating UFOs and associated phenomena, particularly around the Avebury area in North Wiltshire. They discuss the Alton Barnes pictogram and local UFO stories influenced by Arthur Shuttlewood.

Page 17:

The Trubridges recount a "High Strangeness" event in Wiltshire in 1993. They describe witnessing a large orange ball above Woodborough Hill, which was videoed. Later that year, on July 19th, while skywatching on Woodborough Hill, they observed a large dark cherry red glow that grew and pulsed before collapsing when Julie attempted to record it with a video camera. A crop circle, the 'Eye formation,' appeared the next morning. The page also mentions the SUFOG VIDEO/AUDIO COLLECTION, one of the largest in Southern England.

Page 18:

This page features a letter from Tristan Falconer (17 yrs old) discussing 'Greys' as a 'missing link' and presenting 'facts' linking them to biblical accounts of angels, Noah, and Jerusalem, suggesting advanced science and alien intervention in human history, including Jesus's birth. The letter proposes that 'Greys' can channel powers and that the Star of Bethlehem was an extraterrestrial craft.

Page 19:

Tristan Falconer's letter continues with points 7-10, further elaborating on the Star of Bethlehem, Jesus's 'hybrid' nature and miracles being based on advanced science, and the ability of 'Greys' to channel powers. The newsletter then describes "A DAY TRIP TO THE ISLAND..." on September 17th, where the author assisted Chris McGuire with a talk to a professional ladies group on the Isle of Wight. The event was well-received, with audience discussions on space and aliens. A "Summer Fayre" report from Bitterne Park Infant School on June 27th, 1998, details the SUFOG stall and the interest shown by attendees, particularly youngsters, in the group and the Totton College UFOlogy Course.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG NEWSLETTER consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to question official narratives and explore various theories, from alien visitation to electromagnetic pollution. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, alongside reviews of publications and reports on group activities. The newsletter appears to advocate for the reality of UFOs and the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and information sharing within the UFO community.

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER, dated October 1998, focuses on crop circles, UFO conferences, and experiences in astral realms. The publication features several articles and reviews, including an analysis of crop circle media coverage, a report on the UFOKENT '98 conference, and a discussion of spiritual encounters.

Crop Circles - From News to Boredom

The lead article analyzes the trend of crop circle media coverage from 1966 to 1998, illustrated by four bar graphs. It notes that while the phenomenon inspired books and extensive press coverage, public interest and media attention have steadily declined. The early 1980s saw a rise in articles, peaking with 66 in 1989. This was followed by an explosion of reports, with 515 in 1990/1, the reason for which is questioned. The author suggests that by 1998, the press was no longer interested, and the majority of the public had lost interest, viewing crop circles as 'over-grown boys out for a laugh'.

Beyond Roswell - The CD

This section reviews a CD-ROM adaptation of a book by Michael Hesemann and Philip Mantle. The CD-ROM, titled 'The Alien Autopsy film, Area 51, and the U.S Government Cover-up of UFO's', is described as a good interactive experience with film footage and interviews that bring the book to life. While praising its presentation, ease of use, and content (rating it 9/10), the reviewer notes that reading text on the computer screen can be tiring for the eyes. The reviewer also mentions a slow and jumping intro and a lack of specified system requirements, though they ran it on a Pentium P133 with a 2X CD Rom drive.

UFOKENT '98 - The Aftermath

This article provides a detailed report on the UFOKENT '98 conference held in Margate, Kent. The author recounts meeting various figures in the UFOlogy field, including Jerry Anderson of UFOMEK, Dave and Freda Quickenden of Astrasearch, and Mervyn Newell of EKUFORU. The conference featured several speakers:

• Jenny Randles: Presented a video on UFO Crash Retrievals, rated 8/10.
• Jerry Anderson: Gave an informative and amusing talk about UFOs over Kent, rated 10/10.
• Robert LaMont: Presented part one of his Mexican lecture, including 'The Dawn of the Sphinx' video footage, rated 8/10.
• Eric Morris: Delivered a lecture on the Men In Black phenomenon, rated 8/10.

The report also mentions a social gathering on Saturday evening. Sunday's speakers included:

• Andy Thomas: Discussed crop circles from inception to 1997, with a look at 1998 formations, rated 2/10 for the 1998 photos.
• Robert LaMonte: Presented the second part of his lecture on 'The Dawn of the Sphinx', rated 8/10.
• Tim Mathews: Gave a lecture on alleged UFO shaped craft, concluding that Flying Triangle reports and sightings could be attributed to German saucer technology or modern aircraft. This lecture was rated 10/10, though a sour note occurred when a member questioned Tim about his political views, which he declined to answer.

The author commends the organizers, David and Freda Quickenden, Mervyn Newell, and the Astrasearch team for a well-organized event.

UFO and ET Encounters in 'Astral Realms'

Authored by Brian James, this article explores the experiences of an 'experiencer' named Peter, focusing on encounters in astral realms. The author distinguishes these experiences from publicized 'abductions', suggesting that while astral bodies may be 'taken', it is with the spirit's consent, and the conscious mind has forgotten the purpose. The article posits that the spiritual realm is universal and that spirits may not always have human incarnations. It discusses how spiritual visitors can be perceived as 'aliens' or 'angels' based on people's beliefs and challenges the human conception of linear time. The article also touches upon the different densities of astral bodies and how injuries to the astral body can be reflected on the physical body. It questions whether physical and astral encounters are fundamentally different.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, from media representation and public interest to personal experiences and theoretical frameworks. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of concepts within UFOlogy, even those that may be uncomfortable or unconventional. There's a clear interest in documenting conferences and reviewing related media, such as CD-ROMs. The publication also highlights the importance of historical data, as seen in the crop circle graphs and the discussion of past incarnations. The recurring theme is the ongoing investigation into unexplained phenomena and the sharing of information within the UFOlogy community.