SUFOG Newsletter No 101-102

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG
Issue: 101 and 102
Date: March / April 1999
Publisher: SUFOG
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of SUFOG, a magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena, provides a comprehensive update for its members and the wider UFO community. It includes news on ongoing research projects, personal accounts, reviews of other publications, and a schedule of upcoming events.

European FT Initiative

The magazine announces an "European FT Initiative" aimed at tracking black triangle-shaped UFOs across Europe between 1993 and 1997. This project is based on FT's database, which contains approximately 7,000 sighting reports. Additional reports are being sought from UFO research groups in the UK and mainland Europe to enhance the database.

Website and Member Communication

SUFOG is moving with the times by establishing a new website, currently under construction by Tony in Stockholm. Tony has donated his time and effort to create this site, which is expected to be fully operational soon. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of member communication, encouraging members to share their email addresses. This will enable the group to email members with listings of upcoming TV programs on UFO-related topics and other relevant information. For those without email, a postal service for information is also offered.

UFO Hunter at MoD 'Kidnapped by Aliens'

A significant article details the claims of Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence official who headed investigations into unidentified flying objects. Pope believes he, his girlfriend, and their car were abducted by aliens from a deserted toll road in Florida. He described being lifted aboard an alien spacecraft and wandering its corridors. This experience, though not initially reported to the ministry due to uncertainty and fear of being labelled a crank, is now revealed as the basis for one of the abduction accounts in his best-selling book, "The Uninvited." Pope's subsequent work in the finance policy department and his conviction that Earth is being visited by aliens are also discussed.

Area 51 Conundrum and Thoughts

The magazine explores the "Area 51 Conundrum," presenting the view that the large number of UFO sightings in the southwestern United States is due to military testing and training purposes in the desolate environment. It suggests that advanced technologies, such as the B-2 Stealth Bomber and SR-71, are developed and guarded there. The article posits that unrecognized aircraft are often identified as UFOs and that future technologies will seem miraculous to future generations. The primary argument is that these advanced technologies are closely guarded to prevent foreign powers from discovering their capabilities.

Personal Reflections and Opinions

Several personal reflections and opinions are shared. One contributor, an Airman First Class in the US Air Force, expresses skepticism about the alien phenomenon, suggesting it is a "counter intelligence asset" and a "hoax" from which people profit. They advocate for critical thinking and dismiss the idea of aliens having landed.

Another section features a letter from D. Williams of Bursledon, praising the Channel 4 series 'Riddle of the Skies' and emphasizing the public's right to know about events in our skies.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears provides a detailed review of several UFO-related magazines:

• UFO Magazine (January '99): Covers topics like angels, implants, Armageddon, planetary defence systems, and UFO propulsion.
• UFO Magazine (February '99): Features pilot encounters from the fifties, a biography of Major Donald Keyhoe, and early pilot accounts.
• DOWN TO EARTH MAGAZINE: Explores the culture of "greys," the Sheffield Peak District 1997 Incident, alien contact, and personal UFO histories.
• OVNI: A slim magazine from Omar Fowler's Phenomena Research Association, including reports of triangle sightings and a large FT sighting from 1982.
• SKYWATCHERS: From CUFORG, it includes a witness support group, sightings reports, and articles on Professor John Searl's Anti Gravity work and free energy.
• SKYLINK: Roy Lake's magazine, featuring articles on mankind's ancient roots, future speculation, "new" MJ12 documents, and case studies involving UFOs and poltergeist phenomena.
• INUFOR DIGEST: A condensed title from the NSW Australian Independent Network of UFO Researchers, with articles on science fiction, pilot sightings, and reviews of books like Timothy Good's 'Alien Base'.
• FASTER THAN LIGHT: From HUFOS, it includes articles on anti-matter fuel, disc planes, and "greys."

SUFOG Diary and Events

The SUFOG Diary for 1999 lists upcoming events, including Sky Watches at various locations like Portsdown Hill and The New Forest, and Group Meetings. It also mentions a lecture by Ernie Sears and a Mini Conference in October. Members are advised to contact the editor to confirm event details due to potential cancellations or changes.

Financial Update

The newsletter provides a financial update for SUFOG as of April 1, 1999, showing a Building Society balance of £228.89, with hall hire costs deducted, leaving a net fund of £212.89.

Contact Corner

A "SUFOG CONTACT CORNER" lists contact details for various UFO research groups across the UK, including Cornwall UFO Research Group, West Wales Paranormal Group, London UFO Studies, and many others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings (particularly black triangles), alien abduction experiences, government involvement and secrecy surrounding the phenomenon, and the ongoing efforts of UFO research groups. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the "Airman First Class" letter and the critical reviews of some publications, appears to encourage skepticism and critical thinking, urging readers not to blindly accept all claims related to UFOs and aliens, while still acknowledging the importance of investigating the subject. There's a strong emphasis on member participation and information sharing within the UFO community.

SUFOG (Page 11-20) is a compilation of reviews and reports from early 1999, focusing on UFOlogy. The issue covers various UFO magazines, specific sighting reports, and analysis of UFO phenomena. The primary focus of the scanned pages is on UFO sightings in Peru and Scotland, along with reviews of other UFO-related publications and a book.

SUFOG Issue Reviews

SUFOG (Page 11): The issue begins with a critique of a previous SUFOG edition, questioning its lack of detailed information. It mentions a return look at Rendlesham Forest and an A to Z of UFOlogy. The price is £2.00 at meetings and £2.50 by post.

SKYLINK ISSUE 22 (Page 11): This magazine is described as a 'cracking magazine' assembled by LUFOS chairman Roy Lake. It features articles on remote viewing by Maxine Pearson and Jonathan Downes, with advice on experimentation. Other content includes Nick Redfern's MOD exposures, Malcolm Robinson on the Scottish scene, Ancient Egypt by Len Farra, news from the Northwest, reviews, mailbag, and sightings. The reviewer gently criticizes the lack of actual dates and times for sightings. The subscription is £15 for 4 issues.

ENIGMA (March 1999, Issue 17) (Page 11-12): Edited by Paul Vigay, this issue is praised for its content. It includes a critique of a crop circle TV program, mentions weather control experiments by the USA, and touches on the Bilderberg Group's secrecy. Paul Vigay's lectures are also referenced. The subscription is £8 for 4 issues.

NORTHERN UFO NEWS (Page 11): From Jenny Randles and the NUFON organisation, this is described as a 'gem in handy size'. It comments on the inclusion of UFOs in culture via TV 'soaps' and discusses the Rendlesham Forest argument, including the 'alien autopsy' hoax and crop circle programs. It reviews UFO organisations and books, and features sighting reports. The editor, Jenny, takes a hard-hitting stance on government secrecy. The subscription is £6 for 6 issues.

AWARENESS (Page 11): An issue from Contact International Research, noted for its smart cover design and punchy editorial.

UFO NETWORK NATIONWIDE (Page 12): This magazine is described as a mixture of poor hand-written and printed material, based in Yorkshire. It has a 'scientific adviser' and includes newspaper cuttings, a USA update, a skywatch report, and an illustrated 'Addingham Encounter' report from circa 1993. The reviewer requests more professional presentation. The price is two issues for £1, four for £2, and six for £4.

AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN (March 1999) (Page 12): Published by the Victorian UFO Research Society, this issue features the Barney and Betty Hill story, Betty Cash death, a UFO sighting diary from 1908, a Texas UFO 'crash' in 1941, a UFO captured on fighter camera in Phoenix Arizona (March 1997), a historical UFO report from 1958, and items on crop circles, Malaysian UFO reports, and disc planes. It also mentions a 'weird triangle' and 'starlike' object sighting in Adelaide and mass sightings over Chile. Subscription details are given in Australian dollars.

ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA RESEARCH AGENCY (APRA) (Page 12): This is described as a small 8-page publication. The bulletins reviewed are from November '98 and February '99. APRA appears to be a busy organisation with open meetings and observing evenings. It reports on triangle and 'delta' craft and crop circles. It also mentions the FBI website having 1600 pages of UFO related info and cattle mutilations. The magazine is free for now.

UFO's Videotaped in the Skies of Peru (Page 13)

This section details a series of UFO sightings in Peru from February 9-12, 1999. On February 9th, fishermen near Pisco reported a large anomalous light, described as a 'nave nodriza' (supply ship/mothership), emerging from the Pacific Ocean and flying east. The following evening, residents of Chorrillos and Jesus Maria (suburbs of Lima) reported seeing luminous discs at low altitude, with one man videotaping the event. A squadron of luminous UFOs was also seen over Callao. A 40-minute broadcast on Canal 5 Television Panamericana aired home video footage of these events. In Ica, residents saw two luminous UFOs flying towards the Andes. Rumours spread about an undersea alien base offshore. The tabloid press in Lima speculated that the UFOs were observing 'the end of the world'. Further reports came from the desert northeast of Jorge Chavez International Airport and Lince. Beachgoers in La Herradura reported anomalous lights. Dr. Virgilio Sanchez Ocedo reported another UFO filmed in daytime over Callao. However, Lima newspapers El Comercio and El Expresso dismissed the flap, attributing the lights to a helicopter used in an advertising campaign.

Television & Radio Reviews (Page 14)

This section reviews television programs related to UFOlogy aired between February 15th and April 15th, 1999.

• Project UFO: A series based on Project Blue files, part fiction, part reports, featuring two Air Force officers investigating UFO reports and sightings.
• Mysteries of the Unexplained: Explored subjects like Big Foot, the Patterson footage (called a hoax), monsters of the deep oceans, and UFO sightings. Dr. Paul Horowitz discussed space travel, and Richard Hall was interviewed regarding UFO sightings. Alien abductions and Budd Hopkins were also featured.
• Stranger than Fiction: Focused on the Chupacabra.
• The World's Greatest Hoaxes: Covered Big Foot, sea monsters, the Billy Meier case (interviewing his wife who stated it was a hoax), dinosaurs, and the Roswell autopsy (claiming the footage showed a 13-year-old lad with a mannequin head).
• Natural History of an Alien: Explored scientific beliefs about alien life forms.

The reviewer notes that these programs do not do justice to 'REAL' UFO sightings.

First Crop Circle of 1999 ?? (Page 15)

This article reports on the first crop circle formations of 1999. Several circles were found near the Peruvian border with Chile, described as tripods joined by straight lines, with grain squashed flat but not broken. On March 20th, a 'significant crop formation' was discovered in Betlekhem Hagalili, near Jerusalem. This formation was dumbbell-shaped with two circles joined by a line, and another large circle found nearby. The circles were spun counter-clockwise.

SUFOG GROUP NEWS (Page 15)

Recent Sightings/Reports:

• SG/01/99 (Jan 3, 1999): Bournemouth witness saw a 'Square' Object made of 'electric light bulbs'.
• SG/02/99 (Feb 2, 1999): Southampton witness saw three yellow lights in a triangular formation.
• SG/03/99: A case involving a gentleman who may have been abducted, interviewed by Mr. Ernie Sears and the group.

Conference 99: The location is confirmed as the Solent Suit in Southampton, with speakers Malcolm Robinson, Russel Callaghan, and Graham Birdsall. Advertising plans include the Internet and 'UFO Magazine'.

Group Investigators: Bill Smith and Steve Rider have been appointed group investigators. Andy Philips is undergoing training. The group meetings on Sunday evenings will move to a new, cheaper venue after April, which has a bar. The entry fee remains £2.

UFO's Fact and Fiction? An Analysis by Brian Allan of S.P.I (Scotland) (Page 16-18)

This article by Brian Allan discusses the nature of UFOlogy, noting the lack of consensus on UFO origins. Allan argues that while many sightings can be explained by prosaic reasons (aircraft, meteors, etc.), a hard core of sightings, particularly those involving radar, are likely highly classified experimental aircraft. He criticizes the obsession with identifying secret military hardware and underground bases, suggesting researchers focus on UFOlogy itself. Allan dismisses the idea of 'UFO experts', comparing it to an expert on 'Martian balloon farming'. He believes UFOlogy is a global phenomenon.

Allan also touches on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, suggesting that if aliens were humanoid and not alarming, they might be accepted. However, if they resembled spiders or had tentacles, it could lead to a return of 1950s paranoia. He suggests that preparation for contact may be underway through television and films, and that the present E.T.s are not necessarily warlike or aloof. He concludes that a mutual trust could eventually develop.

Richard Hoagland in Hospital Following a Heart Attack (Page 17)

This short item reports that Richard Hoagland, a proponent of Mars-related theories, suffered a massive heart attack and underwent emergency surgery. This was reported on the Art Bell radio program.

Group Sky Watch - Saturday 13.3.99 (Page 18)

This report details a sky watch event at Cheesefoot Head near Winchester. Despite initial cloudy conditions, the sky cleared. Several members attended. The report mentions a peculiar request for a cable release for a camera at 23:30. The sky watch observed some flares and shooting stars. The event was described as disappointing.

Book Review by Malcolm Robinson: THE FBI FILES (Page 19)

Malcolm Robinson reviews Nicholas Redfern's book, 'The FBI Files (The FBI's UFO Top Secrets Exposed)'. The book is described as exposing the FBI's deep involvement in UFO phenomena, contradicting the FBI's long-held denials. Redfern presents information about face-to-face meetings between American military men and 'beings', and the existence of crashed UFOs. The book also covers alien abductions, UFO technology acquired by Nazis, and Men In Black (MIBs). Robinson commends Redfern for his honest presentation and concludes that UFOs are real and governments are aware of the situation, potentially keeping information from the public. The review highlights alarming cattle mutilations and genetic interbreeding programs.

In the Next Edition of the SUFOG Newsletter (Page 19)

The next edition will feature an interview with Timothy Good, including a full transcript, and a piece by Bill Smith concerning Tim Good's talk in Southampton.

The Best UFO Footage Ever Ever in Scotland (E.MAIL FROM MIKE FARRELL - Australia) (Page 20)

This article details a five-and-a-half-hour film shot by a man named Brian near Stirling, Scotland, in late 1998. The footage, featuring dozens of silver orb-like objects shooting across the sky, is hailed as 'the most significant UFO footage ever recorded in Britain'. Experts from UFO Magazine, including investigator Russel Callaghan, are convinced of its unusual nature and authenticity. The VHS cassette contained stunning footage of UFO activity filmed in broad daylight, with manoeuvres resembling those seen in footage from Mexico City. One section of the tape features a Scottish voice exclaiming "crazy, crazy stuff" as a UFO skims through the clouds at incredible speed. Brian stated the objects 'just seem to appear' when he is filming. The article notes that Bonnybridge, near Stirling, is known as an active UFO sighting area.

Conference '99 (Page 20)

Details for Conference '99 are provided: October 24th, 1999, 10 AM - 5 PM. Contact editorial address or email [email protected]. It is described as 'Possibly the Last Event of the Century'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings, crop circles, government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, and the review of UFOlogy-related media (magazines, books, TV programs). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking detailed evidence and questioning official narratives, while also acknowledging the reality of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on presenting reports and analyses from various sources within the UFOlogy community.