SUFOG Newsletter No 113-114

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, issue numbers 113 and 114, published in March/April 2000, is a UK-based UFO research newsletter. The publication focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena, with a critical and analytical approach.

Editorial Content

'Smoking Gun' UFO Footage Review

The lead article critically examines the 'Smoking Gun' UFO footage, questioning its release and value. The author expresses disappointment with the video, finding it boring and tedious, and notes the lack of coverage in major British newspapers. Concerns are raised about copyright issues regarding the footage's distribution. The author suggests that money spent on this video would be better invested in supporting local UFO groups.

SUFOG Skywatch - Portsdown Hill

This section details a SUFOG skywatch on March 18th, 2000, at Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth. Tom Trubridge recounts observing an object described as an orange blob traveling West to East. He filmed the object with a Sony Handycam, noting its unusual movements, including rapid reverse and directional changes. The footage is being analyzed, and copies are held by SUFOG members. The event was attended by Tom Trubridge, Steve Gerrard, and Andy Philips.

Group Meetings and Membership

The newsletter reports on the SUFOG Group Meeting held on March 16th, 2000. Key decisions included updating the subscription membership to £6.50 per year for 6 issues, with joint membership at £9 and family membership at £12. This price increase was necessitated by rising postage and copying costs. An open day is planned for October 21st in Woolston, featuring displays, a slide and video presentation, and a lecture. Sunday afternoon meetings are discontinued due to low attendance, with future meetings to be scheduled based on pre-ticket sales.

Merchandise and Events

SUFOG is exploring merchandise production, including T-shirts, caps, and other items, to be sold via mail order. Steve Rider is scheduled to give a talk on the paranormal, including ghosts, on May 18th. The group is also planning its annual pilgrimage to Avebury and the stones, with a £5 deposit required for the £15 weekend trip.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears provides several reviews of UFO-related publications:

• INUFOR DIGEST (Australia): Described as informative, covering topics like SETI, Area 51, Mars mysteries, and abduction reports. The review notes its focus on objective investigation and the importance of telling the truth.
• SEPTEMBER '99 issue of INUFOR DIGEST: Praised for its content on conspiracy and UFO origins.
• DECEMBER '99 issue of INUFOR DIGEST: Focuses on prophecies and forecasts related to the Millennium, with an article by Moira McGhee and a piece on 'encounters'.
• EJUFOAS (European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies): Craig Roberts, the editor, responds to a review, defending the journal's objective approach and its aim to unite European UFOlogists. He highlights the journal's focus on various UFO origin theories and the development of an advanced qualification in UFOlogy.
• Kevin McClure's publication: Reviewed critically, with concerns about his approach to abduction accounts and his dismissal of certain researchers.
• OVNI (Jan/Feb issue): Described as a small but well-shaped publication covering topics like military secrecy, crop circles, and flying triangles.
• APRA (Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency): The March issue is noted for its focus on 'synchronicity', interaction of phenomena, and human interaction with the paranormal. Articles include 'CETI, SETI, and UFO's' and a review of a talk by Brian James.
• NUFON (Northern UFO News): Features a cartoon cover and articles on Rendlesham, crop circles, and sonic booms. It discusses the proposed UFOIN investigation and research team, aiming to bridge the gap between believers and sceptics.
• AWARENESS (Contact International UFO Research): This pocket-sized publication covers Oxfordshire crop circles, total eclipses, and a 'synchronicity' event, along with a report of a black triangle sighting.

Personal Reflections and Appeals

There is a tribute to Patricia Finch, a friend of the editor, who passed away. An appeal is made for recordings of Channel 5's 'The Rossanne Show' from April 4th, which featured an interview with someone possessing many UFO clips and photos.

Upcoming Events and Diary

The SUFOG Diary lists upcoming Thursday Group Meetings, an All Day Meeting on October 21st, Sky Watches, an Avebury Sky Watch, a Christmas Party, and the AGM. Contacting the editor before events is advised due to potential cancellations or changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes an objective and analytical approach to UFOlogy, encouraging members to express their thoughts and research. There is a strong stance against jumping to conclusions, particularly regarding the 'alien' explanation for UFOs, advocating for the exploration of multiple theories. The importance of sharing information and supporting smaller research groups is a recurring theme. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and critical evaluation of evidence, aiming to uncover the 'real' truth behind the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) magazine, dated May 12, 1995, covers a variety of UFO and paranormal topics, with a strong focus on reports from group members and related research. The magazine includes articles on historical UFO cases, secret aircraft projects, crop circles, and personal accounts of unexplained phenomena.

Contents and Key Articles

Page 11:

The issue opens with a discussion of various UFO developments and reports. It mentions "Blushing Moon" reports, an article on Egyptian history and melted mountains by Michael Soper, and a strange object captured on video over Essex in 1994 and 1996. The "Australian UFO Bulletin" is highlighted, featuring information on US indium lights and a 1955 radar UFO case. George D. Fawcett offers tips on sighting investigations, and Gordon Creighton relates UFO reports from the Bournemouth area. The section also mentions a UPRI (Paranormal Research Ireland) analysis of video footage by Dave Loftus, which, despite some uncertainty, suggests the objects might be birds.

Page 12:

This page features "FASTER THAN LIGHT" edited by Chris Evers, covering topics like Chinese UFO flaps, Borley Rectory, British and USA reports, and filmed shuttle phenomena. A recent email from Brian James (Chairman of BUFORA and Research Director of APRA) describes a significant auroral display seen on April 6th-7th, 2000. It also details a UFO sighting by two SUFOG members on April 7th, 2000, near Netley Abbey, involving a large reddish-orange "ball" or "bar" that was observed for approximately 15-25 seconds. Inquiries to local airports and the Coastguard yielded no information, but the Southampton Daily Echo was contacted.

Page 13:

This page features a Sunday Times article from March 26, 2000, revealing Britain's 1950s attempt to develop a disc-shaped flying saucer aircraft, code-named Project Y. Designed by John Frost for Avro-Canada, the aircraft was intended to fly at 2,500 mph with vertical takeoff. Photographs of the sleek, arch-shaped aircraft, which incorporated features similar to America's stealth fighter, were discovered at the Public Records Office. The project was abandoned by the Canadian government in 1954, and a scaled-down version became the "air jeep" or Avrocar. The article notes the extreme secrecy surrounding the project and quotes Verne Morse and Alex Raeburn about their experiences.

Page 14:

This page introduces the "SUFOG's MIB COLUMN..." by Steve R. It includes an account of a ghost watch in 1995 and previews a talk on personal experiences at the next SUFOG meeting. The section "The first circles of 2000..." reports on crop circle formations: three in Spain on March 11th (two large circles) and one on March 18th in Grately, UK (unknown). Another formation was reported on April 10th at Danebury Hill Fort, UK, described as a rough-looking 'shell' shape with a path leading away.

Page 15:

This page continues the SUFOG meeting report by Ernie Sears. It describes a meeting on April 20th with a record turnout of eight people, covering paranormal experiences, ghosts, and healing. A manifestation of a tree was observed, along with spirit lights and flashes. The report also mentions Steve Rider discussing an author and abductee, and possessing books by Ray Fowler. A "synchronicity" occurred when Steve Rider's mention of an author led to the discovery that Ernie Sears owned three of Ray Fowler's books.

Page 6 (Report Cover):

This page is the cover for the "SUFOG REPORT FOR 1999. THE WAY AHEAD FOR 2000." produced by Steve Gerrard, with copyright SUFOG 1999.

Page 7 (Contents):

Lists the sections of the 1999 report: Group meetings, Skywatches, guest speakers, income/expenditure, membership, UFO reports, future plans, special thanks, and website.

Page 7 (Section 1):

Details the group's meetings in 1999: 6 meetings in total, with Sunday evening meetings averaging 4 attendees and Sunday afternoon lectures averaging 9 attendees.

Page 7 (Section 2):

States that SUFOG had 5 skywatches in 1999.

Page 7 (Section 3):

Reports on 2 guest speakers in 1999: Mr. Busty Taylor (March 28th, 13 attendees) and Mr. Ernie Sears (May, 5 attendees). The group made a profit of £14.10 from Busty Taylor's talk but incurred a loss on Ernie Sears' lecture.

Page 8 (Section 4):

Provides the group's financial summary for 1999. Income was £1141.41 and expenditure was £909.48, leaving a balance carried forward of £231.93. Detailed income sources include newsletter subscriptions, donations, ticket sales, and conference revenue. Expenditures cover advertising, photocopies, hall hire, stationery, and event costs.

Page 8 (Financial Summary):

Summarizes that the group made losses on Sunday evening meetings and a profit of £9.50 on Sunday afternoon talks, with a total net loss of around £1.00 for the year.

Page 9 (Section 5):

Reports on membership numbers. At the end of 1998, there were 44 subscribers, rising to 46 in 1999. Despite some renewal forms not being returned, the membership remained stable.

Page 9 (Section 6):

Presents a table of UFO reports for 1998 and 1999. In 1998, there were 12 reports, while in 1999, there were 10 reports. The distribution across months varies between the two years.

Page 10 (Section 7):

Details the group's online presence from Jan 1999 to Jan 2000, including their email address and website. It mentions a field trip to Avebury and a successful conference in Southampton.

Page 10 (Section 8):

Expresses thanks to various individuals for their support in 1999, including Steve Rider, Mr. Bill Smith, Mr. Ernie Sears, group members Andy Philips and Mrs. D. Reynolds, and Roy Lake of the London UFO Studies group.

Page 10 (Section 9):

Provides website statistics for 1999 and early 2000, showing the number of visits to the homepage, photographs, diary, reports, and links.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a spirit of open-minded inquiry into UFO phenomena and paranormal events, emphasizing that assumptions of extraterrestrial origin are not made. It encourages witness participation and the sharing of experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of detailed reporting and analysis, drawing from various sources including news articles, personal accounts, and research groups. There is a clear focus on documenting UFO sightings, crop circles, and related unexplained phenomena, while also providing organizational updates and financial reports for the SUFOG group. The tone is generally enthusiastic and community-oriented, aiming to foster discussion and investigation within the UFO research field.

This document is an advertisement for the "UFO FILES PC CD-ROM 2000 EDITION", a 2 CD-ROM set offered by the Woolwich UFO Research Group. It details the extensive content available on the discs, which includes over 3000 files on UFO-related material, covering a wide range of topics from abductions and Area 51 to crop circles and MIB.

Contents of the CD-ROM Set

The "UFO FILES" CD-ROM set, released in 2000, promises comprehensive UFO-related material. The contents are broken down as follows:

• Over 3000 files of UFO related material: This vast collection encompasses subjects such as Abductions, Area 51, NASA, SETI, Crop Circles, Roswell, Interviews, Cydonia, Black Technology, Current & Historical Sightings, and Men in Black (MIB).
• 200MB of 'classic' Real Audio Files: Audio recordings related to UFO phenomena.
• 150MB of images: Including BMP, JPEG, and GIF formats.
• Latest MJ12 Documents: Documents pertaining to the alleged Majestic 12 group.
• Viewer Program: An easy-to-use program for virtually instant access to topics and keywords.
• Video Footage: Including footage contributed by Chris Martin.

The format requires most files to be .txt and run on any PC, with a 16-bit Soundcard needed for the Real Audio Files.

The entire set is available for £12 (including postage and packing), payable to Mr M.Bell. Personal callers are welcome, but advised to phone first. The contact details for the Woolwich UFO Research Group are P.O.BOX 3775, LONDON SE18 3QR, with TEL/FAX: 020 8316 4690 and Email: [email protected].

Recent UFO Sightings in Hampshire

A special report by Malcolm Prior, featured in the Southampton Evening Echo on 27/4/2000, highlights recent near-identical UFO sightings in Hampshire, UK. The report suggests that Hampshire is a prime location for such phenomena, drawing parallels to the fictional "X-Files".

• Ernie Sears' Sighting: On a Friday night, Ernie Sears, a 75-year-old pensioner and nine-year member of the Southampton UFO group, witnessed a "huge reddish-orange ball low in the sky" near the Hamble coastline, just inland from Park Gate. He observed the object for as long as it was unobscured by trees, noting its glow remained visible intermittently before vanishing.
• Andy Phillips' Sighting: Approximately 24 hours later, Andy Phillips, a father from North Baddesley, reported seeing a similar object over Romsey. He described a "glowing bar" about 100ft in length that was "throbbing" and flying "very slowly". He stated it disappeared suddenly, "like someone had switched off a light".

These sightings have convinced Steve Gerard, the leader of the 75-strong Southampton UFO group, that extraterrestrial beings are visiting with increasing regularity. Gerard also shared video footage of a similar glowing object seen over Portsdown Hill, captured shortly before these incidents.

Gerard asserts that about five percent of reported sightings remain unexplained and that it is naive to believe humanity is alone in the universe. The group is seeking corroboration from the public for these sightings or any other relevant records. Ernie Sears commented, "Seeing is believing. It can really change your whole life."

Individuals who witnessed similar lights on Friday, April 7, or Saturday, April 8, are encouraged to contact the group at 023 8044 8194 or 0777 6055347.

Crop Circle Formations

The document also includes a table detailing several crop circle formations, with diagrams attributed to Paul Vigay unless otherwise stated:

• Els Omellons, nr Las Garrigues, Spain: Two large circles, approximately 85' and 118' in diameter. The newspaper El Periodico suggested these were hoaxes.
• Danebury Hill Fort, south of Andover, UK: A rough formation approximately 201' long, described as a 'shell' shape with a path leading away. It showed obvious damage and 'cutting' to stems.
• Farningham, UK: A standing triangular shape surrounded by a circle.
• Cherhill, UK: A circle containing a triangle of standing crop and a small pointed triangle to one side.
• All Cannings Down, UK: A single circle approximately 40' in diameter, which was verified as a grass patch around a tumulus.
• Milan, USA: A formation of lines and circles, awaiting confirmation and further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the promotion of a comprehensive UFO data archive available on CD-ROM, catering to enthusiasts and researchers. It also highlights contemporary UFO sightings and the enduring mystery of crop circles. The editorial stance, as represented by the Woolwich UFO Research Group and quoted individuals like Steve Gerard, is one of open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, encouraging public participation in reporting and documenting sightings.