SUFOG Newsletter No 115-116

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, Issue 115 & 116, May/June 2000.

This issue of the SUFOG newsletter, published by the Southampton UFO group, delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, paranormal experiences, and societal phenomena. It features updates on group activities, eyewitness accounts, and discussions on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and SETI.

European FT Initiative

The newsletter announces the European FT Initiative, an attempt to track black triangular-shaped UFOs across Europe between 1993 and 1997. It calls for UFO research groups in the UK and mainland Europe to contribute to this effort, aiming to build a database of sightings that may reveal more about these phenomena.

SUFOG Activities and Experiences

The editor reflects on recent SUFOG activities, noting an increase in membership and features in local media. The group has organized a 'Meet SUFOG 2000' event with a speaker showcasing footage. Recent skywatches have yielded unexplained observations, including a notable event on May 19th. Members are increasingly becoming 'experiencers,' not just observers, engaging with phenomena that suggest contact with non-terrestrial entities. The group is also planning 'ghost nights.'

What Millennium Bug?

Elaine Waite addresses the societal reaction to the Millennium Bug, drawing parallels to past instances of panic-buying and rumor-spreading. She recounts experiences of power cuts in February and March 2000, questioning the official explanations given the local infrastructure. A sighting of three grey globes over a school in Southall is detailed, with the observer noting the deputy head teacher's inability to see them.

Personal Reflections on the Millennium Bug and UFOs

Another contributor discusses the widespread blame placed on the 'Millie Bug' for computer problems, suggesting human error is often the root cause. The article touches upon the increased use of candles during Christmas 1999 and the influence of Nostradamus's prophecies. The author expresses a sense of global craziness and the need to 'chill out' before the planet combusts.

The ETH of UFOlogy & SETI Science

Edward Ashpole, in a letter dated June 21st, 1994, discusses the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and its compatibility with SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). He argues that credible UFO cases provide phenomena consistent with SETI's scientific basis, yet few in the scientific community are aware of this connection. He emphasizes the need to test scientific hypotheses rigorously.

Ernie Sears's Letter to Malcolm Prior

Ernie Sears writes about a recent phone outage and the severe thunderstorm of April 26th, which caused delays in repairs. He references a previous article in the 'Southampton Daily Echo' that suggested Hampshire is a 'top destination for uncanny visitors.' Sears recounts a personal sighting of a red/orange 'globe' or 'glowing cigar' that 'tailgated' his car and then vanished. He notes that several other witnesses have come forward with similar sightings.

Sightings Reports

Several sightings are detailed:

• April 29th, 2000: Southall (West London) and Bromley By Bow (East London) - three very bright lights crossing the sky, described as a dumbbell object rotating anticlockwise. A second object, spherical and yellow/grey, was seen travelling at speed. A third object was observed hovering near a cloud.
• May 4th: A sighting of a 'dumbbell shaped object' over Bromley By Bow, captured on video.
• May 6th: A sighting of 'spirit lights' at a spiritual meeting.
• May 13th: Photos of 'spheres' at Cyprus ancient sanctuaries.
• May 20th: Professor Richard Wiseman is setting up gear at Hampton Court Palace to investigate reported phenomena.
• May 28th: Astronomer Royal Martin Rees suggests aliens could be balloon-like creatures or microscopic bugs.
• May 31st: An exhibition called 'Witness' in West London features personal accounts of UFO sightings and abductions.

SUFOG Contact Corner and Subscription Details

The newsletter provides contact information for various UFO research groups across the UK and Ireland. It also details the subscription costs for the SUFOG newsletter (£6.50 per year, by-monthly).

TRUTH - Totton Researchers of UFOlogy Theory and History

This section promotes a college-based UFO research course offered by TRUTH in Totton, Southampton.

Ernie Sears's Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews 'YE OLDE NEWSPAPER REVIEWS' from the 'News of the World' and 'The Times', discussing articles on UFOs and secret government complexes. He also reviews 'Psychic News' articles on celebrity UFO sightings and 'The Sunday Telegraph' on a secret underground complex. He notes that 'Witness' is running at The Chapel, London.

CD ROM Review: The UFO Files

Steve Rider reviews 'The UFO Files' double CD-ROM, compiled by The Woolwich UFO Research Group. He highly recommends it for its extensive information on UFOs, crop circles, pyramids, the paranormal, and more, calling it a valuable tool for UFOlogists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the importance of sharing information among researchers, and the intersection of UFOlogy with paranormal experiences and scientific inquiry (like SETI). There's a sense of urgency and a desire to bring UFOlogy into the 21st century. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging participation and the sharing of data to advance the field. The founder, Steve Gerrard, expresses a strong desire for UFOlogy to be taken more seriously and to move beyond a 'stagnant state' in the UK.

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) is dated May 2000 and focuses on reviews of various UFO-related magazines and detailed accounts of recent sightings and group activities. The cover features a graphic with the heading 'MAGAZINE REVIEWS BY ERNIE SEARS'.

Magazine Reviews

The Australasian Ufologist: This Vol. 4, No. 1, 2000 issue is described as impressive with a colorful cover and contents. It includes a public forum, local and international news, and an article on alleged abductees seeking professional help. A 1998 sighting of a 'Bullet shaped' UFO is mentioned, as is a 1999 UFO debate at the University of New South Wales. The review notes that NASA's 'ice crystals' might be highly maneuverable life-forms. Other articles cover early Australian UFOlogy, the changing UFO field, alien influences, and UFO threats to water supplies. The magazine is available from Earthlink Publishing for $6.95 Australian dollars.

OVNI: The May/June 2000 issue from Omar Fowler's Derbyshire-based Phenomena Research Association includes a 'latest Roswell witness report' and comments from Stanton Friedman. A Twickenham Flying Triangle sighting on April 25th is noted. Reports cover USA and Canada, a 1997 Irish report, and Australia's 'Bermuda Triangle'. Apparitions at Zeiton, Egypt, are also mentioned. OVNI is a bi-monthly magazine available for £1 from 94 The Circle, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 9H.

Flying Saucer Review (FSR): Editor Gordon Creighton is seeking help for the quarterly magazine. The Spring and Autumn 1999 issues are reviewed. Gordon's interest in Djinns and demonology is noted, alongside articles by Linda Moulton Howe (reviewed by Robert Girard), Don Worley, and Jorge Martin. Martin's article on UFOs over Puerto Rico and 'Alien presences' in the sea are highlighted. A 1997 'Giant Flying Triangle over Hull' is mentioned. The other 1999 FSR issue features an article by Gordon Creighton on 'UFO Entities' and 'Angels, Men, and Jinns'. A 1996 Brazilian pilot's close encounter with a silent, pyramid-shaped 'mothership' is detailed, including its rapid ascent. The Chilean case of an abducted soldier is also mentioned. Four issues cost £15.00 including postage from The Editor, Flying Saucer Review Publications Ltd, PO Box 162, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 5DZ.

The Cereologist: This publication appears thrice yearly. The Summer and Autumn 1999 issues are reviewed. Articles include 'High Heat' by David Perkins, 'Military or Medical Mind Control' by Robert Lamont, and pieces on Stonehenge and the Cuxton formation. Terence Meaden's theories and Michael Green's critique of the 1991 hoax are mentioned. The Cereologist costs £3.50 per issue or £3.50 for three issues per year from Global Circle Research, Clements Farm, Wheatley, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 9PA.

Awareness: This pocket-sized magazine from Contact International UFO Research, Spring 2000 issue, is described as nicely packaged. It features a thoughtful editorial by Geoff Ambler and enquiries to the MoD regarding an alleged 1896 Flying Triangle crash near Bicester, Oxon. The response scenario from the MoD is 'deny everything'. An account by Lionel Beer describes a huge, 'Jumbo jet' sized Flying Triangle over Malta in 1999, accompanied by two American Air Force jets. Another sighting involved a Flying Triangle seen by many people on a beach in Northwest Cumbria in 1999. A reincarnation article by Malcolm Robinson is also noted. Subscription is £9 for 4 issues or £14 for 8 from PO Box 23, Wheatley, Oxon, OX3 1FL.

Skywatchers: Issue 28, Spring 2000, from Cornwall UFO Research Group features Dave Gilham's UFO video, with no answers from RAF Mawgan. Malcolm Robinson discusses the MoD's 'No Defence Significance' reply. The article mentions 'Deny Everything?', 'Healing and other spiritual matters' by Sandra Holmes, and a NATURE report on human evolution. Sightings include two landed motherships in the USA during an 'Aliens and Spirits' Conference, with Richard Boylan PhD. linking UFOs to ET Egyptian Connection. The May 5th Planetary Doomsday did not happen. A back cover photo of small aliens on Mars is mentioned. The Cereologist costs £2.00 each or £12.00 quarterly from 24 Carrine Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XB.

UFO Magazine: The May/June issue is highlighted. It covers local events and media 'veiling' of UFO phenomena. An article by Jenny Randles is significant, and there's a hard-hitting editorial by Graham Birdsall. A 'Conspiracy of Silence' article by Graham and Russel Callaghan is mentioned, along with anomalous implants photos, the Laughlin, Nevada Conference, pilots and UFOs, and Christopher Martin's contact routine. UFOs in Stateside politics are also discussed. The magazine is available from W.H. Smiths.

SUFOG Group Meeting 8th May 2000

The meeting was attended by 9 people, raising £19.00 with a profit of £16.00 after room hire. Points raised include:
(1) Future skywatches: If the primary contact cannot attend, others should proceed at the designated sites (Cheesefoot Head, Grange Road, Portsdown Hill).
(2) Website upgrade: The website will be upgraded for £47 per year.
(3) Merchandise: The group now produces badges, T-Shirts, Baseball Caps, Clocks, and Fridge Magnets.
(4) Avebury trip: An Avebury trip is planned for June 24th-25th.
(5) Finances: As of May 18th, the group had a healthy balance of £329.77.
(6) Charity: Andy Phillips suggested raising money for a local charity, but the idea was deferred.
(7) Future meetings: Ernie Sears or Steve Rider will conduct the June/July meeting in the absence of the writer.

Steve Rider gave a talk on his experiences with ghosts, including photographs and audio recordings of strange noises.

Bill Smith reported a sensation of heat from a non-existent fire, and lights flickered, creating a spooky atmosphere.

Steve Gerrard described the meeting as one of the best in a long time.

SUFOG Skywatch Reports since 8th April 2000

This section details sighting reports received by the Southampton UFO Group. There were 3 reports with no stated witnesses and 14 witnesses in total. Reports by year: 1998 (12), 1999 (10), 2000 (Jan-May 31st) (18). Averaging 13 reports per year as of June 1st 2000.

• Specific sightings include:
• April 7th (11.30 p.m.): Ernie Sears, Hamble Lane, Hamble - Round, orange object.
• April 8th (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.): Millbrook, Southampton - Round, white object.
• April 8th (10.45 p.m. - 11.30 p.m.): Romsey - Round, orange object.
• April 8th (11.30 p.m. - Midnight): Romsey - Oblong, orange object.
• April 8th (10 p.m. - 11 p.m.): Chandlersford, Eastleigh - Lozenge, orange object.
• April 8th (11.35 p.m.): Andy Phillips - Oblong, orange object.
• April 14th (6.30 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Fair Oak, Eastleigh - 3 Lights in a row, low to ground.
• April 26th (10.15 p.m.): Midanbury, Southampton - A row of 5 lights.
• April 27th (8.35 p.m.): Romsey - Round, orange object (6 male witnesses, 5 female witnesses).

• SUFOG Skywatch Sightings (Video Footage):
• March 18th 2000: Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth - Light maneuvering in sky.
• 1999/2000: 2 other pieces of film received by the public (undergoing analysis).
• May 5th 2000: Grange Road, Netley - Fast moving bright light.
• May 19th 2000: Over Southampton Water - Bright light circled by an aircraft.

The Southampton UFO Group will be showing footage on October 21st at their open day. Tickets are £5.

Impromptu Skywatch 5th May 2000

This account by Steve Rider describes an impromptu skywatch with Steve G. They investigated a fast-moving bright light near Netley, possibly MIR, and filmed the Fawley flame as a potential explanation. They then visited the Royal Victoria Country Park and the Hospital/Chapel site. During the visit, they experienced cold shivers, a feeling of being watched, and bright flashes of light with no discernible source. A candle light was seen in the chapel tower before being extinguished. The experience left them feeling unsettled.

Skywatch on the 19th May

This report, also by Steve Gerrard, details another skywatch at Grange Road, Netley, with Steve Rider, Andy, and Bill and Jean Smith. They observed a light that stopped, hovered, and accelerated in a UFO-like manner. A second 'object', identified as a plane, circled the UFO before flying off and returning. The group then went to the chapel site, experiencing cold, chills, and the feeling of being watched. Steve Gerrard described a vivid experience of seeing the past, possibly as a wounded soldier from World War I, walking towards the chapel. Bill Smith reported hearing whispering voices. The experience was deeply unsettling.

The M.I.B Column

This column features an anecdote from 'The friendly Man In Black' working at Borden Chemical UK. An Irishman in Glasgow reportedly contacted Borden seeking a thermos-setting resin for a 'Flying Saucer' he had designed to fly between Glasgow and London in 20 minutes, claiming the Russian Government would pay £20 million for it. The Irishman stated Epoxide resins were unsuitable due to high temperatures and also commented on racism in Glasgow. The author states the story is 100% true.

The Moon: Natural or Un-Natural?

This section advertises a research paper by Steve Gerrard on Moon Anomalies, covering the age of the Moon, anomalous structures, and its origins. Copies are available for £2.00 (basic) or £3.00 (signed/numbered), plus postage. Contact details are provided for pre-ordering.

UFO Sightings (Southampton Evening Echo Articles)

Two articles from the Southampton Evening Echo are included:

'UFO hopefuls scanning the skies' (May 13th 2000): This article highlights two almost-identical sightings by Ernie Sears and Andy Philips of a glowing light. Since their reports, the Southampton UFO group has received numerous similar sightings from the Hamble and Romsey areas. Ernie Sears, a 75-year-old member, notes a surge in witnesses. Other sightings include a light over Midanbury and a red/orange globe over Netley. A couple reported a low light illuminating their door. Ernie believes something of universal importance is occurring.

'UFO sightings' (May 20th 2000): David Williams of UFO Network UK/Nationwide agrees with Sears and Philips that UFO visits are made by beings from another world and believes there is an international cover-up. He states the public has a right to know about alien intervention.

TV and Radio Reports

South City FM 107.8 Radio (April 27th 2000): Interviewed Andy Phillips and Ernie Sears about UFO sightings. The interview was brief.

Wave 105 (May 25th 2000): The group leader was interviewed, discussing recent cases and the UFO subject, resulting in two calls from interested individuals.

TV Programs: ITV showed 'Close Encounters: Proof of Alien Contact' on April 24th. The program was shorter than advertised and appeared to have segments cut. The Science Fiction Channel screened the same program on May 26th, also shorter than advertised. The reviewer criticizes the program, calling the 'expert's' analysis of a glowing cigar shape incorrect, identifying it as an advertising balloon. The 'Guardian' footage is also discussed, with the reviewer questioning the interpretation of the objects shown. A section on 'Alien Implants' by Dr. Roger Leir is mentioned positively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the review and promotion of UFO-related publications, the detailed reporting of local UFO sightings and skywatch experiences by members of the Southampton UFO Group, and discussions on potential government cover-ups and the broader implications of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging witness reports and sharing information, while also critically evaluating media presentations of the subject. There's a strong emphasis on local activity and the experiences of group members.