SUFOG Newsletter No 119-120

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG
Issue: 119-120
Date: September-October 2000
Publisher: SUFOG
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the SUFOG newsletter provides a diverse range of content related to UFOlogy and related phenomena, including personal accounts, research group activities, and reviews of other publications.

Editorial and Personal Accounts

The editorial section, written by the SUFOG Editor (Steve Gerrard), opens with an account of attending the Quest Internationals Conference in Leeds with Steve Rider. Despite travel difficulties and expenses, they made it to the event. The editor reviews the weekend and mentions that Steve Rider's review will appear in the next edition. Photographs from the event will be updated on the SUFOG website. The editor also notes that Steve Rider is happy with the availability of photographs at the October group meeting.

A thought-provoking question is posed: 'What is the definition of MISSING TIME'. The newsletter mentions a discussion among three UFOlogists about this theory. An anecdote is shared about a recent meeting at the editor's house with Bill Smith and Steve Rider, where a comment about 'It's about time we went home' was made as midnight struck.

Jenny Randles contributes a letter concerning an item the editor previously penned about UFO authors and their tendency to only produce new books rather than other writings. Jenny provides corrections, and her reply is included in the newsletter. The editor expresses gratitude to Steve Rider and Ernie Sears for their contributions, noting that without them, the pages would be blank. He encourages members to submit articles for potential publication.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Bishops Waltham Housewife Reports UFO: A witness, known to Ernie Sears, reported seeing a brightly lit object in the sky on Wednesday morning, September 27th. Described as like a fairground roundabout, it had blue and red lights around the base and a whitish light at one side. The object did not move and was observed for ten minutes. The witness's drawing depicts a classic UFO shape with a dome. The editor laments that observers often don't watch how such objects depart.

Southampton Area Helicopter Reports: A witness reported an unusual collection of five helicopters over the Southampton area, specifically Southampton Water, at 4 a.m. on Saturday, September 30th. This witness preferred to remain anonymous, but corroboration was received from another source who heard helicopters over Netley Abbey at around the same time on several occasions.

European FT Initiative: A call is made to UFO research groups in the UK and Europe for an attempt to track black triangular-shaped UFOs across Europe between 1993 and 1997. Based on Project FT's database of 7,000 sighting reports, additional reports are needed to potentially reveal the UFO's entrance/exit windows. Contributors will receive a report of the findings. Data should be sent to Field Officer Tony Spurrier in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

Crop Circle Discussions: The newsletter features a discussion about crop circles, particularly in relation to a beer named 'Circle Master' brewed by Wychwood Brewery. The beer's name is attributed to the character who creates circular designs in cornfields. The editor questions the legality and public perception of 'Circle Makers' admitting to causing criminal damage and trespass. He notes that despite admissions and financial gains from charging entry fees, no prosecutions seem to have occurred. The article highlights that over 54 formations appeared in Southern England in 2000, potentially costing farmers £27,000.

Robert Fisher writes about the C.C.C.S conference at Andover, where Colin Andrews discussed the Earth's magnetic field and its role in creating crop circles. Fisher expresses disbelief when Andrews stated that 80% of intricate designs are man-made, contrasting this with his own research and observations of formations that appeared too quickly or in daylight without witnesses.

Ernie Sears' 'Newspaper Reviews' section covers various articles. The Daily Echo reported on Colin Andrews confronting critics at an Andover meeting. The Daily Telegraph advertised a UFO Poetry Festival with categories including 'Alien Close Encounters' and 'Limericks about Little Green Men'. The Daily Mail featured a double-page spread on 'Top of the Crops' formations, with an article by science editor James Chapman. Another Daily Mail article detailed how a team of hoaxers used surveyors tape and a plank to create complex designs, including one at Avebury. The Sunday Telegraph discussed 'ghostly hums and visitations' attributed to 'infrasound'. The Daily Mail also featured letters discussing the controversy surrounding crop circles, with Roy Dutton calling hoaxers 'midnight cowboys' and David Woolgar questioning why hoaxers never make mistakes and are rarely prosecuted.

Michael Joyce of the Daily Mail pointed out that genuine stem joints are inexplicably melted before falling. The Sunday Telegraph carried a brief piece about a coastguard search launched after red lights on an aircraft taking off from Dublin were mistaken for distress flares, visible for sixty miles. The Daily Telegraph published a form concerning an 'earthquake' at Warwick, with questions for the British Geological Survey. The London Evening Standard reported on the same earthquake, noting coincidences in addresses and dates.

A letter from A.J. Saunders of Bridport suggests believing in 'genuine' crop circles only when they appear without tractor tracks.

Other UFO Reports:

• A witness reported seeing strange lit objects, with an official answer of 'temperature inversion'.
• Matt Brazel's sighting at Roswell is mentioned.
• 'Mystery "fleets"' and 'chemtrails' are discussed.
• Scottish UFO footage, Puerto Rican aliens and UFOs, and a new Oxford University UFO group are noted.
• A UFO reported over Bradford with lights in a triangular formation, followed by helicopters.
• Witness Russell Kellett filmed lights and 'balls' over a period of months, and more videos of orange/yellow objects over a Leeds gala. A flying triangle was reported over Swadlincote, Derbyshire.
• 1944 reports of a suspected 'single aircraft' on radar flying at high speed are mentioned.
• The Cannock Chase alleged UFO 'crash' from 1964 is revisited.
• A 1989 incident involving a USA nuclear submarine and a 'huge' inverted 'V' shaped UFO is described.
• The 'airship flap' in Australia in 1909 is mentioned.
• 'Extraordinary sightings from very credible observers' from circa 1952-1957 and 1965 are referenced.

UPN Investigations and Sci-Fi Weekend

UPN Investigations manned the helpdesk for Channel 5's Sci-Fi Weekend on August 27th and 28th. The team included Susan Turner (Wales), Sharon Larkin (North of England and Scotland), John Hanson (Midlands), and the author (London and Southern areas). Despite extensive organization, the helpdesk received no calls or emails on the first day. The second day also proved quiet, leading to a low morale. However, by 11 p.m. on Monday, four emails were received, redirected by Channel 5. The author emphasizes the need for freephone numbers for public access, as only about 10% of UK homes had internet access at the time.

Magazine Reviews

UFO Magazine: Described as glossy and colorful, featuring a sinister-looking greys image. The promised Bilderberg Group article was disappointing, but the magazine is otherwise up to standard, covering topics like Electrogravities and recent fuel prices. The Mojave Desert UFO is also featured. Questions are raised about the MoD and the Ombudsman's intervention. UFO videos over Cheshire are mentioned, and a query is made about Hampshire sightings.

SYNCHRONICITY issue 6 (August 2000): This APRA publication covers the CCCS 10th Anniversary, crop circle interactions, 'free energy', and 'balls of light'. It includes theories by Colin Andrews and an item on the Silbury Hill hole. It also features photos of 'rods' and a report on the Avebury Skywatch. The review notes a video by Roy Dutton, and mentions chemtrails and a 1967 Bicester 'crash'. The subscription cost is £4.40 annually for three issues.

OVNI: Omar Fowler's magazine continues, with an editorial on a 'near miss' asteroid and 'visitors'. It includes an illustrated article on mysterious craft over Bradford.

The Australian UFO Bulletin (June 2000): This pocket-sized gem details the ongoing UFO situation in Australia. It includes an analysis of why UFOs exist by Paul Norman and praises Richard Hall's 'UFO EVIDENCE' publication. It also mentions Puerto Rico's radio Astronomy Observatory being observed by UFOs and Aliens, and an article on the 1909 Australian 'airship flap'.

INUFOR DIGEST (April 2000): This magazine aims to prosecute copyright offenders. It features an item on a skeleton discovered seventy years ago, with similarities to what is described in the newsletter.

FASTER THAN LIGHT: This magazine features articles on implant removals, alien photos, abduction scenarios, and ghost stories. It is available from Chesnut House, Hull, for £12 including postage.

SUFOG Contact Corner and Diary

Contact details are provided for various UFO research groups, including Cornwall UFO Research Group, Phenomenon Research Association, Skysearch UFO Research Organisation, SPI England, and UPRI (Ireland).

SUFOG Diary: Thursday Group Meetings are scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dates for upcoming meetings include November 16th and December 16th. A Sky Watch event is planned for November 11th, and a Christmas Party on December 16th. Attendees are advised to contact the editor to confirm meeting details, as Sky Watch events are weather-dependent.

Next Issue Preview

Upcoming content includes Steve Rider's thoughts on the trip to Leeds, a look back at the SUFOG Open Day on October 21st, notes from the AGM meeting on October 19th, and opportunities related to SUFOG on TV.

Deaths of UFOlogists

The newsletter reports the sad news of the deaths of two UFOlogists: Arthur Tomlinson, who passed away on September 18th after a heart attack, and Cynthia Hynde of South Africa, who lost her fight against cancer. Cynthia Hynde is remembered as the editor of a well-written journal who reported on UFO encounters in Africa, providing a valuable perspective independent of mainstream media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the debate surrounding the origin of crop circles (man-made versus genuinely unexplained), the role of media in reporting on UFOs, and the activities of various UFO research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member contributions and critical discussion, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. There is a clear emphasis on sharing information and experiences within the UFO community.

SUFOG, Issue 13, dated September 2000, is a UK-based magazine focusing on UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and related research. This issue features a mix of articles, letters, conference reports, and book reviews, with a cover headline highlighting a return to the 'roots' of the SUFOG MIB and promoting the 19th Leeds Annual UFO Conference.

Articles and Features

Reviews of UFO Publications:

The issue begins with reviews of other UFO publications. 'The Starchild' enigma is discussed, noting its ongoing nature and a two-part article on 'Passive Detection of Aerial Phenomena' by William Bimson. 'Mysteries of Mars' and other mysteries from the Jamieson Valley in Australia are also mentioned. The magazine 'INUFOR DIGEST' is reviewed, described as a forty-page publication worth collecting, with a focus on flashes and spheres, and mentions of interest from the CIA and other security groups. 'THE SPIRAL', a crop circle magazine, is also highlighted for its coverage of formations and connections to folk history.

CUFORG UFO Conference and Skywatch Report:

'SKYWATCHERS', the summer issue of CUFORG (Cornwall UFO Research Group), is mentioned, including content on alien cartoons, solar magnetic storms, and CSETI. A significant quote from the US Secretary of State of Missouri, urging Congress to address the public's cynicism towards government handling of the UFO issue, is highlighted. An email from Brian James of APRA details a skywatch experience on September 30th, 2000, where pale blue scintillations and 'skyflashes' were observed, followed by a sonic boom, leading to speculation about HAARP and potential UFO reports.

Letter from Brian Allan (SPI BUFORA):

Brian Allan responds to a previous article, 'A Strange Night !!!', proposing that most so-called psychic phenomena are attributable to electromagnetic radiation and its effects on human physiology. He references books like 'Electromagnetic Man' and 'The Handbook of Magnetic Phenomena' and discusses the 'Hutchison Effect' and the involuntary movement of objects. Allan suggests that apparitions seen in pre-electrical times were due to natural geo-magnetic fields, and that modern phenomena might be a form of 'playback' from images recorded into stones or a subjective misinterpretation.

Letter from Jenny Randles:

Jenny Randles addresses comments made in SUFOG regarding her books, defending her prolific output of at least one original book every 18 months, alongside coffee-table books. She highlights her 25 years of active investigation in UFOlogy and her contributions to groups like MUFORA and BUFORA, including publishing numerous free and original articles and a field investigation manual.

Book Review: 'Intruders In The Night' by Christopher Martin:

This review details a book about the contact and interaction between Christopher Martin and Vicki with extraterrestrial entities. Their experiences began through regression sessions, leading to contact with a 'young woman' who was Vicki in a previous life. Later, after watching 'Fire in the Sky', Vicki began channeling information from 'Visitors'. The book describes how Vicki could see the visitors, while Christopher could not. It also touches on the visitors' ability to travel through time and dimensions, their separation into three types, and the common ancestry in the Zeta Reticuli star system. Both Christopher and Vicki were contacted from an early age, though Christopher's contact was terminated.

Skywatch at Westwood, Netley Abbey:

Steve G and Steve Rider conducted a skywatch on August 24th, 2000, observing a bright orange light that faded and a white light moving slowly. They also observed an orange ball of light that flared up, dimmed, flashed, and jumped about.

UFO Sightings Recorded Information Line:

A contact number is provided for hearing information on the latest sightings.

Letter from David Chidgey M.P. to Ernie Sears:

David Chidgey M.P. forwards a reply from the Minister regarding concerns over Unidentified Flying Objects over Southampton Water. The magazine notes that the MoD's reply states they remain 'open minded about extraterrestrial life forms', prompting speculation about hidden government knowledge.

19th Leeds Annual UFO Conference (September 15th-17th, 2000):

This section provides an extensive report on the conference. Travel details, hotel experiences, and evening lectures are described. Highlights include:

• Alan Godfrey: Described as a 'bloke' with a great sense of humour, who told his story.
• Chris Martin: Presented 'truly outstanding 'UFO' footage' taken over London, including two objects joined by a ribbon of light.
• Peter Robins: Discussed the Rendlesham incident.
• Larry Warren: Presented Graham Birdsall with army beret and his wife with a T-Shirt, announcing he would no longer talk about the Rendlesham incident.
• David Cayton: Gave a lecture on cattle and sheep mutilation.
• Nick Pope and Nick Redfern: Engaged in a debate about obtaining information from governments, with Redfern suggesting illegal methods like computer hacking.
• Dr. Steven Greer: Presented a lecture on UFOs and out-of-body experiences, promoting his new book.
• Graham Birdsall: Presented the Cheshire UFO Footage, which SUFOG claims is inferior to their own footage.
• Russel Callaghan: Discussed hoaxed cases, using the Gulf Breeze incident and Ed Walters as an example.
• Martyn Stubbs: Presented NASA footage. It is noted that Martyn Stubbs has a brain tumour, and SUFOG wishes him well.
• The report mentions missing the final speaker, J.J Willie, and the armchair forum.

SUFOG's MIB goes BACK TO HIS ROOTS (Avebury Trip):

A personal account of a trip to Avebury in June 2000. The author, known as SUFOG's MIB, describes visiting crop circles, including one at East Field and formations near Silbury Hill. The closure of Silbury Hill due to a hole is mentioned. The author expresses a strong attraction to Avebury and Cornwall, describing a feeling of being at ease. During a walk around the Avebury stone circle, the author experienced a phenomenon where the surface of a large stone appeared to come alive and ripple.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings and investigations, extraterrestrial contact, crop circles, and the paranormal. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical examination of phenomena, with a leaning towards scientific explanations, particularly electromagnetic influences, as proposed by Brian Allan. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and investigations, with detailed reports from conferences and individual skywatches. The editorial stance also appears to be one of promoting UFOlogy and challenging conventional explanations, while also highlighting the importance of rigorous research and documentation, as seen in the dispute over the Cheshire UFO footage and the copyright protection of SUFOG's own material.

This issue of SUFOG, spanning pages 21-24, covers a period around August 2000 and details various activities and correspondence related to UFO research and unexplained phenomena. The content includes personal accounts of investigations, event announcements, and official responses from government bodies.

Personal Accounts and Investigations

The issue begins with a personal narrative of a visit to Avebury, describing a feeling of altered consciousness while walking among the stones. The author recounts the experience of joining other BUFORA members for a night at the site, noting the presence of loud music from a nearby caravan site which may have affected the focus of their 'experiment'. Despite a personal disappointment in not experiencing strong sensations, the author expresses a continued desire to return to Avebury.

The narrative then shifts to an investigation of crop formations near Silbury Hill. The author, along with Steve G. and Bill, examined two formations. While no significant sensations were felt, one formation produced a brief 'twinge'. Soil samples were taken and tested for PH levels, with results showing no difference between the formation samples and a control sample, leading to the conclusion that the origin of crop circles remains undetermined.

Another crop formation near All Cannings is described as old or not well-defined, with flattened crop regaining its position. The author was unimpressed, though the presence of micro-lights circling the area suggested external interest.

The SUFOG group's journey continued to The Barge, where they encountered a 'tractor turning circle' instead of a spectacular formation, marking a somewhat disappointing end to their search for the unknown. The author expresses gratitude to fellow group members and new acquaintances made during the weekend.

BUFORA London Lectures 2000

An announcement details upcoming BUFORA lectures in London for late 2000. On Monday, November 6th, Ernie Sears (SUFOG) will speak on 'UFO's over Hants.'. On Monday, December 4th, Richard Conway will discuss 'The Bible Code'. Both lectures are scheduled to take place at the Quaker International Centre, 1 Byng Place, London, WC1E 7JH, starting at 7:15 p.m. Ticket prices are £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for BUFORA members. Additionally, Steve Rider and the author of this piece have been invited to give a presentation in October 2001, with further details to be confirmed.

Ministry of Defence Correspondence

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to correspondence with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) regarding an alleged UFO sighting. A letter dated August 26, 2000, from David Chidgey Esq. MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence, addresses a report from Mr Ernie Sears about an 'unidentified flying object' sighted over Southampton Water on May 19th. The MOD's stance is that they examine reports solely to determine if there is any defence significance or if UK airspace has been compromised by hostile or unauthorized air activity. The letter states that unless there is evidence of a potential threat, the MOD does not attempt to identify the precise nature of sightings, as rational explanations are often found, and providing such identification services is not their function. The MOD confirmed that no other reports of unidentified flying objects were received for May 19th and that their officials found no corroborating evidence to suggest unauthorized activity. Dr Lewis Moonie MP, also from the MOD, adds that the department has no expertise in extraterrestrial lifeforms but remains open-minded, noting that to date, the MOD has no evidence to substantiate the existence of such phenomena.

UPN Investigations and UFO Database

UPN Investigations, based in Southall, Middlesex, is advertised as recruiting 'New' Investigators, providing a 24-hour hotline and email contact. Separately, Dave from Cosmic Conspiracies announces the inclusion of SUFOG in his new UFO Database. He aims to provide a resource for people to report sightings and find local UFO groups, and invites SUFOG to link to his site, 'Cosmic Conspiracies', which can be found at http://www.ufos-aliens.co.uk and http://www.uforc.com.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the personal experiences of UFO and crop circle investigators, the organizational efforts of groups like SUFOG and BUFORA in promoting research and public awareness, and the official, often dismissive, stance of government bodies like the Ministry of Defence towards unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry and a desire to uncover the truth behind these mysteries, despite official skepticism and the challenges of investigation. There is a clear emphasis on community and shared experience within the UFO research field, as evidenced by the thanks extended to various individuals and groups.