SUFOG Newsletter No 125-126

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) magazine, numbers 125 and 126, covers the period of March and April 2001. The publication, edited by Steve Gerrard, focuses on UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, and related topics, with contributions from various members and external sources.

Editorial and Administrative Details

The newsletter begins with an apology for its late delivery, attributed to illness, time constraints due to family commitments, and a computer virus. Contact information for SUFOG is provided, including an email address ([email protected]) and a website (http://www.sufog.freeserve.co.uk/index.htm). The group's membership had reached 60 by April 9th, 2001. A Dorchester Conference was held on April 8th, with 18 membership forms collected. A TV news item about SUFOG aired on Meridian TV on April 6th. The magazine also mentions items for sale to members, such as audio tapes, videos, and CD-ROMs, with prices ranging from £3 to £10, to help raise funds for the group.

European FT Initiative

An appeal is made to UFO research groups in the UK and Europe to contribute to the European FT Initiative. This project aims to track black triangular-shaped UFOs across Europe between 1993-1997, using a database of approximately 7,000 sighting reports. Additional reports are sought to identify potential 'entrance/exit windows' for these craft. Contributors will receive a report of the findings. Field Officer Tony Spurrier in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is the contact for this initiative.

SUFOG Sky Watch 24th February

This section details a sky watch event held on February 24th, despite a forecast of snow. Participants, including Ernie Sears, Bill and Jean Smith, gathered at a 'Netley vantage point'. The initial sky was clear, but cloud cover later developed. During the observation, a small ball of light was seen moving near the Esso refinery at Fawley, which was recorded on a camcorder. Later, a 'Skull' formation was observed in the clouds. The group then moved to the Chapel in Netley, where they experienced unusual warmth and brightness. Ernie reported feeling a tingling sensation from the chapel doors, and others saw 'shadows' moving outside. The writer experienced a sensation of being 'knocked sideways', attributing it to an unusual event.

Readers Letter

'J.C.' from Portsmouth writes a letter to Steve, expressing his interest in the magazine. He discusses concerns about communication monitoring, referencing a friend who experienced 'clicking in his head' and adopted a reclusive lifestyle. He suggests that voice-patterning software could be used for monitoring and that mobile phones are particularly susceptible. He notes a Japanese device that can locate individuals via GPS and mentions that from 2001, it would be illegal in the US to sell mobile phones without this chip. The writer also touches upon mail tampering and a surprisingly fast reply received from BUFORA after jokingly adding 'MAJESTIC CLEARANCE' to his mail. He expresses his intention to use a 'non-mainstream' computer to avoid data storage in Microsoft formats and potential snooping. He further questions the storage of his mobile phone's contact list, suggesting it might be accessed via the network and copies held elsewhere, raising privacy concerns.

BUFORA LONDON LECTURES 2001

A list of lectures organized by BUFORA in London for 2001 is provided. These include talks by Natalie Osbourne Thomason on hauntings, Norman Oliver on 'Watchers of the Skies', Margaret Fry on 'The Berwyn Mountain Case', Steve Rider and Steve Gerrard on 'UFO's to Ghosts', Georgina Bruni on 'The Rendlesham Forest Incident', and Nick Redfern on 'The CIA and Noah's Ark'. All lectures are held at the Quaker International Centre, London, from 7:15 pm to 10 pm, with admission fees for adults and BUFORA members. Malcolm Robinson is listed as the contact for further information.

More TV Acting

This section, attributed to Steve Gerrard, details his involvement with Meridian TV for a news item aired on April 6th. The filming involved Ernie Sears and took place at Ernie's home and a local beauty spot. The segment was intended to cover the Dorchester Conference. However, the filming was cut short when the cameraman had to leave for Winchester. Steve later filmed his part at Meridian studios on April 5th. He emphasizes the importance of TV and radio coverage for the group and humorously mentions charging £500 for lectures due to his newfound 'TV celebrity' status.

SUFOG CONTACT CORNER

This section provides contact details for various UFO research groups, including Cornwall UFO Research Group, Phenomenon Research Association, Skysearch UFO Research Organization, SPI England (Malcolm Robinson), and UPRI (Ireland). It also lists upcoming dates for group members, including a Scientific/Medical Conference on June 16th, the Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group on July 14th-15th, and a Crop Circle Convention on July 20th-22nd.

Southampton UFO Group Newsletter Subscription Details

Information is provided for subscribing to the Southampton UFO Group newsletter, which consists of at least 10 double-sided A4 pages and costs £6.50 per year, including postage. It is published bi-monthly. Additionally, details for the TOTTON RESEARCHERS OF UFOLOGY THEORY AND HISTORY (TRUTH) course at Totton College are included.

Does Anyone Really Have the Answers?

By Steve Rider (SUFOG Secretary)

This article is a response to a letter from Brian Allan of SPI Scotland, who proposed that paranormal phenomena, including ghosts and UFOs, are caused by electromagnetic radiation. Steve Rider expresses an open mind to this theory but states that it does not fully explain his own experiences.

Short History of Netley Abbey and Royal Victoria Country Park

The article provides a historical overview of Netley Abbey, founded in 1239 and dissolved in 1536. It notes that much of the building was converted into a dwelling house. Stories of strange occurrences, including a workman's death after encountering tunnels, are mentioned. Royal Victoria Country Park, formerly the site of a military hospital built in 1856 and demolished in 1966, is also described. The park houses the Royal Chapel, a heritage centre, a military cemetery, and a police training college. It is noted that the chapel has been the site of strange events, including a candle seen in the tower, which has also been witnessed by park workers.

Response to Brian Allan's Letter

Rider addresses Brian Allan's assertion that electromagnetic radiation is the sole explanation for psychic phenomena. He acknowledges that this theory can explain some phenomena but not his own experiences. He questions Allan's statement that there is no probable and repeatable alternative explanation. Rider notes that neither Netley Abbey nor Royal Victoria Country Park are near electricity pylons or cell phone masts. He mentions an underground stream at Netley Abbey and the geology of the area, including magnetic properties of metals and piezoelectric properties of quartz. He also notes the absence of micro-tremors and questions whether the chapel has experienced fire or lightning strikes.

Theories on Ghosts

Rider discusses his own theories about ghosts and electromagnetic radiation. He recounts an experience at Netley Abbey where he and others witnessed bright flashes of intense white light, which he believes were not misinterpretations. He also mentions an experience at Victoria Park involving similar light flashes. He concludes that while electromagnetic radiation might play a role, it does not fully account for all the observed phenomena.

Ye Olde Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

This section reviews various newspaper articles from February 2001. The Daily Mail featured a UFO video from the Peak District. The Daily Express reported on ongoing sightings in Bonnybridge, Scotland, and its potential twinning with Roswell. Another Daily Express article covered abductions and close encounters in the Bonnybridge area. The Daily Mail also published research on 'life after death' from Southampton University Hospital, featuring Dr. Sam Parnia. The Express published a spread on 'life after death' with evidence from Dr. Parnia and Peter Fenwick, and also discussed Carl Jung's experiences. The Daily Mail featured letters on the life after death subject, with some skeptics dismissing the evidence. The Sunday Telegraph reported on life after death studies from the University of Arizona.

Further Newspaper Reviews

The Daily Mail published an article on an Arizona University experiment claiming 83% accuracy in paranormal findings. The Daily Mail also featured an article by Colin Wilson on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Another Daily Mail article discussed a medium who claimed to communicate with her deceased father. Psychic News highlighted the topic of 'life after death' and a challenge offering a million dollars to prove the afterlife does not exist. The Mirror reported on the Bilderberg group and a 'Secret World Government'. The Mail on Sunday featured a letter about a medium relaying intimate facts from a deceased son. The Mirror also covered the 1952 Adamski encounter and the possibility of space travel. The Daily Mail published an article on sinister ghost encounters.

SUFOG Diary - 2000

This section lists upcoming SUFOG group meetings at The CIU Club in Netley Abbey, Southampton, on specific dates in 2001. It also lists other diary dates, including the SUFOG Avebury Weekend Sky Watch, a Quest Conference, and a BUFORA Lecture. A note advises contacting the editor before attending events, as Sky Watches may be cancelled or changed due to weather or other commitments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings and investigations, paranormal phenomena (ghosts, hauntings, life after death), and the role of electromagnetic radiation in explaining these events. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, alongside a critical examination of media coverage and scientific explanations. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging further investigation and discussion, while also acknowledging the limitations of current human understanding and technology in fully explaining these mysteries. The magazine actively promotes group activities and encourages contributions from its members and the wider UFO research community.

SUFOG, Issue 13, published in February 2001, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFOlogy and paranormal phenomena. This issue features a mix of magazine reviews, personal perspectives on the state of UFOlogy, and in-depth articles on ghosts and UFO cases.

Magazine Reviews

BUFORA Bulletin: This section praises the February issue for its tributes to the late Robert Lindsey, a key BUFORA member. It highlights an interview with Tony Bassett about his 'mind machines' for Out-of-Body Experience (OOBE) experiments. Sightings from January 2001 in Kent are mentioned, along with an article by Bob Digby on BUFORA's financial future and John Spencer's input on 'other areas' of the paranormal. Lionel Beer contributes an article on Matthew Williams and crop circle 'deceptions'. Gloria Heather Dixon's 'Investigations Diary' is noted as extraordinary, with a 1978 sighting from Kent being particularly intriguing. February 2001 sightings from Cheshire and Scotland are also reported. Membership queries are directed to BM BUFORA, London.

OVNI: This magazine, with its yellow cover, features an editorial by Omar Fowler discussing the 'never ending story' of UFOlogy, referencing historical cases like Barney and Betty Hill, Adamski, and the Papuan encounters. It includes the latest Derbyshire sightings of triangles and a report by Busty Taylor on a 'green coolie hat' UFO near Andover in December 2000, possibly an Adamski model. Recent Mexico volcano eruption photos of UFO sightings and Chupacabras reports from Chile are also mentioned. The issue includes information on new 'Majestic' documents from 1942 and 1961, and details about the 2001 Leeds International UFO Conference.

IFO NEWSLETTER: The Winter/Spring 2001 issue is a 5-pager from the Wales Federation of Independent UFOlogists, featuring reports by Margaret Fry and Gary Rowe. A sighting report includes an explanation based on 'intense research', and a detailed account of a 1970 abduction with 60 minutes of 'missing time' and memories of 'aliens' is presented. The newsletter is available to IFO members.

THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN: The March 2001 issue's editorial discusses the early UFOlogy scene and the scientific organization NARCAP. Paul Norman provides 'nitty gritty' stories and genuine sightings from 1962, 1964, and 1968, along with two dramatic near misses from circa 1967. Sightings from Australia, Florida, the Pyrenees, Mexico, and Missouri are covered. A notable incident involved a large disc-type UFO interrupting the testing of a new American Air Force missile in 1950. The magazine is published by the Victorian Research Society.

ENIGMA: Two issues, 19 and 20, are reviewed. Issue 19 is dedicated to the 1999 crop circle phenomena worldwide, featuring complex Canadian and UK formations. Issue 20 focuses on UFOs, documenting classic cases like Rendlesham, Roswell, Belgium Gulf Breeze, Foo Fighters, Mexico, Socorro, Washington, and the Maury Island Mystery. It also details the 'possibly sinister deaths' of 33 people, some linked to Bill Clinton. The issue includes a chapter on GM Food by a biophysicist and mentions patents for atmosphere control.

AWARENESS magazine: This publication from Contact International UFO Research is described as a neat, pocket-sized effort with a cover featuring an Adamski-type Scout ship. It includes articles on Matthew Williams, cultist activity in rural Essex, and a Bicester crash.

Articles and Personal Perspectives

"Aliens Speak (1) and (2)" Book Review: This review discusses Edmund L. Blandford's books, which present 'channelled' messages from various 'space beings'. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the authenticity of channeled messages but acknowledges the author's effort. The 'space beings' are said to be from within our solar system (in Book 1) and from far-flung galaxies (in Book 2). They express concern about Earth's nuclear weapons and advocate for humanity to take control of its own destiny. The review notes that George Adamski reportedly confirmed his claims of meeting a Venusian, with the 'being' identified as Cirian from the 'Ceuvans' race. The reviewer finds the messages to be written in a consistent style, questioning if they truly originate from different beings. The book includes illustrations of aliens. The reviewer concludes that while the books are interesting, they should be read with a pinch of salt.

"The State of Modern UFOlogy - A Personal Perspective": The author observes a decline in UFOlogy over the past 6-7 years, evidenced by the sale of most of his book collection. He notes that many British UFO authors seem to regurgitate old stories. Timothy Goods' latest book is praised for its original research. The author laments the decline of UFO magazines and groups due to costs and content. He criticizes the 2001 Directory for inaccuracies, including outdated group listings and addresses. A chart shows a steady decline in exchange magazines since 1995. Similarly, press cuttings have declined, with the author relying on foreign sources, leading to delays. The author expresses concern that UFOlogy in the UK is on the back burner and could be 'dead and buried' within ten years if the trend continues.

Report on the BUFORA London Lecture by Councillor Billy Buchanan: Malcolm Robinson reports on an "excellent, nay wonderful" lecture by Councillor Billy Buchanan on the UFO phenomenon in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Buchanan's presentation included slides, acetates, and video, highlighting the town's UFO sightings and the ridicule faced by its residents. He spoke about the UFO Theme park and his efforts to twin Bonnybridge with Roswell, New Mexico. Buchanan expressed frustration with the government's lack of action and demanded an inquiry. The report details a case of UFO abduction from Bonnybridge involving a man who claimed to have been forced into a sexual liaison with tall black 'men' inside a UFO. The man's story, initially dismissed, was later believed by Buchanan after investigating his background, which included a strange pellet removed from his nose. Robinson emphasizes the need for more people like Buchanan to fight for the UFO community.

"My theories as to what ghosts are or could be" by S. Rider: This article explores the nature of ghosts. Rider posits that energy never dies but changes form, suggesting that consciousness might transition to a new level or form. He has experienced various ghostly phenomena but not poltergeists. His theories include:

1. Spirits with a purpose: Ghosts are spirits of the deceased who return to impart something to loved ones or friends, or because they haven't realized they've passed on.
2. A recording on the environment: Some phenomena are imprints of past emotional events like battles or accidents, observable under the right conditions.
3. External stimulus: Ghosts might be a product of a person's depression or susceptibility to EM radiation.
4. Poltergeist phenomena: These may be produced by individuals, particularly adolescents undergoing bodily changes, who unknowingly possess extra-sensory power.

Rider concludes that while EM radiation is unlikely to be the cause, some ghostly manifestations may have natural explanations. He believes the investigation is ongoing and suggests testing sites with a Tri-field meter.

Future Plans for SUFOG in 2001

SUFOG is planning an annual pilgrimage to Avebury in August for a sky watch and crop circle investigation, costing £15. They are also organizing a group open day in October with displays, books, magazines, and potentially speakers, with ticket prices estimated around £5.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena and the paranormal, with a strong emphasis on personal experiences and the need for dedicated research. The magazine appears to support the reality of UFOs and paranormal events, encouraging its members to actively engage in research rather than being passive 'armchair ufologists'. There's a sense of concern about the decline of UFOlogy in the UK and a call for greater seriousness and organization within the field. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging both genuine phenomena and the possibility of hoaxes or misinterpretations, while advocating for a proactive approach to understanding these mysteries.

This issue of SUFOG, found on pages 21 and 22, focuses on debunking UFO-related hoaxes and critically examining UFO investigations and media portrayals. The primary articles discuss the exposure of "The KGB UFO Files" and new revelations concerning the 1997 Mexico City saucer video.

"The KGB Files" - How the Hoax Was Made!

The first article addresses the Ted Turner production, "The KGB UFO Files," labeling it a "soviet masquerade" and a "preposterous hoax." It credits Boris Shurinov from Moscow for his "excellent inquiry" which exposed the fabrication. The article notes that Ted Turner's legal team attempted to shut down websites that first tried to reveal the hoax. The author, Mike Farrell, suggests that Ted Turner was motivated by a desire to profit from the "alien autopsy" market and criticizes UFO researchers who promoted the program without proper investigation, falling prey to the "gullibility factor" within the UFO community. Farrell reflects on the slow pace at which true facts of UFO cases emerge, seeing it as the only consolation for the community's "naivety and impatience."

Mexico Saucer Video of 1997 Was "Closer” Than We Thought!

The second article scrutinizes the reliability of amateur UFO videos, using the 1997 Mexico City "wobbling saucer" footage as a case study. New information surfaced in the November/December 2000 issue of UFO Magazine (England) reveals that Russel Callaghan visited Jaime Maussan and discovered that the apartment block featured in the infamous video is within sight of Maussan's home. Furthermore, Maussan drives past these buildings daily on his commute. The article points out the irony that Maussan had claimed on his TV show, "Tercer Millenio," that he aired the video to help locate these specific buildings in a vast city. The author questions why it took nearly four years for this crucial information to become public and how an "honourable and intelligent person" like Maussan could have overlooked it. The article also references a lecture where Maussan wished he had "scrambled" the pixels of the saucer, implying that by showing the entire film, he invalidated potential eyewitness testimonies that emerged later.

The article further discusses the Carlos Diaz case, another controversial UFO incident from Mexico, where photographs and video footage of a plasma-type craft have been presented. A documentary on Mexican Television reportedly showed how local glass blowers could easily replicate the craft's shape, colors, dimensions, and the effect of projecting a light beam, features seen in Diaz's tapes. The author implies that Maussan, like Michael Hesemann from Germany, failed to conduct such basic local inquiries.

The piece concludes by suggesting that perhaps others around Maussan were responsible for generating sensational UFO footage to boost his TV show. It advises UFO investigators to "turn over every stone" before going public with dramatic cases and to ensure that the "facts" can withstand thorough investigation. The article acknowledges that while the witnesses to the Mexico incident are real, the video itself might be dismissed as a computer hoax. It also notes that translated reports by Munoz and Hesemann regarding the incident were available on the UFO Updates Discussion List in December 2000.

Next Month's Edition

Upcoming content includes a full report on Dorchester 2001, an article from Roger Anderton, BUFORA cases from Malcolm Robinson, and more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena, and the importance of rigorous, independent investigation. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of sensational claims and hoaxes, advocating for a more grounded and evidence-based approach to UFO research. There is a strong emphasis on exposing misinformation and holding investigators accountable for their methods and claims, particularly when they involve media productions or widely publicized sightings.