SUFOG Newsletter No 127-128

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, Issue Numbers 127 and 128, published in May and June 2001, is a UK-based UFO magazine. The cover prominently features the headline "British Flying Saucer Bureau : The End of an era.," signaling a significant event in the UK UFO community. The magazine's email address is [email protected] and its website is http://www.sufog.freeserve.co.uk. The issue is dated May and June 2001, with a price of £6.50 per year for the newsletter, which consists of no less than 10 double-sided A4 pages and is published bi-monthly.

Key Articles and Features

The Closing of the British Flying Saucer Bureau

The lead story details the closure of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB), once the oldest UFO group in the UK. The Bureau, founded by Denis Plunkett in 1953, has ceased operations due to a significant drop in UFO reports. The article notes that the BFSB, which once had 1,500 members worldwide, used to receive up to 30 reports a week, but these have virtually dried up. Denis Plunkett, now 70, expressed that they are in the middle of a "long, long trough" and there "just aren't enough new sightings."

Rendlesham Forest Incident - Book Review

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Georgina Bruni's book, "You Can't Tell The People," concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident. The reviewer, Malcolm Robinson, hails the book as a "new wealth of data" and superior to previous accounts. The review details the events of late December 1980, when a strange craft was reportedly seen and investigated by American military personnel near Woodbridge Air Base. The book explores conflicting descriptions of the object, the possibility of a cover-up, and interviews with key witnesses, including ex-PC Brian Creswell and Major Edward Drury. The review highlights the author's research into potential explanations, including the deployment of the stealth aircraft (F-19), a captured Soviet spy plane, electromagnetic weapons research, and experiments with holograms. It also touches upon the presence of nuclear weapons at Bentwaters base and the involvement of the CIA's Langley Research Laboratory. The review concludes by quoting Georgina Bruni, who is convinced of a "cover-up of enormous proportions" and that a craft of unknown origin did land in Rendlesham Forest.

UFO Activity and News Updates

The newsletter reports a recent rise in UFO activity, with increased coverage on television and radio, and a surge in SUFOG membership. It mentions a "Disclosure Project" event on May 9th in America, which was covered by the Washington Post. There is also a report about William Hill bookmakers cutting the odds on the prime minister acknowledging extraterrestrials, following a UFO sighting filmed in Glasgow.

European FT Initiative

An appeal is made to UFO research groups across the UK and Europe for information regarding black triangular-shaped UFOs sighted between 1993 and 1997. This initiative, based on Project FT's database, aims to identify potential 'entrance/exit windows' for these craft. Contributors will receive a report of the findings.

Crop Circles

The issue notes a lack of crop circles so far that year, with some blaming the Foot and Mouth outbreak and British weather. It lists the first recorded UK crop circle in Hampshire on May 11th, consisting of a circle with two concentric rings. Other reported crop circles include those in Dawson Creek (Canada), Germany, Martock (Somerset), Churchville (Maryland), and Ringling (Oklahoma).

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews several other UFO publications:

• UFO Magazine: Praised for its content, despite only featuring two pages on the Disclosure Project. It includes reports on a potential "drone" crash, a "something" crash off the Isle of Lewis, and remote region test flights.
• SYNCHRONICITY (APRA Newsletter): Features articles on Rudloe Manor, "No More UFOs?" hype, shape shifters, and the impact of the foot and mouth epidemic on crop formations.
• CUFORG SKYWATCHERS: Contains numerous sightings from the UK and worldwide, including reports from California, and mentions a statement by Senator John Glenn about space missions. It also covers a Zero Point Energy and Remote Viewing research by Dr. Hal Puthoff.
• THE UFO CRITICISM: An 8-page publication from Japan, detailing near misses with aircraft, personal sightings, and lectures on UFOs.
• UPRI NEWSLETTER: From Ireland, featuring sightings and a list of SUFOG's own filed videos.
• OVNI: A journal from Derbyshire, covering the Disclosure Project and various other UFO-related news and encounters.
• THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN: A pocket-sized publication with information on Down Under UFOlogy and global reports, including discussions on the apparent decline in reports and pressure on authorities.

Personal Accounts and Visits

The newsletter includes an account of a visit from Elaine Waite, detailing experiences at Netley Abbey ruins and a sky watch. There is also a report on a BBC Radio 2 Steve Wright show discussing the odds of the prime minister acknowledging extraterrestrials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader phenomenon of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting and analysis, particularly concerning significant cases like Rendlesham Forest. The magazine appears to support the idea that UFOlogy is still active and relevant, despite reports of a decline in sightings in some quarters, as evidenced by the critical response to Denis Plunkett's comments. The editorial stance leans towards a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and a suspicion of official cover-ups, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented evidence. The magazine also serves as a platform for reviewing other publications and promoting UFO research organizations.

SUFOG, Issue 17, Volume 13, appears to be a publication from The Southampton UFO Group, likely from May 2001, focusing on UFO sightings and paranormal activities. The cover headline highlights a 'UFO and Ghost watch' from February 24, 2001, by Ernie Sears.

Review of Media Coverage

The magazine begins with a review of recent newspaper articles related to paranormal and UFO topics. Ernie Sears Esq. notes articles from The Daily Telegraph about the MoD's new agency QinetiQ, and The Mirror's 'Psychic Team' discussing space travel and alien enigmas, including analysis of hair found on an alleged abductee showing quasi-human DNA. Another Daily Mirror article features a psychic team discussing life after death and experiments from the University of Arizona. The Daily Mail is mentioned for its coverage of mediumship and psychics, including singer Jane McDonald's experiences. The Mirror's psychic team also covered Bigfoot, Yeti, and the Loch Ness creature as 'phantoms'. John Mitchell of The Daily Mirror is cited for his expounding on crop circles, with a mention of Steve Alexander's work on the subject. Camcorder User Magazine is noted for a feature on UFOs and Crop Circles, featuring Chris Martin and Steve Rider.

The News of the World is mentioned for an article on reincarnation, linking to Jenny Smedley's book about her past life with Gareth Brooks. The Sunday Express featured a two-page article with photos of a UFO and aliens, mentioning Dr. Steven Greer of CSETI and Beverley Glick. The Scottish Daily Record followed with a similar article, including photos of craft and Billy Buchanan. These articles drew attention to the Disclosure Conference in Washington D.C., hosted by Dr. Steven Greer, which aimed to disclose information about UFOs, their occupants, and reverse-engineered energy sources.

The Daily Telegraph, Daily Star, and Daily Express are mentioned for upcoming coverage. The Mirror featured a 'UFO SPECIAL EDITION' on 'Green UFO spooks mum' and astronomer Patrick Moore's comments on a London UFO sighting and a 'mothership'. However, this turned out to be an advertising campaign for washing machine capsules.

The Daily Mail's 'Coffee Break' section discussed the Bermuda Triangle and associated vanishings. The Daily Telegraph is noted for an investigation into Silbury Hill.

Paranormal Activities and Sky Watches

Ernie Sears details a 'UFO and Ghost watch' on February 24, 2001, at Royal Victoria Country Park. He recounts a sky watch with SUFOG members Steve Rider, Bill, and Jean, observing aircraft and an orange 'globe' light. Sears also describes a personal experience at the chapel in the park, where he felt a 'warm tingling' and perceived 'forms' of nurses and soldiers, suggesting a connection to the location's history. He mentions a BBC Radio Solent phone-in about the haunted park.

Another sky watch on May 5, 2001, at Royal Victoria Country Park, involved Bill, Mary, Steve Rider, and Steve Gerrard. They observed a light that disappeared and reappeared, and a bright shooting light. During the watch, Mary reported being 'slapped' by an unseen entity. Sears also recounts a personal experience at the chapel, seeing vague shadowy figures and experiencing severe stomach pains, which he attributes to increased sensitivity to other dimensions.

Jean Smith, another group member, describes a sky watch on May 5th, where they observed a light that disappeared and reappeared, and a shooting light. She also felt a 'funny smell' and experienced shadowy figures and stomach pains near the chapel.

UFO Cases and Evidence

The issue reviews cases discussed in Popular Mechanics magazine, which unequivocally stated UFOs are real. It highlights investigations into physical evidence from UFO landing sites, including a case in Brazil in 1957 where a UFO exploded, leaving metallic debris. Another case from Trans-En-Province, France, in 1981, involved a hovering UFO leaving circular marks contaminated with metal. A 1977 case in Iowa described a UFO ejecting molten metal. The article emphasizes that UFO sightings are not limited to rural areas and have been witnessed by astronomers, pilots, and NASA engineers.

A specific sighting over Southampton on May 11, 2001, by 'D.R.' describes a round, silvery object that changed shape and moved erratically for over half an hour.

Conferences and Events

The National Press Club event in Washington D.C. on May 9, 2001, is detailed as a significant disclosure event where military and intelligence witnesses came forward. The SUFOG group organized a weekend sky watch in Avebury on August 4-5, 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features personal accounts of UFO sightings and paranormal experiences, often linking them to broader themes of government secrecy, alien contact, and spiritual or psychic phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on encouraging open-mindedness and questioning official narratives, particularly regarding UFO evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and sharing of information within the UFOlogy community, with a belief that 'this time it FEELS different' regarding a potential dramatic event. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by researchers and the public in getting credible information accepted, contrasting media coverage with the perceived lack of mainstream scientific engagement. The recurring theme of 'coincidence' is often used to connect seemingly disparate events and personal experiences.

This issue of SUFOG, spanning pages 21-24, covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, personal encounters, and ufological marketing, primarily focusing on events in May 2001. The magazine features personal accounts, observational reports, and commentary from its members and contributors.

A Chance Encounter ???? A Group Members Experience...

The first article details a personal experience during a trip to the USA. The author, while waiting outside a bookstore, engages in conversation with a group of elderly gentlemen. The discussion quickly turns to UFOs, specifically mentioning the Roswell incident and the alleged photographing of alien bodies. The gentlemen also spoke of a secret society comprising past and present presidents, which they claimed chooses the US president. The author initially dismissed the encounter as a prank, but later events, including a bright light appearing in his bedroom, made him reconsider.

SUFOG Odds 'n' Sod's - Ernie Sears...

This section, written by Ernie Sears, acts as a collection of brief notes and observations. It highlights a current marketing campaign involving sweets that have 'UFOLOGICAL connections'. Specifically, Rowntree's Pastille Fruits are described as having 'Body Parts' with alien-themed illustrations, and Smarties are rebranded as 'Smartians' with an 'Alien Invasion' theme. The author questions whether this is a black agenda to educate children about aliens or simply an effective advertising gimmick.

SUFOG (PAGE 22) - Continued

The 'Alien Invasion' theme continues with further details on the sweets. Smarties are now 'Smartians' with green sweets featuring alien faces and a blue interior with an alien taste. Rowntrees' Fruit Gums and Jelly Tots have new colours and flavours, and 'Bursting Bugs' sweets contain a bright blue substance resembling an alien embryo. 'Body Parts' sweets have a new 'super sour' flavour. The section warns readers that there may be more such products.

SUFOG (PAGE 23) - STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...

This section, reported by SUFOG MIB, reiterates the 'Alien Invasion' of sweets, stating that the truth is 'sweet or sour'. It details the specific products: Smartians, Fruit Gums/Jelly Tots, Bursting Bugs, and Body Parts, emphasizing the alien-themed colours, flavours, and designs. The author poses the question of whether this is a deliberate 'black agenda' to introduce children to aliens or merely a sales gimmick.

Easter Weekend - Old Friends Together Again.

This article recounts a weekend of sky watching and investigations involving SUFOG members and 'UPN Investigations'.

Saturday 14th

Elaine and the author met Ernie at the Mill House and proceeded to their usual sky watch area. Due to cold weather, they moved to Victoria Park. While observing from the shore near an old chapel, the author experienced the air warming up, causing his hands to heat. He then had a vision of a young man undergoing a leg amputation without anaesthetic, which he interpreted as a historical experience related to the location. The group felt uncomfortable and watched as they left.

Sunday 15th

After a christening, the author met Steve G., Elaine, and Ernie (who had a prior engagement) at Netley Abbey. After exploring the ruins, they walked into Westwood. During this walk, the author inadvertently led the group through a muddy area, causing someone to lose a shoe. Elaine reported seeing a fast-moving object in the sky, but Steve and the author missed it. They planned another sky watch for that night, but it was impossible to attend.

The author concludes that it was a great weekend, regretting that it was too short, and anticipates future collaborations between SUFOG and UPN Investigations.

SUFOG (PAGE 24) - 12th May 2001 SUFOG Sky Watch.

This section details a sky watch event at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, on May 12th, 2001, attended by members Steve G., Steve R., Bill, Jean, and Mary. The group positioned themselves near an old jetty.

First Sighting

Their first sighting was a bright orange light seen in the South West direction, which was filmed. The object was identified as a plane due to its characteristic strobe lighting.

Southampton Docks Sighting

At approximately 22:35, a bright light was observed over the Southampton docks. Initially stationary, the light remained visible for about fifteen minutes. A police spotter plane entered the area, and after it passed, the light dimmed or dissolved away. It reappeared when the plane circled again, but this time only dimmed. After approximately fifteen minutes, the light dissolved away and did not return.

Shooting Star and Another Light

At 23:02, a large and bright shooting star was witnessed. Eight minutes later, a bright light appeared to be coming towards them from the west at a 30° elevation. However, this light instantly dissolved away after only 2-3 seconds, leading to speculation about whether it was the same phenomenon seen over the docks, possibly acknowledging their presence.

Chapel Experience

The group then walked up to the chapel, a routine part of their sky watches. Although the author did not personally see anything that night, he felt a strong sense of emotion and a feeling that someone might have been trying to communicate through him. He also experienced an intense wave of emotion that caused him to walk away, with tears welling up.

Final Observations

Walking back down to the sea front, the author felt a constant sense of someone being behind him, coupled with uncomfortable sounds. This feeling persisted until they left around 00:15. The author notes that the atmosphere in the area had changed. Earlier in the evening, he had seen a bright flash of light that no one else had seen, similar to previous experiences.

The article concludes by stating that strange events continue to occur in this area and that updates will be provided. It also mentions that not always the same people attend these events, which can be frustrating when something significant is observed.

REMEMBER: SUFOG 10TH BIRTHDAY OPEN DAY

An announcement for SUFOG's 10th Birthday Open Day, featuring a Tim Good lecture on October 27th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, with a contact telephone number provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, personal encounters with unexplained phenomena, and the intersection of ufology with popular culture, particularly through marketing. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting anecdotal evidence and observational reports from its members while also questioning the motives behind phenomena, such as the 'alien invasion' sweets campaign. There is a clear interest in documenting sky watches and unexplained events, with a commitment to ongoing investigation and reporting by SUFOG and associated groups like UPN Investigations.