SUFOG Newsletter No 129-130

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) newsletter, numbers 129-130, covers the months of July and August 2001. It features updates on the group's activities, book reviews, and a compilation of recent UFO and paranormal news from various publications.

Group Activities and News

The newsletter begins with sad news of the passing of group member Joan Amos. An anticipated Avebury weekend skywatch was cancelled due to issues with booking a mini bus, leading to disappointment for members who still attended and waited in the rain. Despite this setback, the group is reportedly growing in membership and knowledge. They plan to screen a TV program called 'Hooked on Hobbies' at their September meeting and aim to make 2002 a memorable year for SUFOG. The group is also in contact with high government officials and plans publicity campaigns to raise awareness of the UFO subject.

SUFOG has several events planned for the end of 2001, including appearances at LEEDS (September 21-23), BUFORA in London (October 1-2), and Norwich (late November). Their 10th Anniversary party is scheduled for October 27th, with special guest speaker Mr. Timothy Good.

Open Letter: Polly Carson on Crop Circles and Foot and Mouth Disease

Polly Carson writes an open letter addressing crop circle researchers, urging them to consider the implications of creating formations during the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak in Britain. She highlights the risk to livestock and farmers if people enter formations on farmland. Carson argues that actively creating formations near livestock is not just vandalism but a disregard for the severity of the disease's impact. She appeals to those who know the hoaxers to stop them, suggesting that ignoring such activities would make them disappear.

Book Review: 'You Can't Tell The People' by Georgina Bruni

This extensive review focuses on Georgina Bruni's book about the Rendlesham Forest incident. The reviewer praises the book for its thorough research, interviews, and detailed exploration of the case, comparing it favorably to other works on the subject. The review recounts the basic claims of the Rendlesham incident: a strange craft landing near RAF Woodbridge in December 1980, and encounters with military personnel. It discusses the conflicting descriptions of the craft's shape and the subsequent secrecy surrounding the event. The review touches upon the author's investigation into potential cover-ups, the involvement of American military personnel, and the possibility of disinformation. It also mentions the author's research into other potential explanations, including the deployment of stealth aircraft, a Soviet spy plane capture, electromagnetic weapons, and holograms. The reviewer notes that the book covers UFO reports from Rendlesham dating back to 1947 and includes details of other incidents, such as the 1974 Bentwaters base event involving a UFO and fighter jets. The review concludes by quoting Georgina Bruni, who is convinced of a significant cover-up related to the Rendlesham incident.

Book Review: 'The Encyclopaedia Of Ghosts And Spirits (Volume 2)' by John and Anne Spencer

This review covers the second volume of an encyclopedia on ghosts and spirits, noting its comprehensive cataloging of paranormal cases. The reviewer highlights various categories of phenomena discussed, including ghosts associated with places, famous figures, messages, time slips, and ghostly animals. The review poses the question of what constitutes a ghost and explores different theories. It presents several intriguing cases, such as a pulsating door at Dover Castle, alleged sightings of Elvis and Princess Diana, and an encounter with the deceased former President of Finland. The book also delves into cases of communication from the deceased, ghostly fires, and unexplained phenomena like the 'HMS Daedalus' photograph featuring a deceased crew member. The review touches upon 'time slip' experiences, such as a lady photographing a house that wasn't there, and an incident at Irlam train station where a man encountered a porter from the past. Doppelganger cases and the concept of animal ghosts are also discussed. The reviewer finds the book fascinating, particularly its exploration of ghostly animals and the human tendency to project emotions onto them. The review concludes by quoting Dr. J. Allen Hynek on the evolving nature of science and recommending the book as a gift for skeptics.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

This section compiles recent UFO and paranormal news from various newspapers:

• Portsmouth News (June 18th): Featured a two-page article on daylight craft sightings over the Portsdown Hill DRA complex and a massive craft sighted in January 1999. Sir Patrick Moore is quoted as calling it 'open season for crackpots.'
• Southampton Echo (July 7th): Published a two-page color article about the SUFOG group, featuring editor Steve Gerrard and a green alien depiction. The article notes Steve's preference for the term UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).
• The Mirror (August 9th): Reported a chase involving two Turkish fighters and a 'brightly lit flying saucer' off the Turkish coast.
• The Sun (August): Featured student Martin Griffiths, who lectured on UFOs and the search for alien life.
• Daily Telegraph (August 20th): Included a letter suggesting that crop circle aliens stayed away during the Foot and Mouth virus. Another letter from Mrs. Sonya Porter questioned the origin of crop circles, suggesting some are man-made but many remain unexplained.
• The Mail on Sunday (August 12th): Published a three-page exposé on alleged secret Nazi technology smuggled into the USA, leading to anti-gravity craft.
• Daily Mail (August 20th): Featured a full-page article on a formation of four hundred crop circles at Alton Barnes, with no one claiming responsibility.
• Daily Mail (August 28th): Showcased another full-page article on unusual formations, including one with a 'face' and another replicating the 1974 binary code transmission. Circle investigator Andy Thomas expressed skepticism about the binary code message reaching its destination.

Obituary Item

Margaret Fry, a Welsh UFO investigator and SUFOG member, reported the passing of Joan Amos, a long-serving SUFOG member and UFO/Big Cat researcher.

SUFOG Diary - 2001

Details of upcoming SUFOG meetings at the CIU Club, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, are provided, along with dates for September, October, November, and December 2001. The October 27th event is highlighted as the group's 10th Birthday celebration, featuring a special speaker, Mr. Timothy Good.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena (particularly ghosts), and crop circles. The newsletter adopts a stance of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various accounts, research, and reviews. There is a clear effort to document and discuss reported incidents, while also acknowledging skepticism and alternative explanations. The group appears dedicated to raising awareness and fostering discussion within the UFO and paranormal community. The review of Georgina Bruni's book strongly suggests a belief in a significant cover-up regarding the Rendlesham incident, indicating a leaning towards the more extraordinary interpretations of events.

Title: SUFOG
Issue: 11
Volume: 11
Date: August 2001
Publisher: SUFOG
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of SUFOG delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, from crop circle phenomena and media coverage of UFO incidents to the complex world of covert military projects and advanced technologies. The magazine features reviews of other UFO publications and personal accounts of sightings.

Crop Circles and Media Coverage

The issue begins by discussing crop phenomena, with a mention of a 'face' formation that is only clear from the air. It highlights articles from 'The Meon, Valley News' by Paul Jackson, which explore 'Circles of Confusion' and the question of whether humanity is alone. 'The Guardian' is noted for its article on the Rendlesham Forest affair, based on a book by researcher David Clarke, concerning a potential UFO crash and the MOD's reaction. The 'Daily Express' features the Chilbolton face and binary code transmission, with opinions ranging from 'spoof' to 'geometric precision'. The 'Daily Star' also covers the Rendlesham incident, linking it to aliens.

UFO Magazine and Other Publications

'UFO Magazine' is praised as a leading glossy publication, with its July issue highlighting the Washington DC Disclosure Project. The article notes the credibility of the witnesses and compares it to a video. It also mentions an article on the N.A.R.C.A.P organisation and its chief technical adviser, Richard Haines. The magazine's £20,000 price tag for a Bonsall UFO film raises questions. The August edition of 'UFO Magazine' is also reviewed, covering commercial aircraft encounters and UFO sightings over London and Gibraltar. The article questions if the media is finally waking up to UFO phenomena.

'OVNI' is described as a classy bi-monthly issue from the Phenomena Research Association, headed by Omar Fowler. Omar's editorial praises the Disclosure Project Conference and comments on the Bonsall film. The 'Mercury News' features a 'giant UFO' sighting. The issue also notes sightings in the Derbyshire Dales and discusses Andy Lloyd's theories on extraterrestrial life.

'C.U.F.O.R.G Skywatchers' magazine is reviewed, with its Summer 2001 issue covering the Derbyshire £20,000 film and featuring computer-generated illustrations. It also includes articles on skywatching and UFO sightings from various locations. The magazine concludes with an article on the 'undecided future of Multi-dimensional Mankind'.

Covert Projects and Super-Science

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an article titled 'Liar Liar, Pants on Fire' by Brian Allan, which investigates the covert world of military intelligence and 'black' projects. The article begins by examining poltergeist activity and related phenomena, but expands to encompass 'super-science'. It highlights the Hutchison Effect, where laboratory equipment spontaneously levitates, a phenomenon observed by Canadian researcher John Hutchison. Despite attempts to get the Canadian and American governments to evaluate his discoveries, Hutchison is still awaiting reports.

The investigation into the Hutchison Effect uncovers a clandestine world of treachery and stealth. The author details requests made under the US FOIA for a report on Hutchison's findings, which were initially met with denials and claims of forgery by the US Army Intelligence Dept and NSA. Eventually, the LNAL admitted that agents paid by the US Army carried out a report, but stated it had been destroyed. George Hathaway, proprietor of 'Hathaway Electrical Services', is identified as a contributor paid by US Intelligence.

The article posits that Hutchison may have stumbled upon covert projects involving focused, coherent electromagnetic fields, potentially used as 'beam weapons' or for propulsion. Companies like Sandia Labs, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, and Raytheon are mentioned as being involved in developing these 'black' projects. The concept of 'beam weapons' is compared to 'tractor beams' and is capable of lifting significant weight. The article suggests that many 'Alien Abductions' could be the result of covert field trials of such devices.

It is suggested that much of the UFO phenomenon might be deliberately falsified by military branches to create a smoke screen for their operations. The development of advanced weapons systems, including laser devices and electro-hydrodynamics, is discussed. The article references Viktor Schauberger's theories on energy development from eddies and vortices, which were allegedly exploited by Nazi scientists and later by the Russians and Americans for aircraft development. The US government classified this work, seeing its advantages.

The article concludes by stating that these projects are just the tip of an iceberg, with rumours of technologies like time travel and matter transmitters. It also touches upon the Star Wars programme and the potential for super-science to be both a saviour and a nemesis.

Sightings and Personal Accounts

Ernie Sears contributes a 'Sightings Update' detailing walks and observations. He recounts a sighting of a speeding silver bullet-like object, followed by a larger grey 'cigar' shape, both silent and without contrails, near Southampton. He also mentions an encounter with an elderly gentleman who spoke of an Alan Ross, a meteorological officer who believed in UFOs.

Another personal account describes a 'washed out weekend' at Avebury, with observations of lights and a silent white globe. The article notes the difficulty in arranging transport for SUFOG members and the persistent rain.

A UFO sighting over Southampton on July 31st, 2001, is reported by a witness who observed a bright white light moving slowly across the sky. The object had a blue circumference and was visible for 5-10 seconds.

A Few Thoughts on UFOlogy

Steve Gerrard, SUFOG Chairman, reflects on the state of UFOlogy since he formed the Southampton UFO Group in 1991. He notes the decline in UFO groups, lectures, and media coverage, with 'UFO Magazine' being the only remaining trade publication. Gerrard emphasizes the need for British home-grown researchers and forums to keep UFOlogy alive and encourage public involvement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the ongoing mystery of UFO phenomena, the potential for government secrecy and covert military operations, and the rapid advancement of technology that blurs the lines between science fiction and reality. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards official explanations, suggesting that many UFO sightings and related phenomena may be linked to secret military experiments or disinformation campaigns. There is a strong emphasis on the need for continued research and open discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of SUFOG magazine, spanning pages 21-24 and dated 2001, focuses on UFO sightings, crop circle updates, and the group's interactions with media and public campaigns. The publication covers events primarily from the United Kingdom and Israel, with a strong emphasis on personal accounts and observations.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine details several UFO-related incidents. On page 21, a report describes a globular object observed for ten minutes, with a photo taken that was awaiting development. Speculation is raised about potential connections to TV documentaries and media coverage. Page 24 features an article titled 'FLYING TRIANGLES AND GIANTS RETURN TO ISRAEL...', reporting on Barry Chamish's account of triumphant flying triangular formations over Israel. On July 22, a triangular craft was spotted and videotaped in Tsfat and Yokneam, with a professional photographer capturing a ten-minute video. The craft reportedly had two silvery lights surrounded by a red aura, and its lights emitted spirally turning lights before it disappeared west. The incident occurred on Tish B'av, a Jewish holy day, noted as a pattern for UFO incidents.

Pages 22 and 23 document skywatch activities. On June 4, 2001, a skywatch at Westwood involved observing a single white light travelling in a straight line and a large bright light moving northeast, with uncertainty about whether they were satellites, the space station, or something else. A skywatch on May 18, 2001, at Royal Victoria Country Park was disrupted by a group of unsavoury individuals, but the reporter received a 'personal communication' that brought 'a little light to the evening'.

Crop Circle Updates

Page 22 mentions the sighting of the first crop circle of the year on the trip down to Avebury, located about three miles north of Avebury and visible from the road. Page 23 provides a 'Crop Circle Up-date', noting that 2001 has been a significant year with over 137 formations reported worldwide, the majority in the United Kingdom. The largest formation was at Milk Hill in Wiltshire, measuring 1,500 ft across with the largest circle over 70 ft. The article leaves the cause open to interpretation: 'Hoax, man made, mass UFO invasion of 400 craft...'

Media and Public Relations

Several sections address interactions with television and media. On page 21, Ernie Sears (PRO SUFOG) recounts his experience participating in the filming of a Discovery Channel program called 'Hooked on Hobbies' in January 2001. Despite having his home disrupted for three days, he initially thought it would be good PR for the group. However, the producers later requested re-filming, and ultimately, the film company stated that Discovery decided not to use the footage with other programs. Sears expresses frustration, stating he will not participate in future Discovery Channel programs and will require written agreements for copies of footage and compensation for his time and the group's efforts.

Steve Gerrard (SUFOG Chairman) on page 23 announces that a copy of the 'Hooked on Hobbies' program will be shown at the next group meeting on September 20th, with a preview at the open day on October 27th. He mentions that the program is not copyrighted and is being used for the group's benefit.

Campaigns and Support

Page 24 includes a section on 'BRITISH UFOLOGY 'GETTING INVOLVED''. Lara Johnstone, a UFO-Disclosure Hunger-Striker, is setting up a website for 'Bush UFO Disclosure' and requests support by signing in as a supporter and leaving comments to encourage witnesses to testify before Congress. She aims to gather thousands of signatures to present to Congress and engage the media. The section also includes contact information for Malcolm Robinson, Founder of SPI Scotland-England, and lists meeting dates for SPI (England) in London for 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the investigation and documentation of crop circles, and the challenges and frustrations of engaging with mainstream media. There is a clear editorial stance of skepticism towards media promises and a cautious approach to public relations efforts, as exemplified by Ernie Sears's experience. The magazine also promotes active participation in UFOlogy through group meetings and public awareness campaigns, such as the 'Bush UFO Disclosure' initiative. The overall tone suggests a community dedicated to exploring and sharing information about UFOs and related phenomena, while navigating the complexities of public perception and media representation.