SUFOG Newsletter No 133-134

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOG, numbers 133 and 134, from November and December 2001, is a UK-based publication focused on UFOlogy. It features a detailed report on the 20th Leeds International UFO Conference, offering a SUFOG perspective. The cover art depicts Santa Claus with a star and candle, accompanied by holiday greetings.

The 20th Leeds International UFO Conference: A SUFOG Perspective

The report, written by SUFOG SEC S. Rider, chronicles the events of the conference held in Leeds. The author recounts the journey to Leeds, the accommodation, and the initial setup of the SUFOG table at the venue, noting the surprise of being granted a table to promote the group. A moment of silence was observed to respect those who lost their lives in the US tragedy.

Friday 21st

The evening proceedings began with short 15-minute presentations outlining the talks for the following two days. The author expresses condolences for the US tragedy and admiration for the US speakers.

Saturday 22nd

The day started with a hot shower and breakfast, followed by a walk. The venue was visited early to check on the SUFOG table. Nick Redfern was present, selling books before his move to the US. The conference sessions commenced with Dr. John Mack presenting his research on UFOs and his work with PEER, focusing on consciousness. He was joined by a PEER colleague for a Q&A session. Lunch was followed by catching up with friends and other attendees like Chris Martin and Mark Hall of Disclosure Project UK.

The afternoon sessions included footage from Korean visitors and a surprise appearance by Martin Stubbs. Nick Pope and Brigitte Grant gave a presentation in an interview style, detailing Brigitte's UFO sighting, abduction, and subsequent meeting with Nick Pope. The author commends Brigitte Grant for her confidence.

Sunday 23rd

The day began early with breakfast and checkout. The conference continued with presentations. Georgina Bruni provided an update on the Rendlesham Forest case and new government documents, suggesting that the MOD had kept files secret. The author was not particularly impressed with this talk, noting Larry Warren's reaction.

A highlight of the Saturday was Budd Hopkins' presentation on the Brooklyn Bridge case, detailing new witnesses and exploring the EBEs' interest in humanity due to our capacity for soul and feelings, drawing a comparison to the New York disasters. This talk was described as moving and emotional.

A Q&A session followed, with Dr. Mack and Budd Hopkins engaging in a discussion. Audience questions included what one would ask aliens, with responses from Dr. Mack ('Who do you report to?'), Nick Pope ('What is your home world like?'), Brigitte Grant ('please keep coming back'), Georgina Bruni, Graham W. Birdsall ('What are tonight's lottery numbers?'), and Budd Hopkins ('where do you come from').

The evening concluded with dinner and drinks, reflecting on the day's events.

Sunday 23rd (Continued)

The final day started early. After breakfast, attendees headed to the venue. Steve G. inquired about volunteering for next year's conference. Graham's reply was humorous.

Ted Roe from NARCAP presented on the organization and concerns for aircraft safety related to UAPs. This was followed by a Q&A session with Ted, Graham Sheppard, David Cayton, and David Hastings.

Lunch provided an opportunity to catch up with Chris Martin and have a photo session with Budd Hopkins.

Graham W. Birdsall gave a lecture on Religion and the Origins program, suggesting the Pope and Catholic Church were seriously considering ETI possibilities. Russell Callaghan presented on NASA's tether project, possibly for bringing down satellites.

After a break, Chris Martin showed footage of a boomerang-shaped, orange object over London. Steve Gerrard presented footage from Portsdown Hill of an object that reversed. A representative from LAPIS showed footage of objects over Fleetwood. Marc Hall spoke on the Disclosure Project UK.

Last up was Martin Stubbs, whose presentation was noted as potentially his last in the UK due to illness. His information on NASA transmissions was considered interesting. Santiago Gassa from Mexico presented, featuring video of flying beings captured in Mexico and Chile.

The weekend concluded with goodbyes and reflections on the event's success and the feeling of togetherness. Non-speakers included Larry Warren, Nick Redfern, Alan Alford, Chris Martin, David Cayton, Omar Fowler, and Timothy Good. Groups represented included SUFOG, LAPIS, Yorkshire UFO Info, South Wales, and Liverpool.

SUFOG Contact Corner & Subscription Details

This section lists contact information for various UFO research groups, including Cornwall UFO Research Group, Phenomenon Research Association, and Skysearch UFO Research Organization. It also provides contact details for Malcolm Robinson and UPRI (Ireland). The subscription details for the SUFOG Newsletter are given: it consists of no less than 10 double-sided A4 pages and costs £7.00 per year, published bi-monthly.

2002 and the Wind of Change

This section announces significant changes within SUFOG for 2002, including a move to in-house production using a purchased laser printer, due to personal circumstances and changes in newsletter production.

The case of SUFOG SEC, BUFORA and The Missing Suitcase?

This is a personal account by S. Rider detailing a trip to London to meet with BUFORA. The journey involved a coach breakdown due to black smoke from the engine, requiring a replacement coach. Upon arrival, the author and Steve G. were to stay at Judith's house. The author discovered their suitcase was missing, leading to a search for clues. The narrative describes the process of finding the owner's name and arranging for the case to be returned. The author also mentions Judith's potential job loss and the scenic route taken, passing Abbey Road studios.

The evening's presentation by Judith involved Steve G. showing footage, which generated many questions. The author's own talk on ghostly experiences had few questions.

Press Cutting Appeal

This section appeals to readers for specific newspaper articles related to UFOs from various publications like the Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail, BBC Worldwide Monitoring, Western Daily Press, Daily Mail, Off Licence News, Calgary Sun, Nordic Business Report, and News of the World.

2nd September 2001: ITV: Midsomer Murders..

A brief mention of the crime drama 'Midsomer Murders' featuring a plot involving alien abduction and crop circles.

Hi, (Letter to the Editor)

A letter from a reader who witnessed an event at the National Press Club in Washington DC in May and was surprised by the lack of UK television coverage. The writer expresses a desire to make the UK press more aware of such events.

SUFOG DIARY - 2002..

A schedule of SUFOG events for 2002, including Open Discussions, Video Evenings, and a Christmas Party. Dates and times are provided, with a note to contact the editor to confirm events due to potential cancellations.

YE OLDE NEWSPAPER REVIEWS BY ERNIE SEARS ESQ.

This section reviews recent newspaper articles related to UFOs and related topics. Articles reviewed include:

• DAILY EXPRESS (September 4th): A query about crop circle hoaxers and how they manage to remove corn trimmings silently.
• DAILY EXPRESS (September 5th): An answer suggesting crops are laid flat, not cut, and tractor wheel marks are covered.
• SUNDAY TELEGRAPH (October 24th): Extracts from Stephen Hawking's book "The Universe in a Nutshell," noting his denial of UFOs and aliens despite discussing future cosmic ventures.
• THE HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE (October 26th): A piece for SUFOG's anniversary.
• THE DAILY MAIL (October 29th): A review of Richard Jones' book "The Haunted Guide to Britain and Ireland," mentioning various locations and anecdotal evidence.
• NEWS OF THE WORLD SUNDAY MAGAZINE (November 4th): An article titled 'It's a-maizing' featuring alleged hoaxers, including Matthew Williams.
• DAILY MAIL (November 4th): A 'Coffee Break' item discussing which religion would best cope with the discovery of extraterrestrial life, suggesting Christianity.
• Arthur C. Clarke's "Fountains of Paradise": Mentioned for its sci-fi themes and commentary on religions.
• THE MIRROR (around October 29th): A story about Edwin Kite, who represented the UK in a competition in Switzerland and discussed the possibility of algae-like life on Mars.
• PSYCHIC NEWS (November 3rd, 10th, 17th): A series on Lucy Pringle's crop circle investigations, highlighting aerial photos and evidence against hoaxing.
• DAILY TELEGRAPH (November 26th): An editorial on "a free country" and paragraphs discussing potential changes to a Bill that could diminish liberty under the guise of increased security.

MAGAZINE REVIEWS BY ERNIE SEARS.

• UFO Magazine: A review of a 'Bumper Double Issue' featuring an article by Editor Graham Birdsall on the Leeds Conference, his leading article "Origins" on the religious aspect, and coverage of the UFO scene worldwide from November 2000 to October 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of UFO conferences, personal accounts of sightings and experiences, and the review of media coverage related to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO community, providing a platform for discussion, sharing information, and promoting research. There is a clear emphasis on documenting events and sharing diverse perspectives within the field. The publication also seems to encourage reader participation through its 'Press Cutting Appeal' and subscription drives. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and detailed conference reports suggests a commitment to providing in-depth coverage of UFOlogy.

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) focuses on UFO sightings, research, and related phenomena, with content primarily from the UK and Australia, dated around October 2001. The magazine features a mix of news, reviews, personal accounts, and investigative reports.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Reports from the UK and International Sightings: The issue highlights numerous UFO reports from the UK in 2001, alongside a "World roundup of UFO sightings/reports" from UFOCITY.com. It mentions products like the "Moving Images" video and Dr. Steve Greer's Disclosure Project. The magazine also reviews "Skywatchers" magazine from the Cornwall UFO Research Group (C.U.F.O.R.G.), noting an article by Whitley Strieber and the book "Communion Letters."

UPRI Newsletter and Paranormal Research: The UPRI Newsletter from Ireland is discussed, featuring Victor Shauberger and an article on "The Hunt for Zero Point" book by Nick Cook, which raises questions about free energy and its economic impact. Connections are suggested between such vehicles and the Cash/Landrum incident. The issue also touches upon the astronomer Fred Hoyle's rejection of the "big bang" theory and his science fiction writing.

SUFOG's Own Content and Reviews: SUFOG itself features reports on various sightings, including the Chilbolton crop formation, alleged "Satan's Face" in twin towers smoke, and stamps from UPRI. "Awareness" magazine is reviewed, noting its UFO design and an editorial on "tenaciousness" in UFO groups. The article "The World's Largest Collection of UFO Footage" is mentioned.

Rendlesham Forest and Astronomical Society Explanations: The Rendlesham Forest incident is discussed, with suggestions of "hype" distorting facts. The East Coast "mass sighting" is attributed by an astronomical society to the "Orionids meteor shower," a recurring explanation for such events.

Crop Circle Mystery: A crop circle mystery from Tandara, Victoria, Australia, is detailed, involving twenty circles discovered on November 5, 2001, described as two meters in diameter with anti-clockwise bent stalks. The Australian Skeptics Society offers a skeptical explanation involving a man, string, and a board.

The Gundiah Mackay Abduction Milieu: A detailed preliminary report covers an extraordinary event on October 4th-5th, 2001, involving Keith Rylance, his wife Amy, and Petra Heller at a winery property. The report describes Amy's alleged abduction via a "solid light" beam from a disc-shaped UFO, her subsequent disorientation, and her reappearance at a petrol station in Mackay. Investigators Bill Chalker and Diane Harrison became involved, noting the complexity and potential media impact of the case.

Roswell and 'Smart Materials': An article explores the Roswell incident of 1947, claiming proof of a US Government project using back-engineered flexible "smart materials" that can morph. Colonel Philip J. Corso's description of a "memory metal" from Roswell is cited. These materials are reportedly being researched by NASA, MOOG, M.I.T., and universities for applications like exoskeletons and brain chips. The article suggests these materials might be "alien artifacts" from Roswell, noting Wright Patterson Airbase's involvement.

Personal Accounts and Group Activities: The issue includes personal messages and accounts. Malcolm Robinson of SPI (England) shares his experience giving a lecture on ghosts and UFOs, and a woman's spiritual encounter. Max Burns recounts the SUFOG 10th Birthday conference, highlighting the social interaction and the contributions of researchers like Tim Good and Capt. Graham Sheppard. Gary Murphy expresses interest in the Disclosure Project and its potential UK event. Davina Reynolds mentions the SUFOG 10th Anniversary Open Day and her own police experiences with astronomical explanations for UFO sightings.

SUFOG 10th Anniversary Open Day: Ernie Sears reports on the successful 10th Anniversary Open Day of SUFOG on October 27th, 2001, in Southampton. The event featured lectures by Timothy Good, Capt. Graham Sheppard, Malcolm Robinson, and Stuart Wisdom. The day concluded with a book signing and an evening gathering.

UFO Sightings Recorded Information Line: A contact number for a 24-hour UFO Sightings Recorded Information Line is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters (including abductions), crop circles, and the potential for advanced technology derived from UFO phenomena, particularly linked to the Roswell incident. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts and investigative reports, alongside reviews of other UFO publications and research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various perspectives from skeptical to highly engaged, and encouraging participation and discussion within the UFOlogy community. The magazine also highlights the efforts of local and international UFO research groups.

SUFOG, Issue 21, dated Autumn 2001, is a publication from SUFOG, likely a UFO research group based in the UK. The magazine covers a range of topics related to UFOs, investigations, and related phenomena. The content includes detailed reports on specific cases, discussions of scientific theories, and updates on the organization's activities.

The Rylance Case Investigation

The issue details an extensive investigation into events involving Keith, Amy, and Petra Rylance in Mackay, Australia. The initial investigation focused on damage to a property, with possibilities ranging from dog damage to heat stress affecting plants. Police assistance was sought, and further investigations were conducted in Mackay, including attempts to reconstruct Amy Rylance's return to the area. Surveillance video from a BP petrol station was obtained. The Rylance family had relocated from their motel, and Keith Rylance later contacted the investigators, explaining their departure was due to a "men-in-black" experience. He reported being pursued by a high-powered dark brown 4-wheel truck, which led him to attempt to evade the vehicle and leave the area. The report emphasizes the extraordinary and controversial nature of the affair, urging caution and patience for objective investigation. Further contact with the Rylances and Petra Heller is deemed necessary.

Stephen Hawking and The Hybrid Scenario

Ernie Sears contributes an article titled "THE HYBRID SCENARIO.. LATEST PROOF ?" which discusses Professor Stephen Hawking's theories, particularly those presented in "The Universe in a Nutshell." Sears notes Hawking's theory that human mental development might lead to enlarged heads. He speculates on Hawking's ideas regarding alien abduction and "vanishing foetuses," suggesting that the growth of an alien/human hybrid offspring might occur in "incubatorium" tanks. Sears recounts a personal experience from the seventies, where he and his then-wife allegedly visited such a facility behind a "Fire Station" in Romsey, Hants. He describes seeing tanks with single "fish"-like entities in a thick liquid. This memory, combined with his ex-wife's history of recurring nightmares, led him to ask guarded questions, which were met with refusal to answer, explaining much to him. He mentions sending an email to Stephen Hawking about this but has received no reply.

SUFOG Activities and Publications

Steve Gerrard, the founder and editor of SUFOG, is credited with producing an excellent 12-page program for the 10th Anniversary Open Day. The event was attended by visitors from various countries, including the USA and Sweden. A private evening gathering at Steve Gerrard's home is described as hilarious and unrepeatable, featuring a surprise cake with an alien figure. The magazine also reports on the closure of the "Skywatchers" magazine, the publication of the Cornwall UFO Research Group, noting that Issue 35 would be its last. This event is seen as a blow to British UFO magazines, highlighting the increasing difficulty of maintaining such publications. SUFOG itself has invested significantly in a laser printer to manage printing costs for its newsletter, which had previously been expensive.

Upcoming Events

Details are provided for the "The Unexplained" event at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, on Sunday, April 7th, 2002. SUFOG will have a table at this event. Speakers include HRH Prince Michael, Alan F. Alford, David Kingston, Marcus Allen, Lucy Pringle, and Christopher Martin. Information is given on ticket prices and booking deadlines, with an emphasis on arranging group bookings.

Personal Message from Steve Gerrard

Steve Gerrard provides a note regarding the purchase of a laser printer for SUFOG newsletters, detailing the costs involved in printing and the expected savings. He also includes a personal anecdote about a lecture in Norwich on November 19th, 2001, organized by Jac of Anglia Earth Mysteries. The lecture faced technical difficulties with the video setup, requiring a replacement. Despite selling only one newsletter at the event, Gerrard expresses optimism for future sales.

Personal Message from Steve Gerrard (Continued)

Steve Gerrard also mentions his car will be available for the Dorchester Conference in 2002, and he is looking for a second vehicle. He urges interested parties to contact him by February 1st for ticket arrangements. He also notes that he cannot arrange pick-ups from Southampton but will try to assist if possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the detailed investigation of UFO-related incidents, particularly the Rylance case, emphasizing the need for objective analysis and caution against premature judgment. The magazine also explores speculative scientific theories related to UFOs and extraterrestrial contact, as well as personal experiences and anecdotes from contributors. There is a clear focus on the challenges of maintaining UFO research publications and organizing events within the community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging discussion and further investigation into controversial topics, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation.